Best Things to do in Honolulu for 7 Days

Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and check in to the adorably pink, Royal Hawaiian in Downtown Waikiki, where the staff will greet you with your own lei upon arrival. I loved staying at this hotel because it is in the middle of Honolulu, which is very walkable. It has its own beach, a beautiful pool and hot tub. Free banana muffins from their bakery for all guests checking in, and many events and restaurants. Luaus, lei-making and more.

If you want to stay at another hotel besides the Royal Hawaiian, the Moana Surfrider, Hyatt Regency Waikiki and Alohilani Resort Waikiki are all nearby.

Once you're checked in, rest up on the beautiful warm sands and enjoy the sun on Waikiki beach. Leisurely stroll near the rides, and you may even see a rainbow or two appear. I had three just in the week I was there. It made for memories that will stay with me my whole life.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, try Duke's Waikiki next door, known for their stunning views of the ocean and excellent seafood and steak. My personal favorite is the roasted Tristan lobster.

When you've finished dinner, enjoy some late-night shopping on Kalakaua Avenue, the main strip in Waikiki. There are swimsuit stores, street performers, tour guides with live parrots and everything you need to get ready for the rest of your vacation.

If you, your partner or child like Sanrio, go to an ABC store and get some rare, special Hawaii-themed Sanrio plushies and items. There's tanned Hello Kitty dolls, along with Kuromi, My Melody and characters like Gudetama and Pocchaco and Aloha shirts.

Take a beach day to Kailua and Lanikai beaches! These beaches are right next to each other, and you can get an Uber there in 30 minutes. They have white sand and blue water, so you can kayak and swim there. We even saw real sea turtles on Kailua beach. Be careful not to get too close to them because in Hawaii, harassing sea turtles can lead to a big fine.

While you're at the beach, enjoy a picnic on the sand, relax beneath the swaying trees or take photos with the Na Mokulua mountains in the distance. Great backdrop for Tiktok! When you feel beach-ed out, dine at a local favorite spot like Buzz's Original Steakhouse or Nico's Kailua.

Be sure to watch out for jellyfish! I nearly stepped on a Portugese Man of War jellyfish myself this trip, which would've been incredibly painful. Many jellyfish still carry poison in their stingers seven days after their death and can be small but with long tendrils. Read all about jellyfish safety here.

On your third day, take a break from the beach and learn more about the local cultures in Hawaii! In the morning, have brunch at the Royal Hawaiian's Surf Lanai restaurant and enjoy some tasty pink pancakes and/or a cocktail.

Once you're filled up, experience an intimate and authentic Japanese tea ceremony with the Urasenke Foundation. Wear a real Japanese Kimono (when available), eat delicious wagashi treats and tea made by hand, and see how the local Japanese people drink tea. Book through me for this private connection, as this vendor is a close personal connection of mine. (Best for people 12+, since you will need to sit and stay still for a long time. Tea may have caffeine and is not good for young children.

After you've done the tea ceremony, go shopping for authentic Hawaiian Muumuu and Aloha shirts at Destash. There you'll find vintage Hawaiian designer pieces like Princess Kaiulani and more.

Finish the day with a relaxing bath in the hot tub at your hotel, go on a sunset tour from the beach, or eat something in Waikiki to try all the local foods.

Time to head back to the beach and hit up the North Shore, one of Hawaii's most famous spots for surfing! Depending on the season, you may even be able to catch some surfers riding the waves at the iconic Banzai Pipeline. Or if you're feeling bold enough, take a dive off the Waimea Bay rocks and plunge right into the ocean!

After your beach escapes, head to the Waimea Valley next door. There you'll discover beautiful botanical gardens that culminate in a giant waterfall where you can swim (with a lifejacket, of course!)

Make sure you have enough time to get back to your hotel in time for dinner. It usually takes 3 hours on the bus or 1 hour via Uber.

If you feel you haven't got your history fix yet, not to worry. On day five, you can visit the stunning Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu, the final official home of the royal family of Hawaii. Take a guided tour to learn all about the Hawaiian monarchy, their rise and fall and how significant the palace is to the people of Hawaii. There are some gorgeous interior designs and gowns here, too, perfect for artists and fashionistas alike.

When you're done, head across the street to the King Kamehameha statue, a major figure in Hawaiian history. Fun fact: If you know about the anime series Dragon Ball, the late author Akira Toriyama named Goku's signature attack after this very figure.

After that, eat a quick meal at any of the local cafes then go to the Honolulu Museum of Art or see a live performance at the Hawaii Theatre.

Spend your last full day souvenir shopping! Head to the Ala Moana Center one of the largest shopping malls in the state. Pick up cute magnets, tote bags, post cards, and more.

Be sure to stop in at the luxurious Dior Cafe, and try their rose coffee. Their store is right in front of the cafe as well if you would like to reward yourself with any last-minute designer purchases.

And for my feline-lovers, be sure not to miss Cat Cafe Moff and say hello to some furry friends!

Spend your final evening in Hawaii enjoying the beach, a luau, fire spinning, or if on a Friday, the free fireworks show put on by the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

Say goodbye to your hotel. Make sure you have all your belongings, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach or pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Depart from Daniel K. Inouye Airport with unforgettable memories of your Hawaii adventure!

This 7-day itinerary covers the funniest parts of Oahu, but this just scratches the surface! For more personalized itineraries and recommendations hand-tailored to you, contact me below.

Aloha!