Best-Flight Brisbane to South Dakota Itinerary with Honolulu and Los Angeles Stopovers

Arrival from Brisbane

Fly nonstop from Brisbane Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport—the journey is roughly 9–10 hours, but the date and clock change can make arrival feel disorienting. After immigration and baggage claim, allow around 60–90 minutes before leaving the terminal. A prebooked taxi or rideshare is easiest with luggage; the trip to Waikīkī usually takes 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Check in, hydrate, and keep the afternoon deliberately light rather than trying to sightsee across the island.

Late Afternoon at the Beach

Head first to Waikīkī Beach for an easy introduction to Honolulu. Spend about an hour walking the shoreline, with Diamond Head rising beyond the eastern end and the hotels glowing as the sun drops. December sunsets are generally around 5:50–6:00pm, so arrive in time to settle on the sand before then. Leave valuables at your accommodation, and note that the beach is best reached on foot from most Waikīkī hotels; driving and parking are rarely worth the hassle.

Early Evening and Dinner

Continue west along the waterfront to Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon beside Hilton Hawaiian Village, about a 15–20-minute walk from central Waikīkī. The calm lagoon is ideal for a gentle first-evening stroll, especially if you are tired from the flight; stay on the promenade and enjoy the lights coming on around the resort area. For dinner, walk back toward Marugame Udon in Waikīkī. Expect a queue at peak dinner time, but it moves quickly: choose freshly made noodles and tempura for roughly US$12–20 per person. It is a casual, affordable finish to the arrival day—then return to the hotel early, as jet lag and the next morning’s plans will catch up with you.

Early Morning: Diamond Head State Monument

Start early at Diamond Head State Monument in Kaimukī, ideally for a 6:00–7:00 a.m. entry slot. Reservations are required for out-of-state visitors and are released through the official state-park booking system; check the exact 2026 opening hours and bring your booking confirmation. The crater hike takes about two hours at an easy pace, including stops at the tunnels, stairways, and summit lookout. It is exposed and can become hot quickly, so carry water, wear proper shoes, and use a taxi or rideshare if you are not hiring a car—parking inside the monument is limited and timed.

Late Morning: Kapiʻolani Park

After the hike, walk or take a short rideshare down toward Kapiʻolani Park, allowing roughly 10–15 minutes depending on your exit point. Spend around 45 minutes under the palms with views back toward Diamond Head; this is a good place to slow down rather than add another attraction. If you need coffee or breakfast, pick something up along Monsarrat Avenue and enjoy it on the park’s grassy edge. The park is free and open throughout the day, though the morning is considerably cooler and quieter.

Midday: Honolulu Zoo

Continue on foot through the park to the Honolulu Zoo, which makes an easy, relaxed midday stop. Allow about two hours, and check the zoo’s holiday-season hours before setting out; it generally closes in the late afternoon, with last entry earlier than closing. Admission is typically around US$20–25 for adults, and December weather can still be warm, so take advantage of shaded paths and refill water before leaving. The zoo sits right beside Waikīkī, making this a convenient low-effort afternoon rather than another long transfer.

Evening: Michel’s at the Colony Surf

For dinner, take a short taxi or rideshare along Kalākaua Avenue to Michel’s at the Colony Surf. Book ahead and request an ocean-facing table if available—the restaurant is known for its sunset and evening views, and dinner usually takes around 90 minutes. Expect approximately US$60–100 per person before drinks, tax, and tip; smart-casual clothing is appropriate. Arrive a little before your reservation to enjoy the shoreline near The Colony Surf, then settle in for a leisurely French-style dinner rather than rushing to another stop.

Morning

Begin downtown at ʻIolani Palace, arriving around 9:00 a.m. so you have time for the palace tour and grounds before the day warms up. Allow about 1½ hours; admission is generally around US$25–35 depending on the tour, and timed tickets are worth booking ahead through the official palace website. This is the one place in Honolulu where Hawaiʻi’s monarchy feels especially tangible, so take time with the restored interiors rather than rushing through. From Waikīkī, the easiest option is a rideshare or TheBus—allow roughly 20–30 minutes in morning traffic. Street parking downtown is limited, while paid garages are more dependable.

