On your way to Hawaii’s capital? Great! Allow me to let you in on the best things to do in Honolulu.
Honolulu is a lively city known for its high-rise hotels, palm-fringed beaches, and a melting pot of cultures.
It’s the gateway to all the majestic islands of Hawaii, home to the looming Diamond Head crater and famous Pearl Harbor.
Offering you balmy beaches, incredible sights, and foodie adventures — how to pick the right activities during your visit?
The short answer is to consider only the cream of the crop to ensure you’re kept on your toes.
So, let’s not waste another moment discovering the top activities in Honolulu.
Also, check out these things to do in Maui while in the Aloha State.
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Honolulu Essentials
Top Experiences and Tours in Honolulu
- Oahu: Waikiki Parasailing
- Waikiki: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
- Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
- Paradise Cove Luau
- All-Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Day Tour and Waimea Falls
- Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
Where To Stay in Honolulu
Still need to find accommodation while tackling the top things to do in Honolulu?
I can’t recommend the following hotels enough. Each one is suited to a specific budget.
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Honolulu
One of the most affordable and popular ways for visitors to get around Honolulu is via a cab or a shuttle.
Private taxis are generally more expensive than Uber or Lyft rides, but these are great options for shorter distances.
If you want to travel further out but on a budget, opt for a public bus system or the Waikiki Trolley, which takes you to various parts of the island.
However, renting a car is best if you plan on visiting remote, far-out areas where taxis and shuttle services do not go.
While more expensive, a rental car allows you to travel reliably at your own pace.
Otherwise, sightseeing around the city should be comfortable on foot since many neighborhoods in Honolulu are walkable, including Waikiki, Kaimuki, Kaka’ako, and Downtown.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
1. Hike Up the Iconic Diamond Head at Sunrise
Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone and one of the first striking features you’ll see as you land at Honolulu International Airport (if you get the right window seat).
Known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi, this geological wonder is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Honolulu.
So, is there a better way to do just that than an early morning hike at sunrise?
Breathe in fresh mountain air as you take in panoramic views of Waikiki, the city, and the vast ocean.
There are trails for all skill levels and ages, but I suggest taking on this self-guided, beginner-friendly trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete.
Check availability on GetYourGuide!
2. Grab a Cup of Coffee
Whether you need a caffeine dose to kickstart your day or are ready to judge what Honolulu offers — call yourself the next Voltaire.
This is because, if there’s one thing Hawaii is known for, it’s coffee.
Honolulu has more than its fair share of sublime coffee shops, but the following are my top suggestions:
3. Witness the Majestic Manoa Falls
Known for its lush, verdant forests, tropical landscapes, and crystal blue water features, it’s no surprise that a waterfall has made it on this list.
But this is not your average cascade.
Manoa Falls is a 150-foot beauty with a plunge pool reached via a trail with the same name.
The trail is steep at certain points and covered in dirt/mud/rock, so watch your step.
I suggest going on this hike through the Manoa Valley Rainforest to the breathtaking waterfall.
It takes about one to two hours to reach.
Check availability on GetYourGuide!
4. Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
A visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a must.
Not only to learn about one of the most pivotal events in U.S. history and World War II but to honor the memory of the fallen.
The war museum features exhibit galleries displaying personal memorabilia, artifacts of the battle, and photographs.
There’s also a theater to view a 23-minute documentary film on the Dec. 7, 1941 attack and a bookstore to browse.
I recommend this Pearl Harbor tour, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri battleship.
5. Sunbathe on Waikiki Beach
You can’t go to Honolulu without sunbathing on the picturesque shores of Waikiki.
Famous for its beauty and surfing, this beach boasts stunning high-rise hotels that have hosted big names like Frank Sinatra, Amelia Earhart, and Joe DiMaggio.
With an approval stamp from iconic celebrities, it’s no surprise that the area buzzes with activity and foot traffic.
Unwind on the beach, grab a drink from waterside cocktail bars, find fine dining spots nearby, and enjoy a hula show on Kuhio Beach.
6. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
What’s a trip to Hawaii without snorkeling?
After all, its islands are known as some of the best snorkeling destinations on Earth.
Honolulu is home to vibrant, healthy coral reefs with interesting topographical formations.
You’ll also spot numerous marine life, such as manta rays, turtles, and various fish.
And you’ll find no better spot to see all this and more than Hanauma Bay State Park.
Seen as one of the best beaches in the country, here you can swim with wild dolphins, sail, and snorkel.
This Hanauma Bay snorkeling tour provides you with pick-up and gear, so you won’t have to worry about organizing everything.
7. Learn About Hawaiian History at the Bishop Museum
Still trying to figure out what to do in Honolulu, Hawaii?
If you’re curious about Hawaiian culture and a history buff, then you should start by spending a few hours (three to four) at the Bishop Museum.
You can’t go wrong with this general admission ticket to explore the number one rated museum attraction in Hawaii by TripAdvisor.
It’s also the largest museum in the state, holding millions of artifacts, photos, and documents relating to Hawaii and Polynesian cultures.
8. Surf at Kailua Beach
If you haven’t got time for a 40-minute day trip to North Shore, Kailua Beach is a mesmerizing spot that deserves your time.
Known for powder-like sandy beaches and inviting turquoise waters — there’s no better place for sun chasing and beach bumming.
