Honolulu Hawaii 5 Day Itinerary

Honolulu, Hawaii 5-Day Itinerary (Markdown format)

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Honolulu

  • Morning: Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), transfer to your accommodation.

    • Accommodation: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa or The Modern Honolulu (Upmarket) / Hotel LaCroix Waikiki (Mid-range) / Waikiki Eco Hostel (Budget)

  • Afternoon: Explore downtown Honolulu. Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., and King Kamehameha Statue.

    • Lunch: Duke’s Waikiki for classic Hawaiian food or Ono Seafood for poke bowls.

  • Evening: Stroll around Waikiki neighborhood, watch the sunset at Waikiki Beach, or take a traditional Hawaiian dance lesson.

    • Dinner: The Pig & The Lady (Vietnamese fusion) or Morimoto Asia Waikiki (Asian fusion).

Day 2: Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial

  • Morning: Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn about the history of WWII. Remember, tickets are limited and should be reserved online in advance.

    • Lunch: Pearl City Restaurant or Cinnamon’s Restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Explore Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and Pacific Aviation Museum.

    • Dinner: Nico’s Pier 36 (seafood) or Alan Wong’s Honolulu (upscale Hawaiian cuisine).

Day 3: North Shore & Dole Plantation

  • Morning: Drive to the North Shore and visit historic Haleiwa town, surf spots like Waimea Bay, and Shark’s Cove.

    • Lunch: Kono’s Northshore or Ted’s Bakery.

  • Afternoon: Stop by Dole Plantation for the Pineapple Garden Maze, pineapple ice cream, and tropical fruit tastings.

    • Dinner: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (famous shrimp trucks) or Haleiwa Joe’s (seafood & steak).

Day 4: Diamond Head Crater & Waikiki Activities

  • Morning: Hike the Diamond Head State Monument trail for panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

    • Brunch: Kai Market at Sheraton Waikiki or Town Restaurant (located inside Diamond Head).

  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon relaxing on Waikiki Beach, snorkeling, or taking a catamaran cruise.

    • Dinner: The Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar (Modern Hawaiian) or 3660 On the Rise (upscale farm-to-table).

Day 5: Leeward Coast & Departure

  • Morning: Drive along Kahekili Highway to explore the Leeward Coast, stop at Yokohama Beach or Mokuleia Beach Park.

    • Lunch: Haleiwa Joe’s Kahuku or Kono’s Northshore.

  • Afternoon: Return your rental car, rest, and prepare for departure.

    • Dinner (if time allows): Aloha Kitchen by Roy’s or MW Restaurant (upscale Hawaiian cuisine).

Tips & Things to Know:

  1. Transportation: Rent a car to get around the island easily. Use public transportation if you prefer.
  2. Dress Code: Pack lightweight, casual clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  3. Currency: U.S. Dollars are used in Hawaii. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
  4. Tipping: Gratuity is customary (usually 15-20%).
  5. Hawaiian Language: Learn basic Hawaiian phrases to connect with the locals. Aloha means both hello and goodbye!
  6. Emergency: Dial 911 for police, fire department, or medical emergencies.
  7. Respect the Culture: Hawaii is deeply rooted in its native culture; learn about Hawaiian customs before your visit.
  8. Beach Safety: Swim between the flags at beaches with lifeguards and stay aware of ocean conditions.