Tourist Attractions to Visit in Honolulu, Hawaii
United States

Top 30 Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii

Mustafa Natalwala 2294 Views

Honolulu is the capital of the State of Hawaii in the United States of America. It is situated on the southwest coast of O’ahu island. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii include exploring volcanic craters, coastal sights, beaches, nightlife, festivals, war history, Polynesian culture, ocean cruises, adventure sports, art and food. The biggest attraction of Honolulu is its geography. The city sits on an island with a beautiful coastline. This coastline in turn was built from volcanic eruptions which created a varied terrain of plains, cliffs, peaks and craters. The majority of the best places to visit in Honolulu, Hawaii are situated along the coast.

The city is surrounded by some of the most charming beaches. Alongside these sandy pieces of heaven are coastal cliffs, reefs and bays which add to the glamour of Honolulu vacation. The coastline is made even more attractive owing to various adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, boat cruises, whale spotting, marine wildlife tours and other such Honolulu activities.

It is also famous for being the site for the Pearl Harbour attacks during the Second World War. The site of these attacks has been converted into museums, monuments and memorials. The warships and airplanes associated with Pearl Harbour are also major Honolulu tourist attractions and can be explored at the site. There is also sunken debris of fallen war machines at the bottom of the ocean, but you will need to scuba dive to see these Honolulu attractions.

It is also one of the best places in Hawaii to learn, witness and experience the Polynesian culture. There are cultural centers, recreated villages, events, shows, workshops and museums dedicated to the Polynesian people. There are also a lot of interesting things to see in Honolulu hailing from different cultures and a blend of different cultures. The city is also a major financial, cultural, political, trade and business hub of Oceania. The splendor of the city will be apparent during Honolulu sightseeing. Its position in the Pacific Ocean attracted people from different ethnicity and cultures. You will see this in architecture, art, music, decor and food. The city is truly a melting pot.

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Top 30 Tourist Places to Visit in Honolulu, Hawaii

1. Waikiki Beaches

Situated on the southern shore of the city, Waikiki beaches have a life of their own. Besides the beautiful sandbars and magnificent views of the ocean, this place is the venue for some of the best things to do in Honolulu Hawaii. It is well known for resorts, entertainment, nightlife, dining, street food, water sports, shopping, events, strolling and a lot more. You can easily spend an entire day just exploring the shore and attractions around it.

Waikiki Beaches

2. Polynesian Cultural Center

This cultural museum comprises six villages, each dedicated to a different Polynesian island and its people. Besides learning, this center is also one of the best places to visit in Honolulu Hawaii for a genuine cultural experience. There are several events, activities and performances which give an immersive experience of different Polynesian cultures during your Honolulu vacation. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

Polynesian Cultural Center

3. Pearl Harbour

This harbour is definitely the most well-known among Honolulu attractions. It is the largest natural harbour in Hawaii with a long history of pearl harvesting. It is also very well known for the “Attack on Pearl Harbour” during the second world war. There are a lot of things to see in Honolulu which is associated with and located around Pearl Harbour. This includes a monument dedicated to fallen soldiers, memorials dedicated to several battleships, ford island, an aviation museum and a museum dedicated to pearl harbour. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore this place.

I suggest you should go for Guided Tour of Pearl Harbour.

Pearl Harbour

4. Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is an inactive volcanic mountain with a huge crater at its summit. It is one of the most recognizable natural Honolulu tourist attractions. There is about a mile’s hike required to reach the summit and it is well worth the effort. The view in all directions is absolutely breathtaking. You will need 2 hours from Honolulu sightseeing to explore this mountain.

If you are healthy and fit then I suggest you should go for Hiking Trip of Diamond Head State Monument.

