Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. With it’s blue water, white sandy beaches, rich history and delicious food, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. Our family has vacationed in Honolulu a few times so we thought we’d share our favorite things to do.
1. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is at the top of our list for a reason! We love to snorkel and make sure to schedule it in during any tropical vacation.
At Hanauma Bay, there are so many beautiful fish and coral to see and you don’t have to venture too far off the shore.
If you plan on visiting Hanauma Bay, you definitely have to plan. Post-Covid, Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve allows only 1,000 visitors a day. To sign up to be one of the lucky 1,000, visitors must go to the Hawaii Parks website and sign up for a time to enter the park.
There is a catch though…time slots are released each morning at 7am two days in advance. Time slots are typically sold out within 5 minutes! We were fortunate to get an early time slot during our visit so we were able to spend the entire day.
As of August 2021, the park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and the entry fee is $25 per adult. To secure a time slot, visit the Honolulu Parks and Rec website.
2. Hike Manoa Falls
While there are many hiking locations around Honolulu, we chose to hike Manoa Falls because it was close to where were staying at the Hilton Hawaii Village. Plus, we wanted to see a waterfall!
Even though the feature view is the waterfall at the end of the trail, the views along the way are breathtaking. Some of the views are also familiar, as Manoa Falls Trail was the site of filming shows like Jurassic Park and Lost.
Once we got to the falls, it was stunning! We visiting in July after a fairly dry summer, so the fall was more of a trickle. However, we were told that after the rainy season the sight is even more amazing.
The Manoa Falls hike is 1.7 miles round trip (in and out). The hike itself was primarily uphill to the falls. The trail tends to be muddy and rocky, so close-toed shoes are highly recommended. We bought L-Run Hiking/Water Shoes off Amazon. It turns out that they were perfect!
3. Visit Pearl Harbor / USS Arizona Memorial
There is so much history in Honolulu. While visiting the island, you will want to take a day to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. I have had the pleasure of being there twice, but this time meant more because I was able to share it with my teenage sons.
I wasn’t sure how they were going to feel about a ‘history lesson’ while they were on vacation, but they soaked it all up. Learning the history of Pearl Harbor through the museums, videos of personal accounts of military personnel who survived Pearl Harbor, along with the USS Arizona Memorial.
Inside the USS Arizona Memorial, there is a wall of names for those who did not survive the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition (and not pictured below) are names of survivors who requested to buried at sea once they passed.
If planning to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, tickets are required and sell out fairly quickly. I would suggest buying your tickets at least 1 month in advance.
4. Lounge by the Beach
Since you traveled all the way to Honolulu to enjoy the ocean, sun and sand, take time to do it! It can be easy to swept up in all of the fun things to do, that you forget to just relax!
We rented umbrellas and beach chairs for one day. We basically hung out on the beach all day, taking ‘breaks’ to jump in the water or get something to eat!
5. Float/Swim in the Ocean
While you are lounging on the beach, enjoy the water! I suggest heading to the nearest ABC Store to purchase a raft. They will most-likely have ones that are already blown up! Take it out to the water and just let the waves move you. It’s very relaxing!
When you are done with your vacation, gift them to another visitor. They will appreciate the sentiment!
6. Go to a Luau
Attending a Luau is a Hawaiian tradition that every tourist must experience. Not only do you get the opportunity to eat great food and enjoy Hawaiian culture through dance, you will also hear stories of Hawaiian history.
A good Luau will have hula dancing, fire dancers, and audience participation!
7. Visit/Hike Diamond Head Crater
While in Honolulu, take the time to visit Diamond Head. The crater was formed over 300,000 years ago during an explosive volcano. When the ash settled, it formed the crater that is still there today.
Visitors will drive through the crater (as you see in the photo below) to enter the center of the crater.
Inside the crater is a 475-acre panoramic view. Once inside, visitors can opt to hike to the top of the crater in the section that was once used as a look out for military to get first sight on ships before they approached the harbor.
While we did not attempt the hike on this trip, it’s something that we will want to do on our next visit. The Diamond Head Summit Trail hike itself is 1.6 miles round-trip, gaining over 550 feet in elevation. The trail takes you through the crater and gives hikers a sense of the military history of the crater.
8. Visit North Shore
The island of Oahu is pretty small. Even when staying in Honolulu, it’s simple to head to North Shore for a day trip. North Shore is much more mellow and relaxing than Honolulu, which tends to have more ‘big city’ attractions.
Take a day trip to North Shore and stop at one of the various beach access areas and enjoy the sand and water. While on your road trip, you will also discover numerous fruit stands with fresh pineapple, mango and other locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Make sure you stop and at least get some fresh Hawaiian pineapple! You’ll be glad you did!
9. Shop/Eat at the International Marketplace
The International Marketplace, located in Waikiki, is a great way to shop and dine. From high-end fashion stores, to the local ABC market, you will be able to find the perfect souvenir.
In addition, the International Market is the home to multiple restaurants, from quick eats to upscale steakhouses and everything in between.
When visiting the International Marketplace, seek out the hidden treasure of the local vendors. Located on a small street across from the Waikiki Beachcomber hotel, visitors can find local vendors selling hand-made Hawaiian souvenirs, which are always my favorite to purchase!
10. Watch the Sunrise/Sunset
The sunrises and sunsets in Honolulu are absolutely stunning. While we were there, we tried to catch at least one each day. Whether it’s from the beach, your hotel room balcony or any other location, make sure you catch the sun as you start or end your day!
11. Visit Banyan Trees
You will find Banyan trees in multiple locations in Honolulu. The Banyan Tree is distinctive due to the multiple root system that resembles vines which create the trunk of the tree. They grow separately, then come together to support the top of the tree.
We found the banyan trees in the photo below at the International Marketplace, previously mentioned in this post.
12. Have lunch at a local eatery
While visitors can find chain restaurants all-around Honolulu, I highly suggest that you also stop at small, locally eateries. We try to do this on each vacation we take, and this is no exception.
We found a great Chinese place near Manoa Falls after our hike, and Kokonuts in a shopping center near Hanauma Bay. To be honest, the small local eateries are my favorite places to go!
13. Visit Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a famous beach in Honolulu. The photo below shows the reason why…
Green grass, palm trees, white sand and blue water. Enough said!
Vacationing in Hawaii is a dream come true! We have been fortunate to visit Honolulu a few times in our lifetime and hope that if you visit, our suggestions are helpful.
Check out some of our other favorite things to do in Hawaii here!
