20 Things to do in Honolulu

Iconic Things to Do in Honolulu

1. Spend the day on Waikiki Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki. Best For: Families, couples, swimming, surfing. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; rentals and lessons extra.

Start your Honolulu vacation on Waikiki Beach, where warm Pacific water, soft sand and views towards Diamond Head create one of Hawaii’s most recognizable coastal scenes. The Waikiki shoreline is made up of several connected beach areas, giving you plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding and people-watching.

Gentle breaks around parts of Waikiki also make this one of Hawaii’s classic places to learn to surf. Restaurants, shops and cafés are only steps from the beach when you want a break from the sun. Insider tip: visit early for calmer beach time, then return around sunset for a completely different atmosphere.

2. Hike Diamond Head State Monument

Location / Neighborhood: Diamond Head / east of Waikiki. Best For: Couples, families with older children, hiking, views. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $; reservations and entry fees apply to non-Hawaii residents.

Climb to one of Honolulu’s signature viewpoints on the Diamond Head Summit Trail. The route ascends the inside of the volcanic crater before continuing through switchbacks, steep stairs, a historic tunnel and former military lookout areas towards panoramic views over Waikiki and Oahu’s south coast.

The trail is relatively short but the climb and tropical heat can make it feel more demanding, so carry water and wear suitable shoes. Insider tip: non-Hawaii residents need an advance reservation for entry, and morning time slots offer cooler hiking conditions than the middle of the day.

3. Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

Location / Neighborhood: Pearl Harbor. Best For: Families with older children, history, educational visits. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center free; individual attractions vary.

Set aside several hours for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where museums and exhibits explore the events surrounding the attack on December 7, 1941 and the wider Pacific War. The most moving experience is the USS Arizona Memorial program, which takes visitors by boat to the memorial built above the sunken battleship.

The visitor center itself is free, while other historic attractions around Pearl Harbor operate separately. Insider tip: reserve the USS Arizona Memorial program through the official reservation system before your trip. Availability is limited, although standby opportunities may sometimes be offered.

4. Tour Iolani Palace

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Honolulu. Best For: History, culture, couples, families. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; tour admission required.

Learn more about the Hawaiian monarchy inside Iolani Palace, the former royal residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. The carefully restored rooms, furnishings and artifacts tell the story of Hawaii’s royal family while offering important context to the political and cultural changes that shaped modern Hawaii.

Choose between available self-guided and docent-led experiences depending on the day of your visit. Insider tip: book your preferred tour ahead and combine the palace with other historic Downtown Honolulu landmarks rather than making a separate journey into the city center.

5. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Location / Neighborhood: East Honolulu / Hawaii Kai. Best For: Families, couples, snorkeling, marine life. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$; admission and parking charges apply.

Discover one of Oahu’s best-known marine environments at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a protected volcanic bay where tropical fish and coral habitat lie close to shore. Its sheltered setting makes it particularly appealing to visitors looking for a structured snorkeling experience within easy reach of Honolulu.

Visitor numbers are managed to help protect the marine environment, and guests receive conservation guidance before heading to the beach. Insider tip: Hanauma Bay uses a limited-entry reservation system, so make this one of the first activities you organize when planning your Honolulu itinerary.

6. Hike to Manoa Falls

Location / Neighborhood: Manoa Valley. Best For: Families with older children, couples, rainforest walks. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free trail access; parking may cost extra.

Trade the beachfront for lush tropical forest on the Manoa Falls Trail, a popular walk leading through a green valley towards an approximately 150-foot waterfall. Ferns, bamboo and dense vegetation give the route a very different feel from Honolulu’s dry coastal landscapes.

The path can become muddy and slippery after rain, so proper walking shoes are much more practical than beach sandals. Swimming at the waterfall is not recommended. Insider tip: go earlier in the day for cooler conditions and take insect repellent, particularly after wet weather.

Cultural & Family Things to Do in Honolulu

7. Explore Bishop Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Kalihi / near Downtown Honolulu. Best For: Families, Hawaiian culture, history, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.

Spend a few hours at Bishop Museum, Hawaii’s leading museum of natural and cultural history and home to an exceptional collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts. Exhibits explore subjects including Hawaiian royalty, Polynesian voyaging, volcanology, natural history and the cultures of the wider Pacific.

The museum provides particularly valuable context before or after visiting historic sites elsewhere on Oahu, helping you understand the island beyond its beaches. Insider tip: allow several hours rather than treating Bishop Museum as a quick stop, especially if you want to explore both the Hawaiian Hall and science-focused exhibits.

8. Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art

Location / Neighborhood: Makiki / central Honolulu. Best For: Couples, art lovers, culture, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.

Take a break from beaches and hiking at the Honolulu Museum of Art, where collections span Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific, European and American art. Its galleries provide an interesting perspective on Hawaii’s position between different cultures and artistic traditions, alongside temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year.

Quiet courtyards and shaded spaces make the museum a relaxing addition to a city sightseeing day. Insider tip: check the current exhibition schedule before your trip and combine your visit with lunch or other attractions around central Honolulu.

