From crater views and catamaran sails to the perfect Honolulu beaches, here’s how to spend three unforgettable days in Hawaii’s most iconic beach city.
By Teddy Danielson
If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, you’re probably flying into Honolulu. What a fabulous excuse to explore one of the world’s premier coastal cities. This bustling surf mecca boasts warm, turquoise water, long, white-sand beaches, gentle, world-class longboard waves, and a memorable food scene. It’s an ideal place to cut loose and enjoy everything from riding waves to hiking volcano craters to enjoying Mai Tais on the beach.
Allow us to take you on a 3-day adventure through some of the city’s most unmissable experiences with this perfect Honolulu itinerary. All you have to do is show up with a swimsuit and some flip-flops and follow the plan. Vacation anyone?
Where to Stay in Honolulu
Whether you’re looking to do it up in a luxury hotel or stick to a tighter budget, there’s something for everyone in Honolulu. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Luxury: There are plenty of luxury hotels in this bustling city, but Halekulani takes the cake for us. With a beachfront pool, fabulous dining options, a spa fit for kings, and carefully curated island experiences (booked through the concierge), it’s hard to beat. Plus, nearly every one of their 453 boasts an ocean view.
- Mid-Range: The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is a bit more affordable than the Halekulani, but offers many comparable perks. Great restaurants, gorgeous rooms (many with ocean views), and concierge-arranged island adventures. The Outrigger also has a few vacation rentals in the city. So check those out too.
- Budget: If you’re looking to do Honolulu on a budget, Waikiki Beachside Hostel is for you. Aside from their free morning pancakes, they offer a range of private, semi-private, and dorm-style rooms as well as daily group activities. It’s also a great way to meet people.
- Vacation Rentals: There is no shortage of Airbnb and VRBOs in town if you prefer a bit more freedom/independence. Lots of local companies, like Ali’i Beach Rentals, also offer rentals.
Once you’re all checked in, it’s time to start exploring. Honolulu is a BIG city, and we designed an itinerary that will show you as much of the cool stuff as possible. If you prefer a slower pace, feel free to pick and choose your activities. You can always replace one or several with downtime at the beach or pool.
Day 1: Surf, Submarines & Sunset Sailing
Waffles & Your First Wave
Rise and shine! And just try to convince us that there’s a better way to start the day than a plate of warm Belgian waffles topped with tropical fruit. Waffle and Berry, in the heart of Waikiki, serves warm, crispy Belgian waffles with a variety of toppings. Order a couple (and maybe an acai bowl). You’ll need it for what’s next.
Once breakfast has settled, head to Stoke Drift Surf School. You can pretty much walk down Waikiki beach and run into a surf lesson, but Stoke Drift is our fave. They’ve been doing it for ages, and a lesson with one of their experienced instructors pretty much guarantees you’ll stand up on a wave.
Already a surf-pro? Rent a board from Moku Hawaii and paddle out at Queen’s, a world-class break.
Poke Bowls & Underwater Exploration
After all that paddling, lunch is key. Towel off and head to Maguro Spot. Just a couple of blocks back from the beach, this hole in the wall is THE spot for poke. Grab yours to go and head back to the shore.
Next up? Atlantis Submarine Adventures offers up a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dive 100 feet below the surface in an eco-friendly, Coast Guard-approved submarine. You’ll cruise past sea turtles, sharks, sunken ships, and a submerged airplane hull. It’s an incredible way to experience Hawai‘i’s incredible marine life and storied past.
Sunset Sails & Beachfront Bites
As the sun gets lower in the sky, consider a sunset sail with Holokai Catamaran. It’s a good idea to make a reservation via phone or through your hotel concierge. They offer BYOB and cash bar cruises. For a special treat, go out on Friday night and watch the fireworks from the water.
After your sail, take a quick stroll to Duke’s for dinner. You’ll need a reservation for the restaurant, but their “Barefoot Bar” is a great option too. With casual beachside vibes, it’s a fun, lively ambiance with yummy food and bevs (try their blended coconut mint mojito and poke tacos). This iconic restaurant is named after the Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku. The walls are covered in photos portraying island history, so take some time to gawk.
