30 Best Things to Do in Honolulu
From surfing Waikiki and hiking Diamond Head to experiencing Pearl Harbor, Hawaiian culture and unique marine life, enjoy 30 of the top things to do in Honolulu.
Discover the best of Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu combines one of the world's best-known beach destinations with Hawaiian history, museums, hiking trails, marine conservation, dining and a lively city culture. You can surf in Waikiki in the morning, visit a royal palace in the afternoon and finish the day watching hula or fireworks beside the ocean.
Many of Honolulu's best experiences are concentrated around Waikiki and Downtown, while places such as Hanauma Bay, Mānoa Valley and the southeastern coast are straightforward additions to a longer stay.
Our award-winning Honolulu vacation rentals range from stylish ocean-view condos to spacious luxury villas for couples, families and larger groups. Selected vacation rentals enjoy sunny private pools, hot tubs, gourmet kitchens, private lanais overlooking exotic gardens and the ocean, giving you plenty of space to relax between beach days and island adventures.
Popular Honolulu Vacation Rentals
Beaches & Ocean Activities in Honolulu
1. Spend the day on Waikiki Beach
Location: Waikiki.
Best For: Families, couples, swimming, first-time visitors.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Entry: Free; rentals and activities extra.
Start with Honolulu's most famous stretch of coastline, where gentle swimming areas, surf breaks and views towards Diamond Head create an easy introduction to the city. Beachfront restaurants and shops mean you can spend most of the day in Waikiki without needing a car. Insider tip: arrive early for quieter sand and cooler conditions, then return around sunset for a completely different atmosphere.
2. Take a Waikiki surf lesson
Location: Waikiki Beach.
Best For: Beginners, families, couples, active travelers.
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $.
Learn one of Hawaii's defining sports on the long, rolling waves of Waikiki. Beginner lessons typically cover paddling, positioning, ocean safety and standing technique before you head into the water with an instructor. Insider tip: book an early session when conditions can be calmer and the beach is generally less crowded.
3. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Location: East Honolulu.
Best For: Marine life, families, snorkeling, conservation.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day.
Cost / Entry: $$; admission and parking fees apply.
Explore a protected marine environment inside an ancient volcanic formation at Hanauma Bay. The bay is managed as a nature preserve and marine life conservation district, with visitor education and controlled access helping protect its reef ecosystem. Insider tip: non-resident admission reservations are released two days ahead at 7 AM Hawaii time; Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
4. Sail from Waikiki on a catamaran
Location: Waikiki.
Best For: Couples, families, ocean views, sunset trips.
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $.
See Honolulu's skyline and Diamond Head from offshore on a catamaran cruise. Daytime sails emphasize swimming and ocean views, while sunset departures provide a more relaxed way to finish a day in Waikiki. Insider tip: choose your departure based on the experience you want — morning for calmer sightseeing or evening for sunset views.
5. Watch Waikiki's Friday-night fireworks
Location: Waikiki Beach.
Best For: Families, couples, free evening entertainment.
Estimated Time Needed: Around 1 hour.
Cost / Entry: Free.
Finish a Friday beside the ocean with the weekly fireworks launched in front of Hilton Hawaiian Village. The display can be viewed from several points along the western end of Waikiki Beach and makes an easy evening activity after dinner. Insider tip: current showtimes are 7:45 PM from October through May and 8 PM from June through September, but check before travelling in case schedules change.
6. Relax at Ala Moana Beach Park
Location: Ala Moana.
Best For: Families, swimming, picnics, quieter beach time.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free.
Enjoy a more local-feeling beach day at Ala Moana Beach Park, just west of Waikiki. The large park combines lawns, picnic areas and protected swimming water, making it useful when you want space to relax without the density of Waikiki. Insider tip: combine your beach visit with Ala Moana Center rather than making two separate journeys.
Hikes & Scenic Views in Honolulu
7. Hike Diamond Head State Monument
Location: Diamond Head, Honolulu.
Best For: Views, active families, first-time visitors.
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $; reservations and fees apply to non-residents.
Climb the historic summit trail at Lēʻahi, better known as Diamond Head, for sweeping views across Waikiki and Honolulu's south coast. The route includes switchbacks, stairs, tunnels and former military observation structures before reaching the summit viewpoint. Insider tip: non-Hawaii residents need advance entry reservations, and early morning is usually more comfortable than hiking in the midday heat.
8. Hike to Mānoa Falls
Location: Mānoa Valley.
Best For: Rainforest scenery, waterfalls, active families.
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free trail access; parking may cost extra.
Walk through dense tropical vegetation to Mānoa Falls, one of Honolulu's best-known rainforest hikes. The valley's wet climate creates an entirely different landscape from the dry slopes around Diamond Head, with towering vegetation lining much of the route. Insider tip: check the official Nā Ala Hele trail status before setting out, particularly after heavy rain or storms, and expect muddy or slippery conditions.
9. Take in the view from Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa
Location: Tantalus, Honolulu.
Best For: Scenic drives, couples, families, photography.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free entry; non-resident parking fee applies.
