A Guide to the Best One Day Layover in Honolulu, Hawai'i

By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to Honolulu contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for things to do during a one day layover in Honolulu? Don’t want to spend 6 hours in the airport?

This fast-paced itinerary guides you through activities in Honolulu that are attainable during a quick layover in the city. Walk down a world-famous beach, learn about Hawaiian history, and eat mouth-watering local food.

This itinerary was tested and loved by my family and me when we had a layover in Honolulu after visiting the island of Kauai. We had seven hours to explore the area, so we were able to prioritize everything that we wanted to see in a short amount of time.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport of Honolulu is conveniently located near the city center. You’re never more than a 30-minute drive away from the major sites, meaning that you can adequately enjoy your time during your layover.

Before we begin, it is imperative to remember that Hawai’i is an archipelago inhabited by native Hawaiians, and it is crucial that you remain respectful while visiting the islands. Remember to leave no trace and treat everyone with respect, because it is the least that we can do as visitors.

Happy sampling!

Is your layover in Honolulu a gateway to other Hawaiian islands? Check out our 4 Day Kauai, Hawai’i Itinerary and our 4 Day Big Island Itinerary, perfect for lovers of adventure.

Not sure which island to head to next? Read our guide on The Big Island of Hawaii vs Kauai: What Island Should You Visit?

Map of Honolulu for One Day Layover – Click for Google Maps!

Top Half-Day and Full-Day Tours in Honolulu

Logistics for a One Day Layover in Honolulu

Leaving the airport and exploring Honolulu in one day is incredibly easy from a logistical standpoint. There are only two steps before you are on your way!

Head to Baggage Storage

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is a fantastic place for a layover because they are set up to accommodate travelers who are transiting through the city. A lot of resources are in place to help individuals enjoy a day in Honolulu.

On-site baggage storage by SmarteCarte is a safe solution to store your luggage for the day. While they offer storage for weeks at a time, they also have a flat rate for 24 hours. The facility is located on the arrivals level of Baggage Claim E, and it costs approximately 23 USD per day to store hand and carry-on luggage.

We highly suggest packing a change of clothes at the top of your suitcase. When exploring Honolulu, wear light and breezy clothes, and change back into your plane outfit once you’re done sweating for the day!

Leave the Airport by Taking an Uber or Taki

The best way to get around Honolulu is by Uber or taxi. It might be a bit of a pricier option, but it is more effective and efficient. Most must-see sites in Honolulu are not that far from the airport itself, so you will have no trouble getting around.

Things to Do in Honolulu in One Day

There are two must-see activities that we highly recommend during your one day layover in Honolulu. See these two sites and grab food if you have a short amount of time, and if your layover is longer, follow the list after the restaurant recommendations.

(1) Pearl Harbor

The absolute top thing to do in Honolulu is to visit the National Park Service’s Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This is a place to reflect and learn about the Pearl Harbor attack on Hawai’i in 1941 as well as the history of Oahu and the reconstruction and reconciliation following World War Two. Tickets are not required as the grounds and museums are free to visit.

You may be familiar with the famous site of the USS Arizona, a floating memorial over the wreck of the sunken battleship. Tickets are required for this particular activity – when you make a reservation, the scheduled program time is your boat departure time, signifying the start of your 45-minute program. These programs run daily every 15 minutes, giving you ample options to choose from. The 45 minutes includes the US Navy boat shuttle to the USS Arizona floating site. Purchase tickets here.

Within the same grounds as the Pearl Harbor Memorial is the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. No reservations are required, although there is a ticket fee of 22 USD per adult. Tickets can be purchased here and grant you access to the USS Bowfin, museum galleries, and outdoor exhibits.

Pearl Harbor does have a baggage storage facility for roller bags and backpacks. If you would rather bring your suitcase instead of storing it at the airport, there is an option to leave it at the memorial.

The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor (Courtesy of Unsplash)

(2) Waikiki Beach

Next, take a 25-minute taxi from the Pearl Harbor Memorial to Waikiki. This world-renowned neighborhood in Honolulu is absolutely worth your visit. This area is home to high-rise hotels, bars, restaurants, and the famous Waikiki Beach. The popular surf beach offers beautiful views of Diamond Head Crater as well as nice water for surfing and swimming. The Waikiki area is a great place to grab a bite to eat with vibrant streets that are home to cocktail bars and good restaurants.

