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Waikiki, United States
Hawaii Itinerary
Dates: Saturday 30 August – Wednesday 3 September (4 nights)
Flights: Melbourne to Honolulu, Flight QF105, Depart Melbourne 17:05.
Booking #6DYL35
Gull bus booked for 11:30am, drop of 12:50pm – Booking # 935193 (paid, in emails)
Check ins open 4 hours prior at 13:05
Wait in Qantas Lounge, invitations viewable through Qantas App under My Membership (1 linked, 1 transferred to Branko) – search for “Qantas Lounge” in Caz’s emails - Confirmation Number: CPASS2954015006DYL35
Book Hanauma Bay State Park https://share.google/9fyntlnX0pUc0DH7S for Sunday 31 August, and Diamond Head State Park for Tuesday 2 September https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/
Arrive Honolulu airport 07:35 Saturday 30 August.
Uber from airport to hotel is USD $30 one way, USD$60 return = AUD$100. Or airport shuttle is approx. $100 AUD for both.
Day 1 - Saturday 30 August: Arrival & Beachfront Exploration
Morning:
Leave bags at hotel until check-in
Wander around Honolulu, explore, have brunch
Afternoon:
Relax on Waikiki Beach — rent a beach chair.
Walk along Kalakaua Avenue — shop, grab shave ice, and enjoy street performers.
Evening:
Attend a Hawaiian sunset and torch-lighting ceremony at Kuhio Beach (free, around sunset).
Dinner: Reservation at Kani Ka Pila Grille at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Table for 2 on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Name: Caz Copic Confirmation #: 131630 (booking in Open Table app)
Day 2 - Sunday 31 August: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (reservation required, only open Wednesday to Sunday, AUD$42 each, take shade and water/snacks, beach shoes and snorkels.) Check Uber price at time.
Option 1: The Bus – Route 22 (The "Beach Bus") directly from Waikīkī to Hanauma Bay without needing transfers
Look for stops along Kuhio Avenue, Saratoga Road, or Kalia Road, heading in the direction of Diamond Head
The bus will take you directly to the Hanauma Bay bus bay/shelter, right at the preserve entrance
Typically takes about 45–50 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting location
Fare: Around US $2–3 one way (pay with exact cash or use a HOLO card)
Frequency: Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Or
Waikiki Trolley Blue Line (every 40 mins, leaves from Duke Statue, $20) – this would also include the zoo, the aquarium, the mall, Halona Blowhole, Sea Life Park, Koko Marina, Mall, Pioneer Saloon (restaurant $15-$22)
Afternoon:
• Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art or Iolani Palace for some cultural history.
• Explore the Kaka‘ako neighborhood for murals and lunch at Salt at Our Kaka‘ako.
Evening:
• Sunset dinner cruise (like Star of Honolulu)
• Night walk along Waikiki Beach — maybe stop by a local bar or listen to live music.
Day 3 - Monday 1 September:
Circle Island Adventure – car booked and paid through Turo, details on Branko’s email and app.
🌺 One-Day Oʻahu Driving Loop (Starting/Ending in Waikīkī)
Morning – South Shore & Windward Coast
Diamond Head Lookout → quick stop for panoramic Waikīkī views.
Hanauma Bay Lookout (don’t snorkel if you’re short on time, just enjoy the view).
Hālona Blowhole and Eternity Beach
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail (optional 1–1.5 hr hike) → amazing ocean and island views.
Coffee/Breakfast Stop: Koko Head Café (Kaimukī) or a local café in Kailua.
Late Morning – Windward Side (East Oʻahu)
Drive through Waimānalo Beach (long, golden, less crowded).
Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach → quick dip or photo stop at one of Oʻahu’s prettiest beaches.
Scenic drive along Kāneʻohe Bay → lush mountains meet the ocean.
Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples
Midday – North Shore Adventure
Continue up the coast via Kualoa Ranch (famous Jurassic Park filming site – good for photos, skip the tour if you’re short on time).
Drive through Laʻie and Polynesian Cultural Center (best for a full-day visit, skip if just driving).
Hit the North Shore beaches: Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay.
Lunch: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (garlic shrimp) or a food truck cluster in Haleʻiwa.
Afternoon – Haleʻiwa & Central Oʻahu
Explore Haleʻiwa Town → shave ice at Matsumoto’s or Uncle Clay’s.
Drive back south through pineapple country. Stop at the Dole Plantation for a quick photo or pineapple whip.
Evening – Back to Honolulu
Return via H-2 freeway → Waikīkī.
Sunset option: Tantalus Lookout (short detour into the hills above Honolulu for a sweeping city-and-ocean view).
⏱️ Timing:
Full loop is about 6–7 hrs of driving. With stops, food, and short swims/lookouts → ~10–11 hrs total.
