Best Things to Do in Honolulu for First-Time Visitors and Beyond

Honolulu is more than just Waikiki.

It is a rare mix of wild nature, powerful history, and a fast-paced island city, all woven into one place. This is one of the few destinations where you can visit the only royal palace in the United States, hike through lush tropical landscapes, and end the day among modern high-rises by the ocean — all within the same area. 

The real challenge is choosing what to do. With limited time and too many options, it is easy to select the wrong activities, overspend, or miss what truly makes Honolulu special. Which places are truly worth your time? What experiences fit your schedule, budget, and travel style?

This guide highlights the best things to do in Honolulu, organized by area and travel style, to help you focus on what matters most and make the most of your time on the island.

• Top 3 Must-Do: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Top 3 Areas to Stay: Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana

• Best View: Diamond Head (daytime) or Tantalus Lookout (night city lights)

• Best Beach: Waikiki Beach (lively vibe) or Ala Moana Beach Park (calmer water)

• Best Snorkeling: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

• Best Local Eats: Fresh poke at Ono Seafood or malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery

• Best Sunset: Catamaran sail off Waikiki Beach

• Reservation Alerts (Book Early or Miss Out): USS Arizona Memorial (8 weeks or 24h prior) · Diamond Head (30 days out) · Hanauma Bay (2 days out, 7:00 AM)

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to June, September to mid-December (Low traffic). December–April (Whale season)

• Location: Southern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, United States

• Status: Capital city of Hawaii

• Area: Approximately 177 km² (68 sq mi) 

• Population: About 350,000 residents 

• Climate: Tropical, warm year-round

• Average Temperature: Around 24–30°C (75–86°F) throughout the year

Honolulu is the capital and largest city in Hawaii, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of the islands. Located along the southern coast of Oahu, it is where most visitors first experience island life — yet it feels very different from a typical beach town.

What makes Honolulu truly stand out is its rare contrast. A modern city skyline rises right next to tropical beaches, green valleys, and volcanic ridges, creating a setting that feels both urban and deeply connected to nature.

Honolulu is also known as the birthplace of modern surfing, the only city in the United States with a royal palace, and a major World War II historical landmark through Pearl Harbor. Few destinations blend urban energy, natural beauty, and historical depth as seamlessly as Honolulu.

With so many attractions across Honolulu, it is easy to jump from one popular spot to another without a clear plan. Exploring the city by area makes it easier to focus on places that are close to each other, helping you spend more time experiencing Honolulu and less time figuring out logistics.

This area feels like the heart of Honolulu, with a lively atmosphere and plenty to see within walking distance. Beaches, parks, and iconic sights are all clustered together, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

• Location: Along Kalākaua Avenue, centered around the Duke Kahanamoku Statue

• Recommendation: ★★★★★ (Must-do)

• Time Needed: 2–4 hours (longer if staying for sunset)

• Cost: Free (beach chair and umbrella rentals typically range from $30–80 per day)

• Best For: First-time visitors, families, swimming, people-watching

Waikiki Beach is special because it brings Honolulu’s city life straight to the shoreline. Modern high-rises sit just steps from the sand, Diamond Head anchors the view, and surf culture is visible everywhere. It may not be the quietest beach on Oahu, but no other place captures the energy of the city quite like this.

💡 Practical tip: The area in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is usually the most crowded. For calmer water and more space, walk toward Kuhio Beach, where a breakwall creates safer swimming conditions.

• Location: Diamond Head Road (~ 10 minutes by car from Waikiki)

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Highly recommended)

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours (hike + time at the summit)

• Cost: $5 entry fee (per person) + $10 parking fee (per vehicle)

• Best For: Hiking, panoramic views, first-time visitors

Diamond Head is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities in Honolulu for the effort involved. The trail winds through a historic volcanic crater and ends at a lookout with sweeping views over Waikiki, the coastline, and the Pacific Ocean. It is a relatively short hike, but the scenery at the top makes it one of the most memorable Honolulu attractions close to the city.

⚠️ Important: Reservations are mandatory and must be booked online in advance. Early morning slots between 6:00 and 8:00 AM are strongly recommended, as the trail has little shade and gets hot quickly.