Waikiki Beach is free to enter and very easy to access, giving visitors a fantastic opportunity to suntan, swim, or rent kayaks. While Waikiki Beach can certainly get busy on the weekends, it is a must-see in Honolulu to feel the heartbeat of the area.

If you’re nervous about cleaning yourself off before returning to the airport, do note that there are around 7 restrooms with changing areas along the length of the beach. They are clean and safe, including outdoor shower facilities, letting you rinse off and change before heading to a local restaurant or back to the airport.

If you plan on bathing in the ocean, we recommend bringing your own shampoo, soap, and towels.

Beautiful Waikiki Beach in Honolulu (Courtesy of Unsplash)

Restaurant Recommendations in Honolulu, Hawai’i

It’s not a one-day layover in Honolulu without stopping to grab a bite to eat (unless you are superhuman). Here are some fantastic restaurant recommendations in the general Waikiki area. We tried to keep them as close to central Honolulu as possible so that you don’t have to commute to the other side of the island. These restaurants make for a great place to stop and sit down while remaining close to the airport.

(1) Steak Shack ($)

Craving steak on a budget? We don’t blame you! Steak Shack is a stop loved by both locals and visitors alike. It is a food stand with a fantastic beachside location, so you can enjoy your food while dipping your toes in the sand. Try their steak or chicken, and if you can’t decide, you can get a combo plate with both.

Address: 2161 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

(2) Hana Koa Brewing Co. ($)

Craft beer lovers must pay a visit to the Hana Koa Brewing Co. This brewery offers tours, draft beer, and food. From quick bikes to heavier plates, Hana Koa Brewing Co. will satisfy your craving for food as well as an ice cold beer. Choose from over 20 beers on their menu.

Address: 962 Kawaiaha‘o St, Honolulu, HI 96814

(3) Basalt ($$)

Head to Basalt for a traditional American meal at all hours of the day. From chicken wings to miso black cod to steak and pasta, Basalt has something on the menu for everybody. This makes the restaurant a very safe bet in the Waikiki area. Enjoy live music from 6:00 to 8:00 PM every single day, except for Wednesdays.

Address: 2255 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

ALOHA Sign in Honolulu, Oahu (Courtesy of Unsplash)

(4) Maguro Brothers ($$)

For an amazing meal of seafood with fantastic fish quality, make sure to check out one of the two Maguro Brothers locations. The first is located in Chinatown’s Maunakea Market, while the more accessible location is in Waikiki. If you’re craving poke by the bowl or king salmon sashimi, this is your place to go.

Chinatown Address: Maunakea Market Food Court, 1120 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817

Waikiki Address: 2250 Kalakaua Avenue by, Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

(5) Restaurant Suntory ($$$)

For traditionally prepared Japanese cuisine, visit Restaurant Suntory. You will greatly enjoy their prepared selections of sushi and other dishes, as well as their classic whiskey highballs. Get transported to Japan in the heart of Honolulu.

Address: Third Level, Bldg B, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 2233 Kalākaua Ave B307, Honolulu, HI 96815

Table of Japanese Food (Courtesy of Unsplash)

Activities for a Longer Layover in Honolulu

Are you lucky enough to have an even longer layover in Honolulu? Or was your flight unfortunately canceled, and you’re trying to kill more time? Here are three other activities if you’re in Honolulu for a longer-than-short layover.

(1) Iolani Palace

Located a 17-minute drive away from the airport in the direction of Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace is a landmark in the city of Honolulu. It was built in 1882 as the home of Hawai’i’s monarchs, remaining the royal residence until 1893, when the monarchy was overthrown.

It costs between 6 and 20 USD to visit, including a 90-minute guided tour. These tickets must be purchased online, and they cannot be for the same day. Make sure to plan ahead and get them online a few days before your layover.

If you don’t want to take a tour, the palace is viewable from the outside for free.

