Long layover

Question

I am flying on Alaska companion fare . Since the merger hasn’t fully gone through - we can’t be on Hawaiian flights . I saw there was a flight out of HNL at 2pm so I opted to buy my Interisland from Lihue at 6am departure. What sucks if that we have to grab the luggage and then re check in for a 2pm flight back to the east coast . I’ve been to Oahu before multiple times but not with the kids . Both boys are 13 . I was thinking we would grab a rental , have breakfast and book a tour at the ranch . Another option would be to go see Pearl Harbor and hike diamond head .

The trip is in august so I have plenty of time .

OR grab a resort pass and hang in Waikiki for the day .

Imput is much appreciated.

Answer

Sounds like you’re planning a fun and adventurous layover in Oahu! With a long layover like this, you’ll want to make the most of your time without stressing too much about logistics, especially since you'll need to pick up and re-check your luggage. Here’s a breakdown of your options and some additional thoughts:

If you’re comfortable with having a few hours of exploration and don’t mind being a bit adventurous with time management, here are a few options for things to do with your kids during your layover:

Ranch Tour: If you’re interested in doing something unique and outdoorsy, booking a ranch tour (such as Kualoa Ranch) could be a great option. The ranch offers tours with scenic views and experiences like ATV rides, horseback riding, and movie site tours. It would be a bit of a time commitment (about 1–2 hours for the tour), but it would give you a great opportunity to do something active and fun with your boys.
Pearl Harbor + Diamond Head: Visiting Pearl Harbor is a must-see if you haven’t done it already, especially with kids—it’s both educational and impactful. From there, you could take a short drive to Diamond Head for a hike. The hike to the top is relatively easy, and the views from the summit are incredible. This combo would likely take around 3–4 hours, so it’s a good use of your time, but it depends on how much time you have for each activity.
Resort Pass and Waikiki Relaxation: If you want a more relaxed day without rushing around, a resort pass could be a great option. You can rent access to a hotel pool, amenities, and beach access without having to stay at the hotel. This would give you and your boys a chance to enjoy the beach or pool, grab a bite at a nice restaurant, and relax for the day. It’s a low-stress option that allows you to enjoy Oahu’s beautiful beaches and resorts.

Based on the time you have between flights, I'd suggest mixing a little relaxation with some sightseeing. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to explore, I recommend the Pearl Harbor + Diamond Head hike combo—it offers a nice mix of history and nature. But if you prefer to take it easy, a resort pass and some time by the beach would let you unwind before your next flight.

Keep in mind the timing for luggage retrieval and check-in for your 2pm flight, so factor in around 1–1.5 hours for that. It’s best to have a clear plan for how long you’ll spend on each activity, but it’s definitely possible to see some cool sites in a short time. Have fun and enjoy your trip in August!