Killing Time before Flight home

Question

We are cruising on the Pride of America from 10/11-10/18. We dock at 7am on 10/18 in Honolulu and our flight home doesn't leave until 5:15pm. We were thinking of taking an Uber or taxi to Waikiki Luggage Storage on 119 Ohua Ave,walk around the area, have lunch and get an Uber or taxi to the airport. We are arriving two days early for the cruise and going to Pearl Harbor,USS Arizona,USS Missouri. Is there enough to see in that area to kill time ? TIA

Answer

You have a good chunk of time between your cruise docking at 7 AM and your flight at 5:15 PM, which is roughly 9–10 hours. Honolulu and the Waikiki area are manageable for a half-day exploration if you plan it well. Your idea of storing luggage in Waikiki and then walking around is practical and will let you enjoy some of the highlights without worrying about carrying bags.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can do and see to comfortably kill time in the area:

Luggage storage: Your plan to use Waikiki Luggage Storage on 119 Ohua Ave is solid. They open early and will let you drop off your bags so you can explore hands-free.
Breakfast / coffee: After dropping bags, consider grabbing breakfast or coffee nearby. There are plenty of cafes and casual spots along Kalakaua Avenue.
Walking / sightseeing in Waikiki:
- Waikiki Beach – Stroll along the famous stretch of sand and maybe dip your toes in the water.
- Duke Kahanamoku Statue – Quick photo opportunity in front of the iconic statue at Kuhio Beach.
- Kalakaua Avenue – Great for window shopping, people watching, or browsing local boutiques and surf shops.
- International Market Place – If you enjoy shopping or just want to see a Hawaiian-style mall, it’s right in the heart of Waikiki.
Lunch options: Waikiki has a variety of choices ranging from casual plate lunches to more upscale eateries. Consider:
- Duke’s Waikiki – beachfront, Hawaiian fare, casual but iconic.
- Marukame Udon – excellent for a quick, casual Japanese meal.
- Local food trucks or small cafes for a faster, lighter lunch.

Other nearby attractions if you have extra time and don’t mind a short drive or Uber:

Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium – Both are within walking distance and can be visited in under an hour each.
Ala Moana Center – Hawaii’s largest shopping center, about 10 minutes by car, if you’re interested in shopping or souvenir hunting.
Fort DeRussy Park – Relaxing park area along the beach, perfect for a calm break.

Logistics and timing tips:

Uber or taxi from the cruise terminal to Waikiki takes roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for lunch, more if you want to linger.
Plan to leave Waikiki for the airport around 2:30–3:00 PM to allow for traffic, car check-in, and security. The ride to Honolulu Airport is usually 20–30 minutes.
Keep in mind you may want some buffer time if you encounter heavier traffic or want to squeeze in a last-minute stop or photo op.

Overall, Waikiki provides enough to kill time comfortably, especially with a focus on beach strolls, casual sightseeing, shopping, and a leisurely lunch. Since you’re already visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri earlier in your trip, this day can be more relaxed, letting you enjoy the vibe of Honolulu without rushing.

Killing Time before Flight home

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