good day trips from Honolulu?

[elaine]

For a (hopeful) Fall 2021 BI trip, we're thinking of adding 4 days at HHV in Honolulu (using HGVC points). We've been to H several times, have no desire to hang out on Waikiki beach, and plan to day trip each day. We're thinking early AM to Hanauma Bay to snorkel, hike up diamond head, drive across to Kalia beach area, Arizona, and then maybe stay 2 days at DVC Aulani just vegging. Any other good day trips to consider? We're not set on Honolulu and could also bag it and just head for Maui or Kauai as well.

 

[klpca]

We did the Shaka Guides app for Oahu and really enjoyed the driving tours. We especially liked the Waialua area and on the other side of the island the Buddhist Temple. It was just nice to drive until we saw or heard about something interesting and just stop and take a look.

 

[DaveNV]

I second the idea of driving around the island. It's an amazing way to spend a day, on your terms, and at your own pace.

Rent a car, head down through Waikiki to Kapiolani Park, up to Diamond Head, out to Hawaii Kai and Koko Head, then past Hanauma Bay, and keep going. See the Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach, Makapu'u Point, Waimanalo town, Bellows Beach (if you're military-connected somehow), Lanikai, Kailua Beach, Kaneohe Bay, then head up to the North Shore: Kahalu'u, Kualoa Ranch and Beach Park, Crouching Lion in Kaaawa, Laie, Kahuku, Sunset Beach, the Banzai Pipeline, Pupukea, Waimea Bay, and on into Haleiwa town. Head back toward Honolulu, past the pineapple fields. Stop at the Dole Plantation. Keep going till things reconnect with the H-1 freeway, and back to Waikiki. You can do the entire day without spending money unless you want to. If you see a nice beach, stop for a swim or a picnic. If the surf is up, there will be amazing surfers out in the water. Grab a beverage from the Coffee Gallery in Haleiwa. Have a piece of Chocolate Haupia pie at Ted's Bakery in Kahuku.

On another day, explore Honolulu's historic areas. Visit the Bishop Museum, then tour Iolani Palace, for a fantastic, eye-opening education into the amazing background of the Pacific Islands and Polynesian history. Visit the Arboretum. Visit Punchbowl Crater. Wander the Chinatown streets in old downtown Honolulu (Hotel Street, Beretania Street, A'ala Park.) Drive up the Pali Highway to see the incredible Pali Lookout. (Take the Nuuanu Pali Drive side road along the way to see some amazing vegetation.) Drive up above Waikiki to experience Tantalus (aka Roundtop Drive) for incredible views of Waikiki and Diamond Head from above and behind, with views out to the water and all along the south coast of the island. Have dinner at Nico's Pier 39 restaurant. Wander through Ala Moana Center. Take the elevator to the top of Aloha Tower.

And then in your spare time...

Dave

 

[tompalm]

 

[tompalm]

Include those stops in your drive after Hanamua Bay

Make Pearl Harbor a full day event and stop at Nico’s fish market on the way

North shore and Waimea Bay and park for a full day

Ko’Olina beach area and Disney Resort for one day and see historic site in Honolulu on the way home

 

[zentraveler]

Don't forget a stop at Leonard's Bakery for malasadas.

 

[DaveNV]

Don't forget a stop at Leonard's Bakery for malasadas.

Only if they're fresh and hot.

Dave

 

[zentraveler]

Getting there early is always good, but they do so much business that they are always fresh and hot! It is where we go first as we leave HNL for the drive around to the north coast and Haleiwa.

 

[artringwald]

Drive up above Waikiki to experience Tantalus (aka Roundtop Drive) for incredible views of Waikiki and Diamond Head from above and behind, with views out to the water and all along the south coast of the island.

Highly recommended! Puu Ualakaa State Park is the place to go to see the 180 degree panoramic view of the whole south side of Oahu.

The Diamond Head hike is best done early in the day before it gets to hot. You'll also get better pictures of Waikiki if the sun is at your back.

 

[artringwald]

I should add that I would not recommend island hopping. The flights are short, but there's way too much time wasted in transit. There's plenty to do on Oahu besides Waikiki, especially if you have a car.

 

[echino]

For those who like adventure / danger:

Pu'u Manamana Hike

Mokulēia Wall Rock Climbing

 

[csodjd]

Rent a car, head down through Waikiki to Kapiolani Park, up to Diamond Head, out to Hawaii Kai and Koko Head, then past Hanauma Bay, and keep going. See the Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach, Makapu'u Point, Waimanalo town, Bellows Beach (if you're military-connected somehow), Lanikai, Kailua Beach, Kaneohe Bay, then head up to the North Shore: Kahalu'u, Kualoa Ranch and Beach Park, Crouching Lion in Kaaawa, Laie, Kahuku, Sunset Beach, the Banzai Pipeline, Pupukea, Waimea Bay, and on into Haleiwa town. Head back toward Honolulu, past the pineapple fields. Stop at the Dole Plantation. Keep going till things reconnect with the H-1 freeway, and back to Waikiki. You can do the entire day without spending money unless you want to. If you see a nice beach, stop for a swim or a picnic. If the surf is up, there will be amazing surfers out in the water. Grab a beverage from the Coffee Gallery in Haleiwa. Have a piece of Chocolate Haupia pie at Ted's Bakery in Kahuku.

More or less a trip we do every year. We like to veer off into neighborhoods too and check out the housing.