You didn't mention your budget desire. I tend to go toward the low end. To get to Waikiki from HNL you can take TheBus 19 or 20. A bus stop is outside gate 13 on the arrival/departure level in the middle island on the far right. Make sure the flag says Waikiki. $2.75 one way or $5.50 exact change for all day. Max luggage size allowed is standard carry-on. The Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa Ocean view room would put you right in the action. TheBus goes down Kuhio with the same numbers as Kalakaua. Check the map. My number one required attraction is the Arizona Memorial. TheBus 20 or 42 both go there in a little over an hour. A reserved pass to the movie and boat can be made on line for a fee or free passes when you arrive. They go fast so get there early. Opening time 7 am. If coming from the mainland and are wide awake early. To return you have to walk out to the main road. You could stop off at Chinatown or the Ala Moana Center, the largest open air shopping center in the world with a great food court. TheBus has an AP that gives real time arrival times at your numbered stop. As you cross the canal coming onto Waikiki, look out toward the ocean. This is where Gilligan's voyage started.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...hu_Hawaii.html
A couple of good happy hours are PF Chang's and Yard House on Lewers Street
Happy Hour Specials | PFChang's
https://www.yardhouse.com/happy-hour...estaurant/8316
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Good local Korean plate lunch (or dinner) is Me's BBK. Cash only. Take out or eat outside at tables. I like their chicken and kimchi, etc.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/mes-bbq-honolulu
The McDonald's on Kalakaua is the only one serving rice, eggs and SPAM for breakfast.
Duke's in the Outrigger, 2335 Kalakaua has a good buffet lunch for $19 which includes my favorite Kahlua pig and cabbage.
Father Damien museum is at the St. Augustine Church, 3500 Kalakaua. HIstoric items on 2nd floor of the Moana Surfrider hotel built in 1901. TheBus 23 will take you to Diamond Head that you can climb.
https://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/o...tate-monument/
Oldest Hotel, Moana Surfrider has an excellant free tour.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...hu_Hawaii.html
The 2nd oldest hotel, The Royal Hawaiian, "the pink hotel" has a tour Tue. & Thur.
https://www.royal-hawaiian.com/events/historical-tour/
For a scenic bus ride you can take the 22 and 23 out and back to Sea World. For a scenic walk go on Kalakaua toward and below Diamond Head until you reach the lighthouse. You will pass the Barefoot Beach Cafe and many historic houses.
BAREFOOT BEACH CAFE :: HONOLULU, HAWAII :: +1.808.924.2233
TheBus will take you to the historic downtown; Chinatown, Punchbowl Cemetery, etc.
On a street past Lewers is a reasonably priced mini tiki bar, Arnold's
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...hu_Hawaii.html
The last real Tiki restaurant and bar is La Mariana, but would require a car or cab.
La Mariana Sailing Club | Oahu's Private Marina and Original Tiki Bar
Aloha, Ken