Planning a sweep of the Hawaiian Islands? We recommend carving out time to spend at least one day in Honolulu!
Landing in Oahu for the first time, we were pleasantly surprised by Hawaii’s capital city. It didn’t take us long to fall in love with Honolulu’s beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, and stunning ocean views. And even though we know so much awaits elsewhere on Oahu, we’re never afraid to stick around for a bit to Honolulu’s glorious sand and surf. (Waikiki, we’re lookin’ at you.)
So, what would we do with just 24 hours in Honolulu? We’d start with a visit to Pearl Harbor, a hike up a volcano (well, a former volcano!), and some time with the sands between our toes. Then, we’d explore the city’s rich array of cultural and historical sites (including a royal palace), do some shopping, and experience a beachside Hawaiian luau.
(Oh, and we’d also eat all along the way. Probably too much, knowing us.)
Ready to map out a strategy for exactly what to do in Honolulu in 24 hours? Let us help you roll out the perfect introduction to Hawaii with our handy 1-day Honolulu itinerary—and get ready to roll!
Our recommendations for where to go in Honolulu in one day
Get fired up at Kona Coffee Purveyors
Want to fuel up for a busy day in Honolulu? We might not have time to sit down for a full-on breakfast, but we’ll definitely want to grab a little snack to power up for the activities we’ve planned.
If you’re like us and a cup of coffee is essential to your morning, we don’t think you’ll find any better than at Kona Coffee Purveyors (2330 Kalākaua Ave). This coffee shop supreme is conveniently located in the International Market Place in Waikiki.
Let’s sip our oh-so-perfect cup ‘o java at Kona Coffee Purveyors and enjoy their wide range of delicious pastries infused with exotic flavorings like pineapple and coconut. We think they’re great fuel for a morning of sightseeing.
If you’re really on the run, grab a tasty spam musubi (a kind of hand-rolled sushi with different filling options) from any L & L Hawaiian BBG, Foodland, or just about any convenience store in downtown Honolulu.
Visit Pearl Harbor
Okay, we’re fuelled up. Now what?
Let’s start with one of the island’s absolute must-sees: Pearl Harbor. The historic site is about a 25- to 30-minute drive from downtown, depending on traffic.
Still an active U.S. naval base, Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Site that commemorates the Japanese attack of December 7, 1941, the “day that will live in infamy”. The aerial attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the deadliest in America’s history and, as we’re sure you already know, sparked the belated U.S. engagement in the Second World War.
This historic site bears testimony to the nearly 1,200 lives lost. We can explore five different sites at Pearl Harbor, and learn more about this history-shaking event through documentary film and first-hand survivor stories.
View Pearl Harbor’s bomb-scarred airplane hangar and the massive hull of the battleship USS Arizona, sunk during the attack.
Although it’s a little far-flung from the other stops we’re suggesting, Pearl Harbor is, in our opinion, a truly iconic site that merits time and attention. Block off a couple of hours if you plan to visit.
Discover Diamond Head
Now that we’ve got our historical fix, it’s time for a famous Oahu hiking adventure. Just a 25-minute drive from Pearl Harbor, we will find ourselves at the Diamond Head Crater. This stunning landmark has a fascinating history and is the most recognizable feature of the Honolulu skyline.
Diamond Head Crater stretches across 350 acres and gives us a peek at the result of the volcanic eruptions that shaped the island of Oahu nearly 4 million years ago.
Used for centuries by inhabitants as a lookout post, it was also the site of navigational fires lit to guide canoes traveling along the shoreline.
Look up—way up!—and we can spot a temple (“heiau”) built on the summit. The temple was dedicated to the god of wind in hopes that the fires would continue to burn.
Entering Kahala Tunnel, boring into the side of the crater, we felt like we were stepping back in time. On the other side, you can spot bunkers built over a century ago to defend Oahu from attack.
We’d recommend strapping on sturdy hiking shoes (and bringing your camera) to hike the Diamond Head Trail to the summit of this breathtaking lookout.
The 1.9-mile out-and-back is mostly paved, but has some more rugged sections—and steep stairs! With our quads crying in sweet agony, we were eventually rewarded at the summit with spectacular 360-degree views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the surrounding Oahu South Shore area.
Ride the surf at Waikiki Beach
You don’t have to be a wave-rider to know that Waikiki Beach was the birthplace of surfing. It’s also where the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, the “Father of Surfing”, ruled the waves. And it’s an easy walk from downtown Honolulu!
After we’ve climbed back down to earth at Diamond Head, we’ll pack up for the 15-minute ride to Waikiki. Although it’s busy and touristy, we always love wandering around this little beachy enclave on Waikiki Bay whenever we’re in Honolulu.
Feeling inspired to learn stuff? If you’re a newbie, we’d suggest signing up for a crash course at the Waikiki Beach Faith Surf School, run by the renowned Moniz surfing family. A small-group, two-hour session will equip you with some surfing basics. Before you know it, you’ll be catching your own waves. Ride ‘em!
