Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Trip Concept:
- Begin each day early, with time set aside in the late afternoon for relaxation, followed by dinner and a café stop to unwind.
- Stay in Waikiki and explore Oahu using a rental car.
- Spend the first day discovering the South Shore and Waikiki, featuring the Diamond Head hike and a visit to Pearl Harbor.
- On the second day, head to the North Shore for snorkeling and coastal adventures.
- Do not include Hanauma Bay but snorkeling in North Shore
🌺 Day 1 – South Shore & Waikiki Highlights
Theme: History, Scenic Hike, and Beach Vibes
Base: Waikiki (day trip with rental car)
Shared Google Map itinerary is here. Use it on your Phone.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Breakfast at Leonard’s Bakery | Grab famous malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) before your hike. |
| 7:00 – 9:30 AM | Diamond Head Hike | Arrive early to beat the heat. 1.6-mile round trip with great views of Waikiki. Bring water and sun protection. |
| 9:45 – 10:30 AM | Return to hotel / Freshen up | Quick shower and snack before heading west. |
| 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Drive to Pearl Harbor (25–30 min) | Arrive early to allow time for check-in. |
| 12:00 – 2:30 PM | Visit Pearl Harbor Memorial | Explore USS Arizona Memorial and exhibits. Reserve tickets online beforehand. |
| 2:30 – 3:15 PM | Lunch nearby | Options: Liliha Bakery (Pearl City) or Restaurant 604 near Pearl Harbor. |
| 3:15 – 4:00 PM | Drive back toward Waikiki | Scenic route along Ala Moana Boulevard. |
| 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Relax at Waikiki Beach / Hotel pool | Enjoy a swim or a cocktail by the water. |
| 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Sunset walk along Waikiki Beach | Optional stop at the Duke Kahanamoku statue for photos. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at House Without a Key (Halekulani Hotel) | Classic Hawaiian ambiance with live music and hula. |
| 9:00 PM | Dessert or Café stop | Try Island Vintage Coffee or Arvo Café (for late dessert drinks). |
🌴 Day 2 – North Shore Adventure & Snorkeling
Theme: Ocean, Nature, and Relaxation
Base: Waikiki (day trip with rental car)
Shared Google Map itinerary is here. Use it on your Phone.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Depart Waikiki early | Beat traffic heading north (about 1 hr drive). |
| 7:00 – 8:00 AM | Breakfast stop in Haleʻiwa | Try Coffee Gallery or Haleʻiwa Bowls (açaí bowls). |
| 8:30 – 11:00 AM | Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove (Pupukea) | Great visibility and sea life (bring gear or rent from nearby shops). Avoid rough surf in winter. |
| 11:15 – 12:15 PM | Explore Waimea Bay & Waimea Valley | Short walk to waterfall and botanical garden. Optional swim at the falls. |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch at food trucks | Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck or Pupukea Grill — local favorites. |
| 1:45 – 3:00 PM | Drive to Laniakea (Turtle Beach) | Spot sea turtles basking on the shore. Respect distance. |
| 3:00 – 4:30 PM | Return toward Waikiki via scenic route | Stop at Dole Plantation for a pineapple whip if desired. |
| 4:30 – 6:00 PM | Relax at hotel / spa / beach | Optional massage or dip before dinner. |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner at Roy’s Waikiki or Doraku Sushi | Upscale Hawaiian-fusion or fresh sushi. |
| 8:00 PM | Evening café or beach walk | Try Kona Coffee Purveyors for coffee & pastry, or a moonlit walk along Waikiki Beach. |
Hike the Diamond Head Crater Trail
Timing & Entry
- Go early — ideally arrive between 6:00–7:00 AM to beat the heat and crowds.
- Reservation is required for non-residents (available online through the Hawaii State Parks website). Book your entry + parking in advance.
- The gate opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM; last entry is at 4:00 PM.
What to Bring
- Water: Bring at least 1 liter per person — there’s no refill station on the trail. Light snack or energy bar for the top.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses — the trail is mostly exposed.
- Good footwear: Sturdy sneakers or light hiking shoes; the path is uneven and steep in parts.
- Camera/phone: The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific.
Trail Details
- Length: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip
- Elevation gain: ~560 feet (170 meters)
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate — short but steep, with stairs and a tunnel near the top
Tips for the Best Experience
- Go on a clear day for the best views — mornings often have fewer clouds.
- Pace yourself on the stairs; there are rest areas with shade and benches.
- Read the historical plaques along the trail to learn about the crater’s volcanic and military history.
- Avoid hiking midday — it can get very hot with little shade.
- Bring small cash if you plan to buy drinks or souvenirs from vendors near the parking area.
Snorkling at Shark’s Cove
Timing & Conditions
- Best time: Early morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for calm waters, clear visibility, and fewer crowds.
- Season: Go in summer (May–September) when the North Shore is calm. In winter, waves can be dangerously high — snorkeling is not recommended.
- Check ocean conditions: Use apps or sites like Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s Ocean Safety Watch before you go.
Location & Parking
- Located across from Foodland Pupukea, near Waimea Bay.
- Free parking is available but limited — arrive early to get a spot.
- Restrooms and outdoor showers are available nearby, but no lifeguard on duty at Shark’s Cove itself.
Gear & Safety
- Bring or rent gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and reef shoes). Rental shops nearby include Surf N Sea and Snorkel Bobs.
- Reef shoes or fins are essential — the lava rocks are sharp and slippery.
- Avoid touching coral or marine life. It’s fragile and protected.
- Stay within the protected tide pool area if you’re not a strong swimmer; deeper sections can have stronger currents.
- Watch your entry and exit points — waves can surge unexpectedly near rocks.
Marine Life & Highlights
- Expect to see parrotfish, tangs, butterflyfish, sea urchins, and sometimes sea turtles.
- The tide pools near the shoreline are great for beginners or kids to observe smaller fish safely.
- For experienced snorkelers, the outer edge offers more depth and variety — only go when water is calm.
Comfort & Essentials
- Bring water and snacks — no food stands directly at the cove.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the coral.
- Shade is limited, so consider a hat, rash guard, or umbrella.
- Towel, change of clothes, and dry bag recommended for comfort after snorkeling.
Bonus Tip
- After snorkeling, stop by Haleʻiwa town for lunch or a café break — try Coffee Gallery or Haleʻiwa Bowls for a refreshing açaí bowl.
