10 Days in Paradise: Exploring Honolulu's Hidden Gems

Norbert Oláh

18 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure in Honolulu, where ancient history meets breathtaking natural wonders. Dive into the depths of USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, pay homage at the Arizona Memorial, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Pearl Harbor. Discover the grandeur of Battleship Missouri Memorial and the iconic King Kamehameha Statue. Uncover the treasures of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Queen Emma Summer Palace. Conquer the majestic Diamond Head State Monument and soak in the stunning views from the summit of Diamond Head Crater. Experience the serenity of Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design and Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park. Pay your respects at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and delve into the vibrant Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. Step back in time at Iolani Palace and witness the breathtaking Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout. Immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits of Bishop Museum. Finally, unwind at the picturesque Hanauma Bay, conquer the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead, and explore the enchanting Koko Crater Botanical Garden.

Trip to Honolulu

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Dive into History at USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

$50

$ 12

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

Directions

Historical artifacts from WWII & an exhibit on naval ships presented in this wartime submarine.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

Day 2Pay Homage at the Arizona Memorial and Explore Pearl Harbor

$ 18

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

33 - 40 min

Directions

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Step Aboard the Majestic Battleship Missouri Memorial and Admire the King Kamehameha Statue

$75

$ 18

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

Storied battleship, site of the official Japanese surrender in WWII, hosting exhibits, tours & more.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$75

24 - 29 min

Directions

Dedicated in 1883, this famous 18-ft bronze statue depicts the first king of the Hawaiian islands.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Uncover the Treasures of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Queen Emma Summer Palace

$88

$ 18

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

WWII-focused museum presenting historical aircraft, exhibits & even a simulated flight experience.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$63

25 - 30 min

Directions

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 5Conquer the Majestic Diamond Head State Monument and Soak in the Views from the Summit of Diamond Head Crater

$25

$ 12

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

34 - 41 min

Directions

A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

21 - 32 min

Directions

A historic hiking trail leads visitors to this iconic summit, with panoramic ocean & city views.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Immerse Yourself in Islamic Art at Shangri La Museum and Experience the Serenity of Tantalus Lookout

$75

$ 24

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

34 - 41 min

Directions

Iconic volcanic peak, home to hiking trails & remains of historical military fortifications.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

11 - 14 min

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.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$63

27 - 33 min

Directions

Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park

Scenic lookout featuring striking views of the Diamond Head volcano cone & the Waikiki skyline.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Pay Your Respects at the National Memorial Cemetery and Delve into Japanese Culture

$36

$ 24

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

22 - 27 min

Directions

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Historic burial site honoring the veterans of 4 wars & with striking views set in a volcanic crater.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Center with Japanese history & traditional culture exhibits, martial arts, teahouse & gift store.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Small aquarium featuring 3,000+ Hawaiian & tropical Pacific marine animals, plus multiple exhibits.

No time set

•

$35

Day 8Step Back in Time at Iolani Palace and Witness the Breathtaking Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

$77

$ 18

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

Directions

Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$69

20 - 24 min

Directions

Historic site marking a 1795 battle, featuring sweeping coastal cliff & mountain peak views.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Day 9Immerse Yourself in the Fascinating Exhibits of Bishop Museum

$63

$ 12

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

Directions

A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$63

Day 10Unwind at the Picturesque Hanauma Bay, Conquer the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead, and Explore the Enchanting Koko Crater Botanical Garden

$19

$ 24

Airport Honolulu Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

39 - 47 min

Directions

This popular nature preserve on a bay features a beach, green sea turtles, parrotfish & more.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$19

14 - 17 min

Directions

Steep hike up an abandoned railroad track on Koko Crater, with dramatic ocean & city views.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

This 200-acre crater with lake & beach is planted with 60 acres of blooming plants, cacti & foliage.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $686 In total

Activities & Food:$506

Transport:$180