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It’s Hawaii’s beating heart and a city of contrast. From the sparkling skyline and bustling Waikiki beaches to leafy jungle and turquoise lagoons, Honolulu might be busy but it has something for everyone. Also known as The Manhattan of the Pacific, Honolulu is the most visited area of the Aloha State. It also happens to be Hawaii’s capital city.
To put it in perspective, Oahu is the most visited of Hawaii’s islands, welcoming millions of travelers a year, and sees 40% of the entire state’s tourism revenue. Much of this is centered on Honolulu and Waikiki. On top of that, over a million people call this island home, many of them living in high-energy Honolulu.
With so much to see and do, it can be tricky to narrow down how to spend your time in Honolulu. After living on Oahu for a few years, we’re here to help you choose which fun activities and awesome experiences are best suited to you (and your family’s) interests. These are 34 of our favorite things to do in Honolulu.
Want to skip right to it? These are truly our favorite stand-out things to do in Honolulu:
– Make your way to Pearl Harbor, either on a guided tour or on your own.
– Visit the only royal residence in the entire country: The Iolani Palace
– Catch a wave with these surf lessons off of Waikiki Beach!
– Take to the skies on a helicopter tour of Honolulu or the whole island (plus get 5% off)!
– Enjoy one of our favorite luaus on Oahu or head out on a cultural catamaran!
Where is Honolulu?
Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu, is located along the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu. As the third largest island in the chain, Oahu is sandwiched between Kauai to the west and Molokai to the east.
What gets a little tricky for visitors that are doing research on Honolulu is differentiating between the city of Honolulu and the county of Honolulu, which actually completely encompasses the island of Oahu. As the third largest island, Oahu is broken up into four different regions with Honolulu spanning almost the entire southern coast of the island.
The city of Honolulu begins near Pearl Harbor, extends up to the leeward face of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, and officially ends at Makapu’u Point at the far eastern point of the island. You’ll likely fly in and out of the Daniel K. Inouye Airport which is on the edge of the city of Honolulu.
Neighborhoods in Honolulu
The city of Honolulu has 36 official neighborhoods, making it a little bit difficult to choose where to stay. While most visitors stick to the equally sprawling and lively Waikiki neighborhood, some of the less explored areas might suit you better.
Located next to Waikiki, Ala Moana has a beautiful beach and huge mall for those looking to get into Honolulu’s shopping scene. Downtown Honolulu, otherwise known as the Business District, has many of the best museums and historic attractions in the city, like the Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum, all keeping visitors preoccupied when not at the beach.
For visitor’s that are looking for something a little more trendy, Kaka’ako has delicious restaurants to suit any budget, breweries, and vibrant street art. Alternatively, Chinatown is also a foodie haven with some seriously good eats and really interesting heritage!
Of course, if you want to truly be in the center of the action, there’s no better place to stay than Waikiki. You’re walking distance or a short drive from most of the best of Honolulu and it isn’t difficult to escape if you start to crave some peace and quiet.
We talk more about Honolulu’s neighborhoods in our Where to Stay in Honolulu article!
Oahu vs Honolulu vs Waikiki: are Oahu and Honolulu the same thing?
We’ll start big and end small. Honolulu is the largest city on the island of Oahu – and it just so happens to be the capital of Hawaii. Honolulu is also the name of the county that encompasses the entire island of Oahu. Waikiki is the most bustling and popular neighborhood within the city of Honolulu. This is where most visitors choose to stay.
In short, Oahu is the island, Honolulu is the largest city on Oahu, and Waikiki is a neighborhood within Honolulu.
If you’re looking for things to do on the entire island of Oahu, we have you covered!
Map of Things to Do in Honolulu
Related reads:
The Ultimate Ko Olina Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay
Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore
21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore
The 34 Best Things to Do in Honolulu
1. Diamond Head State Monument Crater Hike
You’ll see its beautiful silhouette in the distance from everywhere in Waikiki – and Honolulu for that matter. While it might look like a mountain, Diamond Head Crater is actually a volcanic tuff crater. Instead of simply enjoying the views from the beach, why not get up close and personal with Diamond Head on a crater hike?
At a brisk 0.8 mile climb from the parking area up to the observation deck on the crater’s rim, this moderate hike makes for a wonderful morning or afternoon excursion. From the start of the trail you’re already inside the crater itself. You’ll gain about 580’ of elevation as you make your way to the summit.
Sprawling views of both the crater and Honolulu in the distance are worth the trek alone but the chance to see rainbows – especially in the morning – make the hike even more exciting. There’s even a military bunker that you can explore along the way.
Reservations for both parking and entrance are now required for out-of-state visitors so you’ll need to do some planning ahead of time.
Directions: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
2. Leonard’s Bakery for Malasadas
Malasadas are something of a Hawaiian delicacy and a sweet treat that you can’t skip on a visit to Honolulu. Brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are essentially filled donuts with either a fruit or chocolate center. Baked fresh every day and served warm – if you get there early enough – Leonard’s Bakery has some of the best in town.
These also make for a delicious reward after the hike up to Diamond Head. Leonard’s is on the way back to and from the trailhead and makes for the perfect pitstop on the way back to Waikiki. Try to avoid the lines by either ordering ahead online or arriving early in the morning.
Directions: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
3. Ono Seafood
Also on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki, Ono Seafood dishes up fresh, no-frills poke, poke bowls, and sashimi to poke-obsessed customers. You can’t miss the bright red building and colorful mural on Kapahulu Ave. This is a great, quick stop to grab lunch on the go. Including before or after your hike to Diamond Head.
You’ll actually find several delicious, and relatively cheap, restaurants on Kapahulu Avenue. Another one of our favorites (listed further down!) is Rainbow Drive-In.
Directions: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
4. Waiola Shave Ice
If you’re coming all the way to Hawaii you absolutely can’t miss out on sampling Hawaiian shave ice. This isn’t your mainland snow cone or shaved ice but a fluffy, soft, pillow of super fine ice that resembles snow and is covered in homemade syrups.
We recommend trying out one of the “multiple flavor” options like banana split or root beer float. The best spot for shave ice in Honolulu, in our humble opinion, is Waiola. There are several spots around town but the one on Waiola Street is the original.
You can thank us later when you’re devouring your fifth or sixth shave ice of the trip!
Directions: 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826
These are just a few of our favorite places to eat, grab an itinerary for the full list by area!
5. Honolulu Nightlife
If you’re coming to Hawaii on the hunt for happening nightlife, Honolulu is your best bet. Many of the other cities, and islands, in Hawaii just can’t hang when it comes to staying out late which makes Honolulu the hub for a night on the town. Several different neighborhoods in the Hawaiian capital have plenty of bars, trendy breweries, and even clubs that cater to night owls.
One of our favorite spots in Honolulu for nightlife is the Chinatown neighborhood. Hip restaurants are the name of the game in this part of town and we highly recommend Lucky Belly and the Tchin Tchin! Bar, just to name a few.
Take note: Chinatown is not known for being the safest area in Hawaii. So enjoy exploring during the day, and once the sun goes down stick to North Hotel Street to enjoy the night life.
Another area that is great for bar hopping is Lewers Street, located right in the center of Waikiki. Here you’ll find a few chains like Yard House, Roy’s for a more upscale restaurant with good drinks, and fun dive bars sprinkled in too.
We also couldn’t help but notice The Gallery downstairs from the Waikiki Beachcomber on Kalakaua Ave. While the weekends are a great time for bar and club hopping, it’s notably mellower during the week, but The Gallery always has something going on. Even a Tuesday night was a great time for a DJ battle at The Gallery. (Beachcomber guests rest easy, somehow we heard car horns from our room but not the party at this hole in the wall.)
6. Ala Moana Beach Park
If you’re wondering where the locals go for a beach day in Waikiki – it’s Ala Moana Beach! Located right next to Waikiki Beach (just off to the right if you’re facing the ocean), this half-mile stretch of sand is across from the Ala Moana Center, an open-air shopping center. Ala Moana even made our list of the 10 Best Beaches on Oahu.
Ala Moana Beach is an ideal option for families with little ones as the lagoon is protected from large swells by the extensive reef. There are also bathrooms, huge grassy areas, and plenty of places to eat nearby. Extra bonus points for a spacious parking lot, lifeguards, and picnic tables that make this beach even more comfortable.
If you’re looking at a map of Ala Moana Beach, you might notice a peninsula connected to the main beach itself. This is known as Magic Island and is a part of the larger Ala Moana Beach Park. The Magic Island Lagoon might be an even better option to take little ones to splash around.
Directions to Ala Moana Beach Park.
Magic Island also makes our list for one of our favorite photo spots! Whether you hire a professional (our recommendations here) or set up a tripod and capture your own, this is a great place to do it.
7. Kaka’ako Street Art
One of Honolulu’s original neighborhoods (and now the hip spot in town!), Kaka’ako has since been built up with highrise condos and restaurants, but still retains buckets of charm through its colorful murals. Start at Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park and get exploring. There’s street art in nearly every direction!
100’s of artists descended on Honolulu as a part of the POW!WOW! Mural Festival (Honolulu is also the home of the POW!WOW! initiative), to contribute murals and add some character to the otherwise industrial neighborhood. To make an evening of it, plan for dinner and drinks at one of the breweries in Kaka’ako like Aloha Beer Co or Waikiki Brewing Company.
Directions: Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park
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8. ‘Iolani Palace, a National Historic Landmark
Honolulu’s ‘Iolani Palace is the only royal residence in the entirety of the United States and had both running water and electricity before the White House! Fun facts aside, the true allure of a visit to ‘Iolani Palace is to learn about and better understand Hawaiian history.
Located right in the heart of downtown Honolulu, ‘Iolani Palace is easy to get to from anywhere in the city and makes for a great introduction to Hawaii’s fascinating heritage. Just across the street from the palace is Ali’iolani Hale, Hawaii’s state supreme court, and a statue of Hawaii’s famous king, Kamehameha The Great.
Both guided and self-guided tours run Tuesday through Saturday. Keep in mind that they ask guests to dress respectfully (no bikinis or beach coverups) as ‘Iolani Palace is considered a sacred place. Large backpacks, luggage, and both food and drink are also not allowed.
You’ll need to purchase tickets online or at the ticket desk across from the palace at Hale Koa.
Directions: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
9. Historic Chinatown and the Arts District
Chinatown is one of Honolulu’s most interesting neighborhoods and is steeped in history. Our favorite way to explore Chinatown is through a walking tour where you’ll have the chance to both see and taste Honolulu’s legacy of Chinese heritage. Walk these storied streets with a local guide and dive tastebuds first into the delicious cuisine.
If your stomach is still rumbling after the tour, some of our favorite eats in Chinatown are The Pig and The Lady for Vietnamese cuisine or Lucky Belly for ramen. The neighborhood is also well known for its traditional dim sum restaurants.
The Arts District also overlaps with some of the Chinatown neighborhood and has a street festival every first Friday of the month if you happen to be in town. This is your chance to stroll through the art galleries and enjoy street performances, plus you’re walking distance to all of Chinatown’s delicious restaurants! Regardless of whether you’re in Honolulu for First Friday or not, just walking around the Arts District is worth your time if you’re interested in artistic expression.
Directions to Chinatown Parking Lot: 888 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
Looking to save money on your Oahu vacation?
You chose wisely because Oahu is the cheapest island to visit, and here are some tips for snagging a cheap plane ticket.
These are the best affordable family resorts across the islands.
Check out how we book our travel for more tips and bookedwithpoints.com to learn about traveling with credit card points.