It’s a full but rewarding day — you’ll see city views, volcanic cliffs, turquoise beaches, lush mountains, surf culture, and local food all in one go.
Evening:
• Return to Waikiki, unwind with casual dinner (try Marukame Udon for fast and local eats).
Day 4 - Tuesday 2 September: Diamond Head & Local Culture
Morning:
Bus to Diamond Head, you can catch the #2, 2L, or 23 bus from Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki, and you will be dropped off around 18th Avenue near the entrance to the park. You'll still need to walk about 10 minutes into the State Park from there.
Alternatively consider the Waikiki Trolley day pass (hop on, hop off) Green Line which includes Diamond Head as well as Kapi'olani Regional Park and zoo.
- https://waikikitrolley.com/schedule/green-line-schedule/
Catch the Waikiki Trolley Bus Diamond Head Shuttle ($20, can buy from driver) from Duke Statue, stop at Kapi’olani Park for a look and Bogart’s Café for coffee?
Hop on and go to Stop #6 Diamond Head Crater – hike the National Park (pre purchased entry)
Lunch/snack/coffee at Bogart’s Café or Diamond Head Market & Grill after the hike.
Afternoon:
Continue on the Diamond Head Shuttle Green Line to Kahala Lookout, Pioneer Saloon, Prince Waikiki and look around.
Shopping/Beach/Pool at Hotel
Evening:
Dinner: Duke's Canoe Club Waikiki - Table for 2 on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Name: Caz Copic Confirmation #: 2112152736 (booking in Open Table app)
Day 5 - Wednesday 3 September:
Breakfast and Checkout by 10:00 - Uber/transfer to airport
Check in for domestic flights is required at least 2 hours prior, need to be there by 10:45
Qantas/American Airlines Flight AA162- depart 12:45, Arrive LAX 21:14
Qantas/American Airlines Flight AA2757 Departs LAX 22:59 Flight Arrives Chicago 06:01
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Chicago, United States
Chicago Itinerary
Dates: Thursday 4 – Tuesday 9 September (5 nights)
Flights:
Flight AA162 Hon to LAX, departs Wed 3 Sep at 13:15, arrives LAX at 21:47
Flight AA2757 LAX to ORD, departs Wed 3 Sep at 23:59, arrives Chicago 06:01 Thursday 4 September – Terminal 3. Booking Ref: 5WFJIA
Accommodation: River Hotel, 75A East Wacker Drive, Loop, Chicago (IL). Payment of US $1302 (AUD $1995) on AMEX on 31/8/25. 1 X Standard Room - River view, 21m², Non-smoking, 1 queen bed
Getting to River Hotel from Chicago ORD Airport:
Transfer to Hotel via CTA Blue Line directly from the airport to “Clark/Lake” station within easy walking distance of our hotel. Pay by tapping mobile on machine, uses Apple Pay
Day 1 - Thursday 4 September - Architecture & Riverwalk (on Google Maps – “Chicago Day 1 – Cruise, Riverwalk”)
Arrive Hotel approx. 9am (maybe earlier). Store luggage at hotel and go sightseeing.
Breakfast – nearby café? Goddess & The Baker, Wacker and LaSelle (saved in Google Maps)
Morning: Take a scenic Chicago River architectural cruise, learning about the city's architectural history. Groupon has 90 minute cruise for US$47 for two pax - https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-chicago-architecture-boat-tours-2025?redemptionLocationId=605463f9-0a59-b7e3-dbce-015b5e488906&promoApplied=1
1 pm - Riverwalk History & North Loop Tour – (Chicago Free Walking Tours – booked and on my email). Guests will enjoy the perfect mix of Chicago history, adventure, architecture and beautiful views on Chicago's Northside, along the Riverwalk and in the heart of Chicago's Loop. The average tip per guest is between $15 - $25pp for a 2-hour tour experience.
Or walk around city near hotel: London House rooftop bar, Trump Tower 16th Floor bar, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower
Late Afternoon/evening: Visit Navy Pier. Free live music Thursday to Sunday. Shakespeare Theatre Wed and Saturday.
Dinner - Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (close to our hotel) saved in Google Maps – booked for Thursday, September 4, 8:00 pm - River North - 439 N Wells St Chicago (on Open Table app)
Day 2 - Friday 5 September - Museums & Landmarks (on Google Maps – “Chicago Day 2 – Millennium Park”)
Explore Millennium Park, including the iconic Cloud Gate ("The Bean") and Lurie Garden. Visit Chicago Cultural Center (free 10-5) and Maggie Daley Park.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the US. Book online $32. Free tours at 1pm and 3pm.
