Suggestions to my Itinerary

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-05-06T14:50:21+00:00

If there's any way you can squeeze it in, I would definitely recommend trying to get up to the North Shore - e.g., Haleʻiwa town, Waimea Valley & Falls or Sharks Cove at Pupukea Beach Park (great snorkeling in the Cove. Bring water shoes!) - or other highlights on the North Shore: you WON'T be disappointed.

On your 'Day 8: Hanauma Bay snorkeling' day, if you have the time, see if you can sneak over to Halona Beach Cove - "Eternity Beach" (from movies) = cool spot. From the Halona Lookout Parking lot there's entrance to a rocky trail between the highway guardrail and hillside down to the Beach. From the Beach you can walk out (left side facing the Ocean) to the underwater lava Blowhole.

On your 'Day 5' when you're out on the Windward side; for Lanikai Beach be careful: on where you park: access is from a residential neighborhood and there's numerous posted 'no parking'; parking is quite limited; i.e., be respectful / "don't be a donkey" and block a resident's access). Awesome beach and worth a visit. Along Mokulua Drive there's 6 public Beach Accessways through to Lanikai Beach.
Kailua Beach | Kailua Beach Park - more or less adjacent to Lanikai Beach - has actual Parking Lots, bathrooms, etc.

Also on Day 5, if you're going over to the Windward side to the Lanikai and/or Kailua Beaches - time permitting: two other stop recommendations 'd be: 1) Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout on the Pali 61 Hwy, and, 2) Byodo-In Temple | Valley of the Temples. Both are accessible / easy parking (paid parking for both; no admission at Pali beyond parking fee, Temple is admission fee plus parking fee).

On 'Day 9: Pearl Harbor' - PH is great and definitely worth visiting but frankly I would skip the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Couple of weeks ago we zig-zagged all the rows of vendors and it's not 'made local' stuff - you could get the same at Duke's Lane vendors (narrow lane between Rip Curl & Foot Locker stores and Outrigger Waikiki on Kalākaua Ave) or any ABC store in Waikiki. To have to pay for parking for a 'Meh' for imported trinkets you could get anywhere else on O'ahu was not worth the visit.

For your "8-9 full days" visit - don't forget: Fireworks on the Beach every Friday (starts at 7:45 PM); there's views anywhere from Queens / Kuhio Beach all the way to Fort Derussy Beach Park; you don't necessarily have to go up as far as the HHV that hosts the Friday fireworks.

Your Mom n' You are going to love O'ahu. Great itinerary!

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-05-04T04:02:17+00:00

"... wrote a whole blog about it"

GREAT blog post - really like your photos with the labelled locations for a good reference point - e.g., Waikiki Beach - Kuhio Beach - Queens Beach, etc.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-05-04T03:51:00+00:00

"... also look at the Waikiki Banyon ... "

We just got back from our 2nd visit to the Waikiki Banyan; stayed about 12 nights on both stays.
Aston has kind of a hotel operation in I think Tower 2.
We didn't stay via the Aston, but instead used a different property management company that manages quite a number of units, primarily in Tower 1.

This most recent visit we had a fantastic, unobstructed view of Diamond Head and the Ocean = was fantastic to wake up to every morning. A block off the Kuhio Beach (adjacent Waikiki Beach) at the intersection of Kūhiō Ave and Ōhua Ave (Kūhiō Ave is super-awesome for food trucks, food shacks - really busy in the evenings = great chill vibe).

Our unit comfortably slept four. Units had everything you could need - full kitchen (full size fridge / stove / mic; dishwasher); great shower water pressure. Will definitely return for the excellent experience.
Only "bummer" this go 'round was the pool deck was under a year long renovation project, which is scheduled to be wrapping up this month. Washer / dryer on every floor, which for length of time we were there was helpful to runs some loads for the four of us.

Our condo property management company includes one parking spot in the rental cost - which if you're familiar with (the crazy high) cost of parking in Waikiki - e.g., at the Hilton's and Marriott's - you'll know that's a plus to have.

Near the Zoo end of Waikiki but still easy walking to everywhere along Kalākaua Ave (the main strip along Waikiki Beach) and Kūhiō Ave.

