Quick Honolulu Guide
Alright, let's talk about Honolulu. You've probably seen the postcards – perfect rainbows over Diamond Head, hula dancers at sunset, drinks with little umbrellas. That's all real, sure. But there's so much more to this place. It's a buzzing city, a historic port, a gateway to nature, and a foodie haven all rolled into one. Figuring out the best things to do in Honolulu can feel overwhelming with a million listicles telling you to just "go to Waikiki." Been there, done that, got the sunburn.
I've spent a stupid amount of time wandering these streets and trails, making both brilliant and laughably bad choices. This guide isn't about checking boxes. It's about helping you find the experiences that'll actually make your trip memorable, whether you're a first-timer or someone who's been before but wants to dig deeper. We'll cover the classics you can't miss, the local favorites most tourists drive right past, and the practical stuff nobody really tells you upfront.
Let's dive in.
The Absolute Must-Dos: The Honolulu Hall of Fame
You can't come all this way and skip these. They're popular for a reason. But I'll give you the real scoop on how to do them right and avoid the worst of the crowds.
Pay Your Respects at Pearl Harbor
This isn't just a tourist stop; it's a profound piece of living history. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial complex is run by the National Park Service, and they do an incredible job. You'll want to book your tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial the second you know your travel dates. They're free but run out months in advance. If you miss out, the Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pacific Aviation Museum are all phenomenal and often have same-day availability.
Heads up: This is a solemn place. Wear respectful clothing (cover those swimsuits), and be prepared for security screening similar to an airport. The whole experience takes a minimum of half a day, but it's worth every minute. The new visitor center has fantastic exhibits that set the context.
Conquer Diamond Head (Or Just Admire It)
That iconic crater silhouette? You can hike to the top. The Diamond Head Summit Trail is a moderate 1.6-mile round-trip adventure that ends with a 360-degree view of Honolulu and the coastline. It's a workout – there are stairs, a tunnel, and more stairs – but my 70-year-old aunt did it, so you probably can too.
Go as early as humanly possible. I'm talking 6:00 AM opening time. The sun is kinder, the parking lot isn't full, and you'll have the summit somewhat to yourself. By 9 AM, it's a conga line. Also, bring cash for the small entry fee per person and per car. They don't always take cards.
My personal take? The view is unbeatable for the effort. But if hiking isn't your thing, driving around the crater or having a picnic at Diamond Head Beach Park just below it is a stunning alternative. You still get the majesty without the sweat.
Waikiki: See It, Feel It, Then Escape It
Waikiki Beach is like the Times Square of Hawaii. You have to experience it, but you don't necessarily want to live there. The energy is infectious – street performers, outrigger canoes gliding by, the smell of sunscreen and shave ice. Take a surfing lesson right on the gentle breaks. Rent a beach chair and just people-watch. Walk the paved path from one end to the other at sunset.
But here's the secret.
Waikiki is also your gateway to other things. The Honolulu Museum of Art at First Hawaiian Center has free tours. The historic Royal Hawaiian Center offers free hula and ukulele lessons. Use Waikiki as your comfortable base, then venture out. The best things to do in Honolulu often start here, but they definitely don't end here.
Beyond the Beach: Culture, Food & City Vibes
Honolulu is a real, working city with layers of history and a killer food scene. Spending a day away from the sand can be just as rewarding.
Get Lost in Chinatown
Forget any Chinatown you've seen before. Honolulu's version is gritty, artsy, fragrant, and utterly fascinating. In the morning, it's a bustling market at places like Oahu Market. By afternoon, the art galleries and boutique shops open. At night, it transforms into a hub for incredible restaurants and hip cocktail bars.
Must-dos? Eat. Get dim sum at a packed restaurant. Try a malasada (Portuguese donut) from a bakery. Grab a Vietnamese banh mi. I once spent a whole afternoon just hopping from one food stall to another – it was a mess and I loved it. Also, check out the Izumo Taishakyo Mission, a beautiful Shinto shrine tucked away on a side street.
Walk Through History at Iolani Palace
It's the only official royal palace on U.S. soil. That fact alone is worth the price of admission. The guided tour gives you a poignant look into the Hawaiian Kingdom's final days before the overthrow. The palace is stunningly restored, and the stories are powerful. It completely changes your understanding of Hawaii.
Pro Tip: Book the docent-led tour, not the audio tour. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and bring the history to life in a way a headset just can't. Afterwards, wander the grounds and see the Coronation Pavilion and the famous statue of King Kamehameha I across the street at Aliiolani Hale (the judiciary building).
The Food Truck & Local Grindz Scene
"What should I eat?" is one of the top questions for things to do in Honolulu. The answer: follow the locals.
- Plate Lunch: The quintessential local meal. It's usually two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a main like teriyaki beef, kalua pork, or fried chicken. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is famous, but explore others in the North Shore or Kapahulu areas.
