Honolulu, Hawaii-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Waikiki Beach

  • Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
  • Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel ( approx $20-$30)
  • Stay: The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort (or similar)
  • Lunch: Try some local flavors at Duke’s Waikiki (seafood and burgers) or try some poke bowls at Ono Seafood
  • Afternoon: Spend the day lounging on Waikiki Beach, one of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii. You can also rent surfboards or paddleboards to catch some waves.
  • Dinner: Head to The Pig and The Lady for Vietnamese-inspired cuisine (try their famous pork belly buns!)
  • Things to know:
    • Be sure to apply sunscreen frequently and stay hydrated
    • Respect local marine life by not touching coral reefs or sea creatures
    • Don’t litter or leave trash on the beach

Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Honolulu

  • Breakfast: Grab some breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (try their coffee and pastries)
  • Morning: Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial (book tickets in advance to avoid long lines). You can also take a guided tour of the harbor.
  • Lunch: Try some local cuisine at Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a 3rd generation family-owned restaurant
  • Afternoon: Head to the Honolulu Museum of Art, which features a collection of Asian and European art. Be sure to check out the gardens!
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Alan Wong’s Honolulu, a renowned chef with multiple restaurants throughout Hawaii (try their signature dish, Huli Huli Chicken)
  • Tips:
    • Book tickets for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial in advance
    • Don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful gardens at the museum

Day 3: North Shore

  • Breakfast: Head back to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a quick breakfast on-the-go
  • Morning: Take a scenic drive along the North Shore, known for its world-class surfing and stunning beaches. Be sure to stop at:
    • Pupkea Beach (watch surfers ride some of the biggest waves in Hawaii)
    • Sunset Beach (see where the surf competition, The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, takes place each year)
  • Lunch: Try some classic Hawaiian barbecue at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (yes, it’s a truck!)
  • Afternoon: Visit the famous Dole Plantation and try their world-famous Pineapple Express tour. Don’t forget to take a ride on the world’s largest maze!
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Kahuku Shrimp Trucks (try some fresh seafood)
  • Things to know:
    • Be mindful of road conditions along the North Shore, which can get rough
    • Respect private property and don’t trespass on local land

Day 4: Hanauma Bay

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Koko Head Cafe (try their famous loco moco)
  • Morning: Spend the day exploring Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of Hawaii’s most protected marine sanctuaries. Snorkel among tropical fish and colorful coral reefs.
  • Lunch: Try some beachside dining at The Beachhouse Restaurant
  • Afternoon: Head back to Waikiki for some shopping or relaxation time (don’t forget sunscreen!)
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Royal Hawaiian, which features a beautiful sunset view of the ocean
  • Tips:
    • Be sure to book tickets in advance for Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
    • Don’t touch coral reefs or marine life

Day 5: Diamond Head and Luau

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at The Crab Shack (try their fresh seafood)
  • Morning: Take a guided hike up Diamond Head State Monument, an iconic volcanic crater with stunning views of the ocean. Be sure to book tickets in advance.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Hawaiian cuisine at Ono Seafood
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a luau experience at The Waikiki Starlight Luau (book tickets in advance). Don’t miss out on the live music, dancing, and delicious local dishes!
  • Dinner: Enjoy your last night’s dinner at Alan Wong’s Honolulu (try their famous dish, Huli Huli Chicken)
  • Things to know:
    • Be sure to book tickets for Diamond Head State Monument in advance
    • Don’t forget to take photos of the stunning views from the top of Diamond Head

Transportation

  • The most convenient way to get around Honolulu is by taxi or ride-sharing services ( approx $15-$30)
  • You can also use public transportation, such as TheBus (approx $3 per ride), but be prepared for traffic
  • If you plan on driving a rental car, be aware that parking fees and permits are required in some areas

Accommodations

  • Recommended hotels:
    • The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort
    • Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
    • Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa