Things to Do in Honolulu Hawaii
Honolulu, as the capital city of Hawaii, boasts plenty to offer tourists. Situated amid nature with hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls nearby, Honolulu boasts something special for every traveler.
Aloha Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views, and serves as a monument to historic architecture. Additionally, visiting Honolulu Museum of Art reveals an outstanding collection of Asian and American artwork (including works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso) perfect for visitors of all ages.
Iolani Palace
Visit Iolani Palace is one of the top attractions in Honolulu and an excellent way to learn more about Hawaii’s unique culture. As the only royal palace in America, visitors are granted an insight into King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani’s lives during their tenure at Iolani. Tours can also be taken of this grandiose structure which houses clothing, fittings and objects from its former life as part of the Royal family’s daily lives at Iolani.
History enthusiasts won’t want to miss seeing this stunning structure, as well as enjoying other activities at the site. Visitors can learn about monarchs and their rule at an interactive exhibition; additionally, there’s the Coronation Pavilion built specifically for King Kamehameha V’s coronation in 1883.
Finding Your Way There: There are several tours available of Iolani Palace that include this activity as part of their itinerary; or alternatively you can reach it independently by taking advantage of Waikiki Trolley tours which drop visitors just steps from Iolani Palace or an Oahu bus that stop right outside it.
While Iolani Palace is the star attraction in Downtown Honolulu, there’s much more to do in its surroundings! Visit the Bishop Museum or take photos at Kamehameha Statue before exploring Manoa Falls scenic lookout. Or arrange for a full-day tour that incorporates these attractions plus North Shore activities, Kahuku Farms visits, and delicious Dole Plantation treats!
Punchbowl Cemetery
Honolulu offers many attractions that will leave visitors amazed, such as Iolani Palace (former residence of Hawaiian monarchs), Diamond Head Crater, Ala Moana Center Mall and Honolulu Zoo. But the highlight of any visit to Honolulu must be Manoa Falls: its verdant jungle trek feels straight out of Jurassic Park while rewarding hikers with an incredible view of this 100-foot waterfall at its end!
Koko Crater Botanical Garden in Hawaii offers another great outdoor activity. Situated within a volcano-formed crater, visitors can trek the 2-mile loop trail and see all sorts of colorful plants such as cacti. Additionally, this garden makes for great birdwatching!
Punchbowl Cemetery, also known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, is an interesting stop during a Honolulu vacation. A beautiful memorial to all those who served in the military, it’s close to Waikiki and boasts impressive gravestones with tiled art along with an observation tower offering amazing views of Honolulu and beyond.
Punchbowl offers many intriguing events on the last Monday in May, from floating a Buddhist lantern at Magic Island to memorial Day ceremonies – making this event one of the best ways to experience Hawaii for its rich traditions and festivities.
When rainy or oppressively hot days strike, Honolulu Museum of Art provides the perfect indoor activity. Not just a museum for connoisseurs alone, this impressive institution showcases both local artists as well as famous ones like Monet and Van Gogh – making for an amazing mix of arts.
Halona Blowhole
If the water conditions are ideal, this amazing attraction shoots ocean spray up to 30 feet into the air. This happens when waves force water through a submerged tunnel before coming up through an opening in a rock cliff and out through another hole. With its soothing sounds of rushing water and splashing sprays of sea sprays this attraction makes Honolulu truly entertaining and one of its must-do attractions.
Unfortunately, this natural wonder doesn’t always operate optimally, so before planning your visit to this attraction make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand.
Enjoy ample parking and explore the breathtaking cliff-side overlook that provides spectacular views of the surrounding coastline. Be sure to bring your camera because the scenery is simply beautiful; also the blowhole offers amazing photos of waves crashing against rocks!
This astonishing museum showcases a stunning array of art from different genres and eras, from Asia to Europe and back. Of note is its immense Asian art collection of over 23,000 pieces; other highlights include ornate sculptures, native dolls and works by Van Gogh, Monet and Rodin.
After exploring Waikiki’s luxurious shopping centers and tasting Chinatown’s soy-rich dishes in Chinatown and Pearl Harbor’s tragic events that changed Hawaii history, take some time off by relaxing on one of the city’s fabulous beaches – Ewa District Lanikai Beach Le’ahi Beach Park offer stunning sunset views; thirst quench at Macadamia Nut Factory Outlet or indulge at Kahuku Farms fruit stand if desired!
Ala Moana Regional Park
Ala Moana Regional Park should be on any beachgoer’s bucket list when visiting Honolulu. With sandy beaches and calm sea water, as well as large grassy areas to lounge under and food concession stands, Ala Moana Regional Park makes for an idyllic beach experience. Plus, Kahanamoku Lagoon features zero swell and safe currents in its protected swimming pool! If surfing is your passion, head up North Shore way where surfers tackle Banzai Pipeline at Ehukea Beach Park for one of the toughest surf spots ever! PRO TIP If that sounds appealing then make time for Ehukea Beach Park Pupukea for another challenging surfing spot experience that awaits.
Honolulu hikers love the Koko Crater Trail for its challenging yet scenic trail along an abandoned railway track that leads up to its summit, providing stunning panoramic views over Honolulu city below. However, this trail may not be suitable for all as its difficult but scenic trail takes hikers up an abandoned railway track to its summit, offering beautiful panoramic vistas over Honolulu city below. Experienced hikers who feel physically capable can best take on this challenge should consider themselves well prepared before setting out on this challenging yet rewarding trail experience!
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is one of Honolulu’s premier cultural centers dedicated to honoring Hawaiian heritage and celebrating Hawaiian art and history, housing collections from such luminaries as Monet and Van Gogh among many others. It offers tours that celebrate Hawaii as its rich culture unfolds through time.
Visitors to Honolulu may be taken by surprise at just how much shopping and entertainment the downtown district of Kaka’ako can provide. Once an industrial town, this once industrial town now hosts cutting-edge boutique shops, cafes, and delightful new restaurants. Kaka’ako Convention Center also hosts multiple events each year that bring both locals and visitors together.
Honolulu Museum of Art
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is not one of those exclusive art museums; rather it houses over 25 million historical and cultural artifacts from local history & culture – everything from royal heirlooms to insect specimens!
There are also exhibitions dedicated to major artists like Monet and Van Gogh as well as works by Hawaii-based modern and contemporary painters and sculptors – making for a refreshing mix of the old and the new.
Stroll from gallery to gallery past open-air courtyards and ponds at this impressive museum in Hawaii’s largest general fine arts museum, featuring collections of Polynesian, Asian, European, and American artworks.
History buffs shouldn’t miss an opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor, the site of Japan’s 1941 attack on US ships. This National Historic Landmark features numerous memorials and monuments commemorating those lost during this tragic incident.
Kaka’ako, one of the city’s premier districts, offers cutting-edge restaurants, shops and street art. Once an industrial town, today it boasts an eclectic vibe perfect for strolling or shopping sprees.