Welcome to Waikīkī—iconic sunsets, beachfront style, and easy aloha.

A visitor-friendly Waikīkī 7‑day plan works best as a “split stay”: 4 days based in central Waikīkī (walkable, beach-first) + 3 days at the west end near Ala Moana/Kakaʻako (easier for downtown, museums, food, and day trips). Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay both require advance planning, so those are scheduled early with official reservation links.

7-day Waikīkī itinerary (split stay)

Split stay suggestion: Nights 1–4 central Waikīkī (Kalākaua Ave area); nights 5–7 west Waikīkī/Ala Moana edge for faster access to Kakaʻako + downtown. (This reduces commute time for cultural sites and restaurants.)​

Day 1 — Arrive + “classic Waikīkī”

• Beach time + sunset stroll along Waikīkī shoreline (easy first day, low logistics).​

• Optional: Waikīkī Aquarium for a short indoor break near Kapiʻolani Park.​

• Evening: early dinner and a low-key walk through the main shopping strip (Kalākaua Ave).​

Day 2 — Diamond Head + beach afternoon

• Morning: Hike Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) with required reservations (book ahead).​

• Afternoon: recover with beach time; keep this flexible for swimming, surf lessons, or a nap.​

• Evening: casual food + people-watching in Waikīkī.​

Day 3 — Snorkel day (Hanauma Bay)

• Morning: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (reserve online; closed Mondays/Tuesdays and reservations are handled through the City’s system).​

• Afternoon: return to Waikīkī for a relaxed lunch + pool/beach downtime.​

• Evening: early night (snorkel days are tiring and start early).​

Day 4 — North Shore day trip

• Full day: Haleʻiwa + North Shore beaches; keep stops minimal and spend time in one or two places rather than rushing.​

• Evening: final night in central Waikīkī—pack lightly for next-day hotel move.​

Day 5 — Move hotels + Kakaʻako / Ala Moana

• Morning: switch to west Waikīkī/Ala Moana edge lodging (short move, big convenience upgrade for the rest of the week).​

• Afternoon: Kakaʻako for murals/shops/coffee + Ala Moana area for shopping.​

• Evening: dinner around Kakaʻako/Ala Moana (excellent variety, less crowded than central Waikīkī).​

Day 6 — Downtown Honolulu culture day

• Morning: ʻIolani Palace (reserve/tour planning via official site).​

• Midday: Bishop Museum for Hawaiian and Pacific history and science exhibits.​

• Evening: return to Ala Moana/Waikīkī edge for dinner.​

Day 7 — Pearl Harbor + depart (or last beach morning)

• Morning: Pearl Harbor National Memorial (plan ahead; the National Park Service site provides key visit details).​

• Afternoon: last swim / souvenir shopping / packing.​

Top 10 activities (doable from Waikīkī)

• Diamond Head hike (reservation required for most visitors).​

• Hanauma Bay snorkeling (reservation rules via City site).​

• Waikīkī Beach day (swim, surf, paddle).​

• Waikīkī Aquarium visit.​

• ʻIolani Palace tour.​

• Bishop Museum visit.​

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial visit (USS Arizona program planning info via NPS).​

• Kapiʻolani Park stroll/picnic (pairs well with Aquarium area).​

• North Shore day trip via Haleʻiwa.​

• Ala Moana shopping + beach park time (easy, flexible “buffer day” option).​

Top 10 attractions (mix of Waikīkī + easy Oʻahu)

• Diamond Head State Monument.​

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.​

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial.​

• ʻIolani Palace.​

• Bishop Museum.​

• Waikīkī Aquarium.​

• Haleʻiwa (North Shore town).​

• Waikīkī (neighborhood/beachfront district).​

• Ala Moana area (shopping + shoreline).​

• Kakaʻako (arts/food district adjacent to Ala Moana).​

Top 10 restaurants (confirm preferences)

• Budget per person (e.g., under $25 / $25–$60 / $60+)

• Must-have cuisines (Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, steak, vegan, etc.)

• Any dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies)

Top 10 shopping

• Ala Moana Center (largest one-stop option near Waikīkī’s west edge).​

• Waikīkī main strip (Kalākaua Ave area for souvenirs and brands).​

• Kakaʻako boutiques and local makers (good for gifts).​

Official links (starter set)

These are official planning links for the most logistics-heavy stops:

Diamond Head reservations: 

• https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead/about

Hanauma Bay (City & County info): 

• https://www.honolulu.gov/dpr/hanauma-bay-nature-preserve/

Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NPS): 

• https://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

ʻIolani Palace: 

• https://www.iolanipalace.org

Bishop Museum: 

• https://www.bishopmuseum.org

Waikīkī Aquarium: 

• https://www.waikikiaquarium.org