Honolulu is a truly beautiful city – with white sandy beaches, warm tropical weather, and an assortment of highly-acclaimed restaurants and attractions, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations for beach-loving travelers. If you’re looking for things to do in Honolulu, this list is for you!
Whether you’re here on vacation or a business trip, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for things to do in Honolulu ahead of your next visit.
Here are our top 10 things to do in Honolulu:
Hike to Diamond Head
If you’re a beach bum then you’ve probably heard that you have to visit the famous Diamond Head. The trail to the top of the head is only a few minutes walk from the beach, and offers some of the city’s best views. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus to the base of the head, and hike up the mountain for a more challenging trek.
Wander around historic Chinatown and visit Waikiki
If you love Asian culture and history then a visit to Chinatown is a must. The historic neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s most popular beaches and nightlife spots, so you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to where to go.
You can also take a tour of Waikiki to see some of the city’s most popular attractions. One tour picks you up in Chinatown and takes you around the city in a comfortable vehicle.
Walk around the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is the city’s most popular tourist attraction, and rightly so. The powerful memorial to the lives lost in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor is a solemn place of remembrance, and is only a short walk from the memorial itself to the USS Arizona Memorial. You can also take a long-distance bus ride, or even a helicopter ride, to see the memorial from above.
Ride the Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley is a fun way to see the city’s famous beaches, including Waikiki and Diamond Head, and see some of the city’s famous landmarks along the way. You can hop on and off at any of the three stops along Kuhio Avenue, and stay on the trolley until you want to get off. The whole tour takes around one hour.
You can also take a local bus tour to see the sights of Waikiki on your own schedule.
Go to Pearl Harbor
The USS Arizona Memorial is a short walk from the USS Bowfin Submarine, which is where you can take a boat tour to see the harbor and history of Pearl Harbor. On the boat tour you’ll see the USS Missouri, which was docked in the harbor when the attack happened, and is now a memorial of its own.
Pearl Harbor also offers a number of other fun things to do, including an USS Arizona Memorial, a World War II aircraft carrier, and a submarine museum.
Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is home to a collection of military vehicles and artifacts from all over the world. Not only does it have a great collection, but the museum is also located in a beautiful part of the city.
Take a tour of the museum or visit on your own, but don’t miss this one when you’re in Honolulu.
Take a day trip to Oahu’s North Shore
If you’ve got a few hours to spare while you’re in Honolulu, it’s also worth exploring the North Shore. The two areas are only a short drive apart, and offer a number of beautiful beaches and attractions.
The North Shore area is home to Hanauma Bay, which is known for being one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. It’s also home to various other attractions, including the Waiakea Beach State Park and Marine Life Conservation Center.
Go on a Tour of Kauai
The North Shore and Oahu are also home to Kauai, and if you have a couple of extra hours on your hands, you can also visit this beautiful island on a day trip from Honolulu.
The island is famous for its beaches and natural beauty, and if you’re looking for things to do in Kauai it’s a great place to visit.
Conclusion
While Honolulu is the center of tourism in Hawaii, the Aloha State has a lot more to offer than its capital. There are plenty of natural attractions on Oahu and Kauai, as well as many other islands. Get out of the city and experience some of the beauty of Hawaii.
