48 Hours in Honolulu

The Hawaiian Islands are like nowhere else on earth, with their natural beauty, slower pace of life, and opportunities to connect with nature. As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu embodies this unique blend.

Despite its bustling metro area population of 1.1 million people, Honolulu balances the dynamic feel of a big city with the laid-back ambiance of a tropical paradise. You can stick your feet in the sand, dine under brilliant sunsets, snorkel with colorful fish, and embrace the casual island vibe.

Our family has a yearly tradition of spending a week together in Hawaii. Even when I’m headed to one of Hawaii’s other islands, I like to spend a few days on O’ahu exploring Honolulu. In just 48 hours, you can get a good feel for it.

If it’s your first time in Honolulu, I recommend booking a ticket on the Waikiki Trolley, a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus that will allow you to explore the city at your own pace. It stops at many popular locations and will give you an overview of what the city offers.

Wondering what else to do in Honolulu with limited time? There’s plenty to explore, from iconic beaches to historic landmarks. Here are my recommendations for a two-day visit.

Waikīkī

Many visitors to Honolulu want to visit Waikīkī. This world-famous neighborhood, once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, is now the bustling heart of Honolulu.

My family likes staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort while making the most of a short stay in Honolulu. This oceanfront resort has a wide, beautiful beach, which was a favorite with my kids when they were little, and it provides a perfect location in the heart of Waikīkī. You can walk to many activities, shops, and restaurants, including Duke’s Waikiki, a legendary watering hole famous for its Hula Pie, a massive slice of macadamia nut ice cream in a chocolate cookie crust topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts. Yes, Duke’s may be a bit touristy, but the fun atmosphere and the delicious Hula Pie make it worth a stop.

Waikīkī Beach

Hawaii is famous for its beaches, of course, and Waikīkī Beach is the best-known in the state. It’s where Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, learned and taught people how to surf. Today, it’s a thriving surfing destination, welcoming everyone from expert surfers to those catching their first wave.

I love walking the shoreline, soaking in views of the beach, the Honolulu skyline, and the striking Diamond Head, a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater. Waikīkī Beach also is an excellent place to swim, picnic or just relax with a good book. It’s often bustling with activity, so if you’re in search of a quieter atmosphere, here’s a tip: Head to either end of this two-mile-long stretch of sand.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is more than a tourist attraction; it’s a place of great historical significance and an essential stop in Honolulu.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941, marked the United States' entry into World War II, a turning point that would reshape both our nation and the world. The Memorial, with its respectful and honorable portrayal of the story, is a testament to the heroism that took place that day. You’ll need several hours to visit since there is much to see, from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials.

A few tips:

• Book your tickets online in advance, if possible.
• The setting can get hot and humid, so dress appropriately. There is a lot of walking, too, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Although you can’t bring backpacks (they can be stored at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum on-site), you can bring a water bottle.
• Parking is limited. We took an Uber the last time we visited to avoid the search for a parking spot. You can also take the local bus, and many hotels offer shuttle bus services.

The Chinatown Neighborhood

Like other cities, Honolulu has many unique neighborhoods. Chinatown is a favorite of mine. It’s close to the financial district and is a culturally rich hub featuring dim sum restaurants, tiny eateries, small stores, colorful temples, galleries, and farmers markets. If you time it right, you can finish your day with dinner in Chinatown. Our favorite meal there was at Thuong An Lac Vietnamese Vegan Restaurant, a six-table Vietnamese restaurant, where we had delicious noodles with spring rolls and bahn bao. The complimentary tea was a delightful complement.

Outrigger Canoe Surfing

You don’t have to leave the city for outdoor adventure. Head out in the morning for some Outrigger canoe surfing with Waikīkī Beach Services. It’s a fun way to experience an authentic Hawaiian water activity without taking a traditional surf lesson. This adventure delivers just what it promises: an exhilarating ride on an outrigger canoe, a practice that is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Anyone 5 years old and up is welcome to ride. Your skilled guides will take care of everything. It’s a perfect adventure for a whole family.

The Bishop Museum

Many visitors to Honolulu miss this museum, and that’s a shame. It’s one of the best places I’ve visited to learn about Hawaiian history, culture and traditions.

It was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, a local businessman and philanthropist, in memory of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a direct descendant of the Kamehameha Dynasty, a royal family credited with laying the foundation for modern Hawaii. The museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 25 million items, including cultural artifacts, historical documents, and photos about Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures. Exploring its exhibits gave me a deeper appreciation for Hawaii's rich culture and the resilience and warmth of its people.

Two days in Honolulu is enough to give you a taste of what this vibrant city offers, and with so many exciting things to do in Honolulu, you'll undoubtedly be planning your next visit soon.