How to enjoy the perfect weekend getaway in Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii, is a renowned vacation hotspot, celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, historical sites, stunning hikes, and famous beaches. As a lifelong Oʻahu resident, I find Honolulu to be the ultimate destination for exciting events, culinary adventures, and a lively nightlife, where tourists and locals come together to share the city's top experiences under sunny skies and fusion cuisine.

• Best time to arrive: Aim to land on Thursday, ideally after the morning rush from 7am to 9am, to maximize your long weekend in Honolulu.
• Airport transportation: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is just 5 miles from downtown Honolulu. A quick 15-minute rideshare or a rental car is convenient, but you can also take the public bus, which takes about 35 minutes.
• Getting around: Once in Honolulu, you can use rideshare, public transportation, or rent a car. While a rental is handy for accessing certain beaches and hikes—or if you want to venture beyond Honolulu—parking can be tricky and costly.
• Accommodation options: There are numerous places to stay, ranging from the Kahala Hotel & Resort near Diamond Head to the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach. Ultimately, your budget will likely guide your choice of accommodation in Honolulu.
• What to bring: Don't forget beachwear and hiking clothes, along with a smart-casual outfit for dinners. Be sure to include reef-safe sunscreen in your packing list.

Friday

Morning: Kick off your time in Honolulu with a breakfast inspired by the islands at Moena Cafe, then embark on the scenic Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail. This easy, 2.5-mile round-trip paved hike offers breathtaking ocean views and the chance to spot winter whales spouting. Don’t forget to capture some photos of the charming lighthouse at the trail's end, along with Manana Island (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu Island State Seabird Sanctuary.

How to enjoy the day: Grab your snorkel gear and apply reef-safe sunscreen before diving into the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay State Park. Keep an eye out for turtles, octopuses, and the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua‘a (triggerfish). It's a great idea to bring your own lunch to savor at the bay, with local grocery stores offering convenient grab-and-go options.

To visit Hanauma Bay, you must make reservations online in advance. The available time slots fill up quickly, so make sure to refresh the reservation page as tickets are released—two days prior at 7am HST.

Dinner: Treat yourself to an exquisite omakase sushi dinner at Sushi Sho. Situated in the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, this restaurant features the finest local and Japanese ingredients for a unique culinary experience. Although it’s on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth the splurge. Remember to make reservations early, as there are only 10 seats available in the restaurant.

After dark: A beloved tradition at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is the Friday night fireworks show. Spread out a towel on the beach or take a moonlit dip in the hotel pool if you're staying there, and enjoy the vibrant display illuminating the night sky.

Saturday

Morning: Begin your Saturday at the Kakaʻako Farmers Market. With over 100 vendors offering everything from fresh tropical fruits to artisan crafts and ready-to-eat meals, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your day.

How to spend the day: Embark on a walking tour of the historic sites in downtown Honolulu. Begin at ‘Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, and former residence of Hawaiian royalty. Then, make your way to Ali‘iolani Hale, Kawaiahaʻo Church, and the State Capitol Building, all conveniently located within a short stroll. For lunch, visit Chinatown for a taste of modern Vietnamese cuisine at The Pig & The Lady.

Dinner: Dive deeper into Native Hawaiian culture with the Experience Nutridge luau. Situated just 15 minutes from Honolulu at Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa Wayside Park, this intimate luau hosts 50 to 70 guests each evening, allowing for an engaging experience without long waits. Relish traditional Hawaiian dishes like kālua pig (pulled pork), laulau (meat-filled taro leaves), and haupia (coconut pudding). Engage in traditional games and crafts, including ‘o‘o ihe (spear throwing) and lei making, and enjoy captivating hula and fire dancing performances.

Sunday

Morning: Begin your last morning in Honolulu with a steaming cup of Hawaiian coffee and a delicious pastry from Kona Coffee Purveyors. Take some time to explore the International Marketplace and discover unique souvenirs, such as pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies from Honolulu Cookie Co. and handcrafted island-themed earrings from Sun.daes.

How to spend the day: No visit to Honolulu or Waikiki is complete without experiencing Waikiki Beach. Bask in the sun on the sandy shores, take a dip in the ocean, or elevate your adventure with a surfing lesson from Moniz Family Surf to cap off your island getaway.

Before you know it, it will be time to head to the airport, but the allure of the sand and sea will surely beckon you back. On your next trip, consider taking the time to explore the rest of the island—from the beach-laden North Shore to the artistic community of Kailua.