Travel Guide for Honolulu
- Home
-
Honolulu
- Hotels
- Flights
- Vacation Rentals
- Restaurants
- Things to Do
- Best of 2013
- Your Friends
-
More
- Write a Review
-
Sign in with Facebook
- Sign in
- Register Now!
- FREE Mobile App
-
Home
- > United States
- > Hawaii (HI)
- > Oahu
- > Honolulu
- > Trip Ideas
3 days in Honolulu
Day 1
The 44-ft. Maita`i Catamaran takes off three times daily to sail the beautiful waters fronting the world’s most famous beach, Waikiki. Aside from incredible views and the exhilaration that comes with being on the ocean, the smooth riding twin-hulled rig serves up adult libations for passengers who are of age.
Many of Hawaii’s alii (royalty) lived in Waikiki and King Kalakaua selected a 300-acre track of land at the base of Diamond Head for a public park in 1867. Today, it is a gathering place that thrives with walkers, runners, tennis enthusiasts and picnickers. Grab lunch on Kalakaua Avenue and enjoy it in one of the shaded picnic areas scattered around this colorful park.
A major tourist attraction on Oahu, the 350-acre Diamond Head crater can be seen even from the flight into Honolulu airport. Its vantage point... more »
The 310,000-sq.-ft. Royal Hawaiian Center sits on land once known as Helumoa, the home of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in the 1870s and 1880s. It’s highlighted by the 33,000-square-foot Royal Grove, one of the largest open green spaces in Waikiki. Throughout the day, the event-friendly area showcases entertainment and cultural activities, including arts of Hawaiian quilting, lomilomi...
More
The 310,000-sq.-ft. Royal Hawaiian Center sits on land once known as Helumoa, the home of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in the 1870s and 1880s. It’s highlighted by the 33,000-square-foot Royal Grove, one of the largest open green spaces in Waikiki. Throughout the day, the event-friendly area showcases entertainment and cultural activities, including arts of Hawaiian quilting, lomilomi massage, ukulele playing, hula dancing, lei making and kapa cloth making. No worries if you’ve been at the beach and are covered with sand. That’s the case with most visitors! Less
Day 2
Buzzing with vendors, shoppers, business people and tourists, this sliver of Downtown Honolulu is an exciting mix of history, mystery and fun. Amid the lei stands, noodle factories, hole-in-the-wall eateries and herbal medicine shops, the Oahu Market attracts locals recognizing it for savory selections of fresh meats, fish and produce. Remember to frequently look up from the street...
More
Buzzing with vendors, shoppers, business people and tourists, this sliver of Downtown Honolulu is an exciting mix of history, mystery and fun. Amid the lei stands, noodle factories, hole-in-the-wall eateries and herbal medicine shops, the Oahu Market attracts locals recognizing it for savory selections of fresh meats, fish and produce. Remember to frequently look up from the street level while walking around the district since many of the old buildings that were renovated have retained their original façade and completion date on the second story. Less
The Iolani Palace is one of the most impressive structures in Honolulu and holds much of the state's history in its walls. The Palace was the... more »
Originally intended as a royal residence, the historic Aliiolani Hale was reconfigured to house government offices when Iolani Palace was constructed. Today, it’s still the home of Hawaii’s Supreme Court.
In front of the Aliiolani Hale building is the King Kamehameha I Statue. Facing Iolani Palace on the corner of King and Mililani streets, this landmark depiction of the warrior king who united the Hawaiian Islands emits a sense of strength and unity as he stands with outstretched arms.
Bishop Museum is the premier place to experience the history, arts and culture of the Hawaiian people. The Museum is recognized... more »
Day 3
Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight visitors. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki, on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins swim, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this...
More
Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight visitors. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki, on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins swim, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical place by the sea. Less
This is an intriguing geographical spot where the ocean has undercut the lava and drilled a hole through to the top. When the surf is up,the regular eruptions elicit oohs and aahs from the spectators who gather there throughout the day. The lookout hangs below the parking lot, with signage and heavy railings to discourage visitors from walking down to the actual blowhole. You should...
More
This is an intriguing geographical spot where the ocean has undercut the lava and drilled a hole through to the top. When the surf is up,the regular eruptions elicit oohs and aahs from the spectators who gather there throughout the day. The lookout hangs below the parking lot, with signage and heavy railings to discourage visitors from walking down to the actual blowhole. You should definitely heed the warning. You can, however, walk down to Halona Beach on the right where that romantic Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr scene was filmed in the 1953 cinema classic From Here to Eternity. Less
Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of...
More
Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of the sunrise. Less
The snorkeling is spectacular: live coral, many brilliant tropical fish and sea turtles to be experienced up close. This venue is perfect for... more »
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
About this expert
Dawna L. Robertson is a freelance travel writer specializing in stories from the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, South Pacific, Asia and throughout the Western United States.
Places on this tour
Map Loading …
- Select a TripAdvisor site:
-
-
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.