On my recent spring trip to Oahu, I was able to see more of the island than in the past. While I’d been to Oahu just a year before this trip, I had never ventured outside of Waikiki save for the shared transfer to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Like many, I only associated Oahu with Honolulu, specifically Waikiki. Though 81% of the island’s population lives in that area, Oahu has so much more to offer.

That’s why I was excited to get the chance to venture North and stay at the Courtyard by Marriott North Shore before revisiting Waikiki. Here is my itinerary(I traveled with my mom and two brothers) that you can use as an Oahu travel guide, along with a few tips to help enhance your next visit to the North Shore and Waikiki.

Day 1

2 Room Suite at Courtyard by Marriott North Shore

Upon arrival at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, we picked up our Jeep(a surprise since there is usually an upcharge for those) and drove the hour and 20 minutes it takes to get to the North Shore. We passed many scenic beaches along the way but were too tired to stop. We got to the Courtyard by Marriott North Shore around 1:30 pm, dropped off our bags, and went next door to the Polynesian Cultural Center for lunch. Since there are plenty of options at the Hukilau Marketplace, which has various kiosks and food trucks, we each ordered from different vendors. At 2 pm, I got a text from the hotel that our room was ready(check-in is 4 pm but they offer to text you if your room becomes available early) so we went right back, everyone grateful for the chance to rest.

Instead of resting in our large 2 room suite, I met up with Susan Koehler, the property’s Director of Sales and Marketing, for a quick tour of the property. “This is not your ordinary Courtyard,” she tells me. I noticed the difference at check-in with the lobby set up like a living room and families relaxing in The Bistro, the hotel’s cafe that also serves Starbucks. Despite the many perks of the property(large pool area, half basketball court, nice size rooms-ours had a king bed in the bedroom, sofa bed in the living room, and an extra futon in the closet-), I did see some areas that could use a touch-up. Susan mentioned that the whole property would be getting a renovation in September and that every inch of the resort would be touched. 

“It will have more of a beach house vibe,” she explains “but we will still keep that cultural aspect.” She also points out that even though it will have a more resort-like feel, the hotel still will not charge any resort fee. 

The lobby will have one of the biggest transformations. Currently, a small corner is used for activities hosted by Aunty Kela, who hosts daily classes to teach guests hula, how to play the ukelele and make luahala bracelets. However, once the renovation is complete, she will have a much larger section of the lobby dedicated to her cultural classes, including a new dance floor. One of the mornings we were there, there was a group of seniors participating in the hula so I can definitely see the need.

Another thing that will not change, is that the hotel will remain an“alcohol-free environment.” Guests can enjoy drinks in the comfort of their own room, but not in any other part of the hotel. “Some guests come just for that. They might be a recovering alcoholic trying to stay sober and it can be really hard at other properties with so many bars and people drinking and partying near the pool.” This concept also appeals to families with young children. “They don’t have to worry about parties going on with anything inappropriate happening.” 

After everyone is well-rested, we walk across the street to the beach. While not beachfront, the Courtyard does offer its guests private beach access. During our tour, Susan had pointed out the path across the street and advised that since it’s just for hotel guests and residents, there is hardly ever anyone on the beach. She was right, the several times we ventured down, we had the beach almost to ourselves.

Day 2

Dole Plantation Entrance

Today we venture off to the Dole Plantation, less than an hour's drive from the hotel. Tickets are inexpensive(from $8 per adult for single attractions to $27 for all three attractions) but they do not take advance reservations and access is on a first-come first-served basis.

While the Dole Plantation is the location of the world’s largest maze, we decide to skip that activity and just do the Pineapple Express train and garden tour. There was quite a crowd when we arrived and we had to wait about 30 minutes to purchase the tickets. There was a kiosk adjacent to the line giving samples of pineapple-glazed roasted nuts(which my mom liked so much that she ended up buying some). I had particularly been hoping to try a Dole Whip during the visit and the heat -which was cooled down by intermittent rain- only increased my cravings.

After we purchased our tickets, we got in the 1-hour line for the train as suggested by the ticket agent. The first 20 minutes in the sun, the rest of the time spent on the shaded platform with fans. 

When we finally got on the Pineapple Express, which seats up to three in a row, we were greeted by an enthusiastic conductor who took us on the 22-minute, 2-mile ride through multiple crop areas.

