Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu’s south shore and is the capital of Hawaii.
It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Honolulu is known for its beautiful beaches, its stunning scenery, and its friendly people.
There are plenty of things to do in Honolulu, from exploring the city’s many museums and galleries to enjoying the nightlife on Waikiki Beach.
And of course, no trip to Honolulu would be complete without sampling some Hawaiian culture and delicious Hawaiian cuisine.
Things To Do In Honolulu
1. Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head State Monument is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations.
The monument is a volcanic crater that was formed about 100,000 years ago.
The crater is about 3,000 feet wide and 750 feet deep.
Diamond Head offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu that you can hike to via a trail that takes you to the edge of the crater.
Diamond Head State Monument is also home to a number of WWII-era bunkers and tunnels that are open to the public.
There is a rest stop at a lookout point, and then you’ll make your way through tunnels and up stairs.
Climb 99 steps to get to the second lookout point where you’ll find a second world war bunker. A further 54 steps from there will bring you to the crater’s summit.
The crater rim houses a picnic area, restrooms, drinking fountains and information, and historical displays.
One of the most beautiful hikes in the world, Diamond Head offers breath-taking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, be sure to add Diamond Head to your list of must-see attractions
Address: Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, HI 96815
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a United States National Monument located in Hawaii.
The monument commemorates the December 7, 1941 Japanese Pearl Harbor attack, as well as the ensuing American entry into World War II.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial consists of two distinct units: the Visitors Center and the USS Arizona Memorial.
The Visitor Center tells the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor through exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and displays of artefacts.
The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial that marks the final resting place of 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives when the USS Arizona was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
More than two million people visit this moving and fascinating museum each year.
Admission to the Visitor Center is free, and tickets to the USS Arizona are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818.
3. Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu, on the corner of King Street and Richards Street and is the former royal palace of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The Palace is officially the only royal palace within the United States
Iolani palace was built in 1882 and served as the home of Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani.
After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, Iolani Palace was used as a government building.
Today, the palace is open to the public for tours.
Visitors can see the lavish royal apartments, learn about Hawaiian history, and view artifacts from the kingdom.
Tours include access to the property’s basement galleries and first and second floors, and you’ll also find a gift shop and restrooms on-site.
Address: Iolani Palace, 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a protected sea life conservation area and underwater park located on the southeast coast of Oahu in Hawaii.
The bay is home to a wide variety of fish, coral, and other marine life.
It is a popular spot for snorkelling, swimming, and just enjoying the stunning views.
The bay is also home to a number of rock formations that are popular with climbers.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was established in 1967 to protect the marine life in the bay from over-exploitation.
Visitors are required to watch a short video about the importance of preserving the marine life in the bay.
There are also a number of rules that visitors must follow in order to help protect the sea life.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a great place to learn about the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that live in them.
Address: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, 7455 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI
5. Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a family-centered cultural tourist attraction and living museum located in Laie, about an hour’s drive from Honolulu.
The center features seven unique Polynesian villages representing different cultures from across the Pacific Ocean.
The featured Polynesian islands include: Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Tahiti and Hawaii. There is also a special Rapa Nui (Easter Island) exhibit.
Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of each culture through song, dance, and other traditional arts.
Families can take part in fun activities for all ages and watch authentic cultural performances.
The Center is also known for its award-winning Ali’i Luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast, which starts at 5 pm.
Set on 42 acres, the Polynesian Cultural Center also has a private lagoon that hosts daily canoe tours.
Another main highlight is the Hā: Breath of Life, a 90-minute award-winning night show, which takes place in the Center’s 2,800-seat Pacific Theater.
The Polynesian Cultural Center also offers a variety of educational programs and cultural events throughout the year.
A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii for families.
Address: Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762
6. Sans Souci Beach Park
Located in between Queen Beach and Kaimana Beach, this large grassy park has plenty of shade, toilet facilities and beautiful water views.
Considered one of the best family beaches in Waikiki, Sans Souci is shallow, sandy and free of strong currents.
Sans Souci Beach is away from the hustle and bustle of crowded Waikiki, and is a local favorite.
The waves are mild; the palm trees offer plenty of shade and it’s a great place to unwind in Honolulu.
It’s also a great location for snorkelling.
Address: Sans Souci Beach Park, 2863 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815
7. Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall along the Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu.
Manoa Falls is one of the most popular hiking destinations on Oahu.
The trailhead is located in the Manoa Valley, and the hike itself is a moderate to difficult hike that takes about two hours to complete.
The Manoa Falls Trail is often muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes.
The reward for completing the hike is a stunning waterfall that cascades down into a pool of water.
Manoa Falls is a popular spot for swimming, so be sure to bring your bathing suit if you want to take a dip.
Address: Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI
8. Koko Crater Railway Trail
Koko Crater Railway Trail is located at the end of Kailua Road, and the hike itself is a moderate to difficult hike that takes about two hours to complete.
The Koko Crater Trail is an abandoned railway track leading through rolling green hills and offering vast, panoramic views of the surrounding city and wilds.
The Koko Crater Trail is often muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes.
The reward for completing the hike is a stunning view of the city of Honolulu and the surrounding area.
Koko Crater Railway Trail is also a popular spot for bird watching, as the area is home to many different kinds of birds.
Address: Koko Crater Railway Trail, 7604 Koko Head Park Rd 7602, Honolulu, HI 96825
9. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki enjoys a reputation for being one of the world’s most famous beach resorts.
Waikiki is located on the south shore of Oahu and it is best known for its famous white sand beach.