- Poke: Pronounced "po-kay." This isn't the fancy bowl chain stuff. Go to a grocery store like Foodland or Tamashiro Market and get it by the pound from the counter. Get a mix of shoyu (soy sauce) and spicy ahi. Eat it in the parking lot. Thank me later.
- Manapua: Steamed or baked buns filled with char siu pork. Perfect for a snack on the go.
Nature & Adventure: Oahu is Your Playground
Honolulu is uniquely positioned. You're in a major city, but within 20 minutes you can be in a rainforest or on a remote ridge trail.
Hikes with a View (That Aren't Diamond Head)
If you want a less crowded alternative, you have options.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail: Paved, family-friendly, and on the windward side. The views of the turquoise coastline and the offshore islands are ridiculous. In winter, you might see whales breaching. No shade, so go early.
Manoa Falls Trail: Feel like you're in Jurassic Park (because you are… it was filmed here). This easy/moderate hike takes you through a dense, muddy rainforest to a tall, slender waterfall. It will be muddy. Wear shoes you don't care about.
I did Manoa Falls after a rainstorm. The trail was a slip-n-slide, and the waterfall was a roaring brown torrent. It was terrifyingly beautiful and 100% more memorable than a sunny day. Just be safe and know your limits.
The Windward Coast & The Byodo-In Temple
Rent a car for a day and drive through the H3 tunnel. The moment you emerge on the windward side is a genuine "wow" moment. The Ko'olau Mountains rise sharply, and the ocean turns a brighter shade of blue.
Stop at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park to see the Byodo-In Temple. It's a non-working replica of a 900-year-old temple in Japan, set against a sheer mountain cliff. It's serene, stunning, and feels a world away. Ring the giant sacred bell for good luck.
From there, drive up the coast to Kailua or Waimanalo for some of the island's most stunning beaches. Lanikai Beach is often ranked among the best in the world.
Beach Breakdown: Find Your Perfect Spot
Not all beaches are created equal. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to find your vibe.
| Beach Name | Vibe & Best For | Parking & Amenities | My Honest Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikiki Beach | People-watching, learning to surf, convenience, nightlife. | Nightmare. Use hotel/paid lots or walk. Full amenities. | Chaotic but essential. The energy is the attraction. |
| Ala Moana Beach Park | Locals, families, long walks, calm protected waters. | Large free lot, but fills up on weekends. Bathrooms, picnic areas. | My go-to for a relaxed beach day without the Waikiki frenzy. |
| Sans Souci Beach (Kaimana) | Quieter, swimming, snorkeling by the Natatorium wall. | Limited street parking. Fewer crowds. | A hidden gem at the far end of Waikiki. Feels more local. |
| Hanauma Bay | SNORKELING. A protected marine life conservation area. | Reservations REQUIRED in advance online. Fee for entry & parking. | Incredible fish, but can be crowded. Go on a weekday, arrive early. |
| Makapu'u Beach | Bodyboarding, watching expert surfers, dramatic scenery. | Small lot across the highway. Strong currents, not for beginners. | Powerful and beautiful. More for watching than swimming. |
Answering Your Burning Questions (The FAQ)
Putting It All Together: A Sample 3-Day Plan
Feel free to mix and match, but this hits the highlights with some rhythm.
Day 1: History & The Iconic Hike
Morning: Pre-booked tour of Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial. Explore the Missouri or Aviation Museum.
Afternoon: Late lunch in the Kapahulu area (Rainbow Drive-In for a classic plate lunch).
Late Afternoon: Hike Diamond Head (if you have energy) or relax at Ala Moana Beach.
Evening: Dinner in Waikiki, stroll the beach walk at night.
Day 2: City Culture & Local Flavors
Morning: Tour of Iolani Palace, see the King Kamehameha statue.
Late Morning: Walk through Chinatown. Browse markets, grab snacks.
Afternoon: Visit the Bishop Museum (if you're into history/culture) or head to Ward Village for shopping.
Evening: Dinner in Chinatown or at a local favorite like Helena's Hawaiian Food.
Day 3: Nature & Scenic Drive
Morning: Rent a car. Drive to the windward side. Hike Makapu'u Point.
Late Morning: Visit the Byodo-In Temple.
Afternoon: Have lunch in Kailua town, then spend hours on Lanikai or Kailua Beach.
Evening: Drive back over the Pali Highway (stop at the Pali Lookout for an epic view), return car, collapse happily.
Look, the best things to do in Honolulu are the ones that speak to you. Maybe it's spending a whole day mastering a surfboard. Maybe it's finding the perfect piece of local art in Chinatown. Maybe it's just sitting on a different beach every day with a good book.
The magic is in the mix.
Use this guide as a starting point, not a checklist. Be respectful of the land and the culture (it's not just a vacation spot, it's someone's home). Talk to locals. Try the food you can't pronounce. Get lost a little. That's where you'll find your own favorite things to do in Honolulu.
Have an amazing trip. And seriously, wear the sunscreen.