On our way back from Asia, the wife and I have a lay-over in Honolulu. It's a Thursday in a few weeks. I figure I can be outside the terminal at the taxi stand (assuming there is a taxi stand) at 7:45AM and will need to be back at the airport at about 4PM for a 5:30 flight. (No luggage since it's a layover.) I figure in 8 hours we could go have some fun. Any suggestions on where to go? Could I get a few activities in within 8 hours? All will need to be done by taxi since we won't have a car. We've never been to Honolulu before and have no idea where to go. What do you think we should do? Thanks.

I would first take a taxi to the Arizona Memorial. You have to be there early to avoid a long wait. Next take a taxi or jump on a bus (no need to transfer) straight to Waikiki. Sight see in Waikiki and have lunch. Before you know it you have used up your time. Grab a taxi back to the airport. Enjoy flight home.
8-)

Take a taxi or an airport shuttle to Chinatown. There are museums, interesting restuarants, and points of history in the area. All within walking distance. If you want shopping, go to Ala Moana Shopping Center. You get quality at better prices than Waikiki. If you land early in the morning, take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Sheraton Waikiki and go on a catamaran sail for 1 1/2 hours. Enjoy the beach if you want or go to Chinatown after. Enjoy!

Just depends what you want to do. You really didn't say... Yes, there are taxis outside the airport. For me, I would simple head to the beach at Waikiki. Walk around, do some shopping, have some lunch and a few drinks, walk along the main boulevard, walk along the beach front.

That said, there are plenty of other things such as Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, or Chinatown as mentioned above, if you want to see something more 'educational' or historical.

I would download and print some maps so you get a sense of how things are laid out in Honolulu and Waikiki.

Once you take the taxi into Waikiki, you could also get around on The Bus $2. You could even get back to the airport this way since you have no luggage, but would have to allow more time.

You could hike to the top of Diamond Head, get a drink at the Royal Hawaiian's Mai Tai bar, then walk along the main drag in Waikiki or go to Pearl Harbor. (I'm assuming you won't have what you'd need to go swimming!) You'd be starting at the end of Waikiki and looping back towards the airport.