Best Day Trips from Honolulu
The dreamy pull of Waikiki’s waves and Day-Glo sunsets over Diamond Head are strong. Throw in world-class resorts, some of Hawaii’s best shopping, dining, art, and nightlife, and it’s no wonder bustling Honolulu is often travelers’ first and only Hawaii stop.
However, the rolling green Ko’olau Mountains just beyond the capital’s skyscrapers allude to adventurous alternatives a short drive from downtown. Thanks to the archipelago’s geography and short commuter flights, even neighboring islands are just a day trip away.
Napali Coast, Kaua’i
Best for Epic Views
The flight to Kaua’i takes just 35 minutes, but memories of the waterfall-lined Napali Coast cliffs will last a lifetime. Sailboats and catamarans depart from several southern harbors for day and sunset cruises.
If opting for a later tour, spend the morning exploring the striated red rocks of Waimea Canyon. At 36,000 feet, it’s nearly as deep as the cliffs are high. Helicopter tours also offer great views, occasionally coupling aerial highlights with land-based excursions.
Getting There: Hourly flights depart Honolulu for Lihue each day. From there, rent a car or arrange a tour that meets in Lihue.
Kilauea Volcano, Island of Hawai’i
Best for Otherworldly Landscapes
Larger than all the other islands combined, it would be impossible to experience Hawaii Island in a single day. Instead, focus on its undisputed highlight: the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the best place to start, featuring its still-steaming sulfur banks, hikeable hardened lava lake in Kilauea Iki Crater, and otherworldly formations along the Chain of Craters Road. If you have time, explore Kilauea’s impacts outside park boundaries, including the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, which shares details about the 2018 eruption. The best place to see a small part of this eruption is Pohoiki, the newest black sand beach.
Getting There: A 50-minute flight from Honolulu to Hilo provides access. Tours depart from Hilo for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or rent a car for the most flexibility.
Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu
Best for History Lessons
Perhaps the most popular day trip from Honolulu is a visit to Pearl Harbor and the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This area includes four main attractions that honor the infamous WWII Japanese attacks: the USS Arizona Memorial, floating atop the sunken warship; the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park; the USS Missouri Memorial; and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island.
Getting There: At just over 10 miles from Waikiki, it’s more affordable to reach there via public transit, though tour companies streamline the process by arranging timed tickets and navigating the red tape related to visits to an active military base.
Kualoa Ranch, Oʻahu
Best for Cinematic Landscapes
Visit Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve on the island’s east side, known as “Hollywood’s backlot,” these 4000 acres may be recognizable from films like Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and Godzilla.
This privately-owned preserve also holds cultural significance. It served as a safe haven for Hawaiian natives. Today, the area’s open valleys and rainforest continue to offer a sense of adventure.
Visitors can explore the park via electric mountain bikes or join experiences like the Jurassic Adventure Tour, which showcases famous filming sites. Additionally, catamaran tours provide a dreamy view of Kaneohe Bay.
Getting There: Kualoa Ranch is about 45 minutes from Waikiki Beach by car, with several bus routes stopping at the ranch.
Central Oʻahu and The North Shore
Best for Surf Beaches
Just north of Pearl Harbor, Highway 2 leads to the legendary North Shore, which is renowned for its epic winter surf. Along the way, stop at the sacred Hawaiian birthing stones before navigating the Dole Plantation’s pineapple fields.
From the surfer town of Hale’iwa, head down the coastal road to Waimea Falls, taste locally-grown coffee, and hike amid nesting albatross in Ka’ena Point State Park. Conclude the day with a spectacle and luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Getting There: It’s about 30 miles from Honolulu to Haleiwa, but plan for an hour-and-a-half drive. While TheBus services the North Shore, hiring a car is recommended for flexibility.
Hanauma Bay and Windward Oʻahu
Best for Snorkeling and Kayaking
On the other side of Diamond Head lies Hanauma, a sunken volcanic cone forming a natural bay filled with vibrant marine life. It hosts Oʻahu’s best snorkeling, including encounters with sea turtles, eels, and colorful fish.
Head to vibrant Kailua on the Windward Side for surfer-chic shops or to rent a kayak to visit Mokolua Islands off Lanikai Beach. Before returning, explore the tranquility of the Valley of the Temples and the Bayodo-In, a recreation of a UNESCO-designated Buddhist temple.
Getting There: Public transit routes or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can reach this area easily.
Road to Hana, Maui
Best for Road Tripping
Explore the 50-mile iconic Hana Highway, which winds around East Maui, featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges. Enjoy swimmable waterfalls, spectacular coastal views, roadside fruit stalls, and more along the verdant route.
The best way to experience the Road to Hana is via guided tours or by flying to Hana on Mokulele Airlines if you plan to stay in Hana town. Locals advise against driving due to the high traffic volume.
Getting There: Daily flights connect Honolulu and Kahului in 43 minutes. Rent a car at the airport or use tour services for a guided experience.