10. Best Honolulu Sunset Spot
You can’t miss the chance to see a Hawaiian sunset on your trip to Oahu. After living on the island and scouring for our favorites, the best sunset spot in Honolulu (in our humble opinion) has to go to Tantalus Lookout.
It’s a 25-minute drive from the Waikiki neighborhood, through the beautiful Pu’u Ualakaa State Park and along a winding road. Bring along a picnic blanket and some poke bowls and watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean from your perch.
We particularly love this spot in the winter months, but it’s great any time of year! If you can’t make it for sunset, it’s also worth it for the views of Diamond Head and Honolulu sprawling out in the distance.
Directions: Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822
11. Kamehameha Bakery
If you can’t bring yourself to stand in line at Leonard’s, head over to another famous bakery in the Kahili neighborhood. Kamehameha Bakery whips up their own version of Portuguese malasadas, fresh bread, and donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re best known for their poi glazed malasadas and donuts, so be sure to try those if you can snag one in time.
If you’re an early riser the bakery opens at 2:00 in the morning!
Directions: 1284 Kalani St Unit D106, Honolulu, HI 96817
12. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
We’ll start this off by saying that the Bishop Museum is our favorite museum in all of Hawaii! In fact, Honolulu in general is our favorite city for museums in the state. Not only does it have interesting exhibits for kids but it’s entertaining for adults too.
Stroll through the Hawaii Hall where the history of the islands unravels over three different floors with a giant, humpback whale hanging from the ceiling, or have fun with your little ones at the Science Center. The Polynesian voyaging exhibit is super interesting and our kiddos love the volcano that they can climb inside. Overall, this museum provides some great background knowledge for your adventures around Oahu and the Hawaiian islands!
We also love popping in to the Bishop Museums on site restaurant, Highway Inn Cafe, which dishes up a mean Hawaiian plate lunch with Kiawe-smoked kālua pig. Both the Bishop Museum and Highway Inn Cafe are open every day.
Directions: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817
13. Honolulu Helicopter Tours
Want a birds-eye view of Honolulu’s glittering skyline, the verdant Diamond Head Crater, and the surfers off Waikiki Beach? Hop aboard a helicopter tour to get a better perspective.
We don’t often recommend helicopter tours in Hawaii due to the variable weather conditions, but Honolulu Helicopter Tours has the best safety record on the island of Oahu. They have never had an accident in the 11 years they’ve been in operation!
Honolulu Helicopter Tours offer several different options to accommodate all price ranges, including quick, 18-minute flights and a full hour tour. You can also choose to fly with or without the doors on which makes for either a comfy or adventurous flight experience!
After experiencing it ourselves a handful of times and talking to visitors who have taken to the skies, few regret this once-in-a-lifetime flight. All flights take off from Honolulu Airport which is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Waikiki.
Directions: 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819
14. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor is synonymous with Hawaiian history and thousands of visitors make the trek over from Honolulu every day to pay their respects and see this World War II battleground for themselves. This also makes it one of the most visited sites on Oahu.
Keep in mind that snagging tickets to USS Arizona Memorial can be tricky – especially in the high season! Make sure you book tickets well in advance or hop on a guided Pearl Harbor tour and forgo figuring out all the details on your own. They’ll also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
For those who are interested, a free shuttle ferries visitors over to both the Aviation Museum and Battleship Missouri Memorial. The Aviation Museum is great for aircraft aficionados (including kids!).
Directions: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
Related reads:
Book One of The 7 Best Snorkeling Tours on Oahu
The 7 Best Whale Watching Tours on Oahu (+How to DIY)
15. Makapu’u Beach & Lighthouse
A 25-minute drive from downtown Honolulu, Makapu’u Beach and Lighthouse make for a fun outdoor activity outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Follow the 2-mile, paved Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail to explore the area and, eventually, reach the star of the show. The lighthouse sits at the far eastern edge of Oahu, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a rocky bluff.
The trail itself is rated as moderate and does gain about 500’ of elevation over its course, but the views of the ocean and cliffside are well worth the trek. You may be able to see the nearby blow holes and tide pools, although the unmarked trail that leads down to them is treacherous at best.
Makapu’u Beach is also well worth a visit if you want to fit in some sunbathing or swimming. Be warned that this beach is loved by body-surfers, which also means that it can have a rough surf break at times. Lifeguards patrol the beach for added safety.
Directions: Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
16. Koko Head Crater Hike
The hike up to Koko Head Crater isn’t for the fainthearted but it does offer some amazing views! Koko Head Crater is a volcanic cinder cone and this hike climbs all the way up to its edge, about 1.8 miles and 1,020’ of elevation. Most of the Koko crater trail follows a now abandoned tramway that was originally built by the U.S. Army and has around 1,000 steps to conquer before you reach the top.
Scenery from the crater’s rim is stunning with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the eastern edge of the island. Getting to the trailhead is very easy. Simply park in the huge (and free!) parking area and walk behind the baseball field where you’ll see the daunting staircase. This hike is only an 8-mile drive from Waikiki.
Although it can be tempting, we recommend avoiding a sunrise trek to the top. This is one of the most popular sunrise hikes on Oahu and parking can be incredibly difficult to get. You’ll also be sharing your views with lots of fellow hikers!
And if you’re in the area, check out the Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
Directions: Koko Head Crater Trailhead
17. Hike Manoa Falls
If you’re dying to see waterfalls on your trip, the Manoa Falls trail is another of our favorite hikes on Oahu and the trailhead is just a 15-minute drive from Waikiki (without traffic). It’s a quick, 1.7 mile round trip trek on mostly flat ground with a bit of incline here and there. You’re completely surrounded by lush jungle in Manoa Valley for the hike which makes for a cool way to get up close and personal with Hawaii’s beautiful nature, including banyan trees and a bamboo grove. The 100’ Manoa Falls is your stunning reward at the end.
The best time to go is if there’s been recent rain as Manoa Falls can slow to a trickle in drier months – or be gushing in the wet season! With that being said the trail can get really muddy and even dangerous. Remember to always respect posted signage about closed sections of the trail.
Directions: Manoa Falls Trailhead
If you’re looking for other less strenuous hikes around Oahu, we’ve got a list of our 7 favorite easy Oahu hikes.
18. Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop
A great stop post (or pre) Manoa Falls hike is the Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop. Founded in 1922, Waioli Kitchen was once a tea room that provided orphaned girls with vocational training. They continue to carry out the business’ original mission of rehabilitation and community involvement today. Come for the banana macnu*t pancakes but stay for the fascinating history!
The Bake Shop also serves freshly baked pies, bread, and pastries that make for a great snack or fuel for your adventures hiking around Honolulu. If you do decide to eat on site there’s a great grassy area for kids to run around and play. Keep in mind that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Directions: Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop
19. Off the Hook Poke
Just six minutes from the Manoa Falls trailhead is one of the best places in Honolulu for poke. Off The Hook Poke has won “Best Seafood in Hawaii” awards and they source their fish fresh every day from the Honolulu Fish Auction. It’s so fresh that they’ve been known to sell out or even close their doors if there isn’t enough fish at the market. Be prepared for long lines but trust us – the fresh ahi is worth it!
Directions: Off The Hook Poke
20. Kahala Beach
One of the biggest draws for a stay at Kahala Beach Resort is the beach itself. But you’re in luck, because you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to experience this beautiful stretch of sand! Picture swaying, spindly palm trees, golden sand, and a serene lagoon to swim in.
Kahala Beach is raked every morning and feels private – especially compared to Waikiki! A reef protects the beach and lagoon from big waves which makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging in the sun. There’s also plenty of nearby parking.