9. Explore Honolulu Chinatown

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Honolulu. Best For: Couples, food lovers, culture, markets. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; food and shopping extra.

Discover one of Honolulu’s most characterful neighborhoods in Chinatown, where historic buildings, markets, restaurants, bakeries, galleries and cultural influences from across Asia sit within a compact section of downtown.

Browse fresh produce and specialty ingredients in local markets, stop for dim sum or noodles and explore independent shops and galleries around the surrounding streets. Insider tip: visit during daylight hours and combine Chinatown with nearby Downtown Honolulu landmarks such as Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol.

10. Shop and dine at Ala Moana Center

Location / Neighborhood: Ala Moana. Best For: Families, couples, shopping, dining. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to enter; shopping and dining extra.

Mix shopping, dining and a break from the beach at Ala Moana Center, a huge open-air shopping complex between Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu. Hundreds of stores range from international luxury brands to more accessible retailers, while extensive dining options include casual food halls, restaurants and island favorites.

Its location also places you close to Ala Moana Beach Park if your group wants to split its day between shopping and the waterfront. Insider tip: save Ala Moana for a hotter afternoon or rainy spell rather than using the best early-morning beach conditions indoors.

11. Spend a morning at Honolulu Zoo

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki / Kapiolani Park. Best For: Families, younger children, wildlife. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission applies.

Set beside Kapiolani Park at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, Honolulu Zoo provides an easy family-friendly break from beaches and sightseeing. The 42-acre zoo is home to animals from tropical and savanna environments, with giraffes, elephants, reptiles, primates and native species among the highlights.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for families staying in or near Waikiki. Insider tip: visit close to opening time when temperatures are lower, then spend the afternoon at nearby Waikiki or Kaimana Beach.

12. Discover Pacific marine life at Waikiki Aquarium

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki / Kapiolani Park. Best For: Families, younger children, marine life, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $; admission applies.

Learn more about the creatures living beneath Hawaii’s waters at Waikiki Aquarium, a compact attraction focused on Pacific marine life, conservation and research. Exhibits introduce visitors to colorful reef fish, corals, seahorses, jellyfish and other animals found across tropical Pacific ecosystems.

Its manageable size makes it especially useful for families with younger children who may not want a full-day attraction. Insider tip: combine the aquarium with Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park or a beach afternoon, as all are located within the same general area.

Best Water & Romantic Things to Do in Honolulu

13. Take a surfing lesson in Waikiki

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki Beach. Best For: Beginners, families, couples, active travelers. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Try the sport that is so closely associated with Hawaiian culture with a surfing lesson in Waikiki. The area’s long, rolling breaks have helped generations of beginners learn the basics, while experienced instructors can teach paddling, positioning, standing and ocean safety before taking you into the water.

Private and small-group lessons are widely available, with boards generally included. Insider tip: choose an early-morning session when winds and crowds can be lighter, then leave yourself time afterwards to relax on the beach rather than immediately scheduling another active excursion.

14. Ride an outrigger canoe in Waikiki

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki Beach. Best For: Families, couples, groups, Hawaiian traditions. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1 hour. Cost / Entry: $$.

Experience Waikiki from the water in a traditional-style outrigger canoe, an activity that connects modern beach fun with a form of voyaging deeply rooted in Polynesian culture. Guided canoe rides take groups beyond the shoreline before catching rolling waves back towards the beach.

It’s a sociable alternative to surfing and works particularly well for families or groups who want to experience the ocean together. Insider tip: wear swimwear and expect to get wet — even a short canoe ride is very much an on-the-water activity rather than a dry sightseeing cruise.

15. Take a Waikiki sunset cruise

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki / Honolulu south shore. Best For: Couples, groups, celebrations, sunset views. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

See the Honolulu skyline from offshore on a sunset sailing or catamaran cruise. As the boat moves away from Waikiki, you’ll gain wide views back towards Diamond Head, the beachfront skyline and the Koʻolau Range before watching the sun disappear over the Pacific.

Cruises range from relaxed sails to experiences including drinks or dinner, making this an easy choice for a date night or celebration. Insider tip: book your cruise towards the beginning of your vacation so you have another evening available if weather or sea conditions require rescheduling.

16. Watch the Friday night fireworks in Waikiki

Location / Neighborhood: Waikiki. Best For: Families, couples, free evening activities. Estimated Time Needed: Around 30 minutes. Cost / Entry: Free from public viewing areas.

End a Friday in Waikiki with the weekly fireworks display over the beachfront, a popular tradition that adds a little extra spectacle to an evening beside the ocean. The show can be seen from several stretches of Waikiki and makes an easy addition to dinner, sunset drinks or a relaxed evening walk.

Families can simply find a spot on the sand and enjoy the display without needing another ticketed attraction. Insider tip: arrive early enough to settle in before the beachfront becomes busier, and check locally that the display is operating during your travel dates.

Best Day Trips from Honolulu

17. Explore Kualoa Ranch

Location / Neighborhood: Windward Oahu. Best For: Families, couples, movie fans, adventure. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $.

