Alright, let’s get real about Honolulu for a second. You might think it’s just a crowded tourist stop on the way to more “local” parts of O’ahu.
But here’s the real scoop: Honolulu is a vibrant, living city where ancient Hawaiian history, modern island culture, and breathtaking nature crash together in the best way possible.
It’s where you can learn to surf where the sport was born, hike a volcano that shaped the island, and taste flavors from across the Pacific—all in one day. If you think Honolulu is just high-rises and hotel pools, you’re missing the heart and soul of Hawai’i.
Get ready to experience the island like you mean it. We’re going beyond the guidebooks to show you the absolute best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii.
This is your personal map to adventures that mix must-see landmarks with local secrets, from world-famous beaches to sacred historical sites.
Whether you’re a nature nut, a history buff, or a foodie chasing the next perfect bite, Honolulu has your name on it. Let’s dive into the top Honolulu activities and attractions.
1. Pay Your Respects at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
This isn’t just a tourist stop; it’s a sacred place of remembrance. Visiting Pearl Harbor is a powerful, moving experience that connects you to a pivotal moment in American history.
The site is now a collection of four main historical attractions, but the USS Arizona Memorial is the heart of it all. You’ll take a short boat ride out to the graceful white structure that spans the sunken battleship, the final resting place for over 900 crew members.
Looking down at the ship below the water is incredibly humbling. You can still see oil droplets, known as the “tears of the Arizona,” slowly rising to the surface. It’s quiet, respectful, and deeply affecting.
You should also make time for the excellent Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the USS Missouri Battleship. Planning a visit here is a must-do in Honolulu for understanding modern Hawaiian and American history. Book your tickets online well in advance—they’re free, but they go fast.
2. Hike the Iconic Diamond Head Summit Trail
Want a postcard view you actually have to earn? Lace up your sneakers for the Diamond Head Summit Trail. This isn’t a casual stroll—it’s a proper hike that involves switchbacks, steep stairs, and a tunnel. But oh, buddy, is it worth it.
Diamond Head, or Lēʻahi in Hawaiian, is a 300,000-year-old volcanic tuff cone that defines the Honolulu skyline. The trail was built in 1908 as part of the island’s coastal defense system.
The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip. The final push up a steep spiral staircase leads you to a vintage fire control station. Then you emerge onto the summit platform.
The 360-degree view will stop you in your tracks. You can see the entire southern shoreline of O’ahu, from Waikīkī to Koko Head. It’s the most famous hiking trail in Honolulu and a rite of passage for visitors. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds, and bring water.
3. Learn to Surf on Waikīkī Beach
You can’t come to Honolulu and not get in the water. And there’s no better place to learn to surf than the gentle, rolling waves of Waikīkī Beach. This is where the ancient Hawaiian sport of heʻe nalu was revived for the world.
The vibe here is lively, fun, and full of aloha. You’ll see surfers of all ages and skill levels sharing the lineup, from first-timers wobbling to their feet to old-timers riding traditional longboards.
Dozens of surf schools line the beach, offering lessons right on the sand and in the calm waters. A good instructor will have you standing up on your first lesson. The feeling of catching your first wave and riding it toward the iconic view of Diamond Head is pure magic.
Even if you don’t surf, just swimming in the turquoise water or lounging on the famous golden sand is a perfect Honolulu day. Hanging out at Waikīkī is a classic Honolulu activity you have to try at least once.
4. Explore Hawaiian History at ʻIolani Palace
Step into the only royal palace on American soil. ʻIolani Palace is a stunning symbol of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s rich history and sophistication.
Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, it was a marvel of its time, with electric lights and telephones before the White House had them. Taking a guided tour through the opulent rooms feels like traveling back in time to the era of Hawaiian monarchy.
You’ll learn the moving story of Queen Liliʻuokalani, who was imprisoned in a small upstairs room for nearly eight months after the overthrow of the kingdom.
Seeing the throne room, the grand hall, and the private quarters gives you a profound sense of Hawaiian culture, sovereignty, and resilience. It’s a beautiful and poignant place that shifts your understanding of Hawaiʻi. A visit here is one of the most important cultural things to do in Honolulu.
5. Snorkel with Sea Life at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Imagine dipping your face into a giant, natural aquarium. That’s Hanauma Bay. This stunning, curved bay is a protected marine life conservation area and a volcanic crater that flooded thousands of years ago.
The results are calm, shallow waters and a vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish. It’s one of the best and most accessible snorkeling spots on Oʻahu.
There’s a process to visit. You’ll watch a short educational video about protecting the fragile reef before you head down to the beach. The key is to go early, as they limit the number of daily visitors to protect the ecosystem.
Rent gear on-site or bring your own, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Floating above parrotfish, butterflyfish, and maybe even a green sea turtle (honu) is an unforgettable experience. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a top family-friendly activity in Honolulu.
6. Wander Through the Honolulu Museum of Art
Need a break from the sun? The Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) is a tranquil, world-class oasis. Founded in 1927, its collection is a unique blend of East and West, reflecting Hawaiʻi’s position in the Pacific.
You can wander from galleries of traditional Hawaiian quilts and koa wood bowls to amazing collections of Asian art, European paintings, and contemporary Pacific works.
The museum’s architecture is part of the experience, with beautiful courtyards, lily ponds, and open-air spaces that let the island breeze flow through. It’s a place for quiet contemplation and discovery.