And let’s not overlook our other options for what to do around Waikiki. Stretching along two full miles, Waikiki Beach is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu, despite its insane popularity.
Our favorite way to experience Waikiki Beach is to dig our toes into the warm sand—or to grab a paddleboard or boogie board to enjoy some surf playtime!
Come back at day’s end to catch two signature Waikiki Beach sights: an unforgettably vivid sunset, and a brilliant torch-lighting ceremony that greets the coming of night.
Break for lunch in Downtown Honolulu
After our surfside action, we’ll be ready to stoke up with some tasty edibles. (No, not those kind of edibles.)
Now’s our chance to experience a unique island staple: the “plate lunch”, Hawaii’s version of comfort food. Plate lunches are the product of an intriguing mix of culinary tastes brought to Hawaii by generations of pineapple and sugar plantation workers. The results: delicious!
Build on the basics: rice, macaroni, or potato salad, and your choice of an amazing variety of savory meats. Good bets are tangy, barbecued pork and beef; braised, fried or teriyaki style chicken; or Mexican style salmon. (Is your mouth watering yet?)
Grab one to go from just about any lunch wagon or market in downtown—or at one of Oahu’s classic diners like Rainbow Drive Inn, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Highway Inn, or Zippy’s.
Island plates are cheap and filling—and did we mention delicious?—and they’ll keep you rockin’ and rollin’ all day.
Pop into Iolani Palace
Fueled up for the afternoon? Before continuing our travel plan, let’s carve out some time to check out Iolani Palace. One of Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks, this popular attraction, as we learned on our visit, is the only former royal palace in the United States!
(Actually, now that we think about it, that’s not so surprising, is it?)
Although its current form emerged in 1876, the grounds of Iolani Palace served as the royal residence from 1845 to 1893, starting with King Kamehameha III.
Now a National Historic Landmark, Iolani Palace is one of Honolulu’s must-see attractions. The palace is open for self-guided and docent-led tours from Tuesday to Saturday. (Check the schedule on the official site.)
Shop and chill at Ala Moana
In the mood for some post-lunch wallet-busting? Let’s head over to Ala Moana, where you’ll be tempted to shop ‘til you drop! An easy walk from downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana boasts the world’s largest open-air shopping center—and is one of our favorite places to wander in the city when the need for retail therapy strikes.
Get ready to give your wallet a workout: The Ala Moana Center is home to nearly 300 stores. Walking around the Ala Moana Center, we’ll find one of the world’s largest collections of luxury retailers, four major department stores, several Hawaiian retailers offering locally-crafted items, and 70 dining destinations—if you’re still hungry!
Ready for a break from browsing? Let’s check out the other major attraction in the area: Ala Moana Beach Park. This 100-acre public park features over a half-mile of golden sand and is one of our favorite Honolulu beaches.
With its protective offshore reef, it’s one of the most popular open-ocean swimming spots in Hawaii. Let’s dive in and burn off those lunch plate carbs!
Long live the luau
What would a trip to Hawaii be without attending a traditional Hawaiian luau? In centuries past, this uniquely Hawaiian celebration/feast was a strictly royal ritual. Today, luaus are a wide-open staple for both locals and visitors, highlighting everything from school graduations to elaborate weddings.
Want to experience a luau? We’ve noticed many Oahu resorts are happy to oblige.
Check out Paradise Cove Luau at Ko Olina Resort to take in the island vibe. Sip on a welcoming Mai Tai and dig into traditional Hawaiian fare, including kalua pork, fresh seafood, and tropical fruit. Feel free to customize!
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Sit back and enjoy the live entertainment on the playbill: Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Savor the sunset and the sound of the surf.
Tempted to stay? Just book a room at Ko Olina Resort on Paradise Cove to get a little extra time in… well, paradise.
Enjoy Honolulu’s vibrant nightlife
Still have some energy to burn? If you’re not ready to call it a day, you don’t have to! Cap off your Honolulu itinerary with some after-dark action.
We won’t make you scratch your head over this one: Downtown Honolulu boasts vibrant nightlife, and we think it’s as good a place as any to end the evening.
Want to sample some great craft beer? We suggest heading to Bar 35 (35 N Hotel St) for a terrific selection of beer and tasty bar snacks. (We also loved the long happy hours here, stretching from 4 pm to 9 pm most nights!)
Looking for a classy, mellow end to the evening? Drop into Mai Tai Bar (2259 Kalākaua Ave) at The Royal Hawaiian, sit back, and chill out on the shores of Waikiki Beach.
In the mood for a barefoot-on-the-beach nightcap experience? Saunter over to Duke’s Waikiki Barefoot Bar (2335 Kalākaua Ave), where you can sip cocktails under tiki umbrellas, listen to live music, and watch the surf roll in.
Cruise into the sunset
Or—since we’ve spent so much of our day in & around the beautiful water of Oahu, maybe the best way to end our day is on it.
