Location: Honolulu
Top Things to do in Honolulu
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The 10 Best Things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii (HI)
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. 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.
6. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,879 reviews
A perfect snorkeling spot.
Reviewed By shezau - Safety Beach, Australia
This place takes your breath away with its beauty , what a stunning beach , perfect for snorkelling as there is many reefs there , also lots of people, its a great tourist attraction , and would definately go there again , had an amazing day at Hanauma Bay .
7. Manoa Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,626 reviews
Reviewed By Studyhardallday - Waianae, United States
This place is an amazing place to visit. Beautiful hike where individuals can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy and a nice day or a picnic.
8. Koko Crater Railway Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,529 reviews
Reviewed By 0120pepe - Chicago, United States
We loved this hike a lot. Views on top of it are astonishing. Hiking up is easier than coming down, even though both way are incredible way to hike. We have done this every time we go to Honolulu and every time is a new experience. Koko head is a must while you are in Honolulu ????????
9. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,546 reviews
Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of the sunrise.
Reviewed By Studyhardallday - Waianae, United States
One of the best hikes on the island super easy hike paved all the way to the top so one could bike to the top or I am pretty sure most of the way one can use a motorized scooter. Very easy to do and an amazing hike.
10. Waikiki Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18,272 reviews
Reviewed By calvinfame - Honolulu, United States
Waikiki is most fun place in Hawaii beautiful busy beach ???? and a lot of shopping mall round and a lot of very good restaurants too !! Be carful with your personal thing when ever you go to the beach!! Keep everything good back to your hotel ???? is the best way !! Buy a waterproof bag for your phone from ABC store is the best to keep your phone in a water and take pictures with it !!! Have fun and be safe !!!!
