Location: Honolulu
Top Things to do in Honolulu
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What to do and see in Honolulu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Honolulu Fish Auction
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By ALOHATRAVELBUDDIES - Kailua, United States
My husband brought two of his friends, leaving our house at 4 am. to the pier They got there in time to see fish being unloaded from the fishing vessels by crane. To see the auction, the only one from Maine to Japan, with buyers from local restaurants and as far away as Japan was exciting! Samples of the fish were available for buyers to feel. It wasn't clear what the buyers were looking for but two identical fish could sell for a big difference. The guys wished they could have or buy the cut samples but for hygenic reasons they were tossed out. One of his friends, an avid Alaskan fisherman, thought this was the highlight of his trip! Be sure to dress warmly. One only wore shorts and had to go outside frequently to warm up.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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. ????
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. Queen Emma Summer Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Queen Emma Summer Palace or Hanaiakamalama (The Southern Cross), served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawai'i from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. It is a now a historic landmark and educational museum preserved and operated by Daughters of Hawai'i. Admission to the Palace: General: $10 Kama'aina & Seniors: $8 Children 5-17 $1. Open Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM, Mondays through Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Closed on major holidays. Because the Palace was built in the nineteenth century, access may not be available for visitors who have difficulties climbing stairs.
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
Also known as Hānaiakamalama (The Southern Cross, which is also the name of a benevolent Hawaiian goddess), this one-story Greek Revival frame house was originally commissioned by an American ship captain. It was built in Boston in 1848 and then shipped in pieces to Hawaii to be reassembled here in the Nu'uanu Valley in the heights above Honolulu, a popular area for Hawaiian royalty and non-Hawaiian newcomers who preferred its cooler climate over the heat in the city below. In 1850, the home was bought by John Young II (also known as Keoni Ana), the only son of an English sailor who had become a trusted advisor of King Kamehameha I and the King's niece. On his death in 1857, the estate passed to his niece Emma who had married King Kamehameha IV just the year before. Queen Emma used the house as her summer retreat until her death in 1885. The Kingdom of Hawaii then bought the property, which the Territorial Government later turned into a park. When plans were announced to tear down the house to build a baseball diamond, the Daughters of Hawaii bought the property, restored it, and turned it into a museum. Besides preserving the house itself, the Daughters have also been able to assemble an amazing collection of artifacts from the Queen's life and Hawaiian royalty in general. On our recent visit, we were able to effectively get a private tour of the house and its contents from one of the tour guides who took us from room to room explaining the history of basically every piece in the collection – everything from royal feather standards (kahili) and ceremonial capes to hand carved furniture and gifts from other royal families such as Queen Victoria (who was the godmother to Emma's only child) and Napoleon III. There are also a number of portraits of various Hawaiian kings and other members of Hawaiian nobility which the guide used to help explain the rather complicated history of the Hawaiian monarchy. After we finished with the tour, we retired to the gift shop to look through their extensive selection of books on Hawaiian history (of course, they also carry a wide range of souvenirs, prints, etc.). We spent somewhere between one and two hours here and really enjoyed seeing and learning so much about this period in Hawaiian history.
9. Lyon Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Part of the University of Hawaii, the Lyon Arboretum offers 194 acres and a research facility.
Reviewed By Nomad527202
Its beautiful but gets wet on the uneven trail. Lots of trees you won't see anywhere else, also beautiful flowers and orchids.
10. Hawaii State Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Contemporary art of Hawaii and free, family-friendly events! 2nd floor of the No. 1 Capitol District Building, 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813. Admission is free. Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm. Open late First Friday of each month, 6pm - 9pm (galleries close at 8:30pm). Closed Sunday and all state and federal holidays. All artwork on display has a connection to Hawaii (e.g. artist born or raised in Hawaii). Parking available across the street in the Ali'i Place parking structure (entrance at 1099 Alakea St, cash only) or at Iolani Palace (metered parking, 25 cent coins only). Several TheBus lines stop in front of or close to the building. If you are taking a taxi cab, there is a small pull in area on Richards St. Wheelchair access from the Richards St. entry gate, on the Richards St. side of the building.
Reviewed By gbot3000 - Vancouver, Canada
I ended up spending a few hours here viewing the two exhibits. The descriptions of the art are top-notch and make each piece more thought-provoking. Also, free admission!