Whether you want a romantic night out or an unforgettable Hawaiian experience for the whole family, we think that one of Honolulu’s many sunset dinner cruise options will make a spectacular finale to your visit!
As you sail out of the harbor to Diamond Head, take in stunning views of the sunset and the city lights of downtown Honolulu. Enjoy delicious cuisine ranging from whole Maine lobster to beef tenderloin.
Mellow out with a cocktail in hand, savor the memories you’ve made today, and start dreaming about your future trips to Hawaii!
Where to stay with 24 hours in Honolulu
With only 24 hours in Honolulu, most of our recommended hotels & places to stay in Honolulu fall in and around Waikiki. As the most popular area to stay in the city, we think Waikiki is even a great base for exploring the entire island of Oahu!
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
If you want to stay in Honolulu without breaking the bank, we’d recommend booking yourself in at the Surfjack Hotel. We think these vintage-inspired bungalows and suites, five minutes from Waikiki Beach, are a great base to make the most of our Honolulu day trip.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection
For a dash of class minutes from the beach, settle in at The Laylow. We’re totally charmed by this mid-century hotel, with its elegant modern rooms and an array of luxurious amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
Located across from Waikiki Beach, this luxury aparthotel delivers well-equipped suites featuring kitchens and balconies with views over the Pacific Ocean. We’re big fans of the luxurious amenities here, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, hot tub, and recreation deck.
More Honolulu itinerary ideas
North Shore Circle Island Adventure
Want to experience island life to the max? We know it’d be hard on a time crunch, but try to squeeze in a North Shore Circle Island Adventure. On this multi-stop Oahu road trip, we can explore Oahu’s iconic cultural sites and learn about its fascinating history. This guided minibus tour ensures you won’t miss a thing!
The exact route depends on which tour you settle on. Most check out the historic Dole Pineapple Plantation, one of our favorite things to see in Oahu. Marvel at the Halona Blowhole, where geysers reach heights of 30 feet. Take in the natural beauty of Makapu’u Beach and the white sands of Waimanalo Beach Park on the Windward Coast.
If you have time, you can jump into the North Shore waters for some snorkeling and get up close and personal with the local marine life. The star attraction: the majestic Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles). These gentle giants weigh up to 500 pounds—we think they’re definitely worth a look!
Enjoy stunning views of famous North Shore beaches like Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach as you cruise Oahu’s North Shore.
Grab a snack at a shrimp truck stop, crunch some macadamia nuts during a plantation visit, or savor a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch at one of the island’s farms. Filling and delicious!
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
If you’re seeking out more time in the water, squeeze in a visit to Hanauma Bay Preserve. Located 25 minutes from the heart of the city, the unique marine ecosystem is one of our favorite snorkeling spots on Oahu.
Dipping into the waters of Hanauma Bay, we get face-to-face with hundreds of tropical fish species along with sea turtles. To protect its marine life, entrance to Hanauma Bay is limited to a max of about 1,000 people per day.
We’d recommend arriving early before the throngs of tourists to experience the preserve at its most peaceful.
Koko Head Crater Trail
Forming the backdrop to Hanauma Bay is Koko Head. To experience its glory to the fullest, let’s fire up our quads on the Koko Head Crater Trail. Also known as the Koko Head Stairs, the hike propels you up 1,000 steps to the top of the volcanic crater.
Although it’s popular, we should warn you: The Koko Head Crater Trail is challenging. When you reach the top, however, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over Hanauma Bay and the South Shore coastline.
(If you decide to start your day here, we think it’s a superb spot to catch a dramatic Pacific sunrise.)
Lanikai Beach
Want to add another beautiful beach to your Oahu trip? Skip over to Lanikai Beach. Located 30 minutes from Honolulu in Kailua, the beach isn’t just one of the finest on Oahu but one of the world’s most beautiful.
Although only half a mile long, Lanikai Beach is doused with soft sand lapped by blue waters. After soaking in the sun, we’d recommend venturing northward to Kailua Beach, another Oahu coastal gem.
International Market Place
Prefer your shopping with a dash of something extra? Don’t miss the International Market Place in Waikiki. Once a popular outdoor market, it’s now an upscale shopping hotspot. (Think Christian Louboutin, Burberry, Saks Fifth Avenue.)
But we’ve found more to the International Market Place than browsing and buying: the history and culture of the region are woven into the architecture. Featuring flowing water, living walls, and tropical gardens, this destination is an oasis in downtown.
Check out the visitor’s center, walk the handcrafted tree house, and view numerous photos depicting the cultural journey of this special place. In our opinion, the crown jewel is the iconic Banyan tree, still standing strong after more than a century.
Ready for a break from browsing? Relax outside on the Grand Lanai and savor delicious fare from one of the many first-class restaurants at the International Market Place. Enjoy a glass of wine, be serenaded by Hawaiian music, and take in a glorious sunset.
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