Early am Oahu activities first few days?

[Sepo]

Been to Aulani a few times. Going for 5 days w DD 14 and DS 10 in a few months. DW and eldest DD traveling elsewhere same week.

5 hour time change and looking for some good things to take advantage of anticipating 3am and 4am wake ups in first two days (weekdays) we are there. They enjoy easy to moderate hikes and beaches w waves.

I understand the H1 going East gets busy very early, maybe near 6:00,6:30? Earlier? Diamond Head might be a thought but it seems to be right into the heart of traffic and seems so crowded from what I’ve seen.

Wouldn’t mind taking the H3 to the windward side early on. But what would be good to do that early over there near 6am? Thinking maybe Makapuu early: hike and beach perhaps. Has anyone done an early beach day on the east side? If we go north instead, are the conditions too rough in March for the water? We’ve done Climbworks before though not Kualoa Ranch activities. Any hidden gem hikes possibly?

Thanks for any help.

 

[alohamom]

If you are interested in snorkelling Hanauma Bay is open at 6am and it is important to get there early because if the parking lot fills up and they close car access until a little later in the day.
Good to note that Hanauma is closed on Tuesdays and that Wednesdays tend to be crowded because of the Tuesday closure.
We usually carry on the the East side from morning snorkelling and eat lunch in Kailua town. Then we hit Kailua or Lanikai beach for the afternoon
https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/https://www.hawaii-guide.com/oahu/things-to-do-in-kailua

 

[Sepo]

that’s perfect. I think Kailua beach park and lanikai pillbox could be perfect for day 1 then back to Aulani midday.

thanks!

 

[thedogatemyhomework]

the bad early morning traffic is just for weekdays (barring significant roadwork, or traffic accidents).

diamondhead, hanauma bay and kailua beach are all very very popular tourist spots, so they can all get quite crowded at times (early mornings...6 am maybe 6:30 at the latest to be safe shouldn't be too bad crowd wise)

if its a beach (or landmark) with nearby parking...more often than not there will be some level of crowds. however other than kailua beach...the crowds won't even come close to waikiki.

north shore in march should be just fine as far as water safety conditions...the weather has been very weird the last year or 2...so its possible this may no longer be the case. any beach with a lifeguard on duty should be just fine as they're very proactive about putting up warning signs, etc.