OK, so I’ll admit that this is the height of vacation over-planning, but are some days better than others for visiting different attractions in Hawaii (Oahu and Maui in our case)? For example, is it better to visit the Arizona Memorial on a weekday or weekend; considering rush hour traffic to get there early, etc? What about the Hana Road, or Haleakala? Busier on weekends or weekdays? I know guidebooks frequently advise which beaches are busier on weekends. What about Waikiki? Is it busier on weekdays when there is more local worker traffic? Or with the thousands of people there does it really make any difference? We are staying in the Kailua area (Lanikai) and practically everything will be a drive, except for the Windward side and the North Shore. That’s OK, because we planned on staying away from Waikiki as much as possible anyway, but want to visit many Honolulu sites, Chinatown, Bishop’s Museum, Iolani Palace, Punchbowl, etc. Last visited 20 years ago, and friends who have lived in Honolulu recently tell us the traffic is unbelievable. I can put up with driving more on Oahu for the luxury of staying in rental home overlooking the beach with parking right at our door. However, I don’t think you can ever plan too much.

Well, I think, no matter where you are, you don't want to drive to an attraction at rush hour, and attractions are always more crowded on a weekend. By the way, there's a lot that's fun and beautiful about Waikiki so please don't dismiss it .... I love to sample some of all that Hawaii has to offer! Have a great trip ...

Yes, you are right. I knew no matter how carefully I worded this post I would come across as a Waikiki hater. Quite the contrary, I like Waikiki fine, it's just that I don't think Waikiki is the real Hawaii, and can only take it in small doses. Greater Honolulu is an exciting place with many things to see and appreciate. With a family of four, it was impractical and/or impossible to find suitable accomodations.

You ask a good question. I can tell you there is definitely more traffic on Maui during rush hour and on weekends. The road out to Lahaina and from Kihei can get very backed up as can the roads across the center of the island.

Things also get pretty backed up around the beaches where the locals hang out and surf.

You should have no problem from Kailua to Arizona Memorial even during rush hour.

H-3 is not as busy as Likelike Highway & Pali highway.

These are directions from Kailua:

From where KAILUA RD becomes KALANIANAOLE HWY - go 1.8 mi.

Turn (Right) on KAMEHAMEHA HWY - go 0.9 mi.

Take ramp onto I-H3 WEST toward PEARL HARBOR - go 10.5 mi

Take exit #1C onto ULUNE EXT toward HALAWA/CAMP SMITH/AIEA/STADIUM - go 0.6 mi.

Turn (Left) on KAHUAPAANI ST - go 0.9 mi.

Turn (Right) on SALT LAKE BLVD - go 0.3 mi.

Turn (Left) on Kamehameha Highway. USS Arizona Memorial Visitors Center will be on the right. (About 2-3 blocks from the stadium).

To return to Kailua from Arizona Memorial:

From Arizona visitors Center:

Left onto Kamehameha Highway, get into far right lane right away.

Right on salt Lake Blvd. Follow Salt Lake Blvd around to the right. You will pass a McDonalds. Get in the far left lane.


Turn left on KAHUAPAANI ST. Get into right lane. Go about .3 miles.

Take the Honolulu entrance to freeway. Go about .3 miles. H-3 exit will be on the right.

Note: If you want to go to Honolulu from Arizona Memorial, you can use the same directions. Just go straight instead of taking the H-3 exit.

Monday through Friday are probably the best days for Arizona Memorial. But, not a big difference.

If you plan to go to the Swap Meet at the stadium, then Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday.