5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Honolulu, HI

  1. Day 1: Waikiki Beach
    15 minutes (4.2 miles) from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

    Begin your trip to Honolulu by visiting the iconic Waikiki Beach, where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean and beachfront for free. It’s the perfect spot for your first Hawaiian sunset and surf lesson.

  2. Day 2: Diamond Head State Monument
    20 minutes (6.4 miles) from Waikiki Beach

    Enjoy a hike to the top of Diamond Head - a dormant volcano and famous landmark. You can enjoy stunning views of Honolulu, Pacific Ocean from the top.There is a small fee of $5 per person for hikers.

  3. Day 3: Manoa Falls Hike
    25 minutes (6.4 miles) from Diamond Head State Monument

    Take a hike through the beautiful Manoa Valley to the stunning Manoa Falls. The short 1.6 mile round-trip hike is worth it when you reach the serene greenery and the 150-foot waterfalls. The entry fee to the park is $5 per person, but parking is free.

  4. Day 4: Pearl Harbor
    30 minutes (13.7 miles) from Manoa Falls

    Visit the historic Pearl Harbor and learn more about the tragic events of the attack of 1941. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free, with optional tours & attractions available with additional fees. The USS Arizona Memorial is closed indefinitely.

  5. Day 5: Downtown Honolulu
    15 minutes (7.7 miles) from Pearl Harbor

    Explore downtown Honolulu, including the Hawaii State Capitol Building, Iolani Palace, and King Kamehameha Statue. You can also take a relaxing stroll through the Foster Botanical Garden and enjoy the variety of tropical plant species. Entrance to the Foster botanical garden is $5 per person or free with Hawaiian ID.

Time and Cost Estimates:

  • Waikiki Beach (Free)
  • Diamond Head State Monument ($5 per person)
  • Manoa Falls Hike ($5 per person)
  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Free)
  • Downtown Honolulu Attractions (Free, except Foster Botanical Garden – $5 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $15 per person

Useful Tips:

If you have extra time, consider adding a trip to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling or visit Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. If you want to save more money, you can pack some food and drinks for your day trip on the beach or hikes. Also, updating yourself on travel restrictions is important, most attractions require reservations or pre-bookings.

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