Things to Do in Honolulu

Things to Do

Honolulu - the captivating place for experiencing the fantastic blend of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and unforgettable journeys in between the blessed weather awaits you. If you are planning a vacation this summer, there is a lot of stuff to do in Honolulu. Being the dynamic capital of Hawaii, Honolulu always wins the hearts of travellers for its lush mountains, pristine beaches, and many activities to do. Besides natural loveliness, Honolulu is also an excellent place for adventure seekers as the Pacific Ocean allows you to immerse in water sports and enjoy the sun-kissed splendor of Waikiki Beach. 

After enjoying the thrilling water activities and beach time, vacationers can also head towards Pearl Harbor, which enables visitors to know the rich history of World War II, the grand residence of Hawaiian monarchs to experience the heritage convergence, etc. Each of these things to do in Honolulu will bring you a wonderful experience for visitors. Isn’t this amazing? Well, it is great and fun-loving, so plan your vacations with your loved ones and have a great time. 

After experiencing each of these experiences, visitors must remember to sail on a sunset cruise, where they can see the hues of the evening sky, which is incredible. As Honolulu is widely popular for its natural beauty, from sunrise to sunset, you will have a list of amazing things to do in Honolulu. So this summer, take some time and prepare for a wonderful vacation with the family. Honolulu offers uncountable activities, so you can handle what to do in Honolulu. By indulging in your favorite activities, you can make your visit to the place remarkable, so just get your bags ready to have a wonderful experience with your loved ones. 

Honolulu Tourism Guide

Destination Info
  • IATA Code HNL
  • Airport Name Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
  • Airport Address 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States
  • No. of Runways 4
  • Airport Enquiry No. +1 808-836-6411
  • Official Site https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/
  • Country Code +1
  • Currency USD
  • Ideal Duration 5 Days
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Best Time to Visit between March and September
  • Airline Serving Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines
  • Attractions Iolani Palace, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Arizona Memorial, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

List of 10 Things to Do in Honolulu

  • 1 Enjoy Gorgeous Waikiki Beach
    Enjoy Gorgeous Waikiki Beach

    On your visit to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is one of the city's top attractions and looks gorgeous. The blend of golden sand and beautiful turquoise ocean waters makes it one of the best beaches to enjoy the beach's sand, water, and pleasant weather. The beach is quite popular among vacationers; it is located 3 miles long at the strip and is widely popular as a water-lovers paradise. Apart from natural loveliness, if you are a water sports lover, you will be happy to know that several adventure activities are available. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach include parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, canoeing, and standup paddleboarding. These are some amazing experiences one must enjoy at Waikiki Beach. 

  • 2 Admire Iolani Palace
    Admire Iolani Palace

    Iolani Palace in Honolulu offers visitors a wonderful experience and a glimpse of royal life. If you have an interest in exploring the royal richness and digging out about it, a visit to admire Iolani Palace is certainly a wonderful experience. Lolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, and it was the residence of Queen Liliuokalani; it is the royalty of Hawaii. The guided tour of this residence is available; all you need to do is book it in advance. While exploring the palace, you will learn a lot about the country's rich heritage. The cost for the guided tour is approx. $26.95 / adult (18+), $21.95 for teen (13-17), $11.95 / child (5-12) (self-guided tour), and it is available from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday – Saturday. So, just book as per your choice and enjoy this tour to the fullest. 

  • 3 Pay Respect at Pearl Harbor National Memorial
    Pay Respect at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

    The Pearl Harbor National Memorial was built in remembrance of soldiers and civilians who died in an attack by Japan. On the 7th of December 1941, there were 2403 soldiers, along with innocent civilians, killed in the destruction of 19 navy ships, including 8 battleships. Vacationers, those who are planning to pay a respectful visit to many of Pearl Harbor’s historic sites, consider a Passport to Pearl Harbor, which includes the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Park. Among the diverse stuff to do in Honolulu, this will be severe and sensitive. Still, being a traveler, you must visit such places to know more about the country's past and understand its present better. 

  • 4 Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art
    Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art

    Honolulu Museum of Art is quite big, and it grabs visitors' attention for its vast art collection. The museum has outdoor pavilions and more than 30 galleries. On visiting this art museum, you will learn a lot about the lilypad pond in the Japanese garden and the sculpture-filled central courtyard. The museum's beautiful settings and attractive collection make it one of Honolulu's best things to do. The museum's art collection is one of the top 10 in America and comprises 16,000 objects by artists and craftspeople from China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and India. While exploring the collection, vacationers will also explore the comprehensive collection of Western art, which is approx. 5,000-year-old ancient Egyptian works to American and European art. So, one must plan to visit here. 

  • 5 Head Towards Diamond Head State Monument
    Head Towards Diamond Head State Monument

    Honolulu’s Diamond Head State Monument is one of the city's popular attractions that vacationers visit from diverse corners. It is a rigid cone that emerged several years ago; due to a volcanic eruption, the ash was expelled into the air and settled over thousands of years. The Diamond Head State Monuments has become one of the renowned places to visit in Honolulu. In contrast, its amazing natural setting offers the most scenic hiking trails. It is one of Honolulu's best things to do, so enjoy it fully. As it is one of the city's natural wonders, it grabs the attention of nature lovers and offers them the chance to witness the surreal beauty of Waikiki Beach. So, whether you want to see the natural loveliness or experience hiking, Diamond Head State Monument is the right place. 