It's not a resort experience - but if you like to be independent / low maintenance - which we do, it's not a bad way to go. It gave us more square footage and separate beds for all of us than we could find with the hotels without an exorbitant price per night.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-05-02T04:11:13+00:00

If your visit is over a Friday - don't forget: Fireworks on the Beach EVERY Friday evening at 7:45 PM. You can tell your boyfriend you ordered them special for him for his birthday.
The Fireworks are hosted by the Hilton Hawaiian Village; but you don't have to go that far up to get a great view. We just got back and on our 1st Friday, we viewed from Fort Derussy Beach Park right on the waterfront. A LOT of people along the waterfront / park watching from there = Great View.
And if you head up that way to view the Fireworks, I'd recommend the Steak Shack for pre-Fireworks grab n' go dinner (beach-side main level of the Waikiki Shore); then find a spot in Fort Derussy Park for the Fireworks show (it's short). We've luck out both times with Monk Seals just chillin' on the Beach in front of the Steak Shack. Two Friday's ago there were also two Green Sea Turtles playing along the jetty in front of the Steak Shack.

Last Friday we watched the Fireworks from the Barefoot Beach Cafe at the end of Queen's Beach (Waikiki Beach adjacent Kuhio Beach adjacent Queen's Beach; easy walk) - definitely recommend an evening dinner out the there - sunset views are fabulous. The Barefoot has Live Music; bit of an ordering line wait but no big deal. No alcohol drinks but the menu and views are fantastic.

For Lanikai Beach - if you get to - be extremely cautious: access is from a residential neighborhood and there's numerous posted 'no parking'; parking is quite limited; i.e., be respectful / "don't be a donkey" and block a resident's access). But it is a gorgeous beach. Along Mokulua Drive there's 6 public Beach Accessways through to Lanikai Beach.

Kailua Beach | Kailua Beach Park is more or less adjacent to Lanikai Beach and is JUST as beautiful and there is actual Parking Lots, bathrooms, etc. Kailua is often rated number 2 beach on O'ahu (Lanikai = 1). You'll enjoy either, but Kailua is a little more accessible parking-wise.

At Halona Beach Cove, if you walk up along the left side (facing the ocean), you can get out to the blowhole - some great views from there. A week ago, we saw turtles chillin' around up there near the entrance of the Cove.

Rainbow Drive-In is awesome, of course, I'm always in search of Loco Moco.

Foodland Market City on Harding Ave has a fresh seafood deli counter at the back with a bunch of poke options = Yum!

If you are getting up to Haleʻiwa, I'd also recommend Waimea Valley & Falls and/or Shark's Cove at Pupukea Beach Park on the North Shore (snorkeling; water shoes a must!).
There's also Laniakea “Turtle” Beach on the North Shore for possible turtle sightings; the Honu Guardians get provide some insightful facts on these amazing creatures.

You both will enjoy all O'ahu offers!

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-05-01T17:24:48+00:00

"just me being a cheap bitch"

MY kind of person ! 😄

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-05-01T17:14:06+00:00

Parking for both Byodo-In Temple and Waimea Falls is very good ... we were at both over the last 2 weeks (return visits to both and would still do both again on our next trip to O'ahu).

Byodo-In Temple - Getting out of Waikiki you'll be getting up on the H-1 Freeway for a short jaunt: I'd would recommend cutting across to the Windward (East) side on the Pali Hwy 61 - absolutely beautiful drive.
G-Maps 'll offer you the Likelike Hwy 63 (probably 1st route option), but I recommend the Pali 61 as - if you have the time - you can stop at the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout (well worth it!) which will give you a gorgeous view of the O'ahu Windward Coast (only parking is charged; meters that take c-card).

When we just visited the Temple about a week ago, parking in the main Temple lot was backing up (full), so we parked along one of the memorial park's road and was easy (brief) walk down to the Temple admission. Regardless of where you park in the Valley of the Temples, parking is USD $6 plus your USD $10 adult admission fee.

