Active 3-Day Itinerary for Honolulu

Waikiki is home to some of the most iconic beaches in the world. After a long flight (it is nearly a 6-hour flight from Los Angeles, one of the closest mainland USA locations), beach time will feel especially relaxing. And coming from California, I am always pleasantly surprised by the warm temperatures of the water. You can take a surf lesson, rent a paddleboard or kayak or simply relax.

For the evening, have a drink and enjoy the entertainment at “House Without a Key even if you are not staying at the Halekulani. Move to a table for dinner, or one of the other restaurants on their property (reservations required.) Orchids offers Italian-inspired dishes, with a Hawaiian flair.

Post breakfast, take the drive around the island to Kailua Beach. Or call the night before to order croissants or other treats at The Bread Shop in Kaimuki.

In the morning, I like to take the coastal route passing Hanauma Bay (you can make a reservation to snorkel here) and the Makapu’u Lighthouse (a nice short, but somewhat steep hike up a paved road with trail options at the end of the road).

In Kailua Beach, visit the Kalapawai Market to grab sandwiches and other snacks (the coffee is great there, too!) before heading to the beach. Kailua Ocean Adventures has outrigger canoe trips to nearby small islands off the beach. We went with four adults and one guide. The weather was a bit rough that day, but the outrigger was easier than those braving the wind and waves in kayaks, and we were still able to see quite a few sea turtles during our ride.

Have dinner at Buzz’s Original Steakhouse before returning to Waikiki via one of the inland routes (Hwy 61 or 63) that cross the island.

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the trailhead at Aiea Loop Trail. This 5-mile trail can be a bit muddy but offers a variety of lush tropical ecosystems and some spectacular viewpoints. For most, it is just over a 2-hour walk and is also a popular running trail.

Post-hiking, you can choose from a variety of other attractions on Waikiki, including The Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor Memorial and USS Missouri. These choices might need to be moved to other days if you are taking a flight in the afternoon. If you are planning Pearl Harbor, you might want to head there first (with a reservation!) and then do the hike afterward.