Don’t miss the Shangri La tour—it takes you to the incredible oceanfront home of heiress Doris Duke, filled with Islamic art (advance reservations required). An afternoon at HoMA is a sophisticated and enriching cultural attraction in Honolulu.
7. Experience the Bustling KCC Farmers’ Market
To taste the real flavors of the island, follow the locals to the KCC Farmers’ Market.
Held every Saturday morning in the parking lot of Kapiʻolani Community College, this isn’t just a market; it’s a weekly social event and a feast for the senses. The air is filled with incredible smells—freshly baked pastries, steaming coffee, and sizzling local treats.
You can find everything here: tropical fruits you’ve never seen before (like rambutan and lilikoʻi), locally grown vegetables, fresh flowers, handmade crafts, and prepared foods from some of Oʻahu’s best chefs and vendors.
Grab a box of fresh strawberry mochi, a loaf of taro bread, or a plate of vegan laulau. It’s the perfect place to assemble a picnic for the beach. Exploring the KCC market is a delicious and authentic local thing to do in Honolulu.
8. Hike the Lush Manoa Falls Trail
Trade the ocean for the jungle on the Manoa Falls Trail. This popular hike takes you into the incredibly green, rainy Manoa Valley, just a 10-minute drive from Waikīkī.
The trail is a well-maintained, muddy path through a tropical rainforest that feels a world away from the city. You’ll walk under a canopy of giant bamboo, eucalyptus, and monkeypod trees.
The trail is about 1.7 miles round-trip and leads to the 150-foot-tall Manoa Falls. The waterfall cascades down a mossy rock face into a small pool. It’s a relatively easy hike, but wear shoes with good traction—it can be very slippery.
The setting is so lush and otherworldly that it was used as a filming location for movies like Jurassic Park. This hike is a wonderful outdoor adventure near Honolulu for experiencing the island’s interior beauty.
9. Catch a Hawaiian Sunset at Ala Moana Regional Park
For a sunset that feels more local than the packed Waikīkī strand, head to Ala Moana Regional Park. This 76-acre green space sits between downtown Honolulu and Waikīkī, featuring a long, sandy beach, a protected swimming area, and a magical peninsula called Magic Island.
The park is a favorite gathering spot for local families, joggers, and picnic-goers.
As the sun starts to dip, find a spot on the grassy knolls of Magic Island. You’ll watch the sky explode in colors of orange, pink, and purple over the Pacific, with the silhouettes of sailboats and the Waikīkī skyline in the distance.
It’s a breathtaking, peaceful way to end the day. Watching the sunset here is a simple, free, and stunning evening activity in Honolulu.
10. Discover Marine Life at the Waikīkī Aquarium
Right on the shoreline next to the Waikīkī coast, the Waikīkī Aquarium is a compact gem focused on the unique marine ecosystems of the Pacific.
It’s the third-oldest aquarium in the United States and does an amazing job of showcasing the incredible diversity of Hawaiian and tropical Pacific sea life in an intimate setting.
You can come face-to-face with mesmerizing Hawaiian monk seals (one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world), see a living coral reef ecosystem, and be amazed by the colorful inhabitants of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit.
Their outdoor tanks are beautifully designed, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable. It’s a fantastic, educational stop, especially for families, and is considered one of the best small aquariums in Honolulu.
11. Tour the Bishop Museum
To truly understand Hawaiʻi, you need to visit the Bishop Museum. It’s the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Think of it as Hawaiʻi’s Smithsonian.
The centerpiece is the magnificent Hawaiian Hall, a three-story Victorian gallery built in 1889. Inside, you’ll find an unparalleled collection of Hawaiian artifacts, from feathered capes (ʻahu ʻula) of chiefs to ancient temple images.
The planetarium next door offers excellent shows on Polynesian voyaging—how the first Hawaiians navigated across the open ocean using the stars. The science adventure center is great for kids.
Spending a few hours here gives you a deep, meaningful foundation for everything else you’ll see on the islands. It’s an essential educational experience in Honolulu.
12. Walk the Historic Aloha Tower Marketplace & Harbor
For a dose of old Honolulu charm, visit the Aloha Tower. When it opened in 1926, this 10-story landmark was the tallest building in Hawaiʻi. For decades, it was the first sight of land for thousands of immigrants and visitors arriving by ship.
You can take an elevator to the observation deck on the 10th floor for a fantastic 360-degree view of the harbor and city.
The surrounding marketplace area has shops and eateries, but the real draw is the history and the view of the working harbor. You can watch massive container ships, visiting cruise liners, and the Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa when she’s in port.
It’s a quieter, more reflective spot that connects you to Honolulu’s past as a major Pacific port. Visiting the Aloha Tower is a historic thing to do in downtown Honolulu.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your all-access pass to the incredible, layered city of Honolulu. You’ve journeyed from the solemn depths of Pearl Harbor to the sunny peaks of Diamond Head, from royal palace halls to vibrant coral reefs.
This city offers so much more than a beach vacation; it’s a chance to connect with a living, breathing culture set in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Now the adventure is yours. Will you start with a sunrise hike or a history lesson? Will you learn to ride a wave or explore a rainforest? The best Honolulu trip honors the land and its people (kamaʻāina) while having the time of your life.
Don’t just dream about these amazing things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii—start planning your journey.
Book those historic site reservations, pack your reef-safe sunscreen and aloha spirit, and get ready to fall in love with the heart of Oʻahu. Your unforgettable island experience is calling. What’s first on your list?