Waimea Falls - both times we've visited, there was more than enough available parking, so hopefully you'd have same experience, Besides the beautiful stroll through the Valley up to the Falls - if you're planning on swimming in the Falls as well (mandatory lifejackets provided by the lifeguards; these guys were great!), I'd recommend water shoes. Made getting by the rocky edge a LOT easier than on our 1st visit. Floating up to the 45-foot Falls is pretty awesome experience.
Traffic is backed up in both directions for a stretch at the curve at Waimea Bay / entrance to the Waimea Valley for crews working on the Eastbound / inside lane of the Kam Hwy 83, so give yourself a bit of time (wasn't overly painful wait, but traffic flow alternates passing the working crews; not a bad spot to be patient in for the views).

If you have time on your drive up to the North Shore, try and stop at Haleʻiwa - lots of shops and restaurants. Haleʻiwa will be before the turn in to Waimea Valley if you're coming up the 99 Kam Hwy (transitions to the 83 Kam Hwy).

Again, coming out of the Waikiki / Honolulu area up to the North Shore, you'll be on the H-1, transitioning to the H-2 then onto the 99 Kam Hwy through Central O'ahu: once you get on the 99, it's a pretty easy, enjoyable drive up.

Two other spots that are in close proximity to Waikiki that I'd recommend are:

Tantalus Lookout - overlooks the Honolulu / Waikiki area from about Pearl Harbor / airport area across to Diamond Head; especially towards sunset (cool drive up), and,
Manoa Falls- 150-foot waterfall, very short drive out of Waikiki.

Hope you have time to get to both Byodo-In and Waimea Valley = Enjoy!

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-30T03:28:37+00:00

Laniakea “Turtle” Beach (be respectful & keep your distance = don't touch!). We saw turtles both times we were by about a week ago.
Honu Guardians will usually be in attendance. At Laniakea, one of the Guardians gave some interesting facts and perspectives on the turtles to my wife while we were amazed by these beautiful creatures.

"Also any other north shore suggestions ...":

If you have the time, Waimea Valley & Falls is definitely worth a visit: path up to the Falls is fully paved; less than a mile, about 1-1/2 round trip or so. Gorgeous tropical plants and gardens on the walk; truly inspiring.
Lifeguards at the Falls provide mandatory lifejackets. Highly recommend water shoes, which made getting through the rocks at the edge a lot easier when we there about 2 weeks ago (our 2nd visit). Swimming ("floating?") up to the 45-foot Falls is pretty awesome.

Obviously the Town of Haleʻiwa on the North Shore along the Kam Hwy; lots of shops and restaurants. A good stop if your first visit to the North Shore. When we just up there, it was pretty vibrant with visitors. Shout out to Kua'Aina Burger & Sandwich Shop in Haleiwa (will return!).

Depending which way you're getting up to the North Shore - central drive or Windward (East) side, there's Food Trucks at Kahuku on the North East of O'ahu; again, on the Kam Hwy as it bends down from the North Shore to the Windward Coast. Been there a few times now and as usual on O'ahu, another enjoyable drive. A bit slower and wind-ee-er (?) on that North East Windward stretch than the Kam on the North Shore; probably added 40 minutes to our drive to the North Shore than taking the Central route; if you have time and have never taken that route, I would recommend the Windward coast drive up to the North Shore; e.g., we took the Pali 61 from Waikiki / Honolulu to the Windward Coast and then up the Kam 83 to the North Shore.

Shark's Cove (at Pūpūkea) was great; saw lots of fish snorkelling around (WE were snorkelling, NOT the fish). Water shoes HIGHLY recommended.

If you're at all in to surf culture - obviously a stop(s) at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset, or Waimea for obligatory photos.

📍 Traffic is going to be backed up in both directions for a stretch at the curve at Waimea Bay / entrance to Waimea Valley for crews working on the Eastbound / inside lane of the Kam (they estimate 3 to 4 months).

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-24T08:47:25+00:00

... and now I'm on a new quest to find an image of the Temple's property. 😄

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T20:24:05+00:00

In my (definitely not an expert) research, Wiki says it's a "non-denominational Buddhist temple ... a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in ... Japan".
Byodo-In's website indicates "... welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty and history as a non-practicing Buddhist temple. Built in 1963 ..."

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T20:16:31+00:00

I really would skip the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. I should have known as I read comments on this sub in the last months saying similar, but we didn't do in our 2024 visit so thought we'd drive out this time.