• Location: Eastern end of Waikiki, between Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head (5 minutes by car from Diamond Head)

• Recommendation: ★★★☆☆ (Nice to have)

• Time Needed: 1–2 hours

• Cost: Free

• Best For: Relaxing walks, picnics, families, open views of Diamond Head

Kapiʻolani Park is the largest and oldest public park in Hawaii, offering a calm break from the busy Waikiki beachfront. Wide open lawns stretch toward Diamond Head, making it one of the easiest places to enjoy the crater’s full view without any hiking. The atmosphere here feels more local and unhurried, especially compared to the nearby beach.

What makes this park special is its location and scale — few city parks sit so comfortably between a central beach and a volcanic landmark, all within walking distance.

💡 Note: This park is ideal for picnics and photo stops, but shade is limited, so mornings or late afternoons are the most comfortable times to visit.

• Location: 151 Kapahulu Ave., next to Kapiʻolani Park (~ 5 minutes on foot from Waikiki Beach)

• Recommendation: ★★★☆☆ (Worth it for families)

• Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours (depending on pace and kids)

• Cost: About ~$21 adults + ~$13 children (ages 3–12) (discounts for local residents)

• Best For: Kids, toddlers, families with young children

Honolulu Zoo is a relaxed and manageable stop for families traveling with young kids. The zoo focuses on animals from tropical regions, with wide walkways and shaded areas that make it comfortable even during warmer parts of the day. It is not overly large, which works well for shorter attention spans and slower pacing.

💡 Tip: The zoo parking lot is one of the cheapest parking options in Waikiki at about $1.50 per hour. You can also park here and walk to nearby Waikiki Beach afterward.

• Location: Waikiki Beach, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue

• Recommendation: ★★★★★ (Must-do Experience)

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours

• Cost: typically around $80–120 per lesson, board included

• Best For: First-time surfers, beginners, couples, and outdoor activities

Waikiki is one of the easiest places in the world to learn how to surf. The waves here are gentle, slow, and long, giving beginners enough time to stand up and balance without feeling rushed. Surfing in this area also comes with a classic backdrop — Diamond Head on one side and Honolulu’s skyline on the other — making a first lesson memorable.

💡 Pro Tip: Wear a rash guardto prevent board rash and provide extra sun protection during longer sessions.

About 15 minutes from Waikiki, this area focuses more on history, culture, and local life than on beaches. It is a great place to explore museums, historic streets, and authentic local food.

• Location: 364 S King St., Downtown Honolulu

• Recommendation: ★★★★★ (Must-do)

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours (may be longer with the audio-guided tour)

• Cost: around $25 per adult

• Best For: History lovers, cultural experiences, first-time visitors

ʻIolani Palace was completed in 1882 during the reign of King Kalākaua and remains the only royal palace in the United States. Walking through its grand rooms offers a rare glimpse into the Hawaiian Kingdom, from royal living quarters to spaces tied to pivotal political events. The palace’s elegance and historical weight make it one of the most meaningful Honolulu historical sites.

⚠️ Important: Shoe covers are required to protect the palace’s original hardwood floors. They are provided at the entrance and must be worn throughout the interior tour.

• Location: 417 S King St., directly across from ʻIolani Palace 

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Highly recommended)

• Time Needed: 30–60 minutes (longer if visiting the interior museum)

• Cost: Free

• Best For: History lovers, cultural sightseeing, quick downtown stops

The King Kamehameha I Statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Downtown Honolulu. It honors the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands and stands as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian identity and sovereignty. The statue is often draped in fresh lei during special occasions, adding a meaningful cultural touch.

Behind the statue is Aliʻiōlani Hale, a historic building that adds another layer to the visit. While many people stop only for photos, the site offers more than it appears at first.

💡Good To Know: Aliʻiōlani Hale is also known as the police headquarters featured in Hawaii Five-0. Inside, you can visit a free judicial history museum, which many visitors overlook.

• Location: Around Maunakea St. and King St., Downtown Honolulu 

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Recommended)

• Time Needed: 1–2 hours

• Cost: Free 

• Best For: Foodies, local vibes, budget souvenirs

Chinatown offers a side of Honolulu that feels raw, lively, and very local. This area is packed with small eateries, markets, and shops selling everything from fresh fruit to inexpensive souvenirs. It is one of the best places to sample local flavors without paying resort prices, and it gives a glimpse into everyday city life beyond the beaches.

