Honolulu is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. and for good reason! It's a lovely place to visit, easy to get around, and you can hit all the things Hawaii is famous for.

Transportation

Renting a car is worth it, especially if you're going to be leaving the city. Honolulu has public transportation easily available, so if you don't mind waiting, take that instead.

Where to Stay

A 2 bedroom in Oahu, where everything is easily accessible!

Day 1: Diamond Head & Waikiki

Start your day with a hike in Diamond Head Monument Park, the views of the whole island are stunning and a great way to kick off your trip. The hike will take between 1 hour to 1-hour 30minutes. You need a reservation, which you can easily do online here.

Finish the rest of the day relaxing at the Waikiki Beach. It's famous for its white sand and crystal clear water. You can relax, or do water activities, and hit the restaurants and shops close by including Kalakaua Avenue which is famous for its shopping.

Day 2: Pearl Harbor & Kailua

Visit the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. You'll need tickets, which you can reserve here. The whole site is impressive and highly recommended.

Then head to the town of Kailua, about 30 minutes away. It's a cute town with beautiful beaches (like Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach), and a famous ~25 minute hike up the Ka`iwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox) with more great views. The town also has good food and places to walk around.

Day 3: Snorkeling & Luau

Go snorkeling in the Hanauma Bay, one of the best places to snorkel in Oahu! I recommend taking a tour, so you skip having to make reservations and get all the gear yourself. But if you prefer to go solo, you'll have to make a reservation via the park website, here. Don't forget to wear reef-safe sunscreen.

In the evening reserve a luau for a fun dinner!

Day 4: Gardens & North Shore

Head to the Ho`omoaluhia Botanical Gardens, where you'll see lovely native plants, trees, and views. Alternatively, you can go to Kualoa Ranch, a private nature preserve where the movie Jurassic Park was filmed! Check out and book which tours you want to do ahead of time.

Then head north on the Kamehameha Highway, stopping in Kahuhu, to check out the North Shore. The North Shore is known for some of the best and tallest waves in the world, and for its surfing. Keep driving and pass famous surfing spots like Banzai Pipeline. Get out and walk around Haleiwa, a small town with good food and cool spots.

Day 5: Lighthouse & Helicopter Tour

Start your day by going to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. It's an easy hike that has some of the most beautiful views of the island. It's a great hike to start your day!

Then see the rest of the island by taking a helicopter tour, always worth it in Hawaii! And finish with some beach time and relaxation. I love to end my time there in Waikiki Beach, which is also how I start it!