When the heat of the sun is already starting to scorch you, one of the things that you’ll have in your mind is hitting the beach. Your search for the world’s best beaches will provide you with tons of results. You can come across Copacabana in Brazil, Sotavento Beach in Spain, the Bahamas, Seychelles, Maldives, and so much more. But do you know what stands out from among the rest? Honolulu, Hawaii. Things to do in Honolulu are plenty. 

Honolulu is located on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. This island comprises five distinct regions. You’ve got Honolulu and the North Shore. Then, you have the Windward Coast, Leeward Coast, and Central O’ahu. Each has unique features to offer tourists and adventurers, from their varying geography and activities to scenery and tourist spots – all to take you into the richness of Hawaiian culture. 

Honolulu is also the state capital and the largest city in Hawaii. It bustles with restaurants, businesses, museums, nightlife, shopping, and landmarks. If you head over to downtown Honolulu, you’ll learn it is the center of government and business, with skyscrapers and of course, the Honolulu City Hall. From exploring Waikiki Beach to experiencing Polynesian culture for yourself, there are lots of things to do in Honolulu. 

Best Things To Do In Honolulu

We promise you’ll enjoy these best things to do in Honolulu. 

1. Indulge In Banana Ice Cream At Waikiki Beach

If there’s a number one on the things to do in Honolulu, it has to be Waikiki Beach. Here’s a fun fact: 19th century Hawaii royals would come to this Honolulu neighborhood to relax and surf, just like how tourists do today. This world-famous beach, a string of various beaches dotting the island’s south west coastline, is the ultimate destination for its soft, honey-colored sand, as well as the waves that hit the stores during the winter season. 

Though it is a popular place for surfing, you actually don’t have to be a surfer to get the full experience of Waikiki Beach. You can simply relax, lie back on a beach towel, and appreciate the majestic views of Le’ahi or Diamond Head State Monument in the distance. 

And of course, what better way to spend summer than munching on a bowl of ice cream. Here at Waikiki Beach is where you can find the most authentic Banán bowl from Hawaii. This soft serve ice cream is made from locally grown bananas and comes with toppings like dark chocolate, fresh papaya, and macadamia nut. 

2. Visit Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is etched in many history books. It is here where the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise aerial assault in 1941. This attack killed 2,403 U.S. personnel, including 68 civilians. And not just those. It also destroyed 19 U.S. Navy ships, including eight battleships. This attack brought the United States into World War II, as it immediately declared war with Japan.

If you are in Hawaii, it is highly recommended that you visit the place where it all happened. Located less than 10 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu in the region of Central O’ahu is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of those sailors and marines killed during the Pearl Harbor attack several decades ago. Believe it or not, the sunken battleship is still visible from the memorial floating above it. 

If you are visiting this place, it is strongly recommended that you reserve your free ticket in advance because of the so many people wanting to see the site.

3. Hike To The Steep Summit Of Diamond Head

Diamond Head, referred to in Hawaii as Le’ahi, is a tuff cone, or consolidated volcanic ash, crater created 300,000 years ago after a single volcanic eruption that spewed ashes into the air. Those ashes settled several thousands of years ago, and today, the ridgeline of Diamond Head State Monument is among the most recognizable features of O’ahu’s skyline.

This place is also home to one of the world’s best hiking trails. However, keep in mind that the 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the summit is steep and rigorous, at 560 feet. But once you finish the hike, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Waikiki Beach. 

Doing the hike? Here’s a reminder: bring plenty of water since there are no available water fountains on the hiking trail. 

4. Learn About Hawaii’s Royalty At Iolani Palace

Across America, Hawaii may only be where there is royalty, or kings and queens. This is also due to the fact that Hawaii is not on the mainland United States, but on the Pacific Ocean where neighbors have had a long line of royalties who ruled the lands. 

Thus, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil. This is certainly one of the things to do in Honolulu that you should not dare miss. 

The palace is a living restoration of Hawaii’s national identity. It is also recognized as the state’s spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter. Constructed in the 1880s by King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii’s last monarchs, and also served as the official royal residence and the residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s political and social life until the end of the monarchy in 1893, a year after the palace was built. 

Here, you can find a grand Hawaiian koa wood staircase, royal thrones and decorative objects from different parts of the world, and portraits of the kings and queens of Hawaii.

Loving this “things to do in Honolulu” piece so far? Don’t forget to check out more stories on our website. 

5. Meet Sea Creatures At Waikiki Aquarium

While you swim on the beaches of Honolulu, there are various activities that let you encounter some of the local sea life. But unless you are a deep sea diver, you won’t be able to meet all those sea creatures. But even the most trained deep sea diver cannot really encounter all those creatures, right?

That is why there’s the Waikiki Aquarium. Waikiki Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium across the United States, dating back to the 1900s. Here, you get a closer look at active coral farms, a rainbow assortment of tropic fish, and colorful giant clams, among many others. 

One of the most widely visited attractions at Waikiki Aquarium would have to be the Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat, which gives guests a close-up view of this endangered species in the state.

Your visit to Waikiki Aquarium is also one of the best things to do in Honolulu you should not miss. 

6. Encounter Dolphins And Sea Turtles

Offered by Viator, this activity lets you view dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as swim within safe viewing distance to sea turtles. This popular tour is a O’ahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Travelers and adventurers can sail into the waters home to spinner dolphins, then glide with colorful fish. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards will be provided.