Spend a day among some of Oahu’s most dramatic scenery at Kualoa Ranch, around 22 miles from Waikiki. The 4,000-acre property offers guided experiences ranging from movie-location tours and UTV adventures to e-bike rides, ziplining, horseback riding and visits focused on Hawaiian agriculture and traditional fishponds.

The surrounding Ka'a'awa Valley has appeared in numerous films and television productions, giving movie fans plenty to recognize along the way. Insider tip: reserve popular UTV and movie tours well ahead, as the most sought-after time slots regularly sell out.

18. Spend the day in Kailua and Lanikai

Location / Neighborhood: Windward Oahu. Best For: Couples, families, beaches, kayaking. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; rentals and transport extra.

Cross the island to Oahu’s Windward Coast for a day around Kailua and Lanikai, where turquoise water and pale sand create a quieter contrast to Waikiki. Spend time swimming or relaxing at Kailua Beach, browse the cafés and shops in Kailua town or rent a kayak when ocean conditions are suitable.

Nearby Lanikai is known for its beautiful shoreline and views towards the Mokulua islets. Insider tip: residential parking around Lanikai is extremely limited and restrictions can change, so plan transport carefully and respect local neighborhoods rather than expecting easy beachside parking.

19. Explore the North Shore and Haleiwa

Location / Neighborhood: North Shore, Oahu. Best For: Families, couples, surfing, road trips. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; activities and food extra.

Swap Honolulu’s city beaches for the legendary North Shore, where Haleiwa, surf beaches and a slower-paced coastal atmosphere make an excellent full-day road trip. In winter, experienced surfers tackle some of the world’s most famous waves, while calmer summer conditions reveal a very different coastline.

Stop in historic Haleiwa for shops, galleries and food before exploring beaches and viewpoints farther along the shore. Insider tip: never judge swimming conditions by appearance alone — North Shore surf can be powerful, particularly in winter, so always follow lifeguard advice and posted warnings.

20. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

Location / Neighborhood: Laie, North Shore. Best For: Families, culture, performances, full-day trips. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to evening. Cost / Entry: $$$; ticket packages vary.

Learn more about cultures from across the Pacific at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. The large cultural attraction features island villages representing places such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji and Aotearoa, with demonstrations, performances and hands-on activities throughout the day.

Many visitors stay into the evening for dining and the center’s large-scale nighttime show, making this a substantial outing from Honolulu rather than a quick stop. Insider tip: arrive early enough to explore several island villages before dinner and the evening performance instead of trying to fit the entire experience into just a few hours.

Seasonal Events in Honolulu

Honolulu Festival

Usually held in March, the Honolulu Festival celebrates the cultures of Hawaii and the wider Pacific Rim through performances, crafts, exhibitions, food and special events around Waikiki and the Hawaii Convention Center. The festival traditionally includes cultural performances from Hawaii, Japan and other Pacific communities. Insider tip: check the annual program before your trip, as individual venues and performances change each year.

Lei Day Celebration

Held every May 1, Honolulu’s Lei Day Celebration fills Kapiolani Park with Hawaiian music, hula, lei-making demonstrations, cultural activities and the annual lei contest. It’s a colorful and family-friendly opportunity to learn more about one of Hawaii’s most recognizable cultural traditions. Insider tip: arrive earlier in the day to see the lei displays before the park becomes busier.

Made in Hawaii Festival

Usually held in August, the Made in Hawaii Festival brings together local makers, food producers, designers and performers in Honolulu. Browse Hawaii-made clothing, crafts, food, art and gifts while supporting independent island businesses. Insider tip: leave space in your luggage if you plan to shop — this is one of the best events for finding locally produced souvenirs rather than mass-market gifts

Aloha Festivals

Taking place during September, Aloha Festivals celebrates Hawaiian culture through music, hula, food and community events in Waikiki. Highlights traditionally include the Waikiki Hoʻolauleʻa street festival and a colorful floral parade along Kalakaua Avenue. Insider tip: expect road closures around major Waikiki events and plan to explore on foot rather than relying on a car.

Honolulu Marathon

Usually held in December, the Honolulu Marathon attracts runners from around the world for a scenic route beginning around Ala Moana and finishing in Kapiolani Park. The weekend also includes shorter running events for visitors who don’t want to tackle the full 26.2 miles. Insider tip: even if you aren’t running, expect early road closures and transport changes around Waikiki and central Honolulu on race morning.

Where to Stay in Honolulu

Stay around Waikiki if you want the easiest access to beaches, surfing, restaurants, shopping and evening entertainment. It’s also a practical base for first-time visitors because many attractions can be reached on foot, by public transport or through organized excursions.

The Diamond Head and eastern Honolulu areas offer a quieter feel while keeping Waikiki, Kapiolani Park and the coast close at hand. These locations also make it easier to head towards Hanauma Bay and Oahu’s scenic southeast coast.

For groups prioritizing space and privacy, our Honolulu vacation rentals include larger homes with gourmet kitchens, private lanais and optional private pools, hot tubs and ocean views.

Plan your Honolulu Trip

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• Honolulu 5-bedroom Villas
• The Best Time to Visit Hawaii