Also, it’s a prime location for surfing, with consistent swells throughout the year.
I recommend this activity to more experienced surfers, though, as it can be tricky to conquer these waves.
Otherwise, opt for the well-known hiking trail along the Kaʻiwa Ridge to the “Lanikai Pillboxes” or explore the charming town of Kailua.
9. Wander Through ‘Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is the kind of place to captivate the minds and hearts of anyone who visits.
It’s an opulent palace that once served as the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
Showcasing ornate architecture and landscaping — the building is a work of art worth a peep.
Buy an entry ticket from the official site and wander through a palace that would host grand balls and hula performances in the 1800s.
10. Explore Waimea Valley
One of the best places to visit in Honolulu is the majestic Waimea Valley.
This nature reserve offers a breathtaking backdrop for photography and exploration.
It consists of a luscious botanical garden and a waterfall area (where people swim, by the way).
Go waterfall hunting, hike through the magical garden, and discover its cultural sights.
Several weekly and monthly events occur here, so keep your eye peeled on their website.
These include the Haleiwa Market every Thursday, the Plant Sale every Saturday, Cultural Kipahele tours, and more.
Hot Tip: Use these Hawaii Instagram captions when posting about your trip in Honolulu.
11. Grab Lunch or Dinner at a Hawaiian Restaurant
Have you ever been to Hawaii without tasting the local cuisine and delicacies?
What a shame that would be, as the food there bursts with flavor, reflecting its diverse history and strong family values.
Look out for specialties like Poke, Manapua, Fish Tacos, Spam Musubi, Saimin, and Huli Huli Chicken.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Honolulu for authentic Hawaiian food:
12. Experience the Rich Traditions of Hawaii
What better way to truly immerse yourself in the traditions of Hawaii than witnessing a pulsating luau?
For those who don’t know, it’s an authentic Hawaiian party or feast filled with fire and hula dancing, native cuisine, rhythmic music, and storytelling about Polynesia’s history of wars and warriors.
It’s an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Aloha and to indulge in an authentic Hawaiian feast.
I can’t imagine a better way to experience a luau than this organized Mauka Warriors Luau tour.
13. Browse the Honolulu Museum of Art
Pop in at the Honolulu Museum of Art for a dose of culture and inspiration.
The museum boasts over 50,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years, covering Asian, American, and European artworks.
Besides browsing the extensive collection, you can watch a concert, documentary, film, and other live performances at the Doris Duke Theatre (Hawaii’s largest independent arthouse theatre).
Then, some exhibitions take place throughout the year, showcasing local fashion and culture.
After an hour of exploring the museum, pick up a coffee and something to eat at the HoMA Café + Coffee Bar in the Palm Courtyard.
14. Stop By Byodo-In Temple
Nestled in the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple is a Honolulu attraction that cannot go unnoticed.
It’s a non-denominational Buddhist temple within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, a serene sanctuary that honors various beliefs.
Known as the “Temple of Equality,” it’s a scale replica of a temple in Uji, Japan, dedicated to commemorating the first Japanese immigrants.
Stroll its tranquil grounds, see the magnificent Amida Buddha statue, find the Sacred Bell, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
15. Pick Up Souvenirs at Ala Moana Center
For more souvenirs, trinkets, and other pleasantries, make your way to Ala Moana Center.
Situated on Ala Moana Blvd, this large, open-air shopping mall is a must-visit for a glimpse of the local lifestyle.
In fact, it’s the biggest open-air shopping center in the world — so you’re bound to find memorabilia and other necessities for your stay, like the swimwear you forgot to pack.
Here, you can people-watch to no end, indulge in various foods, and shop till you drop while absorbing the lively atmosphere.
16. Go on a Sunset Sail in Waikiki
Are you looking to go on a fabulous cruise backed by the tropical sunset’s vibrant colors, cocktails, and appetizers?
This dreamy escapade can become your reality in Honolulu thanks to a luxury catamaran cruise.
Sailing from the coastline of Waikiki to Diamond Head, few things in life can beat an intimate and unforgettable moment like this.
17. Tick “Parasailing in Hawaii” Off on Your Bucket List
One of the most fun things to do in Honolulu is parasailing in Waikiki.
Okay, the right word to use is frightening for some — but it’s certainly something impressive to tick off your bucket list.
Enjoy the thrill of flying over Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean as you take in panoramic views of the urban landscape and turquoise waters from the sky.
You can do this parasailing tour with your partner or friends with assistance from a professional team.
You’ll even get a glimpse of the imposing Diamond Head and prepare to get a bit wet as you glide over the water.
Check availability on GetYourGuide!
18. Watch the Sunset at Makapu’u Point Lookout
As far as Honolulu activities go, a trip to Makapu’u Point Lookout is one of those quintessential must-do’s.
Not only a haven for nature enthusiasts, it’s also a stand-out spot for awe-inspiring photography, especially during golden hour.
So snap up those Hawaiian selfies for the gram.
The seascapes from here are astounding, but you’ll also look out onto Molokaʻi, Mānana, and Kāohikaipu islands.
You can reach the viewpoint via 2.5 miles out-and-back Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail.
It’ll take roughly one hour to complete, but it will feel much shorter, thanks to the breathtaking shoreline scenery.
Tip: Keep up with Honolulu’s sunrise and sunset hours by using this site.
Related: 15 Best things to do in Kauai.
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