HAWAI'I HOLIDAYS

Morning:

• Waikiki Beach: Start your trip with a relaxing morning at this iconic beach. Swim, surf, or stroll along the shore. Parking is available at public lots like the Waikiki Beach Walk (approx. $5-$10/hour).
• Diamond Head State Monument: Hike the 1.6-mile round-trip trail to the summit for panoramic views of Honolulu (1-2 hours). Arrive early to avoid crowds; parking is $10/vehicle. Bring water and sunscreen.

Afternoon:

• Iolani Palace: Explore the only royal palace in the U.S. (45-min guided tour, $30/adult). Learn about Hawaiian history and the monarchy. Street parking or nearby lots available.
• Lunch at Rainbow Drive-In: Enjoy a local plate lunch (e.g., loco moco, $8-$12) at this classic spot (1102 Kapahulu Ave).

Evening:

• Ala Moana Center: Visit this open-air mall for shopping or dinner at the food court. Free parking. Optional evening walk at Ala Moana Beach Park for sunset views.

Driving Time: Minimal (all sites within 10-15 minutes from Waikiki).

Morning:

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Visit the USS Arizona Memorial (free, reserve timed tickets online in advance). Explore the museum and exhibits (2-3 hours). Parking is free.
• Battleship Missouri Memorial: Tour this historic ship ($35/adult, 1-2 hours). Same parking lot as USS Arizona.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Nico’s Pier 38: Savor fresh seafood (e.g., furikake ahi, $15-$20) near the harbor.
• Dole Plantation: Drive 30 minutes to Wahiawa for a pineapple plantation tour. Try the Dole Whip ($7) and explore the garden maze ($9/adult). Free parking.

Evening:

• Return to Honolulu. Dine at a local spot like Side Street Inn (1225 Hopaka St) for Hawaiian comfort food (e.g., kalbi ribs, $15-$25). Street parking available.

Morning:

• Waimea Valley: Drive 45 minutes to the North Shore. Explore this lush botanical garden and hike to Waimea Falls (1.5-mile round-trip, $20/adult). Swim if conditions allow. Parking included with admission.
• Lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Grab a garlic shrimp plate ($15) at this famous food truck in Kahuku.

Afternoon:

• Sunset Beach: Relax or watch surfers at this iconic North Shore beach. Free roadside parking.
• Haleiwa Town: Stroll this charming surf town for shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice ($5-$8) and boutique shopping. Free parking in town.

Evening:

• Return to Honolulu or stay for dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s (seafood and burgers, $15-$25). Drive back (45 minutes).

Driving Time: ~45 minutes each way from Honolulu to North Shore.

Morning:

• Laie Point State Wayside: Drive 45 minutes to Laie. Visit this scenic coastal lookout with dramatic cliffs and ocean views (30-45 minutes). Free parking. Short walk to the viewpoint.
• Hukilau Marketplace: Explore this small open-air market near the Polynesian Cultural Center for local crafts and snacks (1 hour). Free parking. Grab an early lunch at Pounders Restaurant ($15-$25/main) or food trucks.

Afternoon:

• Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): Arrive by 12:45 PM when the center opens. Spend the afternoon exploring six Pacific Island villages ($70-$140/adult depending on package). Participate in activities like canoe paddling or lei-making. Free parking.

Evening:

• Continue at PCC for the Ha: Breath of Life evening show (included in most packages) and a luau dinner (e.g., Ali‘i Luau, included or $40 extra). Drive back to Honolulu (45 minutes).

Driving Time: ~45 minutes each way from Honolulu.

Morning:

• Kailua Beach Park: Drive 25 minutes to this turquoise-water beach. Kayak or paddleboard (rentals ~$50/half-day) or relax on the sand. Free parking.
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Hike this 1.5-mile round-trip trail for stunning coastal views (1-2 hours). Limited street parking; arrive early.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Kalapawai Café (Kailua, sandwiches $10-$15).
• Makapu‘u Beach: Drive 20 minutes to this scenic beach known for strong waves and bodyboarding (not ideal for swimming due to currents). Relax on the sand or watch local surfers. Free parking at the nearby Makapu‘u Point lot. Look for humpback whales in winter.

Evening:

• Return to Honolulu (25 minutes). Dine at The Pig and The Lady (83 N King St) for modern Hawaiian-Vietnamese cuisine ($20-$35/main).

Driving Time: ~25-30 minutes from Honolulu to Kailua/Makapu‘u.

Morning:

• Halona Blowhole: Drive 20 minutes from Honolulu to this natural geyser where waves shoot water through a lava tube. View from the lookout or walk down to the nearby Halona Beach Cove (seen in From Here to Eternity). Free parking at the lookout. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Sandy Beach Park: A short 5-minute drive from Halona, relax at this popular bodyboarding beach (strong waves, not ideal for swimming). Free parking.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Kono’s (131 Hekili St, Kailua, 15-minute drive, sandwiches/burritos $10-$15).
• Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout: Drive 15 minutes to this historic lookout with sweeping views of the Windward Coast. Learn about the 1795 Battle of Nu‘uanu ($7/vehicle parking). Bring a light jacket for windy conditions.

Evening:

• Return to Honolulu (15 minutes). End your trip with a sunset dinner at Duke’s Waikiki (oceanfront, $20-$35/main).

Driving Time: ~20-30 minutes total for the day’s loop from Honolulu.

• Tips: Bring sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and comfortable shoes. Check attraction hours and reserve tickets for Pearl Harbor and PCC in advance. At Makapu‘u Beach and Sandy Beach, heed lifeguard warnings about strong currents.
• Traffic: Avoid rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) on H-1 freeway for smoother drives.
• Total Driving: Approx. 4-5 hours total across 6 days, manageable for a self-driven tour.