Things to do in Honolulu Oahu

By Sarah Harris

Nestled right along the southeastern shore of Oahu, Honolulu has long been one of America’s most beloved tourist hotspots. A town of sun-soaked beaches, captivating scenery, and seaside cocktail shacks, the capital of Hawaii draws in millions of visitors each year – and it’s easy to see why. Still, there’s a lot more to love about the city than its laid-back beach vibes. One of the reasons why Honolulu is such a great place to visit is because it offers so much to explore. Whether you’re looking to see Diamond Head, explore ʻIolani Palace, or just simply kick back at Waikiki Beach, you’re sure to find something to suit you. If you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best places to discover in the area. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed!

Explore the Area

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With its beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests, Honolulu is the perfect destination for all nature lovers. To soak up the true beauty of the area, we strongly recommend checking out the Manoa Falls Trail. Offering a paradisial retreat in nature, this stop is one of Honolulu’s most popular tourist attractions, period. Along the route, you’ll no doubt be wowed by the beautiful vegetation which flourishes from all angles. This is also generally considered to be one of the city’s easier hiking trails, taking around an hour to complete. However, it can get pretty slippery along the way, so we suggest wearing appropriate footwear for the occasion. The path culminates at Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall, plummeting into a gleaming rock pool. Though it’s off-limits for visitors to swim in the pool, the breathtaking view and refreshing mists make the journey more than worth it.

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If you’re looking to spend time in the great outdoors, there’s no better place to be than Honolulu. For a fantastic day trip to remember, you couldn’t do much better than the Diamond Head Trail. Originally constructed in 1908, the route was developed as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. Today, this U.S. National Natural Monument welcomes thousands of visitors each day as one of the island’s most iconic tourist attractions. At 560 feet high, this trail might sound pretty daunting to some – but at just 0.8 miles long, it's actually a pretty short climb. Along the route, you’ll catch stunning views of the city from way up high. The crown jewel of the Diamond Head Trail is, of course, its famous volcanic tuff cone after which the hike is named. A defining feature of the city and a total sight to behold, this natural wonder is well worth the journey. Don’t forget to bring a camera – you'll definitely want to get some snaps of this!

Get Cultured

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Though Honolulu is perhaps best known for its golden beaches and cascading waterfalls, there’s so much more to be discovered. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to love about the city. Those looking for history and culture in Hawaii’s capital will be more than happy with what the area has to offer. Located just downtown, ʻIolani Palace makes an ideal tourist attraction both for its unique structure and fascinating background. Exhibiting a distinctive blend of Italian Renaissance and Hawaiin architecture, the palace is known for its design, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors should take time to appreciate its beautiful stonework outside. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy its rich interiors, including a breathtaking koi staircase, preserved furniture, and portraits of Hawaiin royalty. You’ll also be led by a tour guide, so you can learn more about the history of the building and the royal and governmental figures who called the palace home. Utterly magnificent and dreamlike, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary.

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For those interested in learning more about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Originally named for the wealth of pearl oysters found within its protected waters, Pearl Harbor is the state’s largest natural harbor and a popular tourist experience for many. Well-suited to visitors with a thirst for knowledge, this famous lagoon harbor is of course known for its tragic past which changed the course of history. Today, it is one of the top visitor destinations in Oahu, with millions coming from all over the globe to see the site of the surprise attack and its collection of memorials and war museums. Whether you’re a history buff, or just plain curious, you’ll find that there’s plenty to see and do here. Tour the USS Missouri Battleship, which is famous for bringing WWII to its end in 1945. Hear first-hand stories from those who survived the attacks on Battleship Row. Walk through an airplane hangar pierced with bullet holes from the battle. As fascinating as it is moving, this stop is a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages.

Relax!

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Of course, a trip to Honolulu wouldn’t be complete without hitting the beach! Stretching for two full miles along the south Oahu coast, Waikiki Beach has long served as the perfect stop for recreation and relaxation. Going way back to the 1800s, you could even find Hawaiin royalty trying their hand at longboarding here. Today, the beach lives up to its Hawaiin name, meaning ‘’spouting waters’’, with its rolling surf and salt-sprayed shores making it one of the biggest draws of the city. Among the various things to do here, you’ll find that Waikiki beach is a pretty popular destination for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and more. Dotted along the beachfront, there are countless restaurants, stores and bars. Comes nightfall, the fun never stops coming in Waikiki since it's such a big tourist hotspot. Whether you’re looking to catch some rays, try your hand at a new water sport, or just simply grab a drink, this place truly does have it all.

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Vibrant and bursting with culture, Hawaii’s state capital never fails to impress. The best things to do in Honolulu run the gamut – from seriously beautiful to fantastically educational, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. For sunseekers and anybody looking to take a break, the city’s idyllic beaches are where you’ll want to be. Still, anybody with even a cursory interest in history and culture should make time to see the sites. With fantastic attractions like ʻIolani Palace. Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor, you’ll be glad you did! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

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Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in January

January is a fine time to visit the Hawaiian islands, with pleasant temperatures, lower prices, and fewer crowds on the beaches and at major attractions including Pearl Harbor and the wondrous Waimea waterfalls. Read on for our guide to the best of Oahu and Hawaii in January…
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Waikiki skyline at night
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Oahu Most Popular Tourist Attractions - Top 10