Directions: Kahala Beach
Related reads:
5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu
10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All
The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu
The Best Private Tours on Oahu (+ an exclusive discount)
21. Waikiki Surf Lessons with Ohana Surf Project
When you picture Hawaii’s stunning beaches, you’re probably also imagining surfers lining up to catch a wave. Why not be able to brag to your friends back home that you actually learned to surf in Hawaii? You can find surf lessons at many of the beaches along Oahu’s southern coast, but Waikiki is undeniably iconic. There’s a reason why this is one of the most popular surf destinations in the world!
Ohana Surf Project is one of our favorite companies for surf lessons right on Waikiki Beach. This makes for a great activity with kids in tow as they’ll take children as young as 2. They offer private, semi-private, and group classes for all levels of surfing from beginner to pro. Even if this is your very first time on a surfboard, all are welcome. As an added bonus, Ohana Surf Project also offers pick up from your hotel or the cruise port.
If you’re an old pro or if you’ve had a class or two, you can also easily rent a surfboard on Waikiki Beach. You’ll see vendors renting surfboards near the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. It’s not difficult to see where the most popular surf spots are if you look for groups of fellow wave riders.
Directions: Surfboard vendors on Waikiki Beach
If you are heading to Oahu on or to catch a cruise ship, our Hawaii Cruise Travel Guide has all our best resources, all in one place.
22. Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is one of our favorite activities to do with kids on Oahu. Even better, it’s located right in the heart of Waikiki which makes it easy to get to from almost anywhere in the city. Not only are there 1,200 different animals to see, but some of them are native only to Hawaii, like the Nene bird.
The zoo itself is sprawling with over 42 acres to explore and it has the stunning backdrop of Diamond Head to top it off. This is a wonderful option for kids (and adults!) who love animals or need an excuse to break up all that beach time. Hours are everyday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm although all guests are asked to exit by 4:00 pm.
For an extra special experience, the Honolulu Zoo’s Twilight Tours offer visitors a chance to see the zoo without the crowds and spot some of the nocturnal animals. This is a guided tour which also means that you’ll get an inside look at the zoo’s innerworkings. Note that this ticket option is only available on Saturdays.
Directions: Honolulu Zoo
23. Waikiki Aquarium
If you’re wondering what animals you’re swimming around with on Waikiki Beach (and around the Hawaiian Islands), get a better look at the Waikiki Aquarium. Just some of the incredible marine life you’ll see includes Hawaiian monk seals, a 4,000 gallon display of native Hawaiian tropical fish (including the Hawaiian morwong), and a living reef that gives kids an up close look at living corals.
Waikiki Aquarium is fairly small and you can walk through the entire thing in around an hour. Like the Honolulu Zoo, the aquarium is also located within the Kapiolani Regional Park. We think they provide an amazing opportunity to educate visitors on both Pacific and specifically Hawaiian marine life.
Directions: Waikiki Aquarium
Traveling to Oahu with kids? Check out more of our Keiki-centered content:
Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids: The 7 Best Family Hotels
23 Best Things to Do on Oahu With Kids (from The Hawaii Vacation Guide mom and dad)
Oahu vs Maui for Kids: Pick the Perfect Getaway
24. Hawaiian Style Cooking Class
Local, Hawaiian ingredients and generations of culinary prowess combine into one with Chef Linda’s Hawaiian-style cooking class. Head out to Linda’s home near Diamond Head for a full immersion into island cuisine and its influences.
Dishes you might get to cook run the gamut from traditional Hawaiian, like laulau, to Asian Fusion, Mexican, and even Moroccan. The experience culminates with a group meal, eating your hard-earned dishes, and a glass of wine or beer.
You can choose from standard, premium, and even private classes, depending on how long you’d like the class to be and how intimate of an experience you’re looking for. One benefit of booking a premium class is that you have some say in what dishes you’ll get to cook.
All class options offer the ability to book a “Pick a Cuisine” course so you can narrow it down. We highly recommend choosing the “Hawaii Local Favorites” option.
We love this cooking class because it’s such a great way to learn about Hawaiian cuisine – and to re-make some of your favorites once you’re back home.