Harold Washington Library Center (400 s.State St, Loop neighbourhood) free
Sears Tower in West Loop
Visit Skydeck in West Loop - $36 must pre book timed entry ($32 on Thurs, Sun, Mon)
Day 3 - Saturday 6th September (with Nicole) – Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile (on Google Maps – “Chicago Day 3 - Lincoln Park”)
Lincoln Park - parkland, conservatory (free but limited entry, pre book) and zoo (free)
Chicago History Museum (closed on Monday) $19
Magnificent Mile (main shopping street, north of our hotel) – bars and restaurants (late afternoon, dinner) – Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Chicago 360 Obs deck, Hancock Building Bar at 96th Floor, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
3pm - Chicago Crime & Gangster Tour - (free Chicago Walking Tours) – booked for three and have an email to confirm. Recommend $20 pp.
Day 4 - Sunday 7th September – Lakefront Trail & Beaches (on Google Maps – “Chicago Day 4 – Lakefront Trail”)
Walk and/or bike ride along the Lakefront Trail in Grant Park - 26 miles of stunning shoreline, along lake. Bike hire -
Includes - South shore beach, Jackson park, promontory park, 31st street Harbour, Northerly Island, Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park, Ohio Street Beach, Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, Belmont Harbour, Mintrise Beach, Foster Beach
Nightlife: House of Blues Chicago – tickets are pre booked and start at $52
Day 5: Monday 8 September – Museum Campus (on Google Maps – “Chicago Day 5 – Museum Campus”)
Museum Campus - take a shoreline sightseeing water taxi ($16 from Navy Peer)
Look from outside - Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Field Museum, exploring exhibits on natural history and culture.
Afternoon: Serbian neighbourhood?
Evening: Enjoy dinner in a neighborhood like Pilsen or Logan Square, known for their vibrant street art and unique dining experiences.
Wicker Park - walk along North Milwaukee Avenue - bars, cafes, fashion boutiques, vibey
Day 6: Tuesday 9 September - depart for New York
Check out is 12 noon, but leave hotel on public transport by 9:30 to be at airport (ORD – Chicago O’Hare) by 11:00
Flight AA2041 departs for New York at 13:02, arrives NY La Guardia at 16:14
Places to see:
Roof on the Wit - rooftop bar
Sky Deck in Trump Hotel
Marshall Fields
Daley Centre
Cook County Building
LaSalle Street
The Museum of Science and Industry - a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits
Portillo Food
Chicago hotdog
Chicago Theatre
Greek Town
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New York, United States
New York Itinerary
Tuesday 9 - Wednesday 15 Sep (7 nights)
$3,200 accomm at Riverside Tower Hotel, 80 Riverside Drive, Upper West Side (on AMEX)
Getting to Riverside Tower Hotel from La Guardia:
Have booked a car via Booking.com - #620252259 meeting flight AA2041 at LaGuardia Airport (J&D LIMOUSINE LUXURY CORP) AUD$110 (paid), can cancel for free up to 24 hours before pick up time at 15:59 La Guardia Airport
Day 1 - Tuesday 9 September (on Google Maps – “First Evening” and “Around Riverside Hotel”)
Explore Hotel area and Riverside – Late afternoon and evening
Check in Riverside Tower Hotel, 80 Riverside Drive, Upper West Side (around 6pm) and leave bags. Flight arrives 4pm, allow to 5pm before we get car, then arrival at 6pm. Dinner at 7.00pm?
Explore immediate area and riverside – Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial, Riverwalk, etc.
(Columbus Ave + surrounding area, walk down Broadway)
Dinner at Playa Betty’s, Taco Tuesday’s ($4 each), 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023 – 7pm?
9.45pm Comedy show at New York Comedy Club UWS near our hotel at 236 West 78th Street – arrive by 9.15am. https://newyorkcomedyclub.com/calendar/Upper-West-Side/2025-07-06,2025-08-01 (Groupon is available gives tickets for $35 for two instead of $30 each - $20-item minimum purchase per person in showroom (includes drinks and snacks); NY Tax and 18% gratuity additional - https://www.groupon.com/deals/new-york-comedy-club-upper-west-side?srsltid=AfmBOoq0Cy6ilbsHoQHY5YjXV65tvb4eB4dUuG-wEZ9IzfWYX5LZfRmk
Day 2 - Wednesday 10 September (on Google Maps – “Central Park Day”)
Central Park, W59 Street, Wander Upper West Side, Midtown
Breakfast at Barney Green Grass (NY style deli) - pastrami etc, home made egg salad sandwich $13US
Wander around hotel area towards Central Park
Go past H & H Bagels and grab some for park
Museum of Natural History $30US must reserve online (not booked yet)
Bike Rental – NYC Bike Rental next to NH Museum - $32 for 5 hours each - https://bikerent.nyc/bike-rental
Central Park - Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, Ladies Pavillion, Bethesda Terrace to the Plaza Hotel – grab electric bikes?, Central Park Zoo
Walk to The Plaza Hotel, Trump Tower (5th Ave)
Drinks at The Empire Rooftop, cocktails $21US
Walk past Metropolitan Opera House
Carnegie Hall
Back to hotel for rest before the show?