7. Dine And Shop Luxury Brands At Ala Moana Center

No travel will be complete without shopping and dining, right? Ala Moana Center is an extensive area located northwest of Waikiki Beach and about two miles southeast of the city center, where you can find high-end stores like Gucci, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Prada, among many others. What makes this place unique is that it is an open-air shopping center. There are also department stores here like Nordstrom and Macy’s. Definitely a behemoth shopping center, right? In total, there are more than 350 shops and restaurants here. 

Speaking of food, if your shopping has drained you of your energy, you can dine and grab the best food options here at Ala Moana Center, such as the poke bowls at Foodland Farms, and the Japanese snacks and prepared foods at Nijiya Market.

8. Immerse Into Polynesian Culture At The Polynesian Cultural Center

If you think about Hawaii, or the best things to do in Honolulu, one of the first things that will come to your mind would probably be the Hawaiian Hula dancers and all the upbeat Hawaiian music. You are right. And if you want to immerse into this spectacle and the wonders of Polynesian culture, you must head over to the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

This is a must-see attraction where you can learn about the rich heritage of Pacific Islands, which include Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaii. This site features “villages” that represent various islands, and it is here where you can experience traditional music, art, dance, food, games, and architecture, not to mention hands-on activities for kids.  

Don’t forget to stay after visiting the cultural center’s attractions, as it also offers an authentic lu’au dinner and show. A lu’au is a traditional Hawaiian feast usually accompanied by entertainment like Hawaiian music and hula. Some of the foods served at a lu’au include kālua puaʻa, poi, lomi salmon, poke, ʻopihi, and haupia.

Must-Read: Best Photography Spots In Honolulu Hawaii

9. Enjoy More Of Hawaii’s Best Lu’au At Paradise Cove Luau

If you can’t get over the lu’au you’ve had at the Polynesian Cultural Center, know that during your visit to Honolulu, you’ll be spoiled by a lot of things to do in Honolulu that involve more lu’aus, such as here at Paradise Cove Luau. 

Upon your arrival at Paradise Cove Luau, a lei, a Mai Tai, and live Hawaiian music will welcome you. As you move along, you can stroll through the Hawaiian village, learn about the arts and crafts of the islands, or participate in various Hawaiian games. 

Then, the place also provides an extensive buffet dinner, with food choices such as fresh seafood, kalua pig, and tropical fruit. After taking your dinner, stay to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the spectacular performances of Polynesian dances and songs, making your experience truly unforgettable.

10. Snorkel At Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Snorkeling will often be part of your visit to almost any beach. It allows you to encounter various sea creatures, without doing more difficult things like scuba diving. And here in Honolulu, you can snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is an underwater park in a volcanic cone, making it the perfect place for snorkeling and sea turtle sightings. 

Experiences here include taking a scenic drive along Kalanianaole Highway for stunning views of the southeastern coast. 

Hanauma Bay is a protected marine ecosystem known for its clear warm waters and spellbinding tropical fish you can encounter as you snorkel.

11. Try Honolulu’s Pineapple-Shaped Shortbread Cookies At Honolulu Cookie Company

Honolulu is not only known for its pristine beaches, but also those iconic pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies. You can get a taste of these cookies at Honolulu Cookie Company. 

Each island in the region has its own unique version of the shortbread, and the Honolulu Cookie Company has been acing theirs since 1998. The classic here is the butter macadamia shortbread, but also popular are those dipped in Guittard chocolate. You may also try other flavors such as Kona coffee, lilikoi or passion fruit, and mango macadamia.

12. Explore O’ahu On A Helicopter

Helicopter tours are popular among tourists. It may probably be since these kinds of tours offer the tourist a whole new different perspective when they want to explore the place they are visiting. There are helicopter tours in Rio de Janeiro, Victoria Falls, New York City, the Great Barrier Reef, and so much more. Then, there are helicopter tours in O’ahu.

This tour by Viator lets you fly above the island to see many of its popular landmarks, such as Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the Dole Plantation. This is also one of the best things to do in Honolulu.

Thank you for reading our “things to do in Honolulu” story! Read more from our blog.

Things To Do In Honolulu: Know These Before You Go

With so many things to do in Honolulu, you want to make sure your trip will be smooth and the best possible. So here are some tips you should know before you go. 

• Budget for the activities. In Honolulu, activities like lu’aus, snorkeling excursions, sunset catamaran sails, and parasailing are not the most affordable around.
• There are several Pearl Harbor sites that claim to be the official, so don’t fall prey to these. Only choose the official Pearl Harbor site, particularly the National Park Service’s site for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
• One of the most widely recommended and best things to do in Honolulu is a hike at Diamond Head. Be sure to include this in your itinerary. 
• Waikiki Beach is iconic, but you should not limit your beach time only in this place. There is a wide range of other beaches to explore. 
• Avoid buying souvenirs at the airport or the hotel gift shop. They tend to be more expensive.

Honolulu, Your Summertime Paradise

Summer is right around the corner. If you are planning to hit the beach, don’t forget to include Honolulu on your bucket list. 

A jewel in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu captivates with its beauty, cultural tapestry, and a great spirit of hospitality. It is a beautiful place where the gentle lull of its ocean waves blends with its harmonious blend of traditions and modernity, creating a symphony that can resonate deep within your soul. 

Prepare to be enchanted and experience a paradise that will forever hold a special place in your heart. You’ll be spoiled by the various things to do in Honolulu. Aloha!