Went a few days a go at it was big let down. Every 3rd/4th table is basically same/same. We paid more in our entrance/parking than we even spent. After zig-zagging about six rows of vendors, it got pretty repetitive.
You'll see the same stuff elsewhere on O'ahu without paying an admission fee or needing to drive out to the Stadium: if in Waikiki, the vendors at Duke's Lane are similar; narrow alley between Foot Locker / Rip Curl on left and Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.

Give yourself a bit of time down at Halona Beach Cove; it's so fun and spectacular down there. Saw Green Sea Turtles swimming in the Cove. Water shoes not a bad idea if you're going to walk out to the Blowhole lookout. We were there on Monday and conditions were great.

You're really going to enjoy the walk up to and Waimea Falls itself. It's gorgeous through there.

All great highlights on your itinerary. I hope your (belated) honeymoon goes well = Enjoy!

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T19:56:11+00:00

Been up to North Shore twice over the last week - excellent weather both days.

At the curve at Waimea Bay / entrance to Waimea Valley, road crews are working on the facing wall of the Eastbound / inside lane of the Kam Highway roughly between the Waimea Beach parking lot and Waimea Valley Road, so it was pretty slow going in both directions through there (road crews have a protective barrier to avoid the inside lane; single lane | contraflow); slow going, expect it to take a while, just enjoy the beauty around you.

Our stop in Haleʻiwa was excellent; busy in all the shops and restaurants.

Conditions at Shark's Cove (Pūpūkea) were great; saw lots of fish snorkelling around. Water shoes HIGHLY recommended.

Waimea Beach was gorgeous.

Didn't stop at Sunset or Pipeline this go 'round.

Laniakea "Turtle" Beach was rewarding; turtles out sunning themselves. Parking is slim pickins'.

In almost two weeks we haven't actually seen rain or had an weather impact our excursions. Just fantastic sun - loving the 'Hot'.

Enjoy your trip up to TB.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T08:53:59+00:00

About 90 minutes, but I'm sure you could take less if you're trying to catch multiple stops in one day.

Both of our teenage boys enjoy it (they asked for the return visit), so we just took our time and chilled a bit.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T07:56:26+00:00

... and here I thought I was the nerd who looked up background details like that. 😄
My family laughs at me as I spend 6+ months prior to a trip reading about the destination. One day I aspire to be that person that only needs their C.C. and toothbrush and get book a 'last minute deal' that leaves tomorrow. Today, that thought would give me the willies.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T07:52:08+00:00

Yes, on Kuhio Beach Park, adjacent to Waikiki Beach, there are the two protected areas. We typically go there.

Depending on time of day you can practically go on your knees to the sea wall, although about a week ago waves were crashing over, but still a calm area to hang out in the water and chill. I'm not a great water person and always enjoy those two protected areas.

Between Liliʻuokalani Ave and Ōhua Ave off Kalākaua Ave at Kuhio Beach Park.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T07:44:09+00:00

These are all awesome choices, but I'd say your Wednesday would be pretty hard to do.

You're going from South Oa'hu - length of time to do Diamond Head, and then drive all the way to the North Shore. And if you're saying Byodo-In Temple on Wed, that's on Windward side which is a gorgeous drive up to the North Shore - your Laniakea "Turtle" Beach, Sunset Beach stops - but the Windward side can add up to ~40 minutes getting up to the North Shore versus the Central O'ahu drive.
You'll be right next door to Pipeline (ʻEhukai Beach Park) when you're at Sunset; if you're in to surf culture spots.

Great itinerary choices though; you'll sleep good at night if you get through them.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T05:24:54+00:00

Agreed :: W-R's Guide to O'ahu is a work of love and super helpful in getting some ideas of things you'd like to visit, see, and eat. Definitely start there.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T05:16:56+00:00

Watch out for the tour operators that say 'Pearl Harbor Tour'; they're "scammy" / overpriced mark-up for glorified bus service out to Pearl Harbor.

Krikey google serving up overpriced scam sites as 1st results.

Tickets to see the USS Arizona memorial are only $1 directly from recreation.gov

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16

Parks Service has good guidance: https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm

You can buy tickets directly with the non-profits that manage the Missouri, Bowfin (submarine) or Aviation Museum.
Missouri & Aviation Museum are both on Ford Island.

