Honolulu 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach

  • Morning:

    1. Check-in at your hotel in Waikiki (Recommended: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort or Sheraton Waikiki)
    2. Grab a quick breakfast at Kono’s North Shore Cafe, famous for their pancakes and loco moco dishes.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, and King Kamehameha Statue.
    2. Explore Bishop Museum, which showcases Hawaiian culture, history, and natural history.
    3. Lunch at Nico’s Pier 36 for traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.

  • Evening:

    1. Relax on Waikiki Beach, try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding if you prefer.
    2. Have dinner at Duke’s Waikiki, a beachfront restaurant with delicious seafood options and amazing sunsets.

Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head

  • Morning:

    1. Visit Pearl Harbor (Pacific Historic Parks) to learn about the history of World War II. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance.
    2. USS Arizona Memorial tour by boat, a moving tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
    3. Lunch at Pearly’s Povineer Kitchen for some local Hawaiian cuisine.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Climb Diamond Head Crater for breathtaking views of Honolulu and Waikiki (Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat).

  • Evening:

    1. Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Luau at Polynesian Cultural Center or Paradise Cove.
    2. Dinner at The Pig and The Lady, a Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Kaimuki (reservation recommended).

Day 3: North Shore Exploration

  • Morning:

    1. Drive to the North Shore (About an hour drive from Waikiki) and explore historic Haleiwa town for shopping, food, and shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit Waimea Valley, a beautiful botanical garden with waterfalls and native Hawaiian plants.
    2. Lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for famous garlic shrimp.

  • Evening:

    1. Relax on one of the stunning North Shore beaches like Sunset Beach or Turtle Bay (keep an eye out for sea turtles!).
    2. Dinner at Kahuku Grill, a farm-to-table restaurant specializing in seafood and Hawaiian cuisine.

Things to Know:

  1. Hawaii is on Hawaiian Standard Time (HST), which is three hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST) and six hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST).
  2. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for cooler evenings and rain showers.
  3. Respect local customs and traditions, including leaving no trace when visiting natural areas.
  4. Use the Honolulu B-Cycle program or walk whenever possible to explore the city sustainably. Taxis and Uber are also readily available.
  5. Hawaii’s state motto is “Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono” which means “The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness.” Embrace the aloha spirit during your visit!