Walk or take a short rideshare to ʻAloha Tower Marketplace at Honolulu Harbor for late-morning harbor views and a look at the historic tower. Allow about 45 minutes; the marketplace itself has variable business hours, so treat this primarily as an outdoor stop and check tower access locally. For lunch, keep it casual nearby rather than making a separate detour—this area is best enjoyed with a drink or snack while watching the harbor activity. Then head east to the Honolulu Museum of Art in Makiki, about 10 minutes by car or 25–35 minutes by bus. Plan roughly two hours for the Hawaiian, Asian, and Western collections; the museum is typically open Tuesday–Sunday during daytime hours, so verify the 2026 schedule before setting out, as Monday closures are common.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue to Leonard’s Bakery in Kapahulu in the late afternoon, allowing around 30 minutes for the queue and a fresh malasada. Order one or two flavors to share—classic sugar is the benchmark, while filled versions are richer—and expect to spend under US$15 per person. From the museum, a rideshare takes about 10–15 minutes; parking at the bakery can be tight, so avoid lingering with the car. Finish at Waikīkī for your reserved sunset outrigger canoe experience, usually about an hour on the water. Arrive 20–30 minutes early at the operator’s beach check-in point, wear swimwear beneath quick-drying clothes, and bring only essentials in a waterproof pouch. Conditions can cancel or shorten trips, particularly if surf or wind rises, so keep dinner flexible afterward; Kūhiō Beach and the quieter eastern end of Waikīkī are convenient places to continue strolling once you are back on shore.

Morning to Late Afternoon

This is your long travel day, so keep the morning simple and leave Honolulu with plenty of margin for the airport. Aim to arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport around two hours before the first flight; with checked bags, an international-to-domestic connection, and winter weather ahead, a three-hour buffer is more comfortable. Keep your warmest clothing accessible rather than buried in luggage—Rapid City will likely be dramatically colder than Hawaii, with December temperatures often below freezing.

Evening Arrival

After landing at Rapid City Regional Airport, collect your prearranged rental car and allow extra time for the counter, luggage, and a careful adjustment to icy roads. The airport is only about 15 minutes from central Rapid City in normal conditions, but drive slowly if snow or freezing rain is present; confirm that the car has all-season or winter-rated tires before leaving. Check in, then head into the Rapid City Downtown Historic District for an easy first look at the city. A relaxed hour along Main Street takes in the bronze City of Presidents statues, which are particularly atmospheric after dark when the streets are quiet.

Dinner

Finish at Independent Ale House, a convenient downtown choice for regional beer, pizza, burgers, and other casual food. Budget about US$20–35 per person before drinks, and check the kitchen’s closing time because winter weeknight hours can vary. This is deliberately a low-key evening: eat, pick up breakfast supplies if needed, and get an early night after the time-zone change and long flight. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly after sunset, so avoid adding any further driving beyond downtown.

Morning: Mount Rushmore

Leave Rapid City around 7:30 a.m. for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, about a 30-minute drive via US-16A toward Keystone. December mornings in the Black Hills can be icy, so allow extra time and check South Dakota 511 before departing; a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive rental is reassuring, though not a substitute for cautious driving. The memorial grounds are open year-round, with the visitor facilities and parking hours varying seasonally. Allow roughly two hours for the Avenue of Flags, Grand View Terrace, museum area, and the Presidential Trail—which may have icy or snow-covered sections. Parking is generally around US$10 per private vehicle and is separate from the federal memorial itself.

Lunch and Keystone

Continue into Keystone, just a few minutes away, for about 1½ hours of lunch and an easy wander through the historic rail town. December is quieter than summer, and some businesses operate reduced hours, so check the restaurant’s schedule before setting out. Budget approximately US$15–30 per person for lunch, then browse the compact cluster of shops along Sheridan Street without trying to pack in too much. This is a good place to warm up before the afternoon drive.

Afternoon: Iron Mountain Road and Custer State Park

From Keystone, take Iron Mountain Road, the wonderfully twisting US-16A route toward Custer. Allow about two hours, including stops at the scenic overlooks and the famous pigtail bridges. The one-lane tunnels are part of the fun, but winter conditions can make the road slow and slippery; confirm that the route is open before leaving Keystone, and avoid rushing through the tunnels or curves. You’ll get occasional framed views back toward Mount Rushmore National Memorial, along with classic Black Hills scenery.

