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9 Days in Paradise: Honolulu Adventure

Tayler S.

Tayler S.

6 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling 9-day journey through the vibrant city of Honolulu, where ancient marvels meet modern wonders. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this tropical paradise as you explore museums, soak up the sun on stunning beaches, and discover breathtaking natural landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Honolulu!

Day 1Artistic Delights and Royal Grandeur
+

$297

·

$ 15

Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
An expansive collection of over 50,000 works housed in an impressive building with gift shop & cafe.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$125
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Iolani Palace
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
$172
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Hawaii Theatre
Restored 1920s landmark hosting a variety of live performances in an ornate, mural-covered space.
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Free
Day 2Discovering History and Submarine Secrets
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$282

·

$ 30

Bishop Museum
A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$156
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Moanalua Gardens
Peaceful 24-acre park known for an annual hula festival & rare plantings including monkeypod trees.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Historical artifacts from WWII & an exhibit on naval ships presented in this wartime submarine.
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$125
Day 3Thrills, Battleships, and Majestic Views
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$500

·

$ 30

Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii
Family-friendly water park features thrilling slides, a lazy river, wave pool & concession stands.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$312
29 - 35 min

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Battleship Missouri Memorial
Storied battleship, site of the official Japanese surrender in WWII, hosting exhibits, tours & more.
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
$187
47 - 57 min

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Directions

Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park
Scenic lookout featuring striking views of the Diamond Head volcano cone & the Waikiki skyline.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Free
Day 4Aviation Marvels, Beach Bliss, and Zoo Fun
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$282

·

$ 30

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
WWII-focused museum presenting historical aircraft, exhibits & even a simulated flight experience.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$156
31 - 38 min

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Directions

Waikiki Beach Walk
Open-air, 2-level mall with boutiques & restaurants, plus weekly yoga, hula & concerts.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Kūhiō Beach
Family-friendly Waikiki beach park with shallow, lagoon-like water & statues honoring local legends.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Honolulu Zoo
Popular spot for families spanning 42 acres with lush gardens & over 900 animals.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
$125
Day 5Aquatic Wonders, Crater Summit, and Dolphin Delight
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$151

·

$ 45

Waikiki Aquarium
Small aquarium featuring 3,000+ Hawaiian & tropical Pacific marine animals, plus multiple exhibits.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$88
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Summit of Diamond Head Crater
A historic hiking trail leads visitors to this iconic summit, with panoramic ocean & city views.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
15 - 22 min

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Directions

Diamond Head State Monument
A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$63
16 - 20 min

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Dolphin Quest Oahu - Swim with Dolphins
Interactive dolphin experiences including swimming, feeding & petting in an enclosed lagoon.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Free
21 - 26 min

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Directions

China Walls
Stretch of lava-rock ledges & cliffs above the ocean attracting experienced surfers & jumpers.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Free
Day 6Caves, Beaches, and Parks Galore
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$32

·

$ 45

Spitting Cave
Cliff shoreline reached by steep steps, where waves crashing into a cave "spit" out water.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
23 - 28 min

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Waiʻalae Beach Park
Oceanfront park offering a pristine setting for sun, picnics & water activities.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
15 - 18 min

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Diamond Head
Iconic volcanic peak, home to hiking trails & remains of historical military fortifications.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$31
14 - 17 min

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Kapiʻolani Regional Park
A public, oceanfront park with volcano views, a beach, volleyball, picnicking & canoeing.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Free
12 - 17 min

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Kaimana Beach
Family-friendly ocean retreat offering shallow waters, a snorkeling reef & surfing spots.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Free
Day 7Military Heritage, Botanical Beauty, and Waterfalls
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$32

·

$ 30

Hawaii Army Museum Society
Beachside artillery battery once used to defend now houses both ancient & modern military artifacts.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
29 - 35 min

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Lyon Arboretum
194-acre tropical rainforest features 5,000 exotic plants, singing birds & a self-guided hike.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$31
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Mānoa Falls Trail
This picturesque rainforest trail leading to Mānoa Falls has appeared in several movies.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free
32 - 39 min

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Directions

Lānaʻi Lookout
Popular lookout point featuring panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs & neighboring islands.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Free
Day 8Lighthouses, Falls, and Garden Escapes
+

$50

·

$ 45

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
44 - 53 min

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Manoa Falls
A celebrated hiking area, this 150-foot waterfall is set amid tropical vegetation & an arboretum.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$31
30 - 36 min

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Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Historic site marking a 1795 battle, featuring sweeping coastal cliff & mountain peak views.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$19
28 - 34 min

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Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
400 acres of tropical plants along with a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails & camping.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Free
Day 9Hidden Falls, Pristine Beaches, and Botanical Marvels
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$47

·

$ 30

Lulumahu Falls
Unofficial, unmarked trail that crosses the creek through a bamboo forest leading to Lulumahu Falls.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
38 - 46 min

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Hanauma Bay
This popular nature preserve on a bay features a beach, green sea turtles, parrotfish & more.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
$47
8 - 10 min

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Sandy Beach
Surfers are drawn to the large waves at this scenic beach with food trucks often in the parking lot.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free
28 - 42 min

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Koko Crater Botanical Garden
This 200-acre crater with lake & beach is planted with 60 acres of blooming plants, cacti & foliage.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $1970 In total

Activities & Food:$1670
Transport:$300