3-Day Itinerary for Honolulu, Hawaii

Day 1: Explore Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach

Morning:

1. Breakfast at Kona Kitchen - Start your day with a Hawaiian twist at this popular breakfast spot offering dishes like Loco Moco and Kalua Pork Fried Rice. (Location)

2. Iolani Palace - Visit the only royal palace in the U.S., once home to the Hawaiian monarchy. (Location)

3. King Kamehameha Statue and the Hawaii State Capitol - Stop by these iconic landmarks on your way to…

Afternoon:

1. Waikiki Beach & Waikiki Aquarium - Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at famous Waikiki Beach or explore marine life at the nearby Waikiki Aquarium. (Aquarium Location)

2. Duke’s Waikiki - For lunch, grab a seat oceanfront at Duke’s Waikiki, known for its tasty Hawaiian cuisine and live music. (Location)

Evening:

1. Waikiki Walking Tour - Join a guided tour to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Waikiki. (Tour Options)

2. Dinner at The Pig & The Lady - Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and Hawaiian flavors in this cozy, intimate restaurant. (Location)

3. Honolulu Nightlife - End your day with some drinks at Le Jardin or The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, two popular spots in Waikiki. (Le Jardin, The Surfjack)

Day 2: Pearl Harbor and North Shore Adventure

Morning:

1. Breakfast at Cinnamon’s - Start your day with pancakes, omelets or acai bowls at this popular breakfast spot in Kailua town. (Location)

2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial - Spend the morning learning about the history of Pearl Harbor with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. (Info & Tickets)

Afternoon:

1. North Shore Exploration - Head to the North Shore to explore beaches like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline (best known for big wave surfing). Don’t forget a picnic lunch!

2. Shark Cage Diving or Snorkeling - For an adventure, try shark cage diving with North Shore Shark Adventures or snorkel at Sharks Cove or Hanauma Bay. (Snorkeling, Shark Dive)

Evening:

1. Dinner at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck - Famous for their garlic lemon butter shrimp, this food truck is a must-try. (Location)

2. Polynesian Cultural Center - End your day with a cultural experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center, featuring live performances, traditional dance, and craft demonstrations from various Pacific Islands. (Location)

Day 3: East Oahu & Diamond Head

Morning:

1. Breakfast at Kalapawai Café - Enjoy a casual breakfast with breathtaking views of Kāne’ohe Bay at this cozy café. (Location)

2. Diamond Head Crater Hike - Take a moderately challenging hike up Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean. (Trail Info)

Afternoon:

1. Lunch at Kahuku Farms - Indulge in a farm-to-table lunch featuring locally grown produce, fresh seafood, and delicious kombucha on tap. (Location)

2. Dole Plantation - Explore the world’s largest pineapple plantation with a train ride through the fields, a pineapple maze, and a tasty Dole Whip ice cream treat. (Activities & Info)

Evening:

1. Dinner at Helena’s Hawaiian Food - End your trip with traditional Hawaiian cuisine at this local favorite known for its Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, and Poi. (Location)

2. Sunset at Kailua Beach Park - Relax on the beach as you watch a stunning Hawaiian sunset to end your unforgettable 3-day adventure in Honolulu!

Things to Know:

1. Transportation - Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Oahu, but public transportation (TheBus) is also available and affordable.
2. Currency - The official currency of Hawaii is the U.S. dollar ($). Credit cards are widely accepted.
3. Tipping - Tips are appreciated in Hawaii, especially in restaurants, bars, and for tour guides. A typical tip is 15-20% of the total bill.
4. Weather - Honolulu has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and don’t forget sunscreen!
5. Etiquette - Remove your shoes before entering homes or sacred sites, ask permission before taking photos of people, and be respectful when visiting cultural landmarks.