Continue into Custer State Park for the Wildlife Loop Road, allowing roughly two hours and aiming to arrive well before sunset, which is early in December. Winter wildlife viewing can be excellent, particularly for bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep, but portions of the loop or connecting roads may close because of snow, ice, or seasonal maintenance. Check the park’s current road conditions and entrance requirements; a park entrance fee or annual pass applies. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially bison, and bring binoculars and warm layers—the open grasslands feel much colder than town.

Evening: Dinner in Custer

Finish at Black Hills Burger and Bun Co. in Custer, a relaxed local favorite known for substantial burgers and house-made buns. Plan on approximately US$18–30 per person, and check its December opening days and closing time before committing, as winter schedules can be limited. After dinner, drive back to Rapid City in about an hour; take it slowly, watch for deer on the road, and avoid relying on roadside services being open late in the quieter winter season.

Morning: Crazy Horse Memorial

Leave Rapid City around 7:30 a.m. for Crazy Horse Memorial, roughly a 40-minute drive southwest along US-16/US-385 toward Crazy Horse. Winter roads can be slick, so check South Dakota 511 and allow extra time; a rental SUV with all-season or winter-rated tires is reassuring. The memorial and cultural center generally open around 9:00 a.m. in winter, but confirm December hours before setting out. Allow about two hours for the mountain-carving exhibits, Indian Museum of North America, and Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Admission is commonly around US$15–20 per adult, with the mountain viewing area sometimes requiring a separate shuttle fee.

Midday: Wind Cave National Park

Continue south on US-385 for approximately 35–45 minutes to Wind Cave National Park, near Hot Springs. Book a ranger-led cave tour ahead through the National Park Service, since December availability is limited and tours may sell out; expect roughly US$15–25 per person depending on the route. Allow two to three hours including arrival, safety briefing, and the underground tour. The cave is a constant 54°F (12°C), so bring a warm layer, and wear sturdy shoes—there are many stairs and uneven surfaces. Above ground, the park’s pine-covered landscape is especially quiet in winter; stay alert for bison near the roads and never approach them.

Afternoon and Late Lunch: Mammoth Site and The Mammoth Site Café

Drive about 25 minutes into Hot Springs for Mammoth Site, an active Ice Age excavation containing dozens of mammoth remains. The indoor site is a good cold-weather stop and usually takes around 1½ hours; winter hours are often shorter than summer hours, so check the official schedule before visiting. Admission is generally about US$15–20 for adults. Afterward, have a relaxed late lunch at The Mammoth Site Café, where casual sandwiches, soups, and light meals usually run around US$15–25 per person. Allow roughly an hour, then return to Rapid City via US-18 and US-385, typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1½ hours depending on weather. Leave Hot Springs before dusk if roads are icy, and refuel in town before the drive back.

Morning: Badlands National Park

Leave Rapid City around 7:00 a.m. for the northeast entrance to Badlands National Park, roughly a 75-minute drive via I-90 and SD-240. Fill the tank and pack coffee and breakfast beforehand—services are sparse in the park, and December daylight is limited. Enter through the Northeast Entrance and make your first stop at Big Badlands Overlook, where about 30 minutes is enough for a striking panorama of the sharply eroded ridges. The park entrance fee is generally around US$20 per vehicle, or covered by an America the Beautiful pass. Roads may be icy or snow-covered, so check South Dakota 511 and the National Park Service alerts before leaving; some facilities and secondary roads may be closed seasonally.

Late Morning to Afternoon: Scenic Drive and Cold War History

Continue along the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway, allowing roughly three hours with stops at Yellow Mounds and Panorama Point. Keep the pace relaxed—winter light makes the colors especially dramatic, but wind can be fierce, so bring layers, gloves, and traction-friendly shoes. After the loop, drive west toward Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Wall. Allow about 1½ hours for the visitor center and exhibits, and reserve the Delta-01 tour ahead through the National Park Service if operating on your date; tours are limited, age restrictions may apply, and winter hours can be reduced. This is a worthwhile contrast to the landscape: the underground missile-control story is quiet, sobering, and very specific to the Great Plains.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Finish at Wall Drug Store, a short drive away in Wall, allowing about an hour for its old-fashioned storefronts, enormous collection of roadside curiosities, snacks, and souvenirs. It is highly seasonal, so verify the December closing time before relying on it for dinner. If you are continuing east, drive to The Corn Palace in Mitchell—approximately 2½ hours from Wall—for a one-hour evening stop; check its winter hours and allow extra time for dark, potentially slippery driving. Otherwise, return to Rapid City—about 75 minutes from Wall—and have dinner downtown at Tally’s Silver Spoon, a well-regarded, intimate restaurant with seasonal American cooking; expect roughly US$20–35 per person before drinks and tip, and book ahead if possible.