⚠️ Important: Visit during the daytime (before 5 PM) for the best experience. In the evening, parts of the area can feel less comfortable due to a visible homeless population.

• Location: 250 S Hotel St., 2nd floor (near ʻIolani Palace, Downtown Honolulu)

• Recommendation: ★★★☆☆ (Optional but worthwhile)

• Time Needed: About 1 hour

• Cost: Free

• Best For: Rainy days, art lovers, short cultural stops

Known today as Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum showcases contemporary works by local Hawaiian artists. The exhibits focus on modern identity, culture, and everyday life in the islands, offering a thoughtful contrast to Honolulu’s historical landmarks.

What makes this museum appealing is its calm, low-key atmosphere — easy to visit without crowds or time pressure.

💡 Good to know: Head up to the rooftop reflecting pool, a popular photo spot that many visitors miss when exploring Downtown.

• Location: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl., Pearl Harbor (about 25 minutes by car from Waikiki)

• Recommendation: ★★★★★ (Must-do hub)

• Time Needed: 3–4 hours (for the entire memorial area)

• Cost: Free (shoreline museums and exhibits)

• Best For: History lovers, first-time visitors

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is the official starting point for all visits to the Pearl Harbor historic sites. This is where visitors enter the complex, pass through security, and access the visitor center and waterfront museums. More importantly, all boat departures to the USS Arizona Memorial (#13) leave from here, making it impossible to visit the Arizona Memorial without first coming through this site.

The exhibits and short films go beyond dates and facts. They help you understand what life was like on Oahu before the attack, how quickly everything changed on December 7, 1941, and why Pearl Harbor remains such a defining moment for Honolulu and the country. Starting here adds depth to every site you visit afterward. And it works best as a focused half-day visit.

• Location: Within Pearl Harbor National Memorial (boat departs from the visitor center)

• Recommendation: ★★★★★ (Must-do)
  Time Needed: About 1 hour (includes boat ride)

• Cost: Free (online reservation fee: $1)

• Best For: Everyone, historical reflection

The USS Arizona Memorial is the most powerful experience at Pearl Harbor. A short boat ride from Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (#12) takes you to the white memorial built above the sunken battleship, where over 1,100 sailors remain entombed. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, making it a moment many visitors remember most.

📝 Note: Reservations open 8 weeks in advance on Recreation.gov. If tickets sell out, check for next-day tickets, released at 3:00 PM the day before.

• Location: Ford Island (access via shuttle from Pearl Harbor Visitor Center)

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Highly recommended)

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours

• Cost: ~$35 per adult

• Best For: Military history fans, immersive tours

USS Missouri offers an entirely different perspective from the Arizona Memorial. This massive battleship is where World War II officially ended, and walking its decks gives a tangible sense of scale and power. You can explore living quarters, command areas, and the exact spot of Japan’s surrender.

💡 Good to know: Ford Island is a restricted military area. Access is only possible via the free shuttle bus departing from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (#12).

• Location: Next to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (same complex as #12)

• Recommendation: ★★★☆☆ (Optional, best if you have extra time)

• Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours

• Cost: ~$22 per adult

• Best For: Kids, military history fans, hands-on experiences

The USS Missouri offers an entirely different experience from the Arizona Memorial. While Arizona (#13) focuses on loss and remembrance, Missouri represents the end of World War II. It is the battleship where Japan formally surrendered, marking the war’s conclusion.

As part of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, the Missouri can be reached by shuttle from the Visitor Center. Walking its decks allows you to explore command areas, crew quarters, and the exact spot where history changed. It adds scale, movement, and physical experience to the broader Pearl Harbor story.

⚠️ Important: Children under 4 years old are not allowed inside the submarine. The interior is very narrow, so this attraction is not recommended for visitors with claustrophobia.

Known for one of the most scenic coastal drives on Oahu, this area highlights beaches, lookouts, and hiking trails. Exploring this area is best done by car or bus, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and outdoor stops.