Drive above Honolulu to Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside for broad views stretching from Diamond Head towards Pearl Harbor and across Mānoa Valley. A short forest trail and picnic facilities make it easy to turn the lookout into more than a quick photo stop. Insider tip: non-resident parking fees were introduced in 2026, so check the latest payment arrangements before visiting.
10. Hike the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
Location: Southeastern Oahu, east of Honolulu.
Best For: Coastal views, families, whale watching, walking.
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free.
Follow the paved trail through Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline for dramatic views along Oahu's southeastern coast. The route climbs towards Makapuʻu Head, overlooking offshore seabird sanctuaries and the historic lighthouse below. Insider tip: between roughly November and May, carry binoculars because the trail is also a good place to look for migrating humpback whales offshore.
11. Take a helicopter tour over Honolulu
Location: Honolulu and Oahu.
Best For: Couples, special occasions, aerial photography.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours including check-in.
Cost / Entry: $$$$.
See Waikiki, Diamond Head, Honolulu's coastline and the Koʻolau landscape from the air on a helicopter sightseeing flight. Longer routes may also incorporate Pearl Harbor and other parts of Oahu. Insider tip: morning flights can offer smoother conditions, but always follow the operator's weather and safety guidance.
History & Hawaiian Culture in Honolulu
12. Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
Location: Pearl Harbor.
Best For: History, families with older children, first-time visitors.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: Visitor center free; USS Arizona program free with reservation fee; other sites extra.
Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to understand the events of December 7, 1941 and their wider historical impact. The visitor center includes exhibitions before the National Park Service program takes visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial. Insider tip: reserve the USS Arizona Memorial through Recreation.gov and arrive well ahead of your program time to allow for parking, security and the museum exhibits.
13. Tour ʻIolani Palace
Location: Downtown Honolulu.
Best For: Hawaiian history, culture, architecture.
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$; tour ticket required.
Explore the former official residence of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani and learn about the Hawaiian Kingdom, monarchy and overthrow. Restored rooms, royal furnishings and historic objects make the palace one of Honolulu's most important cultural attractions. Insider tip: reserve a guided or audio tour rather than relying solely on seeing the exterior and palace grounds.
14. Explore Bishop Museum
Location: Honolulu.
Best For: Hawaiian culture, families, history, science.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $.
Learn about Native Hawaiian history, Polynesian cultures and the natural history of the Pacific at Bishop Museum. Hawaiian Hall contains major cultural collections, while the planetarium and Science Adventure Center add engaging options for families. Insider tip: give Bishop Museum at least half a day if Hawaiian history is important to your trip; it offers far more context than a quick sightseeing stop.
15. Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art
Location: Near Downtown Honolulu.
Best For: Art, couples, culture, indoor activities.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$; admission required.
Explore Hawaii's largest fine-arts museum, with collections spanning Asian, Hawaiian, Polynesian, European and American art. Open-air courtyards break up the galleries and make the museum particularly pleasant on a warm Honolulu day. Insider tip: check the calendar for HoMA Nights and special exhibitions if you prefer visiting later in the day.
16. Tour Shangri La
Location: Diamond Head area.
Best For: Art, architecture, couples, design.
Estimated Time Needed: Around 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$$; advance tour required.
Visit the former home of philanthropist Doris Duke, now a center for Islamic art, culture and design. The oceanfront property combines architecture, gardens and collections gathered from North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Insider tip: tours depart through the Honolulu Museum of Art and can book weeks ahead, so reserve before your vacation.
17. Take a Downtown Honolulu history walk
Location: Downtown Honolulu.
Best For: History, architecture, self-guided sightseeing.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Walk between ʻIolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I statue, Kawaiahaʻo Church, Hawaiʻi State Capitol and other important civic landmarks clustered around central Honolulu. The compact layout makes this one of the easiest ways to understand several periods of Hawaiian history in one outing. Insider tip: pair the walk with ʻIolani Palace rather than making a separate trip downtown.
18. Explore Honolulu's Chinatown
Location: Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu.
Best For: Food, markets, culture, nightlife.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Browse markets, lei shops, temples, galleries and restaurants in one of Honolulu's most culturally varied neighborhoods. Chinatown has developed into an important dining and arts district while retaining historic markets and immigrant influences. Insider tip: visit during the daytime for markets and food, or check First Friday programming if you want galleries and a livelier evening atmosphere.
19. Walk through Kakaʻako's street art
Location: Kakaʻako.
Best For: Art, photography, cafés, couples.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free.
See another side of Honolulu in Kakaʻako, where large-scale murals and contemporary street art have transformed walls throughout the neighborhood. Cafés, independent businesses and nearby waterfront areas make it easy to build the murals into a relaxed afternoon. Insider tip: explore on foot rather than trying to photograph murals from a car; the details are much easier to appreciate up close.
20. Explore the Hawaiian Mission Houses
Location: Downtown Honolulu.
Best For: History, architecture, cultural context.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$; tour fees may apply.