Morning

Leave City around 7:30 a.m. for Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, roughly a 50-minute drive northwest via I-90 and US-14A. Check South Dakota 511 before setting out: winter closures, ice, and fallen rock can affect the canyon road, and daylight is limited in December. The drive itself is the highlight—towering limestone walls, frosted pine forest, and pull-offs that may be snowy—so allow about two hours rather than treating it as a quick transfer. There is no reliable food service along the byway; bring coffee, water, and a packed breakfast from Rapid City.

Continue to Spearfish Falls, near the Lodges at Spearfish Creek, for an easy seasonal walk of around 45 minutes if the path is clear. The trail can be icy and shaded, so wear boots with good grip and carry traction aids; do not attempt it if conditions are slick or the falls area is closed. Afterward, drive about 25 minutes to Deadwood, where you can park in one of the town’s public lots and explore on foot along Historic Main Street. Allow roughly two hours for the preserved Gold Rush storefronts, galleries, and small museums; winter opening hours vary, and some attractions close early, so check same-day schedules before committing to a particular museum.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Visit the Adams House in Deadwood for an atmospheric one-hour tour of the restored 1892 mansion. It is typically open seasonally with reduced winter hours, and admission is generally around US$10–15; arriving by mid-afternoon gives you the best chance of catching the final tour. Then settle in for dinner at the Deadwood Social Club, upstairs in the historic Franklin Hotel on Main Street. Expect Italian-American plates, steaks, and pasta at about US$30–55 per person before drinks; reserve ahead, especially for a December weekend. After dinner, take a short stroll along the illuminated Main Street before driving back to Rapid City—about 45 minutes, with extra time allowed for dark, icy roads.

Morning to Late Afternoon

Allow most of the day for your flight from Rapid City Regional Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. If possible, take a morning departure so you can still reach the coast before sunset. After landing, collect your bags and transfer to your accommodation; a pre-booked rideshare or hotel shuttle is usually easiest, while driving yourself through evening traffic can be slow. Leave your luggage at the hotel if the room is not ready, then head west toward Santa Monica—from LAX, the drive can take 25–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Sunset at Santa Monica

Spend about an hour at Santa Monica Pier, arriving with enough daylight to walk out over the water and watch the sun set over the Pacific. The pier is generally open throughout the day, and there is no admission charge, though parking nearby is expensive—roughly US$15–30 for an evening garage stay. From the pier, walk inland along Colorado Avenue and continue to Third Street Promenade, around 15 minutes on foot. Browse the shops and enjoy the street performers; it is a relaxed first taste of Los Angeles after a long travel day, and the pedestrian area stays lively into the evening.

Dinner

Finish at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar, close to Third Street Promenade, for dinner and a drink. Expect around US$25–50 per person before drinks and tip; reservations are useful on a December weekend, although the bar can sometimes accommodate walk-ins. After dinner, return to your accommodation by rideshare rather than attempting to drive and park again around the promenade—Santa Monica to central Los Angeles commonly takes 30–60 minutes at night, depending on your exact neighborhood.

Morning: Getty Center

Start at the Getty Center in Brentwood, arriving close to opening—usually 10:00 a.m. The museum and gardens are free, though parking is typically around US$25 per vehicle (less after 3:00 p.m.); reserve or check current details through the Getty’s official website. Allow roughly three hours for the European paintings, sculpture, photography galleries, and the hillside gardens. The tram from the parking structure takes you up to the complex, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer—the hilltop can be breezy even when the city is warm. For coffee or a quick breakfast, the Getty Café is convenient, but avoid lingering too long if you want a relaxed visit.