• Location: 7455 Kalanianaʻole Hwy (about 25 minutes by car from Waikiki)

• Recommendation: ★★★★★ (Must-do)

• Time Needed: 3–4 hours 

• Cost: ~$25 entry fee per person

• Best For: Snorkeling, marine life, nature lovers

Hanauma Bay is widely considered the best snorkeling spot in Honolulu, thanks to its clear water and abundant tropical fish. The bay sits inside a protected volcanic crater, creating calm conditions that are ideal even for beginners. Few places on Oahu offer such vibrant marine life so close to the city.

⚠️ Note: The preserve is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets are released online at 7:00 AM (Local Time) for dates two days ahead and often sell out within minutes — setting an alarm is strongly recommended.

• Location: Along Kalanianaʻole Hwy (roadside stop, about 20 minutes by car from Waikiki)

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Recommended)

• Time Needed: 45–60 minutes (or ~15 minutes for photos only)

• Cost: Free

• Best For: Scenic views, quick stops, photography

Makapuʻu Lookout is one of the easiest ways to enjoy dramatic coastal views without hiking. From the viewpoint, you can see steep cliffs, turquoise water, and Rabbit Island (Mānana) offshore. It is a great stop when driving toward East Honolulu.

• Location: Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (near Makapuʻu Lookout)

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Highly recommended)

• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours

• Cost: Free

• Best For: Light hiking, strollers, whale watching

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail stands out for delivering dramatic coastal views with minimal effort, and during whale season, it doubles as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on Oahu.

Unlike most hikes in Honolulu, the trail is fully paved and gently sloped, which means you can enjoy dramatic cliffs, endless ocean, and the lighthouse viewpoint without scrambling over rocks or muddy paths. 

During whale season, it is not unusual to spot humpback whales breaching offshore — something that turns a simple walk into a memorable experience.

💡 Good to know: From November to May, this is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on the island — bring binoculars if you have them.

• Location: 8801 Kalanianaʻole Hwy (about 25 minutes by car from Waikiki)

• Recommendation: ★★☆☆☆ (Optional, view only)

• Time Needed: 30–60 minutes

• Cost: Free

• Best For: Watching professional bodyboarders

What makes Sandy Beach stand out is its raw, untamed energy. Unlike the calm waters of Waikiki or Ala Moana, this beach shows the ocean at its most intense, offering a striking contrast that few other beaches in Honolulu can match. 

Waves here break directly onto the shore, creating dramatic surf conditions that attract experienced bodyboarders. It is an impressive place to watch ocean action up close.

⚠️ Warning: Known locally as “Breakneck Beach,” the waves here are hazardous. Swimming is not recommended unless you are an experienced ocean athlete. This spot is best enjoyed from the sand.

This area focuses on relaxed activities that are easy to fit into any schedule. Beaches with calmer water, shopping, and sunset-friendly spots make it perfect for slower days or short visits without much planning.

• Location: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd., across from Ala Moana Center 

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Local favorite)

• Time Needed: 1–2 hours (longer if staying for sunset)

• Cost: Free

• Best For: Sunset, calm swimming, picnics

Ala Moana Beach Park feels very different from Waikiki. The water here is calmer, the space is more expansive, and the crowd is primarily local. It is one of the best places in Honolulu to swim without strong waves and to enjoy a slower, less touristy beach atmosphere.

💡 Good to know: The Magic Island peninsula inside the park offers some of the best sunset views in the city — more open, less crowded, and often better than Waikiki.

• Location: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., next to Ala Moana Beach Park

• Recommendation: ★★★☆☆ (Optional)

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours (depending on shopping and meals)

• Cost: Free (shopping and food extra)

• Best For: Shopping, food courts, air-conditioned breaks

Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world, making it more than just a place to shop. It is a convenient stop to cool down, grab a good meal, or break up a beach-heavy itinerary with something easy and flexible.

📝 Note: Do not miss The Lanai food court or Shirokiya Japan Village Walk for high-quality Japanese food at reasonable prices.

• Location: Departures from Waikiki Beach (catamaran) or Kewalo Basin / Aloha Tower (larger cruises)

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆ (Highly recommended)

• Time Needed: 2–4 hours

• Cost: ~$80–150+ depending on package

• Best For: Couples, special occasions, romantic evenings

• A sunset cruise or luau is one of the most memorable ways to experience Honolulu after dark. Watching the sun set over the ocean with the city skyline behind you adds a different perspective that you do not get from land.