(2) Manoa Falls Hike

For travelers who want a bit of exercise during their one day layover in Honolulu, check out the Manoa Falls Hike.

This trail is 1.6 miles (2.57 km) long and leads to a 150-foot waterfall known as Manoa Falls. This is considered an easy to moderate route as it takes about an hour to walk round-trip. It is located 15 minutes from the center of Honolulu or 30 minutes from the airport, and even though the bustling city is right next door, you will be amazed at how immersed in the rainforest you are.

Rainforest in Maona Falls Hike, Honolulu (Courtesy of Unsplash)

(3) Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Finally, if you have a lot of extra time, check out the famous Koko Crater Railway Trailhead. This trailhead is located on the far east side of the island, approximately 35 minutes from the airport by Uber or taxi. This activity should only be on your bucket list if you have more than 12 hours or a full-day layover in Honolulu.

Koko Crater Railway Trail is an incredibly challenging but rewarding hiking route. It takes you up makeshift stairs along an old railway trail, and while it is only 1.4 miles (2.25 km) to the top, it is an extreme incline.

To get to the summit, take 1,048 railway tiles up 990 feet, with an extra 30 feet to the final overlook. While this hike is not recommended for folks with a fear of heights, the view of Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai is certainly worth it.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to climb up and takes longer to descend, usually because of a fear of heights and a desire not to tumble down the mountainside.

View from Koko Crater Railway Overlook (Courtesy of Unsplash)

Frequently Asked Questions About a One Day Layover in Honolulu

How long should my layover be to enjoy Honolulu?

To enjoy your time in Honolulu, we suggest that your layover should be at least 5 hours. This suggestion accounts for the logistics of putting your suitcase in storage, leaving the airport, and returning with ample time to make it through security again.

5 hours will give you enough time to hit Pearl Harbor and grab a bite to eat. Of course, with a longer layover, you will be able to experience more of the city and have a less stressful experience.

Can you leave Honolulu airport during a layover?

Yes, of course, you can leave the Honolulu airport during your layover. Just note that it is probably a little bit more comfortable if you leave your suitcase in bag storage. SmartCarte has a location near Baggage Claim E which provides an affordable and safe option to store your bags.

To maximize your time in the city, you should take an Uber or a taxi instead of public transportation. Keep in mind that you should save aside some time to return to the airport, collect your bag, and go through security.

We suggest having a layover of at least five hours to enjoy the city outside of the airport.

Beach in Honolulu (Courtesy of Unsplash)

What to do at the Honolulu airport for 6 hours?

If you choose to stay at the Honolulu airport during your layover, know that you will be in safe hands. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is built to accommodate travelers transiting through the area.

On top of your traditional shopping and dining experiences, you can also enjoy free Hawaiian entertainment in the lobby or wander through the cultural gardens. Entering through the ticketing lobby and E gates of the airport will take you to the Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese gardens. They offer a nice place to hang out if you’d rather kill time in the airport than in the city.

What to do with a 3-hour layover in Honolulu?

While it may be disappointing to hear, we highly recommend staying in the airport if you only have a 3-hour layover. This will give you a lot more peace of mind because you won’t have to check your bag, take a taxi, and pass through security again upon your return.

The airport has a ton of shops and restaurants, meaning that you won’t go hungry or get bored. For the full list of shops and restaurants in Daniel K. Inouye Airport, check out their official website here.

USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor (Courtesy of Unsplash)

Final Thoughts

If you are visiting a Hawaiian island, there is a very high chance that you will have a layover in Honolulu. Whether you are in the city for one hour or 24, there are things to enjoy in the city so that you don’t feel cooped up in the airport. The small size of the island of Oahu means that you are only ever a 30-minute drive away from the must-see attractions.

Hopefully, you have enjoyed this very fast-paced itinerary for a one day layover in Honolulu. It is a stunning city on the beautiful island of Oahu and is fantastic for relaxation as well as learning more about its history. Always remember that when you are in Hawaii, you are on native land. Be respectful, and take time to learn about the culture.

A layover in Honolulu is a perfect addition to your trip to North America and other Hawaiian islands such as Kauai.