Broadway show – have booked Wicked for 7pm, tickets in Branko’s email.
Order ID: TF3X185
Walk home along Broadway
Day 3 - Thursday 11 September!!!
Midtown Manhatten (on Google Maps – “Midtown Manhatten”)
To get from hotel to midtown Manhatten – walk to 79 St Station, catch the red line to Times Sq-42 Street, walk to yellow line to Times Sq-42 St, on Broadway to 23 St, Flatiron District.
Flatiron Building
Madison Square Park (with fountains), Rooftop Bar – 230 fifth
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral – 20W 26th Street
Walk up Madison Ave and 5th Avenue (Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton)
Koreatown or KTown (between Broadway, W33rd, 5th Ave, W31)
Empire State Building – booked for 11.00am on City Pass (app on phone)
Macy's Department Store
The Morgan Library and Museum
Stavros Niarchos Library at 455 Fifth Ave (great free rooftop 7th Floor)
Bryant Park (Crispy Chick, couple of bakeries)
Joe's pizza Broadway
East 42nd Street
Summit One viewing platform at Vanderbilt Building
Grand Central Terminal (food court beneath) - The grand hall is the focal point of the terminal, boasting stunning architecture, a vast ceiling, and the iconic clock. Beyond the main concourse, there are smaller areas and spaces to explore, like the Whispering Gallery, the historic oyster bar, and even a secret tennis court. The Campbell Bar
Sarges deli near Central station - split a pastrami sandwich
Chrysler building
Rockefeller Centre (look from outside), FAO Schwartz, M&Ms World
Top of the Rock (best one)
Times Square (at night) - Beast and Butterflies Rooftop Bar at M Social Hotel (52 St), Dear Irving on Hudson
Free walking tour booked with freetour.com for 2.00pm, leaves from Times Square. Have confirmation email.
John’s Pizza near Times Square
Radio City Music Hall
Continue along Broadway
Day 4 - Friday 12 September (on Google Maps – “Financial District”)
Lower Manhattan, Financial District, Staten Island, Lower East Side
Take the subway from 79 street to Park Place and walk a couple of blocks from there (33 mins travel time)
911 Memorial and Museum – booked for 10.30am Friday on City Pass (app on phone)
Pier 11/Wall Street
Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange, Charging Bull
Battery Park, Statue of Liberty Lookout
Staten Island Ferry – from Whitehall Terminal (ferry is free and runs
Lunch at Nonnas of the World on Staten Island (book – open Fri, Sat, Sun at 12.30, 2.30, 5.30, 7.30pm) – 35 minutes to get there one way. Have to ring to book at set times 2.30pm or 5.30pm - 917-803-1394 on whatsApp
Ground Zero memorial, 911 Museum with NY city pass (11 minute walk from Wall St)
Chinatown, Tribeca - explore
Los Tacos #1
Day 5 - Saturday 13 September (on Google Maps – “Upper East Side”)
Statue of Liberty and Guggenheim
Guggenheim Museum ($30)
MOMA Museum ($30) – booked for Saturday any time on City Pass (app on phone)
Roosevelt Island Tramway, Roosevelt Island - Panorama Room has great views
Bike hire and explore north Central Park?
Drunk Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet 7pm show – Ruby Theatre - 35 West 39th St (near 6th Ave) – purchased Groupon Vouchers for $29 for balcony seats, booked and paid, tickets in Caz’s email
Day 6 - Sunday 14 September (on Google Maps – “Brooklyn”)
Day out in Brooklyn
To get to Brooklyn, go to pier 11 and get the ferry $4 (download NY FERRY app) or you can walk across Manhatten Bridge and back across Brooklyn Bridge (2 bridges)
Walk over Manhattan Bridge
Explore Dumbo, Time Out Market in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Prospect Park – Museum, Botanic Grdns, Smorgasburg on Sunday?, Barclays Centre, 1hr 20 min walk back to Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Deklab Market Hall
Walk Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan
Bike hire in Brooklyn?
Day 7 - Monday 15 September (on Google Maps – “Chelsea, Highline”)
Chelsea, Highline, West Village
Free walking tour Financial District booked for 10:30am
Circle Line Ferry Cruise from Pier 83
Chelsea and Chelsea market
High line
The vessel (iconic building)
Little Island
Union Square
Little Italy
Explore Greenwich/West Village – Bleeker St Pizza,
Washington Square Park
Soho
Day 8 - Tuesday 16 September
Checkout hotel by 12:00
Subway and airtrain back to JFK, really easy – leave by 8am
Flight JU501 Departs JFK 13:50
Arrives Belgrade Wednesday 17 September 04:40
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Belgrade, Serbia
From JFK at 13:50
Flight JU501
Arrive 17 Sep 04:40