💡 Practice Tip: Choose the right boat for your style. Catamarans from Waikiki are more adventurous and splashy, while larger dinner cruises like Star of Honolulu offer a smoother ride and a more formal dining experience.

Not every trip to Honolulu looks the same. Traveling with kids or planning evening activities requires a different approach than sightseeing during the day. The sections below reorganize the places above based on how and when they work best. 

Honolulu is family-friendly, but choosing the right activities depends heavily on your child’s age and energy level.

Best options for families: Ala Moana Beach Park (#20), Honolulu Zoo (#4), Waikiki Aquarium (#5), Kapiʻolani Park (#3), Bishop Museum (#9).

💡 Practical tips:

• Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day, then use indoor or shaded stops like Honolulu Zoo (#4) or Waikiki Aquarium (#5) as natural breaks when kids need to slow down.

• For young children (under 4–5 years old), Ala Moana Beach Park (#20) is easier than Waikiki Beach (#1) because the water stays shallow and contained, reducing the need for constant wave monitoring.

• Older kids and teens often enjoy surf lessons in Waikiki (#6), as the waves are slow and forgiving.

Honolulu at night is more relaxed than energetic. Instead of nightlife-heavy activities, evenings here are best spent enjoying views, ocean breezes, and experiences that feel unhurried and scenic.

Best options at night: Waikiki Night Walk (Kalākaua Avenue), Sunset Cruise or Luau Experience (#22), Ala Moana Beach Park (#20), Tantalus Lookout.

💡 Practical tip: If you plan to include Tantalus Lookout, go there first, as park access closes earlier in the evening, then return to Waikiki for dinner or a relaxed walk afterward. Park gates typically close around 6:45 PM in winter and 7:45 PM in summer.

Honolulu has plenty to offer, even if you do not plan to spend much. Many of the city’s most memorable experiences — from beaches to cultural landmarks — are entirely free and easy to combine into a relaxed day.

Best free options: Waikiki Beach (#1), Kapiʻolani Park (#3), King Kamehameha I Statue (#8), Hawaiʻi State Art Museum / Capitol Modern (#11), Makapuʻu Lookout (#17), Ala Moana Beach Park (#20), Kuhio Beach Hula Show, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden.

💡 Tip: Free traditional hula performances take place on Waikiki Beach every Tuesday and Saturday from 6:30–7:30 PM. Bringing a towel or light mat makes it more comfortable to sit on the grass or sand during the show.

Honolulu is one of the easiest cities in Hawaii to explore without renting a car, especially if you stay in Waikiki. Many top attractions are walkable or well-connected by public transportation.

Best areas without a car: Waikiki & Kapiʻolani Area (#1–#6), Downtown Honolulu & Chinatown (#7–#11).

💡 Practical tips:

• TheBus & HOLO Card: The most affordable way to get around. Buy a HOLO Card at ABC Stores or 7-Eleven (card fee ~$2, load as needed). The daily fare cap is $7.50, after which you can ride unlimited buses for the rest of the day.

• Waikiki Trolley (Pink Line): An open-air trolley looping through Waikiki and Ala Moana, convenient for short trips. If you have a JCB credit card, the Pink Line is free for up to 2 adults + 2 children — just show the card to the driver.

Honolulu offers the kind of experiences that feel more intimate when shared — simple, unhurried, and shaped by the ocean and the light.

Best options for couples: Diamond Head State Monument (#2) at sunrise, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (#16) for snorkeling, Sunset Cruise or Luau Experience (#22), dinner at House Without A Key (Halekulani Hotel).

💡 Practical tips:

• A sunrise hike at Diamond Head (#2) works best for couples who enjoy quiet moments together before the city wakes up. Bring a flashlight in the winter months, as it can still be dark when you start.

• Hanauma Bay (#16) makes a great daytime date if you enjoy shared activities — snorkeling together often feels more memorable than sightseeing from land.

• For a romantic evening, House Without a Key is a classic choice. Reserve 3–4 weeks in advance if you want an oceanfront table during sunset, especially in peak season.