Honolulu 5 Day Itinerary
Title: 5-Day Honolulu Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Transfer to your accommodation (recommended: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach or Sheraton Waikiki)
- Lunch: Duke’s Waikiki, famous for its fresh seafood and Hawaiian cuisine
- Afternoon: Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil; explore historic downtown Honolulu and Bishop Museum
- Evening: Walk along Waikiki Beach and catch the sunset; have dinner at The Pig & The Lady, a popular Vietnamese fusion restaurant
Day 2: Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial
- Morning: Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial, including the USS Arizona Memorial. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines
- Lunch: Grab a bite at Pearl City Waimalu Shopping Center or USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park café
- Afternoon: Spend some time relaxing on Bellows Beach; explore Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (closed on Tuesdays)
- Evening: Dinner at Koko Head Cafe, known for its innovative brunch dishes
Day 3: North Shore Adventure
- Morning: Rent a car or join a tour to explore North Shore; visit Waimea Valley and Waimea Bay
- Lunch: Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa for famous shrimp trucks and malasadas (Portuguese donuts)
- Afternoon: Explore historic Haleiwa town, surf at Sunset Beach or Turtle Bay, or visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
- Dinner: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for North Shore’s famous garlic shrimp
Day 4: Diamond Head & South Shore
- Morning: Hike Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki; pack water, snacks, and sunscreen
- Lunch: Kona Brewing Company in Kahanamoku Beach (Duke’s Waikiki has a second location here)
- Afternoon: Relax at Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach; explore Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail for stunning views and birdwatching
- Dinner: MW Restaurant for upscale Hawaiian cuisine in Kailua
Day 5: Shopping & Departure
- Morning: Explore Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping mall in Hawaii; grab breakfast at Le Jardin or Cinnamon’s
- Lunch: Roy’s Waikiki for contemporary Hawaiian fusion cuisine
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping; transfer to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) for departure
Tips & Things to Know:
- Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the island
- Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak season
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral in marine life conservation areas
- Be respectful of Hawaiian culture and customs, including traditional sites and sacred places
- Stay safe by swimming only at lifeguard-supervised beaches and following all signs and warnings