Afternoon: Mulholland Drive

After the museum, drive east toward Mulholland Drive, allowing 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Take the winding road through the Hollywood Hills, stopping at signed overlooks such as Jerome C. Daniel Overlook when parking is available. The views change constantly—from Century City and Downtown Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley—but do not leave valuables in the car, and avoid pulling onto unmarked shoulders. Give yourself about 90 minutes, including stops; the road is scenic rather than fast, and winter afternoons can bring low cloud or haze.

Late Afternoon and Evening: Griffith Observatory and Dinner at Vespertine

Continue to Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park for the late-afternoon light. Parking directly beside the observatory is limited and often fills quickly; the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Greek Theatre area is useful when operating, while rideshare drop-off is simplest. Admission to the building and terraces is free, though the planetarium shows cost extra, generally around US$10–15. Spend about two hours taking in the skyline and Hollywood Sign, then allow at least 45–60 minutes to reach Vespertine in Culver City, since evening traffic can be slow. Dinner at Vespertine is a destination experience rather than a casual meal: expect an ambitious multi-course menu of roughly US$150–300 per person before drinks, tax, and gratuity, and confirm the reservation, dress guidance, and cancellation policy in advance.

Morning

Start around 9:30 a.m. at The Broad in Downtown Los Angeles, arriving close to opening to avoid the biggest crowds. General admission is free, but timed reservations are sensible; special exhibitions may cost extra. Give yourself about 1½ hours for the contemporary collection and the immersive installations—if the popular infinity room requires a separate timed ticket, check availability when booking. From there, walk east along 2nd Street toward Grand Central Market; it takes roughly 15 minutes and is more pleasant than moving the car through downtown traffic.

Lunch

Spend about 1½ hours at Grand Central Market, where you can graze rather than commit to one heavy meal. Established stalls such as Eggslut, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, China Cafe, and Sarita’s Pupuseria offer plenty of choice, with lunch usually around US$15–30 per person. It is generally open from morning into the evening, but individual vendors keep their own hours. After eating, walk across Bunker Hill to Walt Disney Concert Hall, taking time to view Frank Gehry’s gleaming exterior and public spaces; allow 45 minutes. Concert-hall tours and performances follow separate schedules, so check ahead if you want to go inside beyond the publicly accessible areas.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue north toward Olvera Street, a roughly 15-minute walk from the concert hall, or take a short rideshare if your feet are tired. Allow an hour to browse the historic Mexican-American marketplace, colorful stalls, and nearby historic buildings; it is a good place for a snack or a small souvenir, though prices can be tourist-oriented. Finish at The Last Bookstore, about a 15-minute rideshare south, or around 25 minutes on foot depending on your route. Give yourself an hour to explore its labyrinthine shelves and distinctive upstairs book tunnel. In December, aim to arrive before late afternoon, as winter darkness comes early; afterward, return to your hotel by rideshare rather than moving the car between downtown garages, and keep valuables out of sight if you have parked.

Morning

Make your final Los Angeles morning easy and coastal at Manhattan Beach Pier. Arrive around 8:30–9:00 a.m. for a relaxed hour-long walk along the pier and the wide stretch of sand. The surrounding neighborhood is pleasantly walkable, with low-rise streets and good views back toward the shoreline; December mornings can be cool and breezy, so bring a light layer. Metered street parking is available, though the paid lots near the beach are simpler if you are carrying luggage—do not leave valuables in the car.

Brunch

Walk or drive a few minutes inland to Manhattan Beach Post for a substantial brunch, allowing about 90 minutes. It is a popular, polished neighborhood restaurant, so book ahead if possible and expect roughly US$30–60 per person before drinks and tip. This is a better final meal than trying to eat at the airport, but keep the timing disciplined: finish by around 11:30 a.m., collect your bags, and allow extra time for traffic on the way to Los Angeles International Airport.

Airport and Departure

Drive to Los Angeles International Airport using the route suggested by your navigation app; traffic on Sepulveda Boulevard and the airport approaches can change quickly, even on a weekday. If you have a rental car, refuel before entering the airport area and return it at the company’s designated facility, then use the rental-car shuttle to your terminal. For an international flight to Brisbane, aim to be at the terminal at least three hours before departure—earlier if checking bags or returning a car. Confirm your terminal and airline check-in details on the day, and allow time for check-in, security, and the long walk to the gate.