I can only describe the ride as more educational than entertaining. Now and then, there’d be a narration of what we were seeing with facts about what was growing(not just pineapples but bananas, papayas, mangos, and other fruit) along with historical information. We’d also pass by some beautiful areas every so often, including a picturesque garden with a view of the Tanada Reservoir.

After the ride, we went through the garden fairly quickly. There is an audio tour on offer, and there are plaques in front of each plant explaining what it is. We were eager to get to lunch, though, so we didn’t spend too much reading everything.

Once at the Plantation Grill for lunch, we had a hard time choosing. There are many options with pineapple including a pineapple chili dog, but I ended up opting for the Teriyaki Chicken Combo with a refreshing Pineapple Float and my brothers were the ones that got to try the Dole Whip. 

Before we left, we had to visit the gift shop where I bought their delicious pineapple gummies.

On the drive back, we were going to see Waimea Falls, however, when we got there, there was a huge line at the ticket counter and we found out there was a $25 per person fee to get in. Since we were already tired and didn’t want to wait in the long line, we continued back to the hotel. At the hotel, we relaxed by the pool a bit and visited the beach throughout the day. 

Susan’s Must Do Things in Oahu:

She says Laniakea is the best beach to spot turtles and during whale-watching season, the best viewpoint is the Makapu’u Lighthouse. She also suggests a visit to Hala’iwa( a local beach town with shops and restaurants), Waimea Falls, and a local Macadamia nut farm near Kualoa Ranch. For dining, she recommends nearby Waiole Poi Factory and says their Sweet Lady of Waiahole dessert is a must-have!

Day 3

2 Queen Room with Sofa Bed at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach

Time to head back to Honolulu. We again admire some of the beaches we pass by and, because of heavy traffic due to construction, we have plenty of time. When we’re finally in Waikiki, we go straight to our next hotel, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach. Even though we arrived early, our room is ready and we were given an upgrade to one of the club rooms! My mom and brothers don’t seem too excited but once I explain to them that means we get access to the Voyager 47 Club lounge for breakfast and evening appetizers, they perk up. The receptionist handed us our wristbands that also acted as our room keys and then gave me a gift bag(another perk of having a club room) that included two notebooks, two steel Outrigger Zone waterbottles(there are two recyclable water bottles already in the room), and a tin of Aloha shortbread cookies.

Once we get to the room, with its two queen beds and a sofa bed, we are impressed with the size and the clean and modern decor. We have a partial ocean view, along with a view of the large pool area. After we all go down to explore the beach(this property is beachfront), we split ways while my brothers go wander the city and my mom and I grab a quick bite before visiting the U.S Army Museum of Hawaii. When we all meet up later, my brother says that this[Waikiki] is more how he pictured Hawaii. 

In the evening, we all go down to Voyager 47 for cocktails and “appetizers” that could have easily been a meal and take in the views until after sunset. There is nightly entertainment near the pool and we enjoy the music until it’s time to go.

Day 4

Us at the Ka Moana Luau

This morning we all go down for breakfast a different times(the club hours are 6:30 am-9:30 am and 4:30 pm-6:30 pm). When I finally get my food, I make the mistake of leaving it on the table to go get a drink. As soon as I turn around, I hear a bird land on my table. I’m too late but try to shoo it away anyway. Once I finish making a new plate, I decide to have my breakfast inside instead. I still get the lovely views of the ocean, plus it’s not as hot. 

I go up to the room to do some work on our balcony, while the rest of my family goes to walk around the beach and downtown areas. We meet up in the room when it’s time to get ready for our luau, the Ka Moana Luau located in the Aloha Tower Marketplace just a 15-minute drive away. 

The staff at Ka Moana Luau are very friendly. We get our tickets-the Splash tickets that include 2 drinks, a shell lei, and the buffet dinner- and are told to wait to the side where we’re given a bag of chips. The wait is a bit long but once we’re in, we find our table before heading to the bar for drinks. I had the Mai Tai which was delicious, neither too strong nor too sweet.

Before the show starts, guests are invited to go into an activity area with tables at which to learn how to make a lei, how to make a Hawaiian headband, play different kinds of drums, and  make “tattoos” with varying stamps. There’s also an area to take photos with a lovely green backdrop that says “Ka Moana Luau.” The line to make the leis was too long so I opted to make a headband instead and to create my own tattoo. 