Diamond Head State Monument

5. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

This Bay was born in the crater of an ancient volcano and is one of the most pristine coastal spots in Hawaii. Owing to the delicate ecosystem, the number of visitors here is limited. It is also popular for several fun Honolulu activities like snorkeling and beach activities. The coral reef and marine life are also major attractions of this bay. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying Hanauma Bay during Honolulu travel.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

6. Adventure Sports

Hawaii has a beautiful coast, pristine bays, lush wilderness and daunting mountains around it. There is no shortage of adventurous top things to do in Honolulu Hawaii. Some of the most popular ones are Surfing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Marine Wildlife Tours, Kayaking, Helicopter Rides, Beach Sports, Hiking, Trekking, Sailing and more. The majority of these outdoor activities to do in Honolulu are centered around the coastal belt, especially the bays. You can also enjoy leisurely and luxurious boat cruises if you want to explore the ocean a little calmly.

Here below we have listed some of the suggestions for adventure activities to do in Honolulu:

Adventure Sports in Honolulu

7. Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

This museum exhibits the collection of Doris Duke Foundation of Islamic Art. The exhibits hail from Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Europe. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Honolulu for those interested in art, history and culture. The exhibits include artworks in various forms such as paintings, engravings, carvings, sculptures, ceramics, furniture, glass, wood and so on. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Honolulu.

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

8. USS Arizona Memorial

This memorial is one of 5 locations of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The monument is built on top of the sunken remains of USS Arizona ship. The memorial is dedicated to the soldiers and fallen heroes of the attack. You should get here early because this is one of the most popular places to see in Honolulu and hence gets crowded really fast. You will need about an hour for this tour.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of USS Arizona Memorial with Pearl Harbour and City Tour.

USS Arizona Memorial

9. USS Missouri Battleship

This battleship is nicknamed Mighty Mo and is well known for being the official site of Japan’s surrender, an event that marked the end of World War II. Hence, a visit to this ship is must-do in Honolulu. The ship is docked at Pearl Harbour and you can extensively explore the ship to learn about its workings, its history and its role in the war. You will need an hour or so from Honolulu sightseeing to tour this battleship.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket of USS Missouri Battleship in advance.

USS Missouri Battleship

10. Iolani Palace

This neoclassical palace was built in 1882 for King Kalakaua. This palace serves as the residence of Hawaii royalty. It is also one of the best places to visit in Honolulu Hawaii to learn about the political history of the region. The palace is also renowned for its architecture and decor elements. You will need 2 hours to tour this palace.

Iolani Palace

11. Lyon Arboretum

This botanical garden is spread over an area of 194 acres and is situated inside a rainforest. The garden is home to more than 5000 types of plants originating from Hawaii and Polynesia. You would need an hour or two from Honolulu sightseeing to tour this garden.

Lyon Arboretum

12. Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

This trail extends for 1,050 steps and leads you to the wonderful Koko Crater. The view from atop this mountain is one of the best things to see in Honolulu. Atop the mountain, you will also come across Koko Crater Botanical garden which houses several plant species native to Hawaii, Africa and Madagascar. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this crater during Honolulu travel.

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

13. Honolulu Museum of Art

This museum exhibits Asian Art and delves into the cultural influence of Asia on Hawaii. You will get to see artworks and artifacts hailing from Japan, China and Korea. The museum is well known among Honolulu tourist attractions for its collection of European and American art as well. The museum also exhibits Hawaiian Art from the 1700s onwards. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

Honolulu Museum of Art

14. Aloha Tower

This tower has been welcoming people on Honolulu Harbour since 1926. It was originally built as a lighthouse, but was camouflaged as a clocktower during World War II. The tower is also popular among Honolulu attractions for the observation deck, which gives you a great view of the city and the harbour. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this tower when you visit Honolulu.

Aloha Tower

15. Ala Moana Center

This is the largest open-air shopping center in the world. Besides shopping, it is also known for several fun things to do in Honolulu such as street food, live music, performance arts, entertainment and dining. You will need at least an hour to tour this shopping center.

Ala Moana Center

16. USS Bowfin

The ship and the museum are dedicated to the 52 submarines and crew members of the USA which were sunk during World War II. This ship is one of the most popular places to see in Honolulu on Pearl Harbour site. You can explore the ship as well as the submarine. You will need about 2 hours for this tour.

