Aloha Hawaii: 10-Day Adventure in Honolulu

• Day 1: Explore the Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic cone that offers a breathtaking view of Honolulu. Afterward, head to Waikiki Beach, where you can relax with a drink and watch the sunset.
• Day 2: Visit the Foster Botanical Garden, home to various trees, plants, and flowers from across the world. Then visit the Iolani Palace, the only official residence of royalty in the United States, and learn about Hawaii's history.
• Day 3: Explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and take the ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the 1,177 sailors who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Then, visit the Pacific Aviation Museum to see a collection of historic planes.
• Day 4: Take a hike to the Manoa Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall located in a lush rainforest setting. Then visit the Bishop Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific.
• Day 5: Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, which features a vast collection of Asian, European, and American art. Afterward, head to the Ala Moana Center, where you can shop and have lunch at one of the many restaurants.
• Day 6: Spend a day at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, where you can go snorkeling and see a variety of fish and marine life. Then head to the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, which features a collection of tropical plants.
• Day 7: Visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, where you can tour a World War II submarine. Then go to the Waikiki Aquarium, which features a collection of fish and other marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
• Day 8: Take a cultural tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can learn about the various cultures of Polynesia. Then enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau, complete with hula dancing and fire knife performances.
• Day 9: Visit the Manoa Chocolate Hawaii factory and learn about the chocolate-making process. Then head to the Kaimuki neighborhood, where you can try some delicious local food.
• Day 10: Spend your last day in Honolulu at the Waimea Bay Beach Park, where you can relax on the beach or go for a swim. Then, head to the North Shore and explore the charming town of Haleiwa.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Diamond Head State Monument (2-3 hours, $10-$15)
• Waikiki Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Foster Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, $5-$10)
• Iolani Palace (1-2 hours, $14.75-$27.50)
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial (2-3 hours, free)
• Pacific Aviation Museum (1-2 hours, $14.99-$25.99)
• Manoa Falls (2-3 hours, free)
• Bishop Museum (2-3 hours, $14.95-$24.95)
• Honolulu Museum of Art (2-3 hours, $10-$20)
• Ala Moana Center (3-4 hours, free)
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (3-4 hours, $7.50-$25)
• Koko Crater Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, free)
• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park (1-2 hours, $15-$20)
• Waikiki Aquarium (1-2 hours, $9-$14)
• Polynesian Cultural Center (5-6 hours, $59.95-$249.95)
• Manoa Chocolate Hawaii (1-2 hours, free)
• Kaimuki neighborhood (2-3 hours, $10-$20)
• Waimea Bay Beach Park (1-2 hours, free)
• Haleiwa (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $170-$460

Transportation

While Honolulu has an adequate public transport system, it's often easier to rent a car or scooter for the duration of your trip. Expect to pay around $30-$50 per day for a rental car and $40-$60 per day for a rental scooter. Taxis and Uber/Lyft are available but can be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the North Shore to explore more beaches and towns. If you have less time, skip the Polynesian Cultural Center and focus on exploring the other points of interest in Honolulu.

Airports

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main airport serving Honolulu and is located 6 miles northwest of downtown.