Want to see how Oahu stacks up against the other islands?
Oahu vs Kauai: This is the Best Island For Your Vacation
Oahu vs Big Island: Pick The Right Island for Your Trip
Oahu vs Maui (from someone who has lived on both)
25. Rainbow Drive-In
Two words: Loco Moco.
Rainbow Drive-In has been dishing up Hawaii’s famous plate lunches since 1961 and they’re not skimping on the good stuff. While Loco Moco (two hamburger patties with an egg on rice and covered in gravy) is a fan favorite, we also love their fish sandwiches. All of their plate lunches come with rice and their famous macaroni salad.
There are two locations, but Kapahulu is the original and it’s close to both the zoo and aquarium if you want to tack on a visit.
Directions: Original Kapahulu Rainbow Drive-In
26. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon
Named for the Olympic swimmer and surfing icon, this artificial, saltwater lagoon is a fun way to get out on the water without the worry of dangerous ocean conditions. Pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and aqua cycles are available for rent from a kiosk along the beach, close to the resort. You can also rent umbrellas, chairs, and beach toys if you don’t feel like dragging around all your gear for a beach day.
Although this is technically a part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, you don’t need to be staying there to enjoy the lagoon and water toys! The lagoons maximum depth is 10’ which also makes this feel overall safer for little ones than the open ocean.
Directions: Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon
27. Kuhio Beach
Kuhio Beach is one of our favorite stretches of sand to bring the kids in Honolulu. Because Waikiki Beach is so large, it’s broken up into 8 different sections. Kuhio Beach is one of these sections, situated on the southeastern side near Diamond Head.
One of the reasons we love this beach for kids, aside from the beautiful views, is because the water is calm year-round due to a break wall. Concrete walls stretch out into the water, creating a rectangular section of the ocean that is blocked from surf. Lifeguards are also on duty year-round.
Little ones can splash around in the shallow pool while adults (or teenagers) can catch a wave surfing or bodyboarding on one of the adjoining beaches like Queen’s Break or The Wall.
Directions: Kuhio Beach
28. Waikiki Beach Catamaran Sail
One of the best perspectives of both Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline is from the water and there’s no better way to do it than by catamaran! Set sail on the Kepoikai II Catamaran for a beautiful day sailing on the Pacific Ocean.
Kids can sit in the front nets to keep a look out for dolphins and sea turtles, while adults can kick back and enjoy the views with a Mai Tai or beer in hand. There’s even the chance to see whales if you’re visiting from December to March! We always highly recommend getting out on the open ocean in Hawaii because it’s a great way to spot wildlife and to see some incredible scenery along the way.
A beach loading sail excursion is also great because it leaves right from Waikiki Beach. No driving or Ubering to the marina! This cruise option is awesome for families as there are bathrooms on board, you can bring your own snacks, and the crew is super friendly. Unlike some of the other catamaran cruises on Waikiki that often have booze cruise vibes, this one is less expensive (no open bar) and feels much more family friendly overall.
Their sunset cruise makes for an extra memorable experience if you’re looking to up the ante but be sure to book at least a week in advance to snag a spot!
Directions: Waikiki Beach (in front of the Royal Hawaiian)
29. Whale Watching Tour
If you find yourself in Honolulu from December to March you’re in for a treat! This is peak whale watching season on Oahu (and Hawaii in general) and you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
And You Creations sets sail on their whale watching tour right from Kewalo Basin Harbor in Waikiki. Their two story deck and Titanic-style railing makes this an extra fun experience and gives you an even better chance of spotting whale spouts off in the distance. As if seeing humpback whales breach and peck slap wasn’t enough, there are also cultural experiences on board like a hula show and Hawaiian chant.
Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii for calving and mating and there’s a good chance you might even see babies. And You Creations’ onboard naturalist also provides a wealth of information about the whales. They also dip a hydrophone beneath the water so that you can hear the whales singing to each other.