I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket of USS Bowfin in advance.

USS Bowfin

17. Bishop Museum and Planetarium

The Bishop Museum is dedicated to Polynesian Art and Artifacts. It is one of the best places to go in Honolulu to learn about the historical, cultural, political and religious aspects of Hawaii. The museum also contains J Watumull Planetarium. Besides the cosmos, the planetarium has shows about pre-history and Polynesian culture as well. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this place.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket of Bishop Museum in advance.

Bishop Museum and Planetarium

18. Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

These 3 historical properties hail from the 19th century and showcase the lives of early missionaries. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

19. Moana Falls Trail

This trail is a two-mile hike culminating with the sight of a 150-foot waterfall. It is among must-do things in Honolulu for nature lovers. This trail and the waterfall is also a Hollywood movie star having been featured in blockbuster films like Jurassic Park and the Hunger Games. You will need about 2 hours from Honolulu travel for this trail.

You can book round-trip transportation of Moana Falls Trail and do a self-guided hike.

Moana Falls Trail

20. Honolulu Beaches

Blessed with a long coastline and a varied landscape, there are a variety of beaches in Honolulu. Aside from being pristine, the coastline is also the hub for a variety of adventure, entertainment and leisure activities. Some of the best Honolulu beaches are Kailua Beach, Magic Island, Sandy Beach, Waialae Beach, Kahanamoku Beach, Hanauma Bay, Ko Olina, Sans Souci Beach, Diamond Head Beach and Ala Moana Beach. You can easily spend an entire just exploring different types of beaches during your Honolulu vacation.

Honolulu Beaches

21. Halona Blowhole

These coastal cliffs are considered one of the most dangerous places to see in Honolulu. The currents are strong and wave crash into the cliffs with significant force, hence the name blowhole. It is a place to be admired from a safe distance, from where it looks majestic. If you are here at the right time, you will get to witness the migration of humpback whales, turtles and birds. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

Halona Blowhole

22. Kaka’ako District

This trendy neighbourhood is known for shopping, street food, murals, art and its general upbeat vibe. It is also known for top thing to do in Honolulu at night. There are many empty warehouses that have been converted to art studios. It is one of the best places to visit in Honolulu for artists. You will need an hour or so to explore this neighbourhood.

I suggest you should try a Hoverboarding Tour of Kaka’ako District.

Kaka’ako District

23. Ala Wai Canal

This canal originates from Ala Wai harbour and extends till Ala Wai golf course. There are a lot of fun activities to do in Honolulu centered around this canal. There is a wonderful promenade which you can explore on foot, there is a park and of course a golf course. You can also enjoy Honolulu sightseeing with a boat cruise through this canal. It will require about 2 hours time.

Ala Wai Canal

24. Royal Hawaiian Center

This is a major shopping complex in Honolulu with a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. The shopping center is also known for hosting numerous art, culture and entertainment events. You will need at least an hour to tour this complex when you visit Honolulu.

Royal Hawaiian Center

25. Nu’anu Pali State Wayside

This hike trail takes you atop the Ko’olau mountain to get a breathtaking view of the Nu’anu Valley. You also get a panoramic view of the island and the ocean surrounding it from the lookout platform. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this place.

Nu’anu Pali State Wayside

26. Dolphin Quest Oahu – Swim with Dolphins

This wonderful facility lets you swim alongside dolphins. It is an unreal experience and among the most fun things to do in Honolulu Hawaii. It is part of the Kahala Hotel and Resort and you will need about an hour for this experience.

Dolphin Quest Oahu

27. Downtown Honolulu

This area is considered the beating heart of Hawaii. It is a melting pot of cultures and people. It is also well known for its hotels, street food joints, cafes, bars and nightlife venues. You can dedicate an evening of Honolulu travel to this area.

Downtown Honolulu

28. Honolulu Zoo

This zoo houses over 900 species of animals brought in from around the world. It is one of the must do in Honolulu for family tourists. The zoo offers several activities which give you an interactive experience with certain animals. You will need about 2 hours to tour this zoo.