Day 2: A Diamond Head Hike, Canoes & Live Music
Loco Moco & a Crater Climb
Ready for another action-packed day? Get yourself up early and head over to Lulu’s Waikiki for one of Hawaii’s breakfast traditions, Loco Moco. Made of rice topped with a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg, it’s the fuel you need to make it up Diamond Head. This somewhat intimidating 1.6-mile (out and back) hike takes you straight up the rim of an ancient volcanic crater, rewarding your effort with panoramic views of Honolulu’s coastline.
Afterward, take a dip in the ocean and let the saltwater wash away the sweat before lunch.
Food Trucks, Canoes & Beach Time
Hawaii does food trucks REALLY well, and the Food Truck Park on Kalākaua Avenue is a must. Here, you’ll find everything from tacos to island BBQ to shave ice and more. Hang around and enjoy at one of the picnic tables, or take your lunch to go.
You used your arms to paddle into waves yesterday. Today, you’re doing something a little different. Outrigger canoes are popular in Honolulu and throughout the Pacific Islands. These long, canoe-like boats, fitted with a stabilizing float on one side, come in many sizes. You’ll see single-man outriggers amongst the surfers as well as 4-7 person renditions. Star Beachboys Waikiki Surf School will set you up with a boat and an experienced guide to help you navigate through the shorebreak and catch some waves.
Back on land, slather on some sunscreen and indulge in a lazy afternoon on the beach.
Upscale Dining & Live Island Sounds
Roy’s is kind of a special occasion spot, but we think every night in Honolulu is a special occasion. So, throw on something nice and get ready for some of the best Asian-fusion ever. Everything on the menu is amazing, but the pork belly appetizer and the Misoyaki Butterfish are a must.
After dinner, catch a show at Blue Note Hawaii. This centrally located venue features live performances almost every evening. Check the schedule for comedy, jazz, and so much more.
Day 3: Snorkeling, Parasailing & a Perfect Ending
Acai & Sea Turtles
To kick off your last day in Honolulu, grab breakfast from Alo Cafe Hawaii. Their “Happy Bowls” (aka smoothie bowls) and smoothies are made with fresh fruit. They also do health-conscious wraps, avocado toast, and freshly-baked goods. The perfect light breakfast before you head out on a snorkeling excursion.
While you can absolutely grab a mask and snorkel from any ABC store in town, booking a tour with Living Ocean Tours is our preferred way to go. Their guides know the best spots for sea turtle sightings along with other wildlife, and they’ve got the boat to take you there. Soak in the colorful fish and the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the warm water.
Mai Tais & Sky-High Views
For lunch, you’ve gotta check out Monkeypod. They’re famous for their mai tais, which have a honey-lilikoi (passion fruit) foam topping and enough rum in ‘em to make you feel like Captain Jack Sparrow. Don’t drink too many, though. Adventure calls.
Parasailing with Xtreme Parasail is one of the more thrilling things you can do in Honolulu. What’s parasailing? It’s a water sport where you’re strapped into a harness attached to a parachute and gently lifted into the air as a boat tows you across the ocean. Xtreme Parasail offers the highest flight in the city (1,200ft). The quiet, floating sensation and breathtaking views of Diamond Head are truly something else.
Follow your ride with another quiet afternoon on the beach, or consider renting a surfboard from Moku Hawaii to see if you can put your surf lesson to use.
Hula, Fine Dining, and Acrobatics
As the sun sets on your last day, head to House Without a Key. This is one of the more memorable restaurants in the city. Sure, it’s at a hotel (Halekulani), but don’t let that deter you. Aside from fabulous food, bevs, and ocean views, they put on Hawaiian music and hula every night.
Got a little extra energy? Cirque du Soleil has been running a show called ‘Auana at Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel since 2024. As with any Cirque du Soleil performance, it’s chock-full of jaw-dropping acrobatics and moving music. It tells the story of all of the elements that come together to make Hawaii special (sand, lava, ocean, surfing, plantlife, beachgoers, and more). A truly breathtaking way to wrap up your trip
Aloha
Three days in Honolulu is just enough to grasp the rhythm of the city and just enough to make it hard to leave. Between time in and on the water, island adventures, relaxed beach hours, and evenings that melt into sunset, it’s no wonder people end up coming back for more. Ready to try it for yourself? Book that plane ticket!