Although you do forgo a more serene sailing experience on the power boat, this is actually ideal for finding the whales.
Directions: Kewalo Basin Harbor
30. Outrigger Canoe Ride
The chance to paddle and sail an outrigger canoe like the ancient Hawaiians did? Sign us up!
Also known as wa’a, outrigger canoes have been a vital part of Hawaiian culture for centuries. First brought to the islands by Polynesian explorers, smaller outrigger boats were used for everything from fishing to war.
Leaving from Waikiki Beach, your expert captain will give you the low down on how to operate an outrigger canoe (which isn’t as hard as it looks) and then you’ll head out to the open ocean to try your hand at sailing. This style of sailing is interactive, a unique cultural experience, and just an all around fun way to get out on the water. Did we mention the striking views of Waikiki too?
This activity is great for the entire family as children are usually allowed on board. Your fearless leader will also be with you every step of your outrigger adventure.
31. Go to a Luau
Want to experience a luau but don’t want to leave Waikiki? Don’t fret! Queen’s Waikiki Luau offers the perfect Polynesian cultural experience – and you won’t even have to brave Honolulu traffic.
This luau is budget friendly and right in the heart of Waikiki. Hosted in the International Marketplace Mall, while this might not be a luxury, oceanfront extravaganza, it’s priced really well and doesn’t sell out weeks in advance.
There are a few different seating options so you can choose to splurge for a front row seat or sit towards the back for a less expensive table. You can decide on the number of drinks you want included and what kind of lei you’re going for when booking the tickets online.
From fireknife dancing to hula and a delicious buffet of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, this makes for a memorable 2.5 hours.
Directions: Queen’s Waikiki Luau
If you’re looking for a different luau experience, make sure to check out our favorite luaus on Oahu to help you decide.
32. Snorkeling in Turtle Canyon
Turtle Canyon is one of the best snorkeling destinations near Honolulu, which are unfortunately few and far between. Still, you’re not missing out because this is a great place to snorkel for all experience levels and to see majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The sea turtles gather in this specific location for shell cleaning by the resident fish.
Most of the Turtle Canyon tours leave from Kewalo Harbor, just outside of Waikiki, making this easy to reach from most of Honolulu. Come prepared knowing that it can get a little crowded and you’ll have a great time! We recommend hopping on a morning tour for the best visibility.
There are lots of options when it comes to Turtle Canyon snorkel tours. You can read our dedicated blog post to figure out which one is right for you!
If boats make you seasick or you simply can’t pull yourself away from Waikiki Beach, our favorite snorkel spot near Honolulu is Queen’s Head. Located on Waikiki’s Diamond Head side, you can snorkel along the jetty and find some schools of fish and even eels.
Snorkeling is something of a rite of passage in Hawaii, but it doesn’t come without a few rules of thumb to follow. If you decide to snorkel along one of Honolulu’s beaches, bring a buddy, ask lifeguards about snorkeling conditions in the area, and never turn your back on the ocean. It can be easy to get disoriented in the water when you’re distracted by the beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish.
33. Friday Fireworks
As a romantic addition to your trip or a showstopper for the kids, Honolulu’s Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks display every Friday evening. The show starts at 7:45 pm from October to June and 8:00 pm in summer and is completely free to watch.
Our favorite spots for watching the show are Fort DeRussy Beach Park, stretching towards Kahanamoku Beach. If you happen to book a Friday night sunset sail you might even get a show from the water on your way back to Waikiki.
34. Honolulu Museum of Art
Hawaii’s largest fine arts museum is located just outside of downtown Honolulu and houses an impressive 60,000 pieces. While you can visit the museum during the day, they also offer night openings each week, called HoMa nights, where the museum stays open until 9 pm. Grab some light bites, enjoy an interactive exhibit, and listen to music.
You can also visit the Shangri la Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design here through a guided tour. Reservations must be made in advance to visit. The museum is in the former home of American philanthropist Doris Duke and showcases her collection along with telling her fascinating story.
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