  • 6 Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
    Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Honolulu's most widely visited attractions. Located 10 miles away, east of Waikiki Beach, this Nature Preserve is one of the best places for underwater adventure, i.e. Snorkeling. When you are enjoying snorkeling or swimming, vacationers can also get the opportunity to see sea turtles and tropical fish. If you love exotic fish and marine life, it is certainly the best activity in Honolulu. Now, if you want to visit here, you just need to hire a taxi as local buses are not allowed to enter the park. To enter the park, vacationers must take the tickets, which is approx. $25 per person; however, children below 12 years, active military, and kamaaina (Hawaiian residents) can enter for free with a state ID. Vacationers can even book tickets online by visiting the official website of Honolulu Parks & Recreation. 

  • 7 Polynesian Cultural Center
    Polynesian Cultural Center

    If you want to explore the rich culture and history, the Polynesian Cultural Center is the right place. This place will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti. This Pacific land is spread over 42 acres, and it is a beautiful village that offers six different islands along with traditional music, food, art, dance, games, and beautiful architecture that provides several activities for kids to experience. To experience these activities in Honolulu, vacationers must get the exact tickets, starting at $79.95 for adults and $63.96 for children ages 4 to 11. The centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 12:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. After experiencing each of these things, vacationers can also enjoy the authentic luau dinner and show, which may also cost you. So, plan the rest of the day accordingly. 

  • 8 Honolulu Zoo
    Honolulu Zoo

    Spread over 42 acres of land, Honolulu Zoo is one of Honolulu's best places to visit. It enables vacationers to see approximately—1,230 animals in specially designed habitats. In 1877, the area's marshes, ponds, and lagoons were beautified, and in honor of Queen Kapiʻolani, wife of Kalākaua, the park was opened. Even when the park was opened to the public, the Kalākaua used the park to keep his collection of exotic birds and horses. However, in 1896, the City & County of Honolulu assumed control of Queen Kapiʻolani Park. The park became home to a monkey, a sun bear, and several lion cubs. The conservation department of the Zoo introduced many animals and birds to this Zoo, including the Kamehameha butterfly, crocodile monitor lizards, birds of paradise, African wild dogs, sloths, and the nene, which is the state bird of Hawaii. So, visiting this place is a must as it eventually offers you a different experience. 

  • 9 Oahu Surfing
    Oahu Surfing

    If you are a big fan of enjoying water activities, visiting Oahu, Honolulu is a must, as this place is famous for its O'ahu Surfing. If you want to experience the thrill closely, Oahu is the right place for you, as you can enjoy surfing here. “Surfing - the sport of King”  is the right place for you. In the early 20th century, the legendary surfer, Olympic swimmer, and Waikīkī native Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing. Since then, it has become popular among sports lovers, and nowadays, it has become one of the best activities in Honolulu. To experience the same, all you need to do is get your feet wet in the calm waters of Waikiki Beach; however, if you just want to enjoy surfing by the experts, then just watch the show; it is a fantastic treat to the eyes. 

  • 10 Waikiki Aquarium
    Waikiki Aquarium

    Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu is one of the best attractions in Hawaii. It was founded in 1904 and has been an institution of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa since 1919. The Waikīkī Aquarium is home to more than 3,500 organisms of 490 species of marine plants and animals. And to witness this big family of aquariums, over 330,000 people visit each year. There are approx. 35 tanks and lovely animals are waiting there, so just go and explore the amazing animals of the aquarium and have a wonderful time with loved ones. The experience at Waikiki Aurium will certainly be amazing for kids; this is a new world and an amazing attraction to watch. So, just come along with your family and have a remarkable experience. 

Honolulu Monthly Temperature

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Low 67°F68°F68°F71°F72°F74°F75°F76°F75°F74°F72°F70°F
High 81°F81°F81°F83°F85°F86°F88°F88°F88°F87°F84°F82°F

FAQs About Things to Do in Honolulu

1 What are the most amazing beaches to visit in Honolulu?

On your visit to Honolulu, beaches are one of the most amazing things to indulge in. Even if you are not a beach lover, you must also visit the captivating beaches of Honolulu, such as Lanikai Beach, Hanauma Bay, and Ala Moana Beach Park. These beaches offer a bustling atmosphere and excellent experiences and allow you to enjoy swimming and surfing with your loved ones, so plan your travel for beaches as they are a must-visit place in Honolulu. 

2 What are the best outdoor activities available in Honolulu?

In your Honolulu tour, some of the best things to do in Honolulu that you must experience include hiking to Diamond Head Crater, surfing lessons in Waikiki, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, kayaking to offshore islands, and exploring botanical gardens like Foster Botanical Garden. Each of these outdoor activities is filled with a variety of unique activities to indulge in, so vacationers, as per their interest, must enjoy Honolulu's breathtaking and thrilling activities. 

3 What are the family-friendly activities to experience in Honolulu?

If you are visiting with your family and thinking about what to do in Honolulu, leave all worries as the city offers a variety of family-friendly activities like Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Sea Life Park, and the Dole Plantation. Besides these activities, vacationers can take a submarine tour, visit the Children's Discovery Center, or enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau, which can be fun for the entire family. So, just get your bags packed to experience such fun. 

4 How to Get Around Honolulu?

To explore beautiful Honolulu, vacationers need to rent a car or go with another option: the Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu. This trolley allows you to jump onto a double-decker bus or open-air trolley unlimited times throughout the journey. You can enjoy the city tour on a scooter if you are alone. It will again be one of the best experiences you can ever have in Hawaii. So, don’t miss it.