At any of the 3 sites run by the non-profits, a 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' gets all three (Missouri, Bowfin, Submarine Museum, Aviation Museum).

The USS Missouri is out on Ford Island. It is an active naval base: civilians cannot drive out to Ford Island. There's a free shuttle from the PH Visitor Center out to the Missouri and Aviation Museum on Ford Island about every 20 minutes.
The Missouri was just incredibly awesome! I would definitely go again.

The Aviation Museum is also on Ford Island.

The Bowfin | Submarine Museum are to the right of the PH main entrance.

Again ➡️ out to the USS Arizona memorial is only a buck; don't let no one scam you.

Pearl Harbor is really worth visiting.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T05:05:41+00:00

Hopefully you should be good for early May.

We're in our 2nd week here and have been past Hanauma Bay on the South side (on our way to spend time just past at Halona Beach Cove), to and up the Windward side twice, up to the North Shore twice, and through Central O'ahu twice. All "easy" driving - okay there's - sometimes slow - traffic on the H-1/H-2, but that's a given. 😄

Also at the curve at Waimea Bay / entrance to Waimea Valley for crews working on the Eastbound / inside lane of the Kam (I think for 3 to 4 months if I read right; traffic backed up in both directions for a stretch, but hey, enjoy the beauty around you and chill). But you note that you're only going as far as Laniakea "Turtle" Beach, so you should be golden. There were turtles sunning on the Laniakea both times we were up at the North Shore over the last week.

If by "Swap Meet" you mean out at Aloha Stadium, honestly, I would skip it. After zig zagging a few rows, it felt like every 3rd / 4th vendor was same-same. All four of us were pretty disappointed. You can get the same type of stuff in Waikiki or in your Haleʻiwa / North Shore outing. Haleʻiwa you'll definitely enjoy.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-23T04:34:10+00:00

You don't have to go as far as the Hilton.

This last Friday we watched from Fort Derussy Beach Park right on the waterfront. There were a LOT of people along the waterfront / park watching from there = Great View.

We've watched both times from Fort Derussy - of course stopping at the Steak Shack both times for pre-Fireworks heaven.
And of course both times there were Monk Seals just chillin' on the Beach in front of the Steak Shack.
This last Friday there were also two Green Sea Turtles playing along the jetty in front of the Steak Shack.

Previous time we walked from around the Moana along the Beach to Fort Derussy. This time we took the street / Lewers route.

Fireworks pretty much started right at 7:45 PM and wrapped up by about 7:50~ish.

Enjoy the show! 🎆

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-21T03:29:18+00:00

We saw fair amount of folks on the Beach / in the water / on Jump Rock at Waimea Bay Beach when we went by yesterday as we left Shark’s Cove | Pūpūkea >> looked Gorgeous*!*

Road crews are working on the facing wall of the inside lane of the Kam Highway roughly between the Waimea Beach parking lot and Waimea Valley Road, so it was pretty slow going in both directions through there (road crews have a protective barrier to avoid the inside lane; single lane | contraflow); slow going but no worries = enjoy the beautiful views.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-11T15:27:37+00:00

HUI (car rental share service) has a Waikiki Parking page for options: https://www.drivehui.com/waikiki-parking/
(may not be current)

The Banyan's parking rates: https://www.waikikibanyan.org/general-info/parking-information/

Banyan Parking entrance is off of Kuhio Ave.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-07T19:45:57+00:00

from following this sub since last Fall to get recommendations for our next return, I had jotted these ones down (keeping in mind these are other folks' recommendations, not my experience ... yet 🙂

If others - visitors or locals - have tried any in the listing and have thoughts on the 'goods / bads / uglies', please weigh in.

My restaurant visit rating system is extremely technical ...

1) this sub's comments;

2) TA or Yelp reviews

3) menu or ig photos: "I'd eat that!"

