We only have a one-night lay-over in Honolulu on our way to Molokai, and an afternoon stop on the way back. What sights will we have time to take in? What is/are the must-see(s)? Any restaurant recommendations?

Dinner at Alan Wong's. It was one of the best dinners I've ever had. It's pricey, but not over the top. Alan Wong's is worth a stopover in Honolulu.

If you like Thai food, go to Keo's. It's famous; moderately priced. If your afternoon stop is long enough, go to the Battleship Arizona. I'm not sure what "long enough" is because I don't know how much time they require for check-in now at the airport. We went around 1pm on a February day 2 years ago and only had a 45 minute wait to get admitted. If time is short, have a drink outdoors at the Royal Hawaiian.

Diana,
What kind of restaurant are you looking for? Hawaii has all types of ethnic and Continental cuisine so it would be better if you were more specific.

How long will you have in the afternoon stop back?

If you haven't been to a luau go to one. There are several that are great in Honolulu.

Go to the House Without a Key lounge at the Halekulani Hotel just before dusk to drink their famous (rightfully so) mai-tais and watch a former Miss Hawaii do the hula with Diamond Head in the background. The water is peacefully rolling in, the surfers are catching their last waves of the day - it's fantastic!

I would skip the lua on Waikiki. I think they are much better on other islands. I would go for sunset drinks at Sheraton Moana Surfrider and if you have never been the later evening Don Ho show. We really loved Keoh's too. If it is a really special dinner you are after there is a nice place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Have a wonderful time!!

Do Waikiki Beach and a Circle Island tour. There is no beach in the world like Waikiki. Sure, it's an urban beach now, crowded and more developed than most places. But you have a two-foot swell all day long, a gentle curve to the shoreline, and Diamond Head off in the distance. Some people put their nose in the air and say the outer islands are better. Outer islands are less crowded and less commercial but none have a beach to match Waikiki.

On a Circle Island tour you can see the Pali lookout, Sunset Beach, Chinaman's Hat, Pearl Harbor. Culturally, Honolulu is not much different than Kansas City. Get out of town to have a cultural experience. Try Laie. Nice places to eat are Sam Choy's, Alan Wong's, and Todai.

Oops! I read it as one day instead of one night. If you are coming from the mainland you'll be jetlagged. Have a nice dinner at Todai and go to bed.

On your afternoon passing back through do the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Next trip spend more time on Oahu.

Thank you all--great suggestions!!

It really depends on your interests and what you enjoy. Honolulu is a foodie's town. And the drive over Diamond Head and around Makapuu (back to town through the Pali) is an easy circle tour. I tend not to recommend the Arizona Memorial unless you feel you have a special connection. However, it was my uncle's first priority when he visited (he served in WWII). I could make a better recommendation if I knew what your interests were.