Ted,
You'll have plenty of time to see Oahu over the 7 days you've indicated.
Unfortunatley, my wife and I will be in Australia during your stay, and returning on the day you depart.
There is plenty to see and do, and here is a list of some of them:
1. Arizona Memorial: Be there before 7:00 AM if you can. Tickets to the show they present go quick, its a first come first serve, no charge.They do a movie and then ride on the boat to the Arizona Memorial. It is a must do, as 7 December 41 was a world changing event.
2. If you get done early from the Arizona, which you shoul go the the USS Missouri, as the bookends display of where WWII started, and then finished on the deck of the Missouri present what the famous battleship is all about. Entry to the Missiouri is not inexpensive, its something like 35.00 if I am not mistaken, but well worht the $ to see. If you've never been on a battleship of the class, or only seen the pics, you will be astounded at the size of this ship. To gain entry to the Missouri, you will go to Ford Island, which was strafed and bombed by the Japanese on 7 Dec 41.
Both locations, the Arizona and Missouri will be almost a complete day. There will be time left over in the afternoon, so head to the beach, any beach, they are all darn nice.
Next to the Arizona is the USS Bowfin, a highly decorated combat vessel, a diesel powered sub that was based at Pearl. She has sunk tons of shipping, and they have an eexcellent museum to see too. You may wish to include this also, as it is just steps from the Arizona, and tells much of our WWII Sailors efforts to get the enemy. I am not sure if the Bowfin will be opened for visiting, as she is just returning from drydock (I do biz with the people who maintain her, and they just spend 1.5 million for hull and deckwork). This visit is well worth the time if you've not visited a WWII sub. An eye opener.
3. Hike Diamond Head: You'll have to pay to enter the park, it is a quick hike to the top, and the emplacements built during WWII. The US feared an invaison, the Oahu was the base of the Pacific for the US militey then. There are many emplacements still about Oahu, but Diamond Head is the most famous. This is easy to get to, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring something to drink, and maybe a sack lunch to enjoy the View of Waikiki, Honolulu and beyond, along with the Pacific. This takes about 2 to 3 hours, if you stretch it out. And alos, don't forget the film and the camera too.
4. Iolani Palace, the only place in the US of A, where a king and queen sat on a throne to govern. Beautiful place, decorated with koa wood. You will need to phone to discover time and days open. Maybe a 2hour visit.
5. Bishop Museum. The museum of the Pacific. Disp[lays includeanciemt Hawaiian and Pacific islanders artifacts, to include crowns from the kingdom, and the clothes the royalty wore. You can do this in 2 - 3 hours. if your a history buff, longer.
6. Since November is still a swing month, and many surfers are still waiting the big waves, chances are 50/50 that the north shore can be up, and large. A word of caution, never turn your back on the ocean when you are at the beaches, the waves a powerful and dangerous. if you've not swam in heavy surf, be very aware of your sorroundings, as 1 mistake might not be forgiving.
The beaches to go to for watching the big wave action are, Waimea Bay, Pipeline and Sunset Beach. These areas are within about 5 miles of each other, and all the maps will show you where they are. To make it easier, stop in at my friends surf shop, STRONG CURRENT, in Haleiwa, say hellow to John and his wife Bonnie, let them know Rich, the sunblock guy sent you. Ask them for a map of the named beach areas, as the directions will be on that.
While in Haleiwa, stop by Matsumotos Shve Ice, get yourself and your wife a shave ice each. Sit on the bench in front of the store, and go for it. It is a really refreshing treat. Maybe when you are done, stroll across the street and into the cemetary to read some of the headstones, dates and ages of the people buried there.
If you are hungry, Haleiwa Joes is good for lunch, overpriced for dinner, as is Jamesons just over the famous little coathanger bridge in Haleiwa. The best priced lunch is at Teds Bakery, just beyond Sunset beach, about a half mile or so. Try their MahiMahi snadwhich plate lunch, and for desert, their Haupia Pie is superb. Any of their bakery is well worth the try. If you are that way in the morning, Teds als makes an excellent breakfast, and the price just can't be beat. My wife and I usually make teds on the weekend. It is a nice ride to get there, and the price and food can't be beat.
