Here’s a detailed itinerary for both 3 days and 5 days in Honolulu, HI. Each plan includes a mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, nature, and relaxation, tailored to fit the amount of time you have.
Honolulu 3-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Waikīkī and Diamond Head
Morning:
- Waikīkī Beach: Start your day by heading to Waikīkī Beach, where you can swim, surf, or just relax by the ocean. This iconic beach is a perfect way to experience Honolulu’s vibe right from the get-go.
- Breakfast at Leonard’s Bakery: Treat yourself to a famous Malasada (Portuguese doughnut), a local delicacy.
Afternoon:
Diamond Head Hike: After breakfast, make your way to Diamond Head State Monument. It’s a relatively short hike (about 1.6 km), but it offers stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline once you reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant: After your hike, grab lunch at a nearby restaurant in Waikīkī, such as Duke’s Waikīkī, known for its seafood and beachside views.
Evening:
Sunset at Tantalus Lookout: Head to Tantalus Lookout for stunning views of Honolulu at sunset. This is a great spot to take photos of the city skyline and coastline.
Dinner in Waikīkī: Enjoy dinner at one of Waikīkī’s oceanfront restaurants, such as House Without a Key at Halekulani Hotel, where you can enjoy live Hawaiian music and hula performances.
Day 2: Cultural and Historical Honolulu
Morning:
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Start your second day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where you can explore the USS Arizona Memorial, Pacific Aviation Museum, and other sites related to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Allocate at least 3-4 hours for this visit to truly absorb the history and significance of the site.
Afternoon:
Lunch in Downtown Honolulu: After Pearl Harbor, head to Downtown Honolulu for lunch. The Pig & The Lady offers a great selection of Vietnamese fusion dishes.
Iolani Palace: Spend the afternoon at Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S. Learn about Hawaii’s monarchy and rich history through guided tours and exhibits.
Explore Chinatown: Take some time to wander through Honolulu’s vibrant Chinatown district, which is full of galleries, markets, and eateries.
Evening:
Honolulu Museum of Art: If you enjoy art, visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, which stays open late on certain days. Alternatively, you can explore the local art scene in Kakaʻako or catch a performance at the Diamond Head Theatre.
Dinner at Royal Hawaiian Center: End your day with dinner at Roy’s Waikīkī, known for its Hawaiian fusion cuisine.
Day 3: Nature, Beaches, and Shopping
Morning:
- Hanauma Bay: Start your final day by heading to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for an incredible snorkeling experience. This marine embayment offers some of the best coral reefs and underwater wildlife in Oahu. Be sure to get there early, as entry is by reservation only.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Kailua: After your morning at Hanauma Bay, drive out to Kailua for lunch. The Kailua Farmers Market offers fresh local produce and food stalls, or you can eat at a beachside café.
Kailua Beach Park: Spend the afternoon relaxing at Kailua Beach Park. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the calm waters, or simply lounge on the beach.
Evening:
Ala Moana Center: On your way back to Honolulu, stop by the Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, for some shopping or just to walk around.
Sunset at Waikīkī: End your trip with a relaxing sunset at Waikīkī Beach and enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, such as The Barefoot Beach Café.
Honolulu 5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and Beach Time
- Follow the Day 1 itinerary from the 3-day plan, adding some extra time to relax and explore more of Waikīkī in the afternoon. You can visit Fort DeRussy Beach Park or do some shopping at International Market Place.
Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu
- Follow the Day 2 itinerary from the 3-day plan. You can add more time for lunch and exploration around Ala Moana Boulevard or visit the Bishop Museum for a deeper dive into Hawaiian history and culture.
Day 3: Explore the North Shore
- Morning: Take a day trip to North Shore, famous for its massive surf during the winter months. Drive along the coastline, stopping at iconic beaches like Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and Waimea Bay.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in Haleiwa at one of the local spots, such as Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck or Haleiwa Joe’s for seafood.
- Evening: On your way back to Honolulu, stop at Laniakea Beach to see the famous sea turtles, or relax at Waimea Valley.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures and Relaxation
- Morning: Start the day with a hike at Koko Head Crater for a challenging but rewarding summit with stunning views of the island.
- Afternoon: Visit Makapuʻu Beach for a peaceful afternoon. You can take a stroll along the beach or enjoy the nearby Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse trail for scenic views of the coastline.
- Evening: Have a relaxing dinner at The Pig & The Lady or Chef Mavro for a fine dining experience.
Day 5: Hanauma Bay, Shopping, and Sunset
- Morning: Follow the Hanauma Bay visit from Day 3, and spend extra time snorkeling and relaxing.
- Afternoon: After returning to Honolulu, take a relaxing afternoon at Ala Moana Beach Park or enjoy a leisurely walk through Kakaʻako, which is full of street art and creative spaces.
- Evening: End your trip with a sunset dinner cruise to see the beautiful coastline, or grab dinner at House Without a Key for a traditional Hawaiian dinner with live entertainment.
Conclusion:
- For 3 days: Focus on the must-see attractions like Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Hanauma Bay, while making time for local food and cultural experiences.
- For 5 days: This extended itinerary allows you to explore more of the island, including a day trip to North Shore, hiking at Koko Head, and visiting natural wonders like Makapuʻu and Waimea Bay, while still soaking up the culture and history of Honolulu.
