Location: Honolulu
Top Things to do in Honolulu
Countries
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Honolulu That You Shouldn't Miss
The mere mention of Hawaii is enough to prompt visions of grass skirts and colorful cocktails with tiny umbrellas. While you will find some kitsch in Honolulu, you’ll also find art museums, bike paths, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Popular Waikiki Beach has soft sands and great surf. For majestic Oahu views scramble to the top of Diamond Head – a 350-acre volcanic crater. Historic structures like Iolani Palace and Ali'iolani Hale are worth a visit on a non-beach day.
Restaurants in Honolulu
1. USS Arizona Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,456 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By lindar1961 - Inverloch, Australia
The Pearl Harbour complex is well set out. Even though the entry fee seems expensive you do get value for money. The entry includes a boat tide to the USS Arizona, exploring the Bowfin submarine, a bus ride to Ford Island (active Naval Base), exploring the Missouri (battleship) and entry into the aviation museums. Very moving and memorable.
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,333 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By Y6801YCsusanc
This is a memorial every American visiting Hawaii should not miss. Even though I read complaints posted on TripAdvisor about not being able to visit the memorial itself, it still doesn't take away from the SIGNIFICANCE. They show a movie about what led to the attack on Pearl Harbor which was well presented before going onboard a boat that takes you briefly around the harbor. There is a lot to see here. You can visit a museum detailing the history of the events happening in the Pacific at that time and what led up to the attack. You can also visit both the World War II submarine, USS Bowfin and it's accompanying memorial to lost submariners and the submarine museum; next you can visit the battleship USS Missouri and excellent museum and where the Japanese surrendered. There is also an air museum which we didn't have a chance this time to visit. Kids 12 and up would get more out of this than young children and they should be exposed to this history and never forget it. I was lucky to meet a Pearl Harbor survivor, Sterling Cale. He signed his book for us and I had my picture taken with him (no charge), so don't miss this and thank him for his service to our country.
3. Battleship Missouri Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,097 reviews
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 8-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
Reviewed By 786chloeh - Brisbane Region, Australia
Amazing ship and wonderful to be able to explore alot of the ship, could easily spend a few hours here as so many things to see and defiantly take the 30min guided tour of the top deck as they give you alot of information
4. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
5. Kapiolani Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
Many of Hawaii’s alii (royalty) lived in Waikiki and King Kalakaua selected a 300-acre track of land at the base of Diamond Head for a public park in 1867. Today, it is a gathering place that thrives with walkers, runners, tennis enthusiasts and picnickers. Grab lunch on Kalakaua Avenue and enjoy it in one of the shaded picnic areas scattered around this colorful park.
Reviewed By RaringtoGo8 - Toronto, Canada
Can't miss this huge park right beneath Diamond Head. Favorite location for local festivals in sesason.. Soccer team practices and matches for the kiddies. Honolulu zoo is right here.
6. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,160 reviews
The resting place for more than 25,000 victims of three American Wars - World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War – this is truly the “Cemetery of Heroes.” Punchbowl was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs that, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range. Of special note is a monument honoring Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who perished aboard the Challenger space shuttle in 1986. Also noteworthy are the Courts of the Missing, white stone tablets bearing the names of those missing in action from World War II.
Reviewed By CraigW498
our driver from the Pearl Harbour tour took us to the Punchbowl cemetery.Of any cemetery I have visited it is the most impressive .The bowl which is a long ago volcanic crater provides a feeling of seclusion and the trees are so perfectly manicured they provide a true feeling of privilege for those who are buried here . The monuments are impressive as well. The view of the city on the trip down the outside is also nice. At first I thought a cemetery was not on my agenda but I'm glad I seen this one .
7. Iolani Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,478 reviews
Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage. E komo mai! Welcome!
Reviewed By nippys - Newcastle, United Kingdom
An excellant audio tour with lots of facts from the Hawaiian monarchy history, Lots of very interesting artifacts to see You have to wear shoe over covers to protect the palace floors, You buy your tickets from the small building in the grounds.
8. Bishop Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,774 reviews
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai'i and other Pacific island cultures. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum.
Reviewed By 281patriciaq - Racine, United States
The Bishop Museum has a fascinating history and collection of artifacts dating back to the earliest contacts of the Island people with the white explorers. The feather capes and headdresses worn by the Hawaiian chiefs and kings retain their beautiful colors, and the intricate detail work and construction is lovely. The history of the Hawaiian people, and their interactions with people of other island nations is documented and explained in great detail, and serves as a wonderful education in Hawaiian history.
9. Honolulu Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,262 reviews
One of the world’s premier art museums presents international caliber special exhibitions and features a collection that includes Hokusai, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso and Warhol, as well as traditional Asian and Hawaiian art. Located in two of Honolulu’s most beautiful buildings, visitors enjoy two cafés, gardens, and films and concerts at the theater. Other location: Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House
Reviewed By salinasorchidboy - Pahoa, United States
If you need some quiet time with culture and even a bite to eat this is a wonderful place to visit...........there is always something interesting to see on display with a first-class permanent collection of art and antiques.......in a setting of beautiful gardens and interesting architecture...
10. Foster Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
This 14-acre garden is home to over 4,000 species of rare tropical plants.
Reviewed By tarajean424 - Colleyville, United States
Foster botanical gardens are a great place to visit. The entry fee is reasonable and a great price. It's a nice place to visit and wasn't very busy when we went. There's a nice gift shop and the gardens are nicely kept. I would recommend that you wear bug spray as there are bugs that can bite you. Nice place for all ages.
