Wednesday, June 13th landing at 11:30 am and departing 11:15 am Friday, June 15th

Never been to Hawaii before and have no plans once I arrive. Will stay at a Marriott, wasn't planning to get a car. Any ideas / advice / thoughts?

Thanks!

Skeets

Forbes has an article on two perfect days in Waikiki that will give you some inspiration.

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
l
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

If you're in the Waikiki area, the Korean lunch at Mikawon (corner Nahua St and Kuhio Ave) is tasty and cheap.

The Bishop Museum can easily occupy a day, it's well worth a look around.

Thank you, final preparations under way!

It's been awhile since I had this situation, but I always try to hit the hole-in-the-wall Hawaiian-food places. Am super-bummed that Ono's on Kapahulu closed after 57 years, but Helena's on School St. somewhat near the Bishop Museum (#2 bus route) is still going. I remember getting ahi poke years before it became such a rage.

Would also give high marks to Honolulu Burger Company on South Beretania. It used to be that the UH village was really great (especially Magoo's, but also the throwback shoebox Varsity Theater and Rainbow Books) but all that is gone now. The area is in constant flux, though.

Goodwill on Beretania downtown and Saver's on Dillingham were the fave go-tos for Aloha shirts. There was and probably is a lot of cheap junk in Waikiki, but for the same price ya might find a Tori Richard or Reyn Spooner at the thrift places if you were lucky.

Don't forget to report back! Have fun. Aloha, Ken

While it is not cheap anymore, I still think the catamaran rides are worth it, especially if you have a cocktail or three on board. I like the red and yellow one. Spectacular views of Oahu.

Although you don't have a car, if you do find yourself nearby for whatever reason, Malasadas at Leonard's is a must. https://www.leonardshawaii.com/home/
Plate lunches, either from a food truck or a hole in the wall is great.

If you have time, the other side of the island is worth it. I think there is a bus that can get you to Kailua. Great beaches.
I would skip Ala Moana mall which was on the list of the perfect 2 day.
If you find yourself after 5pm but before sunset near the Ala Wai canal, they usually have paddle clubs (or at least did, it has been several years since I was there) that is interesting to watch.
Drinks at Duke's at the Outrigger is a must, as it drinks at the Royal Hawaiian. Breakfast at the Westin Moana Surf-rider Veranda at the Beachhouse is a relaxing way to spend a morning. Kona coffee there is great.