Due to the terrain and location of this unique island, there’s plenty of amazing things to do in Honolulu. There are museums and memorials for those who like to learn about history and culture and of course, there are some fantastic beaches to just chill on or catch some surfing waves.
These are the seven essential things to do in Honolulu.
We can’t talk about Honolulu without mentioning their iconic Waikiki Beach. This is by far their most popular and well-known beach among tourists and locals.
Come to this two mile long beach and hang out on a chair and get your tan on or try your hand at surfing.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is an immersive look at important works of art that have made an impact in Hawaii. This museum features art that has a heavy Asian influence spread out across thirty different galleries.
Check out this museum to gain a better understanding of the art that has become influential in Honolulu’s history.
Diamond Head is the most notable volcanic crater in Hawaii and maybe even the world. To hike up to the summit, you’ll head up 760 feet where, along the way, you will encounter jaw-dropping, panoramic views of Honolulu.
This hike is on the challenging side so ensure you have everything you need to make this trek up. Don’t forget your camera too!
Iolani Palace was the home to the last two Hawaiian monarchs and is now a museum. Here, you’ll find the Palace in a carefully restored state, that displays vintage decor and home furnishings as well as personal collections of past Kings and Queens that have lived here.
The grandeur and elegance of this place coupled with its history makes this Palace a worthwhile stop.
The USS Arizona Memorial Park is the memorial site to acknowledge and remember the devastation wreaked by the bombings of Pearl Harbor during World War II. The park today is a large and long museum containing many artefacts from WWII.
Even if you don’t know anything about World War II, coming to the USS Arizona Memorial Park will give you a greater yet somber understanding of the disaster of past wars.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum showcases the best American aircraft that was flown during World War II. The collection of historic aircraft here are truly amazing and unlike anything you’ve seen in real life today.
With a focus on World War II, you can also learn more about present day American aircraft at this museum.
Hanauma Bay is on the east side of Honolulu and is one of the island’s most popular attractions. Here, the big thing is snorkeling and you can do that and engage with a variety of marine animals while you’re underwater.
If you’re curious about snorkeling and want to give it a go, Hanauma Bay is the place to do it in Honolulu.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, James has always had an inquisitive nature and traveling is now his biggest passion. His biggest thrills are visiting places he's never been to and exploring different cultures. James counts Athens, Tokyo, and Rome as the top three places he's visited.
