Packing List: Shaka Guide's East Oahu Shoreline Drive

As you drive Oahu’s south-eastern coast with Shaka Guide, you’ll be met with scenic roadways, volcanic hikes, award-winning beaches, and authentic eateries. Our East Oahu Shoreline Drive packs a lot in, and we want to make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead! Here’s what you’ll need for the adventure.

*Please note, this list is designed if you intend on hiking and swimming throughout the tour. If you want to omit hikes or beaches, you can modify this packing list as needed.*

Sneakers

There are three hikes along the East Oahu Shoreline Drive — Diamond Head, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Judd Trail. The first two are roughly two miles and take less than two hours to complete. The last hike is even shorter, coming in at about a mile. They’re categorized as easy to moderate and are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Although the hikes are considered easy, sneakers are essential.

Hiking Clothes

If you’re planning on hiking, bring clothes that you feel comfortable walking in. All the hikes on the East Oahu Shoreline Drive can get windy but they also rarely shaded and you’ll certainly break a sweat. We recommend comfortable pants or shorts and a t-shirt or tank top! You can also bring a hat and sunglasses.

Water Bottle

Whether you’re hiking, swimming or just driving — be sure to bring a water bottle for the ride. If you bring a reusable bottle, there are a few spots to fill it up along the route. The tour is a long day and you’ll want to stay hydrated.

Bug Spray

This is optional, but we recommend it if you plan on walking the Judd Trail. This one-mile hike won’t take long, but it travels through Oahu’s lush jungle. More greenery means more mosquitos!

Towel

There are five beaches on the East Oahu Shoreline Drive. Whether you plan on visiting all of them or just one, take some time to sit in the sand and enjoy the beauty of Oahu’s shores.

Bathing Suit

The turquoise water at each of the beaches on Shaka Guide’s East Oahu Shoreline Drive will tempt you to go in for a swim. And we highly recommend you do! The beaches in Hawaii are some of the best in the world.

Sandals

You can wear your sneakers on the beach, but if you want to feel the warm sand on your toes, sandals will do the trick!

Change of Clothes

Because no one wants to sit in the car in a wet bathing suit. If you’re worried about where you’ll change, most of the beaches along the tour route have public restrooms.

Sunscreen

Unless you’re planning on staying in the car the whole time, you’re bound to be out in the sun at some point during your road trip. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t burn easily, the sun in Hawaii is extremely strong. We recommend you pack SPF and reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating and swimming.

Sun Glasses and/or Hat

We’ve mentioned that the sun is strong, but it’s also bright. Have a pair of shades or hat on hand for the drive.

Snacks

It’s a long day and no one wants to explore when they’re hangry. Pack a few snacks to hold you over until you reach the awesome eateries we feature in our tour highlights!

Cash

You won’t need much, but there are a few spots where you’ll have to pay for parking, specifically Hanauma Bay. Parking at Hanauma Bay is $3. In addition to parking at Hanauma Bay, you’ll need to pay a $25.00 entry fee — this can be paid by card. You might also want some cash for some snacks and food along the way.

Car Charger

We’re so excited that you’ve chosen to tour Oahu with Shaka Guide. To make sure we can escort you throughout your journey, you’ll want to have a car charger to keep us fueled and ready to go!

Phone Mount

This isn’t essential, but it will be helpful as you’re driving. If you don’t want to pack one in your luggage you can stop by a nearby Target or Walmart — they cost about $5.

Camera

If you don’t bring anything else, bring this. The views on along this drive are epic. You’ll visit some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen; hike to the summit of volcanoes with pristine overlooks; and make memories you’ll never want to forget!

For a more detailed look at the tour check out the tour itinerary, and here’s what to expect on the East Oahu Shoreline Drive.

SHAKA GUIDE OAHU TOURS: Heart of Waikiki Walking Tour;
Downtown Honolulu Walking Tour; Circle Island Driving Tour