Honolulu Zoo

29. Atlantis Submarine Adventures

You can’t complete a Honolulu vacation without witnessing marine life and this adventure takes you underwater in a submarine to watch the sea life in its natural habitat. You are likely to see a variety of fishes, sharks, eels, coral reefs, turtles and more. You will need about 2 hours for this experience.

I suggest you must book a tour of Atlantis Submarine Adventures.

Atlantis Submarine Adventures

30. Makapu’u Beach Park

This trail takes you to the westernmost end of the island and encompasses several popular Honolulu attractions including a lighthouse, ocean lookout platform, tidepools, a beach and Makapu’u point. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this trail.

I suggest you should book a Self Guided Hike of Makapu’u Lighthouse with round-trip transportation.

Makapu’u Beach Park

If you are looking for more must-do things in Honolulu, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities to explore on this wonderful Hawaiian island.

Things to do in Honolulu

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Honolulu

  1. Diamond Head State Monument
  2. Iolani Palace
  3. Pearl Harbour National Memorial
  4. Bishop Museum
  5. Pearl Harbour Historic Site
  6. Aviation Museum
  7. Honolulu Museum of Art
  8. Battleship Missouri Memorial
  9. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
  10. Aloha Tower
  11. Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art
  12. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
  13. Makapu’u Lighthouse
  14. Hawaii State Art Museum
  15. King Kamehameha Statue
  16. Queen Emma Summer Palace
  17. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue
  18. Hawaii Army Museum
  19. Hawaiian Mission Houses Historical Site
  20. Kawaiaha’o Church
  21. Hawaii State Capitol Building
  22. Diamond Head Lighthouse
  23. Ali’iolani Hale Government Building
  24. Fort Island
  25. Washington Place
  26. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
  27. Historic Hawaii Foundation
  28. Royal Mausoleum State Monument

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Honolulu

  1. Diamond Head Volcano
  2. Hanauma Bay
  3. Halona Blowhole
  4. Shark’s Cove
  5. Manoa Falls
  6. Mount Koko
  7. Nu’uanu Pali
  8. Lyon Arboretum
  9. Koko Crater
  10. Makapu’u Point
  11. Kuli’ou’ou Forest Reserve
  12. Lulumahu Falls
  13. Round Top Forest Reserve
  14. Puu Ualakaa State Park
  15. Halona Beach Cove
  16. Likeke Falls
  17. Makapu’u Tidepools
  18. China Walls Cliffs
  19. Kane’ohe Bay
  20. Mount Tantalus
  21. Ka’au Crater
  22. Kapena Falls
  23. Spitting Cave
  24. Kaiwi State Shoreline
  25. Pali Notches
  26. Moanalua Valley
  27. Waimea Valley

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Honolulu

  1. Kualao Ranch
  2. Sea Life Park
  3. Corsair Wreck Dive Site
  4. Atlantis Adventures
  5. Honolulu Zoo
  6. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
  7. Ala Moana Regional Park
  8. Waikiki Aquarium
  9. Kapi’olani Regional Park
  10. Makapuu Beach Park
  11. Sea Life Park
  12. Foster Botanical Garden
  13. Children’s Discovery Center
  14. Aloha Stadium
  15. Wet and Wild Waterpark
  16. Hawaii Kai Golf Course
  17. Pali Golf Course
  18. Wai’alae Beach Park
  19. Diamond Head Beach Park
  20. Diamond Head Luau
  21. Fort DeRussy Beach Park
  22. Ka Moana Luau
  23. Moanalua Garden
  24. Koko Crater Botanical Garden
  25. Waikiki Starlight Luau
  26. Kaka’ako Waterfront Park
  27. Dolphin Quest Oahu
  28. Paradise Cove Luau
  29. Atlantis Submarines

