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10 Days in Honolulu: A Tropical Adventure

David CG

David CG

20 Nov 2023

Join me on a 10-day journey to Honolulu, where we'll explore stunning landmarks, immerse ourselves in rich culture, and soak up the sun on beautiful beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable tropical adventure!

Day 1
+

$94

·

$ 6

Diamond Head State Monument
A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$25
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Iolani Palace
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
$69
Day 2
+

$63

·

$ 12

Aliʻiolani Hale
Home to the State Supreme Court, this historic building has a courtyard with a famed gold statue.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
25 - 30 min

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Directions

Diamond Head Lighthouse
Beachside lookout run by the US Coast Guard & used as a finish marker for yacht races.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
5 - 6 min

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Directions

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
Heiress Doris Duke's dramatic estate serves as a gallery for her acclaimed Islamic art collection.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$63
Day 3
+

$38

·

$ 6

Lyon Arboretum
194-acre tropical rainforest features 5,000 exotic plants, singing birds & a self-guided hike.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$13
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Queen Emma Summer Palace
Once the summer palace for Queen Emma & family, this 19th-century home is now a museum with tours.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
$25
Day 4
+

$25

·

$ 12

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi
Center with Japanese history & traditional culture exhibits, martial arts, teahouse & gift store.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Magic Island
Artificial peninsula offering a beach area, grassy spaces, sunset views & a yearly fireworks show.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
Complex with restored homes & workplaces of 19th-century Christian missionaries & a visitor center.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
$25
Day 5
+

$0

·

$ 12

Kapiʻolani Regional Park
A public, oceanfront park with volcano views, a beach, volleyball, picnicking & canoeing.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Washington Place
Built in 1847, this mansion has been the home of Hawaii's rulers, starting with Queen Lili'uokalani.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
27 - 33 min

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Directions

Kāne‘ohe Bay
Large, sheltered bay offering swimming, snorkeling & kayaking around its coral reefs & 5 islands.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
Day 6
+

$0

·

$ 6

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Natural hiking area with paved trail & overlook, ocean views, lighthouse & whale-watching potential.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Halona Beach Cove
Small, scenic cove surrounded by jagged cliffs features a sandy beach & sweeping views at sunrise.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 7
+

$19

·

$ 12

Koko Crater Botanical Garden
This 200-acre crater with lake & beach is planted with 60 acres of blooming plants, cacti & foliage.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Halona Blow Hole
Geysers of seawater shoot as high as 30 feet through this lava tube in a scenic cove.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Hanauma Bay
This popular nature preserve on a bay features a beach, green sea turtles, parrotfish & more.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$19
Day 8
+

$70

·

$ 12

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
Steep hike up an abandoned railroad track on Koko Crater, with dramatic ocean & city views.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
42 - 51 min

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Directions

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Historic site marking a 1795 battle, featuring sweeping coastal cliff & mountain peak views.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$8
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Bishop Museum
A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
$63
Day 9
+

$50

·

$ 6

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Historical artifacts from WWII & an exhibit on naval ships presented in this wartime submarine.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$50
31 - 38 min

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Directions

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
400 acres of tropical plants along with a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails & camping.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
Day 10
+

$138

Battleship Missouri Memorial
Storied battleship, site of the official Japanese surrender in WWII, hosting exhibits, tours & more.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$75
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
WWII-focused museum presenting historical aircraft, exhibits & even a simulated flight experience.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
$63

Budget breakdown: $579 In total

Activities & Food:$495
Transport:$84