Honolulu Hawaii 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Beaches and Local Culture

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Koko Head Cafe, a popular spot for Hawaiian-style comfort food.
  • 9:00 AM: Head to Waikiki Beach, one of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii. Enjoy the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art (free admission), which features a collection of Hawaiian, Asian, and European art.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Ono Seafood, a casual spot for poke bowls and fresh seafood.
  • 2:30 PM: Take a short walk to the Royal Hawaiian Center, a cultural hub that showcases Hawaii’s history, art, and music.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Pig and The Lady, a trendy spot for creative Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Kona Joe’s Coffee and Cafe, a popular spot for coffee and breakfast burritos.
  • 9:30 AM: Take a scenic drive to Hanauma Bay (book tickets in advance), one of the most beautiful marine sanctuaries in Hawaii. Snorkel or swim in the bay, and enjoy the stunning views.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Shave Ice Bar, a fun spot for shave ice and local treats.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Diamond Head State Monument (book tickets in advance), an iconic volcanic crater that offers breathtaking views of Honolulu.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Alan Wong’s Honolulu, a renowned restaurant for modern Hawaiian cuisine.

Day 3: Markets and Nightlife

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Breakfast Club, a popular spot for breakfast and brunch.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Honolulu Fish Auction, where you can see fresh seafood being auctioned off. Take a short walk to the nearby KCC Farmers Market (open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), where you can find local produce, crafts, and food.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Barrio, a trendy spot for Mexican cuisine.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Duke’s Waikiki, a popular restaurant with live music and stunning views of the ocean.

Accommodations

Consider staying at:

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available throughout Honolulu
  • Public Transportation: TheBus (Oahu’s public transportation system) offers convenient routes to popular attractions.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Honolulu.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as rain showers can occur suddenly.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for outdoor activities.
  • Try local specialties like poke bowls, shave ice, and laulau (Hawaiian dish).
  • Respect local customs and traditions at cultural sites.

Other Activities and Attractions

Consider visiting:

  • Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
  • The Bishop Museum (America’s first museum of natural history)
  • The Nuuanu Pali Lookout for stunning views of the coastline
  • The Hula Dance Show at a local luau or cultural center

Have a wonderful time exploring Honolulu!