What to do on 12-hour Honolulu layover (airport, beach) - Oahu - Hawaii (HI) -Includes Honolulu - City-Data Forum

mymelody23 · 11-24-2009, 10:55 PM

I'm arriving 9am at Honolulu airport second week of January on an international flight. Since that's my port of entry, I'm giving a maximum of 2 hours to clear immigration (or is that too long of a timeframe?).

After that I would like to go around Honolulu and would appreciate any tips on where to go, what to do, where to eat, where to get great souvenirs (but not expensive ones).

I'm travelling alone and I'm not considering bringing any carry on luggage so I don't have to lug it around with me but are there any specific items I should bring? I will probably just bring a backpack for essentials. Also, what is the weather like in Honolulu around that time so I know what to wear?

Thanks in advance for comments and suggestions.

mogon · 11-25-2009, 12:14 AM

Consolidated "Layover at Honolulu Airport, What to Do?" Thread - FlyerTalk Forums

Tiger Beer · 11-25-2009, 12:38 AM

Easy answer - WAIKIKI BEACH.

I would go directly to Waikiki Beach, tons of tourist stuff all over the place...bring your swimsuit and towel as well...and just explore. The WEATHER is ALWAYS good, so you can swim in the ocean. Just wear shorts and sandals and shirt for strolling, you certainly won't need a jacket or coat or anything.

mogon · 11-25-2009, 12:41 AM

Well, except it will be COLD. January swimming is no fun.

If you want to swim, a little more protected (and thus warmer) choice would be Ala Moana Beach Park. It's also somewhat easier to reach via city bus.

Ellwood · 11-25-2009, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mogon

Well, except it will be COLD. January swimming is no fun.

If you want to swim, a little more protected (and thus warmer) choice would be Ala Moana Beach Park. It's also somewhat easier to reach via city bus.

US NODC Coastal Water Temperature Guide

COLD?

tortoise31 · 11-25-2009, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mogon

Well, except it will be COLD. January swimming is no fun.

If you want to swim, a little more protected (and thus warmer) choice would be Ala Moana Beach Park. It's also somewhat easier to reach via city bus.

Cold? I remember being in Waikiki for the third week in January and swam in the ocean every day. Gorgeous weather, beautiful beach.

mogon · 11-25-2009, 07:30 AM

Brrrrrrrr.......

Balad1 · 11-25-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mogon

Brrrrrrrr.......

What are your interests, swimming is obviously not one of them?

mogon · 11-25-2009, 09:33 AM

I have had dozens of overnight trips to Honolulu from the Big Island and have no trouble finding things to do

I just find swimming in January, particularly when the wind is up, to be very chilly!

mymelody23 · 11-25-2009, 10:35 AM

Thanks for all the responses.

I am interested in the following tourist spots. Which ones might be doable in 12 hours?

* USS Arizona Memorial
* Diamond Head
* Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Moana Center
* Waikiki Beach

And around what time should I be heading back to the airport, considering traffic along the way? My flight leaves at 9:40PM.

Thanks again in advance!