Visit historic buildings connected with Protestant missionaries who arrived in Hawaii in the 19th century. The site provides another layer of context to Honolulu's political, social and written history and sits close to several other major landmarks. Insider tip: combine it with Kawaiahaʻo Church and ʻIolani Palace to avoid repeating transport into Downtown.
21. Visit Capitol Modern
Location: Downtown Honolulu.
Best For: Hawaiian art, contemporary culture, budget activities.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: Check current admission information.
Explore contemporary and historic art connected with Hawaii at Capitol Modern, formerly the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum. Its central location makes it easy to combine with ʻIolani Palace, the State Capitol and Downtown Honolulu. Insider tip: use this as part of a larger downtown cultural day rather than making a dedicated cross-city journey solely for the museum.
22. Watch a Hawaiian hula performance
Location: Kūhiō Beach, Waikiki.
Best For: Families, couples, Hawaiian culture, free entertainment.
Estimated Time Needed: Around 1 hour.
Cost / Entry: Free for public performances.
Experience Hawaiian music and hula outdoors in Waikiki at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound. Seasonal public shows provide an accessible introduction to traditional performance without requiring a full evening luau. Insider tip: performance schedules change throughout the year, so check the current calendar shortly before your trip.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Honolulu
23. Visit Honolulu Zoo
Location: Waikiki.
Best For: Families, wildlife, conservation, younger children.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$; admission required.
Explore the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo beside Kapiʻolani Park, with habitats ranging from the African Savanna to native and tropical species. Conservation is central to the zoo's work, including endangered-species breeding, Species Survival Plans and partnerships supporting wildlife protection.
Insider tip: look at the day's keeper-talk schedule when you arrive rather than simply walking the exhibits in order.
24. Discover the Waikiki Aquarium
Location: Waikiki.
Best For: Families, Pacific marine life, conservation, rainy days.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $; admission required.
Learn about Pacific marine ecosystems at the University of Hawaiʻi-affiliated Waikiki Aquarium. Exhibits highlight Hawaiian reef life and wider Pacific species while supporting a mission focused on research, education and marine conservation. Insider tip: combine the aquarium with Kapiʻolani Park or a quieter section of Waikiki Beach for an easy half-day outing.
25. Shop and dine at Ala Moana Center
Location: Ala Moana.
Best For: Shopping, dining, families, rainy afternoons.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free to enter.
Take a break from beaches and hiking at Honolulu's major open-air shopping destination, where international brands sit alongside Hawaii-based stores, food courts and restaurants. Insider tip: visit after a morning at Ala Moana Beach Park so shopping doesn't use up one of your best beach-weather days.
Food & Local Life in Honolulu
26. Taste Honolulu's local food scene
Location: Waikiki, Kapahulu, Kaimukī, Chinatown and Downtown.
Best For: Food lovers, couples, groups.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$.
Go beyond resort dining and try local favorites such as poke, plate lunches, shave ice and contemporary Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Neighborhoods including Kaimukī, Kapahulu and Chinatown provide plenty of reasons to explore outside Waikiki. Insider tip: build one evening around a neighborhood rather than driving across Honolulu for several individual restaurants.
27. Browse an Oahu farmers market
Location: Honolulu, including Kapiʻolani Community College area.
Best For: Food, local produce, families, casual mornings.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free to browse.
Shop for tropical fruit, prepared dishes, baked goods and locally produced foods at one of Honolulu's regular farmers markets. They offer an easy way to sample island ingredients and meet local growers and producers. Insider tip: if your vacation rental has a kitchen, use the market to pick up fruit and local ingredients for breakfasts or a relaxed meal at home.
Seasonal Events in Honolulu
28. Run the Honolulu Marathon
Location: Honolulu and southeast Oahu.
Best For: Runners, active vacations, spectators.
Estimated Time Needed: Race morning plus preparation.
Cost / Entry: $; registration required.
Take on one of Hawaii's biggest sporting events, beginning near Ala Moana and finishing in Kapiʻolani Park. The annual JAL Honolulu Marathon takes place in December, with a Start to Park 10K and Kalākaua Merrie Mile offering shorter alternatives during race weekend. Insider tip: book Honolulu accommodation early for marathon weekend and expect significant road closures on race morning.
29. Attend the Honolulu Festival
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu.
Best For: Families, culture, parades, live performances.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to several days.
Cost / Entry: Many events are free; selected experiences may cost extra.
Celebrate the cultures of Hawaii and the wider Pacific Rim through performances, demonstrations and major public events during the annual Honolulu Festival. The 31st festival is scheduled for March 5–7, 2027. Insider tip: check the final event timetable before your trip so you can plan around headline performances and parade programming.
30. Visit the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival
Location: Hawaiʻi Convention Center, Honolulu.
Best For: Shopping, local makers, food, gifts.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours.
Cost / Entry: $; admission varies.
Browse products made across the islands at Hawaii's major showcase for local businesses and makers. The festival brings together food, fashion, art, crafts, jewelry and entertainment, making it especially useful if you want meaningful locally produced souvenirs. Insider tip: the 2026 event ran from August 20–23; check the official festival site for the next confirmed dates before planning a future stay around it.