The best part of the show, in my opinion, is the Chief. He is funny and keeps the audience laughing every time he is on stage, and really wows us all when he climbs up one of the palm trees at record speed. 

The fire dancers are a close second, though the cast itself is really small and everyone spends a lot of time onstage dancing to show the different cultural dress and dancing styles of the  islands of the Pacific.

I read online that the show goes on rain or shine and can now attest to that. It started pouring about midway through and the dancers did not stop. Instead, multiple employees walked around handing out ponchos. 

The show was a bit long but no complaints other than that. I did learn, though, that the rave reviews I read online might not be accurate. At the end of the show, they offer a small gift to anyone that will leave a positive Yelp review. 

Day 5

View from 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar

Today we have to leave the island and go home, but we start off with a site inspection at Prince Waikiki. It’s just a 20-minute walk from Outrigger Reef, and when we arrive, we take a seat in the large and impressive lobby of the luxury hotel.

Soon we are met by a smiling Dennis Pearson, the property’s Area Sales & Marketing Manager who has worked at the property for 19 years. He guides us up to 100 Sails, the upscale restaurant where we have breakfast. He chooses to order from the a la carte menu, while we(my mom, brother Derek and I) decide on the buffet. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows through which we get a gorgeous view of the marina. 

Since all we see is the marina and no sand, Dennis clarifies that the hotel is oceanfront but not beachfront. He does mention that there are beaches within walking distance on either side of the hotel, though. He also points out that this hotel has the perfect view of the nightly firework show that takes place next door at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and then he also points to the location where the city’s July 4th firework show takes place. This leads to a discussion about how the property is a great fit for families and Dennis tells us how Prince Waikiki hosts movie nights at the pool and themed activities such as a chocolate-making class for Valentine’s Day or a lei-making class for Lei Day. They also offer holiday pop-up bars and often host concerts.

After breakfast, we head up to our first room which is one of the suites. He explains how it can be turned into a 2 bedroom suite for families and groups traveling together by closing the initial doorway you enter to access the two rooms. Once inside, we're all pretty amazed by how large it is(suites range from 838 sq ft to 1221 sq ft) and how amazing the views are. All rooms and suites have an ocean view and floor-to-ceiling windows(along with blackout shades if needed). They also all have a separate shower and tub in the bathroom as well as a bidet. The suite we’re in has club level access which also means it has one of the best views on the property and upgraded decor(though Dennis points out the hand-painted flowers on the wallpaper that are featured in all rooms and says that the carpet in each room is a tan color meant to mimic sand). 

We walk through a couple more rooms and suites before Dennis takes us to one of the lead-in categories. I was honestly impressed with how similar it was to the suites, though not as large at 385 sq ft. The room still had the amazing views that all the suites had since all rooms face the ocean and it had a nice open layout. I was also pleasantly surprised with the rates, which start at $380 per night during low season(though Dennis advised there are sometimes promotions to make it even lower).

On our way to the Club Lounge, Dennis shares a few more facts about the property, which had a $55 million renovation in 2017. There’s a wedding chapel on the top floor, for instance, making it a great resort for destination weddings. We also walk by the pool area so Dennis mentions that they have a live DJ by the pool on weekends. There’s an infinity pool there as well, which Dennis advises is adults-only. 

In the lounge, which is also oceanfront and overlooks the marina and the pool, there’s quite a nice spread for breakfast and a couple of families out on the terrace are enjoying their meal. I ask about other dining options and Dennis lets me know of Katsumi, a popular Japanese restaurant by Executive Chef Noboru Nagumo. Prince Waikiki is home to the only Katsumi location outside of Japan. It can be hard to get a table, though, and Dennis advises that reservations are made 30-45 days in advance.

Dennis' Favorites:

Best luau in the area is Germaine’s Luau

Best shave ice is at nearby Waiola Shave Ice

We say our goodbyes back in the lobby and Dennis can’t help but point out the shops and the Honolulu Coffee Company that the property recently partnered up with. He clearly loves his job and I can see why. I hope to be back at this or one of the Prince properties on the Big Island to get the full experience myself.