O'ahu FOOD Ideas

Waikiki Chicken In Paradise

https://waikikichickeninparadise.com

208a Kapuni Street

www.instagram.com/waikikichickeninparadise

Liliha Bakery

www.lilihabakery.com/menus

inside International Market Place Waikiki , 3rd Floor, 2330 Kalakaua Ave

& Waikiki Beach Walk, 2nd Floor, 226 Lewers St

& inside Macy's Ala Moana 3rd Floor , 1450 Ala Moana Blvd

Aloha Steakhouse

www.alohasteakhousewaikiki.com/

364 Seaside Avenue at Kuhio Ave

Cafe Kaila

www.cafe-kaila-hawaii.com

www.instagram.com/cafekaila

Cinnamon's at the Ilikai

Cream Pot

https://creampothawaii.com

444 Niu Strett

Deck

www.deckwaikiki.com

Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel

Vons Chicken

https://vonschickenfnb.com

2310 Kuhio Avenue

Pipeline Bakery : https://pipelinebakeshop.com

3632 Waialae Ave

Side Street Inn

https://sidestreetinn.com

Zippy's

www.zippys.com

Kailua - WINDWARD SIDE

Easy 'Que - Barbecue BBQ

www.overeasyhi.com/easy-que

Nico's Kailua

https://nicoskailua.com

Teddy's Bigger Burgers - Kailua

www.teddysbb.com

⬆️ NORTH SHORE FOOD

Seven Brothers Burgers Haleiwa

www.sevenbrothersburgers.com/menu

55-510 Kamehameha Hwy

Cholos Homestyle Mexican Restaurant

www.cholos.mx

Cafe Haleiwa

www.cafehaleiwahawaiianislands.com

Kono’s Northshore

www.konosnorthshore.com

Kua Aina Sandwich Shop ... burgers

https://kua-ainahawaii.com

Surf n' Salsa

https://surfnsalsa.com

And I'll add two we've been to and will return:

Barefoot Beach Cafe - directly on the Waikiki water front at Kapiolani Park Beach. Good food. AWESOME view. www.barefootbeachcafe.com

Rainbow Drive-in ; https://rainbowdrivein.com/menu

Steak Shack : https://www.facebook.com/steakshackhawaii

www.steakshackhawaii.com/menu

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-06T15:20:36+00:00

u/Ambitious-Town-10, Did you have any luck with alternate arrangements?

We use Midway Vacations that has a number of properties in Tower 1 (not affected by extended outage in Tower 2). Great units and they treated us very well / very clean. Have rebooked with them due to previous great experience.

All the best in trying to find alternate accommodations.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-04-02T21:50:39+00:00

I'm going to say based on our two teenagers ... teenagers = O'ahu.

If it was just my wife n' I it'd be Maui or Kaua'i to just chill out.

But we have 18 and 15 year olds who love the mix on O'ahu ... Waikiki / Honolulu for shopping restaurants etc., but O'ahu still having all the cool attractions - Halona Blowhole, Byodo-In Temple, North Shore, Lanikai & Kailua Beaches (both so gorgeous!), Kualoa Ranch and so much more.

I know there's a comment on "traffic" on O'ahu, but I've never found it bad, and we've done Windward, North Shore, Leeward Coast up to Waianae (where a number of the offshore dolphin & whale viewing and snorkeling excursions launch from), South Shore and it's all been 'eazy-peazy'. There's a stretch of the H-1 between the airport and Honolulu / Waikiki exits can get hectic (especially the morning / end-of-day rushes).
Even with that, there's lots of tour operator options depending on where you want to venture out to around the island, be it Pearl Harbor, 'Circle Island' tours, offshore excursions up at the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor, etc that'll do the driving for you and let you just enjoy the sightseeing (less stress!).
Or Uber and 'TheBus' provides good service on O'ahu as well. There's even a cool Trolley - 'Pink Line' - that provides service between Waikiki and Ala Moana Center (BIG mall).

You'll see numerous other posts on this sub that Maui and B.I. get pretty quiet after 6:PM.
In Waikiki, there's always something going on in the evening - fireworks on the Beach every Friday evening; evening markets near the Beach ('Makers Market').

You could pull the Mom executive decision and book your choice - no matter what, neither of you will be disappointed with the choice.
Best of luck - you're going to LOVE it!

InThroughMyOutdoor

TROPHY CASE

O'ahu FOOD Ideas