Being the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is full of iconic spots and attractions. Whether you want to soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches, take a scenic stroll, or go on hikes, if this is your first time in Hawaii, you should experience the diversity of Honolulu’s attractions, including its history, entertainment, unique cuisine, and culture.
Our top picks for the must-do activities when you’re in this tropical paradise have you covered for your Hawaiian vacation! Let’s go!
Take A Hike
If you are trying to catch some breathtaking views and amazing trails, then this should be number one on your list! One iconic hike is the Diamond Head, a volcanic crater offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Diamond Head State Monument. You can also enjoy these views from a boat cruise around the ocean. It’s a bit of a workout, but worth every step!
For a more off-beaten bath, go for the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. Definitely an easier hike with equally incredible coastal views, and if you’re lucky, you may catch some majestic humpbacks on the way.
And who can forget the Manoa Falls trail! Although it’s a shorter trail through a lush rainforest, you’ll end up at a stunning waterfall! Regardless of which of the hikes you choose, do not forget your water, sunscreen, and camera.
Eat, Drink, Aloha! Experience Waikiki Cuisine
No Hawaiian vacation is complete without exploring the incredible food Hawaii has to offer, from world-class international cuisine to food trucks serving up local favorites!
Start your day with refreshing acai bowls or a local favorite, malasadas! For lunch, grab yourself a classic plate lunch – consisting of rice, mac salad, and your choice of popular meat, kalua pork or teriyaki chicken.
No Hawaiian trip is complete without some seafood indulgence! Try some poke, a Hawaiian delicacy made from fresh marinated fish, the perfect light meal! For drinks, have your share of Mai Tai or locally brewed beer, unwind, and watch the scenic sunsets!
Makani Catamaran Sails
Looking to soak in Hawaiian views while feeling the ocean breeze in your hair? Then look no further than Makani Catamaran sails! You’ll be cruising along the crystal clear waters of Waikiki with a stunning Diamond Head backdrop in the distance!
Whether you pick the daytime sail to enjoy the sun on your face, or an evening sunset cruise, it’s the perfect way to kick back, relax and experience a whole different side of Honolulu!
Iolani Palace
Nestled in downtown Honolulu, this gorgeous building is the only royal palace in the United States! For many years, it served as the palace of the last reigning monarchs, King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani.
As soon as you enter, you’re swept away by the grandeur, elegant throne room, beautiful chandeliers, and detailed Hawaiian craftsmanship! This palace has seen its fair share of lavish royal events and political conflict!
Whether you’re into architecture or history or just looking to experience a piece of Hawaii’s royal past, Iolani Palace is a must-visit on your Hawaiian itinerary!
Bishop Museum
Another must-visit destination is the Bishop Museum, a natural history museum in Oahu. This museum boasts extensive collections that showcase Hawaii’s history, culture, and natural environment. Highlights include an active volcano exhibit and planetarium programs.
The Bishop Museum also plays a crucial role in showcasing Polynesian culture, providing educational experiences that explore the unique cultural aspects of Polynesians alongside native flora and fauna.
Honolulu Museum of Art
For all art lovers, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a must-visit! Tucked away in a serene setting, this museum houses some of the finest pieces from across centuries and cultures!
From ancient Asian art to contemporary Hawaiian pieces, you’ll also find works from renowned artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and even Picasso!
One of the best features is the museum’s Asian art collection, one of the biggest in the U.S. Wandering through the museum’s open courtyard is ideal for catching a relaxing break between exhibits. My favorite part of the museum is the film screenings, art classes, and workshops that it hosts, making it so much more than just a place to view art!
Lyon Arboretum
Looking for a peaceful escape in the midst of nature? Tucked away in the lush Manoa Valley is this 200-acre botanical garden! It has an incredible collection of plants—over 5,000 species! You can catch lovely views of everything from towering bamboo to vibrant heliconias and rare Hawaiian plants you won’t catch anywhere else!
The best part? The Lyon Arboretum also has several hiking trails if you’re in the mood for adventure!