Riding opn oahu, you can see the whole island easily in the 3 days rental time you've booked. One day, circle the island, from Honolulu, head east, towards Hawaii Kai. Get out of Waikiki early, to do this. There are restaurants in Hawaii Kai, where you can grab a quick breakfast if you wish, or catch it in Waikiki, either or, go east. Once past the Foodland in Hawaii Kai, you'll begin to climb the saddle road between KoKo Crater and KoKo Head. As you get to the top, on the left, there is a pull off that looks back towards Diamond Head and where you've just ridden from. Its nice to see sunsets from this vantage point too. Just a couple hundred feet up the hill, and to the left is Haunama Bay, a snorkelers Paradise. If your into snorkelein, this is the palce to go. This can be an all day affair, but if this is what you want to do, get there early to beat the crowd. Be sure to eithr bring gear, or rent it before getting there. You can rent there, but, you cna only snorkel there with their gear, as the rental is for use there only. If you rent from SNORKEL BOB or one of the other dive shops, you can getr daily rates, and go where you please. The gear will fit in the saddle bag, along with the towels, soft pack cooler...for drinks and sandwhiches if you desire..
If you do Haunama (how - na-ma) be sure to use plenty sunblock, and maybe wear a t-shirt too, so your back does not get burned. Be sure to put enough block on the back of the legs too, as you'll be face down in the water looking at the fish looking at you.
Just down from Haunama Bay, is a switchback road along the ocean. Ride it first, before taking time to look around at the ocean, or ride it slow enough so you can do both, but whatever, DONT HIT THE GUARDRAIL! iTS A GOOD HUNDRED FEET DOWN TO THE OCEAN!!
As you round the last bend, and the road opens up, on the right is Halona Blowhole, stop to see the ocean spout. A couple years back, a teenager climbed down here, got blown into the air by the water, then fell back down and got sucked into the hole and died.
The next beach is Sandy Beach. This is one of th emost dangerous beaches on the Island, if not the whole state. Don't go into the water here, but watch and see what the people do here. If you are an accomplished waterman, this place is a blast for bodysurfing, bodyboarding, surfing and skim boarding. If the surf is really small, its okay to go in, if it is large, beware. The waves will stand up to 10 feet, and drop you onto the sand. if you go headfirst, you'll be added to the hundreds who have broken their neck here.
Movin on down the road, on the right will be various beach areas, not so good for swimming, unless you really like a challenge. There are no life guards in this area, so you best know what you are doing. Down the road, you'll pass on the left Hawaii Kai Golf Course (1 of about 75 on the island, so if you golf, take your pick) and further up the road, it begins to climb. You'll see cars parked on both sides of the road. There is a gate on the right half way or so up the road. You can climb this, and hike up the road to the Makapu'u (Mock a pu u )If you are to do the hike, wear comfortable shoes, sunblock, cap of some sort, plenty of drinks and maybe food too. The place has one of the best views in the iuslands of the windward side of oahu. This hike can take up to 4 hours if you decide to be adventurious and see more than just the lighthouse. Beware, the cliffs are about 500 - 600 feet down to the ocean, so don't go too close.
The next beach is Makapu'u of course, one of my favorites (Along with Sandies) for catching waves and getting thrashed in the surf). If the surf is small, it is a fun place, if the waves are big, you cna try tohe right side of the beach, as the ocean is calmer there. If the rocks in the center show a lot of exposure, and the surf is up, its best not to go in here.
From Makapu'u down though, the beaches are wonderful for swimming. Be aware that the bluebottle jellyfish can be around if the wind is strong. These are also Portagee man -of-war. The sting hurts, if you've nothing to use, and have been stung, pee on yourself, as that works to lessen the pain. Otherwise, visit a lifeguard tower for help. If you are allergic to stings, be sure to be aware, that their stingers could cause breathing problems.
Will continue on another post.