Shopping in Honolulu

  1. Royal Hawaiian Center
  2. Aloha Tower Marketplace
  3. Haleiwa Farmers Market
  4. Ward Village Shops
  5. Chinatown
  6. Kaimuki Shopping Center
  7. Honolulu Farmers Market
  8. Hawaii Kai
  9. Ala Moana Center
  10. Luxury Row
  11. International Market Place
  12. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
  13. KCC Farmers Market
  14. Pearlride Center
  15. Kailua Farmers Market
  16. Waikele Premium Outlets
  17. Pearlride Farmers Market
  18. Kahala Mall
  19. Waikiki Beach

Beaches & Islands in Honolulu

  1. Waikiki Beach
  2. Magic Island
  3. Sans Souci Beach
  4. Kuhio Beach
  5. Ala Moana Beach
  6. Sandy beach
  7. Makapuu Beach
  8. Kaimana Beach
  9. Kuhio Beach
  10. Kahanamoku Beach
  11. Magic Island
  12. Na Mokulua Beach
  13. Wai’alae Beach
  14. Queen’s Surf Beach
  15. Diamond Head Beach
  16. Fort DeRussy Beach
  17. Kahala Beach
  18. Kuhio Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Honolulu

  1. Hiking
  2. Trekking
  3. Scuba Diving
  4. Snorkelling
  5. Boat Cruise
  6. Dolphin Watching
  7. Sailing
  8. Surfing
  9. Helicopter Ride
  10. Bike Tours
  11. Walking Tours
  12. Kayaking
  13. Canoe Ride
  14. Whale Watching
  15. Swimming with Dolphins
  16. Speedboat Ride
  17. Jet Ski Ride
  18. Submarine Tour

Sightseeing in Honolulu

  1. Chinatown
  2. Kaka’ako District
  3. Hahaione Street
  4. Tantalus Lookout
  5. Kalakaua Avenue
  6. Ala Moana Boulevard
  7. La Mariana
  8. Kuhio Avenue
  9. Lana’i Lookout
  10. Kapahulu Avenue

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Honolulu

  1. Leonard’s Bakery
  2. Waiahole Poi Factory
  3. Honolulu Beerworks
  4. Over Easy
  5. Waiola Shave Ice
  6. Helena’s Hawaiian Food
  7. Hank’s Haute Dogs
  8. Palace Saimin
  9. Downtown Honolulu
  10. Liliha Bakery
  11. Moku Kitchen
  12. Ethel’s Grill
  13. Mai Tai Bar
  14. Lam’s Kitchen
  15. Barefoot Beach Cafe
  16. The Pig and the Lady
  17. Ono Seafood
  18. Senia
  19. Maguro Brothers
  20. Fete Hawaii
  21. Tanioka Seafood
  22. Morning Glass

Where to Stay in Honolulu?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Honolulu. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Honolulu.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
  2. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
  3. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
  4. Sheraton Waikiki
  5. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
  6. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa
  7. Hilton Waikiki Beach
  8. Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
  9. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
  10. Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
  11. The Kahala Hotel & Resort
  12. The Modern Honolulu

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Queen Kapiolani Hotel
  2. Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki
  3. Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra
  4. OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
  5. Aqua Palms Waikiki
  6. Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel
  7. White Sands Hotel
  8. Waikiki Malia by Outrigger
  9. Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
  10. Holiday Inn Express Waikiki
  11. Waikiki Monarch Hotel
  12. Stay Hotel Waikiki

Budget Hotels

  1. Hotel La Croix Waikiki
  2. The Equus
  3. Pagoda Waikiki
  4. Pearl Hotel Waikiki
  5. Kuhio Banyan Club
  6. Pacific Marina Inn

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Honolulu

How to Reach Honolulu?

By Air

You can visit Honolulu through Daniel K Inouye International Airport. You can get direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Auckland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, Seoul, Taipei, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Salt Lake City, Boston, Melbourne, Sydney and several more.

You can get buses, cabs, and rental cars from the airport to get to places to go in Honolulu.

By Road

There are buses connecting Honolulu to several cities on Oahu Island. If you want to drive to reach Honolulu by road, you should head for routes H1 or H201.

By Water

The city has a cruise port and many cruise ships make tours from the mainland USA and include Honolulu travel as part of their itinerary.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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