Location: Honolulu
Top Things to do in Honolulu
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Top 10 Outdoor Activities 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.
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1. Ka’au Crater Hike
2. Moanalua Middle Ridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By PilotView
We were looking for a "good" hike to do. My daughter wanted to hike from the Hilton Hawaiian Village up to the top of Diamond Head. Nice, but a little vanilla. I challenged her to do something a little more challenging. We agreed on the Pali Puka Hike. Problem was we got confused with directions and ended up at the parking lot for the start of the Moanalua Valley Trail Hike. This hike is the "legal" way to gain access to the Stairway to Heaven (Otherwise know as the Haiku Stairs). We thought that the hike we were attempting (Paki Palu) was an easy 2.2 miles out and 2.2 miles back. WRONG. We were there, so not realizing what lay before us, we started the hike. Very little water, no food, a little candy, cameras and fortunately GOOD hiking boots. (Note - If you do this trail, the whole thing is 10-12 miles in length, start no later than 0830 am, have plenty of water, food, good boots and gloves for climbing the last sections). The first 2.8 miles is a nice little hike, ANYONE can do it. At the 2.8 mile point you come to a fork in the road, go LEFT. Do NOT go right like we did initially. We went 30 minutes the wrong way, had to double back, this ate up a lot of our daylight. Once back at the sign, we went left and immediately all hell breaks loose. The entire climb ascends some 2,600', most of it after the split at 2.8 miles. If it's muddy, it's really tough. Intermittent cloud cover, and rain makes its even more challenging. Since we started out so late, we did not see any other people until we were well into the hike and they were returning. Most being successful, a few tapped out at the rope sections. Every single group however started that from whatever point we met them at, it got a lot steeper from that point on. And it did. It is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY, but exhilarating. People have died on this trail. A lot of the time you have 1.000' vertical drops on both the left and the right of you and the path is only 2' wide. If you don't like heights, don't do this hike. Up and up and up we went. our pace slowed dramatically as a result and with 0.9 miles to go, while not having reached any of the most challenging rope sections, my daughter (27), wife (55) and myself (60), decided that we did not have enough daylight left to complete the hike and return down the mountain safely (like it was even safe in the first place). We turned back. Phenomenally beautiful photos. Absolutely 10 out of 10 in regards to challenge, adventure, craziness, confidence building etc. I am amazed that one of the three of us did not get seriously injured at sometime in our adventure. Although we failed, I sort of understand how people must feel, not being able to complete a venture like Everest etc.. initially stating that they would never attempt it again and then the next year, there they are. So I guess we'll see. There was a 75 year old, purple haired hippy looking dude who supposedly does the thing 5 times a week and completed it over 800 times. He's in great shape and I guess acts as a guide for hire. So there's hope for me I guess.
3. Makalei Beach Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By wegelagerer
Just a short walk from Waikiki this place has a little sand beach and lots of reef great for fishing, snorkeling or a simple lunch.
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. Sans Souci Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Located at the Diamond Head (east) end of Waikiki, this beach is disabled accessible.
Reviewed By brocdog - Santa Cruz, United States
Great little beach just on the other side of the zoo from the main part of Waikiki beach. While certainly not undiscovered, the beach is definitely less crowded than those on the main Waikiki beach, and there is more of a local/family vibe. Sandy ocean floor and fairly shallow water makes for nice swimming, and there is a reef that starts around 20-30 yards out, extending across most of the beach, where you can see some nice fish. We snorkeled twice here, and one time was so-so, while the other was actually pretty decent— just depends on the waves/sediment factor. A Hawaiian monk seal had hauled out onto the beach the second morning we were here, so there’s a chance to see some wildlife.
7. Ala Moana Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,986 reviews
This gentle, protected beach has coarse sand and is ideal for swimming and water play.
Reviewed By okinawa1953 - Honolulu, United States
There are a lot of japanese honeymooners taking photos. The limousines bring from waikiki, and park on the diamond head side of magic island. There is a park and the beach. At the park, locals go for a walk or jog. At the beach, the water is calm because of the seawall, and you can see swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders, also beach goers in the sand.
8. Kahala Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethcN5483TA - Baarn, The Netherlands
Beautiful beach just next to a park, a few resorts and tennis club and one restaurant. Romantic in the evening during the sunset..
9. 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 ????????
10. Dolphins and You
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
With a heavy heart, Dolphins and You has decided to suspend tours and activities through the end of the Hawaii stay at home order. We plan to reopen our tours starting July 1st and continue to accept future bookings. Discover what more than 200,000 Dolphins and You guests have experienced: Swimming with wild dolphins in Hawaii is the memory of a lifetime! With transportation from Waikiki included, our tour also includes a traditional Hawaiian ceremony and snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles. After snorkeling enjoy our kayaks, SUP boards and new 20-foot water slide! Sit back and relax while our staff entertains you with hula dancing and ukulele performances or answer your questions on Hawaiian culture and history. And to top it off, we offer a delicious Taro bun cheeseburger (vegetarian available) and snacks for lunch. It’s no wonder our dolphin swim tour is the longest-running and highest-rated on the island!
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