While you’re there, hike to Aihualama Falls, a hidden waterfall within the garden. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk and perfect for beginners. The reward at the end is totally worth it. Just bring bug spray and good walking shoes; the trails can get muddy after the rain!
Fun Fact: Lyon Arboretum is a research center for plant conservation and Hawaiian ecosystems, so your visit will help support the work that keeps Hawaii beautiful!
Food Foraging
Ever wanted to explore the wild plants of Hawaii? Join Dr. Nat Bletter, founder of Madre Chocolate, on his foraging classes held every month through the trails of Makiki. Hosted by Slow Food Oahu, this hands-on experience explores slow food movement and local plant life.
You learn how to identify edible plants like nom-nom fruits, pink peppercorns, and banana blossoms and can make a pretty wild salad for yourself!
Join A Flower Crown Making Session
Floral headdresses, or haku lei, are a beautiful tradition in Hawaii that’s been around for generations. Paiko is a botanical boutique in the Kaka’ako neighborhood that offers a two-hour private crown-making session where you can create your own tropical headpiece using local blooms like anthuriums and orchids, as well as greenery like eucalyptus and ferns.
This session is ideal for groups of 6-20 people.
If flower-crown making isn’t your thing, Paiku hosts other fun workshops, too! From succulent care to bonsai shaping or trying ulana lau niu, they even have a bar where you can pot your own plants!
While you’re there, remember to check out their unique gift shop, which sells coconut planters, locally made soaps, and jewelry.
Take An Ocean Boat Cruise
Planning to make memories from a yacht? Better yet, a famous yacht called the Vida Mia? This 1929 yacht offers a 90-minute cruise from Waikiki Marina, giving you a taste of vintage luxury on the calming ocean. A morning cruise features a delicious cup of Hawaiian coffee, fresh fruit, and pastries as the sun rises.
The yacht has exquisite interiors with beautifully polished teak wood, stained glass accents, and a porcelain bathtub below deck to let you soak in the panoramic views of the iconic Diamond Head State Monument and the picturesque ocean scenery around you.
Surf Like a Pro
Hitting the waves at Honolulu is a rite of passage! You can’t miss out on it! Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, Honolulu’s beaches offer the ideal spot to catch some waves. Waikiki Beach, with its gently rolling waves and surf schools, is the perfect place for first-timers to get some hands-on surfing experience.
But if you’re in the mood for something more challenging, head on over to the North Shore, where you’ll find the legendary Banzai Pipeline. Just watching the pros there is an unforgettable experience in itself!
Try a Donut
Craving a sweet treat in Honolulu? Holey Grail Donuts is your go-to for delicious donuts, but you must be willing to wait a bit! Nile and Hana Dreiling’s spot draws a crowd for a reason: each donut is made to order, so it’s always hot.
What sets these $4 donuts apart? For starters, they are made with taro, a superfood. The taro dough is fermented, so it’s fluffy inside and crispy outside, fried in coconut oil. The flavor changes often, but you can expect unique local flavors like lilikoi (passion fruit), dragonfruit lemonade, and honey cream pineapple with a touch of Thai basil.
It’s best to go after the morning rush. If you’re ever on Kaua’i, go to the original food truck for the same farm-to-donut magic without the Honolulu crowd.
Give Back While You’re Here
Why not give back while you’re here in Oahu? Malama Hawaii is a program that lets you embrace the island culture more deeply while giving back to the land and people. Some of Honolulu’s top hotels, like the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, are part of this program and offer special volunteer experiences.
You can learn about the ancient art of taro farming—one of Hawaii’s most important crops—or help restore traditional thatched hale (houses). You may also get a discount on your stay for your efforts.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to get out of the city, take a helicopter tour! You’ll see Oahu from above and plant a native tree on a private landing to help restore the island’s ecosystem!
Visit the Honolulu Zoo
Looking for a day out with family? Honolulu Zoo is the spot! In the heart of Waikiki, this 42-acre zoo is home to a wide variety of animals—playful monkeys and lions, colorful birds and reptiles. Whether you’re bringing kids or just love animals, you can get up close and personal with wildlife from around the world, with a focus on tropical species.