The beach is about 2 miles long and across from it, on the other side of the street, are many hotels, restaurants, gift shops and beach bars.
Waikiki Beach has a series of beaches, almost all of which are ideal for swimming and water sports, including snorkelling, bodyboarding, Hawaiian paddle sports, and, of course, surfing.
If you like water sports you will be able to rent all kinds of equipment on Waikiki beach, such as bodyboards, surfboards and snorkelling gear.
Address: Waikiki Beach, 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
10. Battleship USS Missouri Memorial
The Battleship USS Missouri Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The battleship is named after the state of Missouri and was the last battleship constructed by the United States Navy.
The ship was christened on January 29, 1944 and commissioned on June 11, 1944.
The Battleship USS Missouri Memorial is significant because it is the site of Japan’s formal surrender to the United States on September 2, 1945, which ended World War II.
After serving in several conflicts including the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm, the ship was decommissioned in 1992 and turned into a museum ship.
Today, visitors can take a tour of the Battleship USS Missouri Memorial and learn about its rich history.
The ship is also open for special events and private functions.
Address: 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818
11. Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii.
The museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific region.
The museum houses over 24 million items, making it one of the largest museums in the state.
Some of the exhibits at the Bishop Museum include Hawaiian art, Hawaiian history, Native Hawaiian plants, and Pacific island cultures.
It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world.
The museum also has a planetarium and a research library.
The Bishop Museum is open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Address: Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817
12. Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park is a public beach park located on the south shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
The park is situated between Waikiki Beach and Kakaako Waterfront Park.
The Ala Moana Beach Park covers an area of 699 acres making it the largest beach park in Honolulu.
The park offers a wide variety of amenities including picnic areas, BBQ pits, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Ala Moana Beach Park is also a popular spot for surfing, as the waves here are some of the best in Hawaii.
Address: Ala Moana Beach Park, 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
13. Ala Moana Center
The Ala Moana Center is a large open-air shopping mall in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Hawaii’s largest shopping center is located just minutes from Waikiki and features more than 350 stores, including over 160 dining options.
Lush tropical gardens and koi ponds surround the Ala Moana Center.
Other amenities onsite include free Wi-Fi access, the Art Walk, restrooms, a post office and visitor information centers.
One of the best things to do in Honolulu for some great shopping!
Address: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
14. Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the state of Hawaii.
Not far from Downtown Honolulu, the Honolulu Museum of Art has been sharing the arts with Hawaii since 1927.
The museum houses a collection of over 60,000 works of art.
Some of the exhibits at the Honolulu Museum of Art include European paintings, Asian art collections, American art, and contemporary art.
The museum also has a library and a research center.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is open every day from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Address: Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814
15. Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is home to over 1,230 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and many more.
Visitors can also take a ride on the zoo train or visit the petting zoo.
The Honolulu Zoo is located in Kapiolani Park, which is also home to the Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
The park is a great place to spend a day with family and friends, and it’s just a short walk from Waikiki Beach.
Address: Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
16. Kuhio Beach Park
Kuhio Beach Park is a public beach park located on the east shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
The park covers an area of 26 acres and is one of the most popular beaches in Honolulu.
The park offers a wide variety of amenities including picnic areas, BBQ pits, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Kuhio Beach Park is also a popular spot for surfing, as the waves here are some of the best in Hawaii.
Address: Kuhio Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96815,
17. Koko Crater Botanical Garden
The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is one of the most unique gardens in Hawaii.
The garden is located on the slopes of Koko Crater, an extinct volcano.
The garden features a variety of native and exotic plants, as well as a number of sculptures and water features.
Visitors to the garden can enjoy stunning views of Honolulu and the surrounding area.
Today, the garden focuses on the cultivation of rare and endangered dryland plants, making it one of the most diverse gardens in Hawaii.
A self-guided tour takes you on a 2-mile loop through the gardens. Guided tours are available but must be made by special appointment.
Address: Koko Crater Botanical Garden, 2453 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, 96815
18. Royal Hawaiian Center
The Royal Hawaiian Center is a major retail, dining, and entertainment center in Waikiki, with more than 310,000 square feet along three blocks of Kalakaua Avenue.
This large shopping center includes many stores that offer customers a great selection of products, most notably luxury and elegant accessories, jewellery and unique gifts.
There are more than 110 shops and restaurants, plus a theater, nightclub and coconut grove with an entertainment area.
There are plenty of options to chose from for food and snacks, with 10 sit-down restaurants and more than a dozen spots to grab a quick bite, an ice cream or an iced coffee.
Address: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
FAQ
Is there a downtown Honolulu?
The commercial and governmental center of the Hawaiian Islands is located in downtown Honolulu, where you’ll find a number of cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Honolulu is unusual among American cities in that its downtown has few hotels, with the bulk of the city’s hotels concentrated around Waikiki Beach.
What is the best month to visit Honolulu?
The ideal time to visit Oahu is between April and June or September and mid-December.
The shoulder seasons are quiet, festivals abound, and airfare and lodging prices are at their lowest.
Can you see sea turtles in Honolulu?
Hawaii is home to five different species of sea turtles.
The green sea turtles are by far the most common on Oahu.
The second most common are the Hawksbill sea turtles, but they are seen much less frequently.
Where can I see Jurassic Park in Hawaii?
Located on the windward side of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve & cattle ranch.
On the ranch’s northern half is Ka’a’awa Valley, a popular TV and movie location where Jurassic Park, Lost & Hawaii Five-0 were filmed.
