Ultimate 4-Day Honolulu Itinerary

  • Day 1: Diamond Head Summit Hike
    22 minutes (8.6 miles) from Waikiki Beach

    Diamond Head is Hawaii's most recognized landmark and a defining feature of the island. Hike to the summit of the crater and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific.

  • Day 2: Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
    20 minutes (12 miles) from Diamond Head

    Explore Pearl Harbor and the historic artifacts and monuments in the area. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

  • Day 3: North Shore Beaches
    50 minutes (35 miles) from Pearl Harbor

    North Shore is the surf capital of the world and a must-visit for all beach enthusiasts. Visit Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Sharks Cove.

  • Day 4: Honolulu City Tour
    1 hour 10 minutes (39 miles) from North Shore

    Explore the city of Honolulu and its rich culture and history. Visit the Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, and the Honolulu Museum of Art. End the day at the famous Waikiki Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Diamond Head Summit Hike (2-3 hours, $5/person)
  • Pearl Harbor Historic Sites (4-5 hours, free but reservation required for USS Arizona Memorial)
  • North Shore Beaches (5-6 hours, free)
  • Honolulu City Tour (6-7 hours, $20/person for admission to Iolani Palace and the Honolulu Museum of Art)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $25/person

Transportation

You can rent a car to explore the island, or take public transportation via TheBus. A rental car typically costs around $50-70 per day, while a day pass for TheBus costs $5.50. Travel time varies based on your itinerary but plan for longer transit times when visiting the North Shore and Pearl Harbor.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby island of Maui or a sunset cruise along the Waikiki coastline. If you have less time, skip the city tour and spend an extra day at the beach or hiking.

Airports

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main airport in Honolulu, located about 3 miles from the city center. It is served by many major airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines.

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