As you walk past the shaded paths, you’ll meet elephants, zebras, and even native Hawaiian species. The zoo also has educational talks so you can learn fun facts about the animals and conservation efforts. Don’t forget to carry your sunscreen, some lunch and explore the zoo at your own pace!
For a unique type of adventure, visit Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve, where you can explore the scenic landscapes featured in ‘Jurassic Park’ while engaging in eco-adventures and learning about environmental conservation.
Explore Iconic Landmarks Like Pearl Harbor
Honolulu is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks where you can dive deep into the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the biggest is Pearl Harbor, which is just outside of downtown Honolulu.
This U.S. naval base was the site of the attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, that brought the U.S. into World War II. Today, Pearl Harbor is a piece of history and a chance to explore it.
Another big one is Waikiki Beach famous for its golden sand and clear waters. On the south shore of Oahu Waikiki Beach is a surfer and swimmer’s paradise! The beach is lined with high rise hotels, resorts and tons of restaurants and shops so it’s a busy place. Whether you want to catch some waves or just soak up the Hawaiian sun Waikiki Beach is the spot.
Rent A Moped!
Want to ride around town with the wind in your hair? Rent a moped! Whether you want to zip through the city or take a coastal cruise, a moped is the way to go! Hop on and go where the road takes you!
Riding around Hawaii helps you save on gas and parking, and you are no longer searching for a spot or dealing with crowded buses! Whether you’re alone or in a group, renting a moped adds a sense of freedom to your trip. Grab your helmet, and you’re good to go.
Honolulu Moped Rentals: Your Adventure Awaits!
Ready to unleash your adventurer and explore with us? Renting a moped with Honolulu moped rental is the ideal way to experience Hawaii with ease! It’s such a great feeling to glide along the sun-kissed beaches with the warm ocean breeze in your air and breathe in the Aloha spirit!
Our fleet is in top-notch condition, carefully maintained, and inspected regularly, so you can ride knowing that your safety is assured! Plus, our easy renting process ensures that you won’t waste your precious vacation time renting a moped!
So, hop on to let us make your vacation dreams a reality!
FAQs
What are the best hikes in Honolulu?
Diamond Head is a must for the views, but if you’re looking for something easier, try the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. Manoa Falls is also perfect for a short and sweet hike with a waterfall at the end!
Where can I find local food in Honolulu?
Start with an acai bowl or malasadas for breakfast, grab a plate lunch with kalua pork or teriyaki chicken, and don’t miss fresh poke for a light seafood meal. You can find these at local food trucks, casual eateries, and food markets around town!
How do I get around Honolulu?
Renting a moped is hands down the easiest and most fun way to get around Honolulu. It’s quick and affordable, and you can zip through the city without worrying about parking!
Can I sail in Honolulu?
Yes! The Makani Catamaran offers daytime and sunset cruises along Waikiki’s coastline with views of Diamond Head. It’s perfect for relaxing while soaking in the ocean breeze.
What’s a historical site I must see in Honolulu?
Iolani Palace is a must! It’s the only royal palace in the U.S. and has so much history, beautiful architecture, and lots to see! It’s also a great way to learn about Hawaii’s royal past.
What’s a unique activity for nature lovers to do in Hawaii?
Check out the Lyon Arboretum for a peaceful retreat into nature. With 200 acres of botanical gardens and hiking trails, it’s a plant lover’s paradise and a great place to walk.
Where can I see live art and culture in Honolulu?
The Honolulu Museum of Art is your spot! It has an amazing collection of art and offers workshops, classes, and film screenings.
Where should I go shopping in Honolulu?
The Ala Moana Shopping Center is a must-visit destination. It’s conveniently located near Ala Moana Beach Park, making it easy to combine shopping with a beach day.
What are the best museums in Honolulu?
The Bishop Museum is a premier natural history museum in Oahu. It’s a family-friendly destination with extensive collections showcasing Hawaii’s history, culture, and natural environment. Don’t miss the active volcano exhibit and planetarium programs.