Honolulu, Oahu 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Honolulu

Arrive at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) after a direct flight from Calgary.

Collect your baggage and head to your accommodation.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your highly-rated apartment building in Waikiki, offering ocean views and convenient amenities for your family.

Utilize the kitchen to prepare some meals and save on dining costs.

Waikiki Beach Stroll & Sunset

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the famous Waikiki Beach.

Take in the vibrant atmosphere, feel the sand between your toes, and watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset.

The beach is just a 10-minute walk from your accommodation.

Family Dinner in Waikiki

Dine at a family-friendly restaurant in Waikiki.

There are many casual options available that cater to diverse tastes and budgets.

Consider Duke's Waikiki for a lively atmosphere or Cheeseburger in Paradise for a casual meal with a view. Many places offer kids' menus.

Iolani Palace Tour

Explore Iolani Palace, the only official residence of royalty in the United States.

Discover Hawaiian monarchy history and beautifully restored interiors.

Book tickets in advance. Audio tours are available and highly recommended.

Kawaiahaʻo Church Visit

Visit the historic Kawaiahaʻo Church, known as the 'Westminster Abbey of Hawaii.

' This coral-block church holds significant historical importance.

Check for self-guided tour availability. Dress respectfully.

Lunch in Downtown Honolulu

Grab a quick and affordable lunch in the downtown area.

Many local eateries offer plate lunches and other Hawaiian specialties.

Aliʻiōlani Hale & King Kamehameha Statue

Admire the stunning architecture of Aliʻiōlani Hale, now the Hawaii State Judiciary building, and view the iconic King Kamehameha I statue out front.

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is also located inside and worth a quick visit (rated 4.7/5).

Pool Time & Relaxation

Return to your accommodation for some well-deserved relaxation by the pool or on your private lanai.

Dinner near Ala Moana Center

Explore dining options around the Ala Moana Center, a large open-air shopping mall with a wide range of restaurants and food court options suitable for families.

Foster Botanical Garden

Explore the diverse collection of tropical plants, including many rare and endangered species, at Foster Botanical Garden.

A peaceful oasis in the city.

Bring insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes. Admission fees apply.

Honolulu Museum of Art

Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA), featuring a collection spanning Asian, European, and American art, as well as Hawaiian traditional art.

They have a lovely cafe for lunch if interested.

Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch near the museum or head back towards Waikiki for more options.

Free Afternoon / Beach Time

Enjoy some free time.

Relax at the beach, swim in the hotel pool, or do some souvenir shopping in Waikiki.

Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise

Embark on Hawaii's most popular sunset dinner cruise aboard the luxurious Star of Honolulu.

Enjoy dinner, entertainment, and potentially whale watching (seasonal).

Book well in advance, especially for a family. Prices vary based on dinner package. Whale watching season runs through mid-May.

Morning at Waikiki Beach

Enjoy a relaxing morning at Waikiki Beach.

Build sandcastles, swim in the gentle waters, or try a beginner surf lesson.

Surf lessons can be booked on the beach. Pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.

Hawaii Food Tour Experience

Join Hawaii Food Tours, created by Hawaii's #1 Food Writer, Chef Matthew Gray.

Experience local flavors and discover hidden culinary gems. Voted Best Tours on Oahu.

This tour is perfect for food-loving families and often includes multiple tastings, serving as lunch. Check specific tour details for family suitability.

Souvenir Shopping

Browse the shops along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki for souvenirs, local crafts, and Hawaiian clothing.

Casual Family Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Waikiki's many casual eateries or opt to use your apartment's kitchen facilities for a home-cooked meal.

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, museums, and exhibits at Pearl Harbor to learn about this pivotal moment in US history.

This is a profound and educational experience for all ages.

Book tickets well in advance, especially for the USS Arizona Memorial program, as they often sell out. No bags larger than a small clutch are allowed.

Lunch at Pearl Harbor

Have a quick lunch at one of the cafes or concession stands available at Pearl Harbor.

Honolulu Police Dept Museum

Visit the Honolulu's Police Department Museum to see artifacts and learn about the history of law enforcement in Hawaii.

Check opening hours as they can be limited.

Honolulu Harbor View

Take a short walk to Honolulu Harbor to observe the working port and enjoy views of the ships and waterfront.

Dinner at Leisure

Enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Explore another Waikiki restaurant, try a local food truck, or prepare a meal at your accommodation.

Dole Plantation Visit

Start your North Shore journey with a visit to the Dole Plantation.

Explore the Pineapple Garden Maze, take a ride on the Pineapple Express train, and enjoy some famous Dole Whip ice cream. A fun stop for the whole family.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Consider buying tickets online in advance. Remember your camera for the maze and pineapple fields!

Sunset Beach & Food Trucks

Experience the legendary North Shore beaches.

Visit Sunset Beach to watch surfers (in winter months) or simply enjoy the vast sandy stretches. Grab a delicious and affordable lunch from one of the many famous food trucks in the area, offering shrimp, poke, and other local favorites.

Food trucks are typically cash-only, so bring some local currency. Be mindful of strong currents and waves if swimming, especially with kids. Supervise children closely.

Laniakea Turtle Beach

Head to Laniakea Beach, often called 'Turtle Beach', where Hawaiian green sea turtles frequently bask on the sand.

Observe these magnificent creatures from a respectful distance (do not approach or touch them).

Parking can be challenging; consider parking further down the road and walking. Volunteers are often present to help ensure respectful viewing distances. Bring binoculars for a closer look.

Dinner in Haleiwa

Enjoy a relaxed family dinner in the charming surf town of Haleiwa.

Choose from various local eateries offering fresh seafood and Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

Many restaurants here are casual and family-friendly. Check out Giovanni's Shrimp Truck for a classic North Shore experience.

Foster Botanical Garden

Spend a peaceful morning exploring Foster Botanical Garden, Honolulu's oldest botanical garden. Marvel at rare trees, stunning orchids, and an impressive collection of tropical plants. It's a serene escape from the city bustle.

An easy walk for all ages. Bring bug spray, especially after rain. Parking is available. Rating: 4.6/5.

Waikiki Beach & Lunch

Enjoy a final dip in the warm waters of Waikiki Beach or simply relax on the sand.

Afterwards, have a casual lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants or cafes near the beach.

Public restrooms and showers are available. Lifeguards are on duty. Great spot for people-watching and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Consider a local plate lunch spot for a budget-friendly and authentic meal.

Waikiki Souvenir Shopping

Take some time to pick up last-minute souvenirs and gifts along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.

Find everything from Hawaiian shirts and ukuleles to local snacks and handcrafted items.

Prices vary widely. Don't be afraid to browse multiple shops to find the best deals. Duty-Free stores are also available.

Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise

Embark on a memorable dinner and whale watch cruise aboard the luxurious Star of Honolulu.

Enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment, and stunning sunset views of the Waikiki coastline. In February, you're also at the peak of whale watching season!

Booking required. Dress code is typically resort casual. Arrive early for boarding. This is Hawaii's most popular sunset dinner cruise! Rating: 4.4/5.

Final Packing & Relaxation

Return to your accommodation to complete your packing and relax after a full day of activities.

Ensure all travel documents are organized for your departure tomorrow.

Check airline baggage allowances to avoid last-minute fees.