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Oahu in 3 Days: Honolulu, North Shore & Diamond Head

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

Waikiki and Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and a day on the North Shore's legendary surf beaches.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Diamond Head

    Diamond Head State Monument

    A steep 1.6-mile round trip to a crater rim with a view over Waikiki.

    Tip: Out-of-state visitors need a timed reservation.

  2. Waikiki Beach

    Waikiki

    Surf lessons, outrigger canoe rides and sunset mai tais.

  3. Leonard's Bakery malasadas

    933 Kapahulu Ave

    Hot Portuguese doughnuts rolled in sugar, a Honolulu tradition since 1952.

  4. Waikiki sunset

    Kuhio Beach

    Sunset on the beach, with free hula shows at Kuhio Beach on some evenings.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial

    Pearl Harbor National Memorial

    The memorial over the sunken USS Arizona and the museums.

    Tip: Reserve the free USS Arizona program ahead; no bags allowed.

  2. Iolani Palace

    364 S King St

    The only royal palace on US soil, home of Hawaii's last monarchs.

  3. Chinatown Honolulu

    Chinatown

    Markets, lei shops and some of the city's best restaurants.

  4. Hanauma Bay

    A protected volcanic bay for snorkeling.

    Tip: Reservations required; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Day 3 · 4 stops

  1. Haleiwa

    The North Shore town for shave ice, garlic shrimp trucks and surf shops.

  2. Laniakea Beach

    Green sea turtles often rest on the sand.

    Tip: Keep at least 10 feet away from turtles.

  3. Waimea Bay

    Calm swimming and a jumping rock in summer; giant waves in winter.

  4. Banzai Pipeline & Sunset Beach

    Ehukai Beach Park

    The world-famous surf break, best watched in winter.

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