Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous Waikiki Beach. This two-mile stretch of white sand offers crystal clear waters and stunning views of Diamond Head. Spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming, or trying your hand at surfing. For lunch, grab a plate of traditional Hawaiian specialties at Duke's Waikiki.
Today, visit one of Hawaii's most historic attractions, the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. Begin your visit at the interactive Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to learn about the events leading up to the attack. Then, take a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on the USS Arizona. End the day with a visit to the Battleship Missouri Memorial, which celebrates the end of World War II.
Start your day with a hike up the Koko Crater Trail, a popular hiking trail that boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. After your hike, head to Hanauma Bay, a protected marine life conservation area that offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Spend the day exploring its clear blue waters and discovering the diverse marine life in the area.
End your trip with a climb to the Diamond Head Summit. This hiking trail takes you through a historic military installation to the top of a volcanic crater, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, head to Shangri La, the former estate of American philanthropist Doris Duke. The estate features Islamic art and architecture, and the guided tour takes you through the house and gardens.
Consider renting a car to get around Oahu, especially if you plan on visiting destinations like the North Shore or Kailua Beach. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. Expect to pay around $30 for a taxi from the airport to Waikiki Beach. Traffic in Honolulu can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the North Shore to explore its world-famous surfing beaches and shrimp trucks. Alternatively, head to Kailua Beach for a day of swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. If you have less time, consider skipping Shangri La or the Koko Crater Trail.
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main airport serving Honolulu and is located 6 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu. It is the busiest airport in Hawaii and serves as a hub for Hawaiian Airlines. From the airport, visitors can take a bus, shuttle, taxi, or rental car to get to their destination.