The best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii, blend outdoor adventure with deep cultural history. Start with the essentials: sunbathing on Waikiki Beach, hiking the Diamond Head State Monument (reservations required), and paying respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. For local culture, visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US, and the Bishop Museum. Don't miss the food scene—grab a malasada at Leonard’s Bakery or fresh poke in Chinatown. For panoramic views, drive up to the Tantalus Lookout or hike Manoa Falls.
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and anchors a tourism sector that contributes approximately $20 billion annually to the local economy. It serves as a cultural and historic center with a diverse population. Many US travelers favor this destination because it is accessible year-round, thanks to its consistent tropical weather. While the Hawaiian islands offer countless attractions, this guide focuses on the best Things To Do In Honolulu Hawaii.
The History of Honolulu
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Any visitor to Honolulu should see one of the most significant historical spots in the country: Pearl Harbor. Visiting the site is free, but the tours have a limited capacity. Roughly 1,000 tickets are distributed daily, so arriving early or booking online in advance is essential.
USS Arizona Memorial
Aerial View of Pearl Harbor Part of the battleship that sank during the attack is still visible. This memorial serves as an underwater resting place for over 1,000 sailors who lost their lives in 1941. In the vicinity, you will also find the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Iolani Palace
For a look at Hawaii’s royal history, visit Iolani Palace. Built in the 19th century, it housed the Hawaiian monarchs and remains the only royal palace on US soil. It is open for audio and docent-led tours.
Bishop Museum
New Addition: To fully understand Hawaiian culture, add the Bishop Museum to your itinerary. It houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and offers immersive exhibits on the history, legends, and natural environment of the islands.
Downtown & Chinatown
Chinatown
This historic landmark, established around 1900, is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the US. Despite setbacks like fires in its early years, it remains a prosperous and lively location in Honolulu. Inside Chinatown, tourists can visit the Oahu Market to find fresh local produce, seafood, and exotic fruits. The area also serves as a hub for arts and culture, featuring galleries and the historic Hawaii Theater.
If you appreciate art, stroll through the open-air galleries or visit the local tattoo parlors known for their distinct styles. For food lovers, this is the best place to indulge in authentic dim sum and noodle dishes. You can even visit a working noodle factory.
Best Beaches in Honolulu
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu’s coastline is vast, but Waikiki gets imprinted onto every tourist’s memory. It is the most famous stretch of sand where you can relax on the shore. This particular beach was once a retreat for 19th-century royalty, so it is no surprise that the nearby streets, particularly Kalakaua Avenue, are lined with luxury designer stores and high-end resorts.
In the surrounding areas, check out Kapiolani Regional Park and the Honolulu Zoo.
Lanikai and Kailua Beach
Waikiki is great for surfing lessons, but for calmer waters and a relaxed atmosphere, travel 15 miles to Lanikai Beach. Although popular, it feels less crowded because it focuses on being a natural retreat without commercial stores or restaurants right on the sand. Very close by is Kailua Beach, where you can enjoy windsurfing with easy access to nearby bars and restaurants.
Experiencing the Underwater World
Submarine Tours
You can experience the underwater world in various ways in Honolulu. A unique option is a submarine tour. Children and adults learn about ocean life while viewing it firsthand from 100 feet below the surface. The submarine often features large viewports, allowing you to observe ocean activity, reefs, and sometimes sunken ships or planes.
Underwater Scooters
If you want to get in the water without full scuba gear, opt for a sub-scooter adventure. These self-propelled units are easy to operate and require no prior diving experience. You will receive all necessary equipment for a two-hour adventure, allowing you to view fish and coral while keeping your head dry.
Scuba and Snorkeling
For traditional swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling are top-tier here. One of the best places is Turtle Canyon. Sightings of green sea turtles are almost guaranteed. Important Note: If you plan to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, you must make a reservation online 2 days in advance, as entry is strictly limited to preserve the reef.
Shark Cage Diving
For a thrilling experience, try cage diving with Galapagos sharks. You will be in a secure cage, viewing these apex predators safely in their natural habitat. It is an adrenaline rush that requires no diving certification.
Trekking and Hiking
Koko Crater Railway Trail
Honolulu offers more than just beaches. There are plenty of spots for hiking and observing wildlife. One of these is Koko Crater. The path is a steep stair-climb along an old railway track that starts near the city outskirts. It climbs the crater for a splendid panorama of Hanauma Bay and East Oahu.
Diamond Head State Monument
A similar but more famous trail is Diamond Head, which offers iconic views of Waikiki. Vital Update: Out-of-state visitors must now make a hiking and parking reservation online before arriving. Do not show up without one.
Rainforest Hikes
While the coastal trails are popular, the rainforest trails offer a peaceful experience. Manoa Falls is a 1.6-mile round trip through a bamboo forest leading to a 150-foot waterfall. Other beautiful trails include the Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Wa’ahila Ridge Trail, which run through lush vegetation. Always bring plenty of water and wear shoes with good grip, as these paths can be muddy.
Must-Try Local Food
New Addition: No list of Things To Do In Honolulu Hawaii is complete without tasting the local flavors.
- Poke: Try fresh raw fish salad at local favorites like Maguro Brothers or Foodland.
- Malasadas: Visit Leonard’s Bakery for these famous Portuguese doughnuts, best eaten hot and coated in sugar.
- Shave Ice: Cool down with fine shave ice from Waiola Shave Ice or Matsumoto’s (on the North Shore).
Adventure and Adrenaline
Water Sports
You cannot get bored in Honolulu. If you have time to spare, join a water activity. Choose from surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, or a sunset catamaran sail. You can even try to spot migrating whales (in winter) or support conservation efforts by learning about local marine life.
Skydiving and Ziplining
If you have an adventurous spirit, try skydiving or ziplining over the Ka’a’awa Valley at Kualoa Ranch. This location is famous for being a filming site for Jurassic Park. For a simpler thrill near the water, try jumping off the rock at Waimea Bay. It is roughly 30 feet high—exciting but manageable for most swimmers.
Best Views: Tantalus Lookout
New Addition: For the best sunset view, drive up to the Tantalus Lookout at Puu Ualakaa State Park. You will see the entire city skyline, Diamond Head, and the ocean spread out before you.