THINGS TO DO IN HONOLULU – Honolulu is the largest city, and the state capital, of Hawaii. It’s found on the island of Oahu, on the beautiful southeastern shores, offering visitors easy access to the long Oahu coastline, as well as the rest of the Hawaiian Islands too.
The city sprawls for several miles along the coast, with the tourist hub of Waikiki Beach located at the eastern end of the city.
The infamous Pearl Harbor is on the western edge of Honolulu, while along the northern flank, rise the volcanoes and rugged mountains that frame the city.
Makapuu Point Lighthouse
Makapuu Point Lighthouse is one of Oahu’s most iconic coastal locations. This is, in fact, the most easterly point on the island, and it makes for a great day trip from Honolulu.
A short, paved trail leads along the coast to a spectacular viewing area, where you can stare out across the seemingly endless ocean arrayed before you.
Head here early, to avoid the crowds and to avoid the worst of the midday day heat.
Helicopter Flight
One of the most impressive and adventurous ways to experience Honolulu and the rest of the beautiful coastline and jungle that surrounds the city is to take on a Doors off Helicopter Flight.
These increasingly popular aerial adventures will take visitors over the landscapes, while the doors off the helicopter, are off.
That leaves you open to the wind and elements, but it also ensures that there is no glass between you and the vistas around you.
For photographers, this is an incredible way to get those clear pictures from the air. For the most breathtaking views, head out over Waikiki Beach at sunset.
Manoa Falls
Away from the long coastline and sandy beaches of Oahu, you can explore the dense interior of the island by hiking along the rugged trail that leads to Manoa Falls.
The trail is a great way to experience the humid jungle-like landscapes of Hawaii without straying too far from Honolulu.
The trailhead is found around 5 miles outside of the city center, and a short but brisk walk takes visitors for over a mile to the plunge pool of Manoa Falls.
While Manoa Falls is one of the most visited falls on Oahu, near Honolulu, remember to keep in mind that there are literally hundreds of waterfalls worth making a stop at it. If you have a rental car, be sure to stop and explore along the way.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful nature found of Hawaii as you hike 2 miles to Manoa Falls in Oahu on this small-group excursion.
Join a local hiking expert, and a group of no more than 12 guests, as you journey via the Manoa Trail on a moderate hike to the tallest accessible waterfall on the island, a location made famous as a film location for Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Lost World.’
Bishop Museum
Another great museum in Honolulu is the Bishop Museum. This extensive property is huge, and it will take you a long time to explore all of the exhibits and artifacts held within its walls.
The museum offers an incredibly detailed look at everything Hawaiian, from the history and culture of the islands to the very geology that holds them together.
Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace is the last residence of Hawaii’s royal family. This grand piece of architecture is found in central Honolulu and offers visitors a glimpse into what the island was like before it became a state of the US.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is one of the most infamous places in the world because it was here that Japan attacked the US to drag them into World War II.
At Pearl Harbor, you can see where those day’s dark events unfolded and can learn more about the history at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Explore the sites of Pearl Harbor in Honolulu on this tour from Waikiki. You’ll receive skip-the-line access for a guided tour of the USS Missouri and visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to learn about the Japanese attacks in 1941.
Punch Bowl Cemetery
The Punch Bowl is another huge, extinct volcanic crater that’s found on the edge of Honolulu. This crater is unique because this is the location of the Punch Bowl National Cemetery, where many of the soldiers who fought in the Pacific during World War II are buried.
This is a moving memorial to the war, and to those who never returned home.
Diamond Head Crater
Towering over Honolulu is the distinctive form of the Diamond Head Crater. This extinct volcanic crater dominates the skyline, and you can traverse the network of trails that lead to the summit, for absolutely outstanding panoramas of the city below.
The hike takes around 2 hours return, and you want to begin early to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat.
Circle the entire island of Oahu by coach, enjoying ocean views, rugged mountains, and fascinating history during this 8.5-hour day trip.
Check out Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Nu’uanu Pali, the Halona Blowhole and Oahu’s beautiful North Shore.
Then soak up Hawaiian history and culture with a stop at the Dole Plantation (where you’ll sample some fresh pineapple) and the serene, Japanese-style Byodo-In Temple.
Hanauma Bay
Located a little further along the coastline from Waikiki Beach, and away from the city itself, Hanauma Bay is a great place to visit to find a quieter stretch of coastline.
The bay is actually an enormous marine reservation too, protecting the beautiful coral and the abundantly rich and diverse marine life that is found in the waters.
It makes for one of the best snorkel and dive locations close to Honolulu.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawaii, and it’s right on the doorstep of Honolulu. This long stretch of sand is found on the eastern edge of the city and is one of the favorite spots for visitors to stay and to enjoy themselves.
The beach itself can get very crowded, but the bustling atmosphere almost adds to the fun-loving vibe that’s found here.
Things are relaxed because everyone is on holiday. You can go out snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding, surfing and any other water-based sports you could imagine.
Or you can simply sit back in a deck chair, stroll along the promenade, or hop in and out of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars that are found along the waterfront.
Explore Diamond Head and the Waikiki area on this 2-hour guided Segway tour.
Climb on to your own Segway Personal Transporter, a self-balancing, a two-wheeled electric scooter that allows you to enjoy some of the Honolulu area’s most important sites without all of the walking.