Oahu may not be the biggest of the Hawaiian islands (that’d be the aptly nicknamed Big Island), but it sure packs a heck of a punch for its relatively diminutive size. We’re talking world-class snorkeling, awesome mountain hikes, historic monuments and over 200 miles of beautiful coastline to explore. And that’s just for starters. No wonder then, that the Gathering Place (as it’s known) pulls in as many annual visitors as the other big three islands (Kauai, Maui and Hawaii) combined. You could spend a lifetime here and still not have time to experience all of the pleasures this Pacific gem has to offer. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Oahu attractions that should be top of your vacation hit list, including: Pearl Harbor Waikiki Beach The Polynesian Cultural Center Waimea Falls Hanauma Bay State Park Shave ice …and more! Waikiki Beach Golden sands, rolling surf, high-end tiki bars, and some of the best shopping on the island: Waikiki pretty much has it all. But it’s the two-mile stretch of beach that pops up most frequently on Honolulu bucket lists. Sink your toes into the warm sand, sip a rum-laced Mai Tai, and take endless #humblebrag selfies against the gorgeous backdrop of the Diamond Head volcano. Waikiki Beach is also a fine spot for surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving – join a boat trip out Waikiki Turtle Canyon for close encounters with the region’s native green sea turtles, plus all manner of other tropical marine life. Pearl Harbor The best way to get a comprehensive overview of this collection of moving historic sites is on a guided tour. You’ll learn how the Japanese air attack here in 1941 catapulted the US into World War Two and take a boat trip out to the memorial marking the sunken USS Arizona battleship. You can access many of Pearl Harbor’s attractions and museums, including Battleship Missouri and the Aviation Museum, with an Oahu attraction pass from Go City. The pass also includes the option of a full Pearl Harbor and Honolulu tour, plus entry to many more top Oahu attractions, tours and activities. Find out more and get yours here. Polynesian Cultural Center No top 10 of Oahu’s most popular attractions would be complete without a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Sure, its six themed ‘villages’ are touristy, but as a one-stop-shop for experiencing the cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands, it’s second-to-none. Sample aromatic Tahitian coconut bread or try Hawaiian staple poi, made from taro. Take a hula class or learn how to make lei, the traditional Hawaiian flower garland. You can also learn the Samoan art of fire-knife-twirling, watch powerful New Zealand Haka performances, and learn to dance sitting down, Tonga style. Top tip: entry to the Polynesian Cultural Center is also included with the Go City Oahu attraction pass. Honolulu Zoo Honolulu Zoo is home to some 1,200+ critters, running the gamut from ferociously cute fennec foxes to crocodile monitor lizards (the longest lizards in the world, no less), indigenous Hawaiian hawks and pompous, preening golden lion tamarins. It’s all a far cry from the zoo’s 19th-century origins as – effectively – an aviary for King David Kalakaua’s increasingly unmanageable bird collection. Pop by with the fam to say aloha to the park’s many residents and picnic in the lush tropical gardens. Diamond Head It’s practically illegal not to hike Hawaii’s iconic Diamond Head when in Oahu. Good news: it’s a relatively unchallenging walk and the rewards of reaching the summit – epic, sweeping views across the crater’s 3,500-foot diameter to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and beyond – more than justify the effort required to get there! Overtourism in recent years means you now need to book a slot to guarantee entry – we recommend a sunrise hike for minimal crowds and more comfortable temperatures. Shuttle trips to/from the trail from any Waikiki hotel are included with the Go City Oahu attraction pass. Makapuu Lighthouse Another standout trail in this hikers’ paradise is the paved path that winds up to Makapuu Lighthouse, a gleaming white icon of Oahu’s windward coast, topped with an eye-catching red cap. Spot native tropical plants along the way and keep your peepers peeled for migrating humpback whales between December and April. En route to the lighthouse you’ll pass the natural wonder that is Hālona Blowhole, capable of blasting plumes of seawater up to 20 feet in the air under the right conditions. Cap your climb by ascending the century-old lighthouse for extraordinary views of Koko Head, Koko Crater, and Oahu’s stunning southern coastline. Hanauma Bay State Park As with Diamond Head, daily visitors to Hanauma Bay are limited. This gorgeous wineglass-shaped cove, tucked into Koko Head’s sheltered side, is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to book your slot well in advance if you want to experience its soft golden sands, lush green hills, and gin-clear waters. Don’t forget your snorkel – the bay is home to over 400 different species of fish, including ornately patterned butterflyfish, colorful tangs and the tinselly Christmas wrasse. Waimea Valley Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu with a day trip to Waimea Valley. This vast expanse of North Shore parkland (all 1,875 acres of it) encompasses verdant grassy meadows, archaeological sites, and a botanical garden that’s home to more than 5,000 plant species and offers many peaceful shaded groves for lunching on the lawn. Suitably fortified by your picnic of poke and poi, hike the trail to the mighty Waimea Falls, a 45-foot wonder that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Mokoli'i Island Centuries of erosion have separated this cone-shaped lava formation from Oahu proper, but you can still reach Mokoli’i Island’s secluded coves either by walking from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide, or by kayak at all other times. Once there, dip your toes in the clear, balmy waters and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colorful marine life (including green sea turtles, natch) just beneath the surface. Shave Ice! Shave ice is as essential a part of the Oahu experience as hula skirts, tiki bars and Mai Tais. No wonder then that North Shore icon Matsumoto’s is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions. Brave the queues for your refreshing fix of ice topped with tastebud-tingling fruit syrup. Choose from lychee, passion fruit, peach, guava and more. Heck, why not just try them all?  Save on Oahu's Top Activities, Tours and Attractions Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Things to do in Oahu When It's Hot Outside

Hawaii is hot in every sense of the word: its warm climate makes it pleasant to visit year-round, which in turn makes it one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations, pulling in around eight million visitors every year. The majority of Hawaii sunseekers (around five million, give or take) wind up on the island of Oahu, home to some of the state’s biggest attractions – Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and the Diamond Head volcano, to name just a few. It goes without saying then that there’s plenty of fun to be had in the sun here. After all, no-one goes to Hawaii for its skiing opportunities, right? But with summer temperatures that average way up in the high 80s, you’ll likely want to pencil in a few slightly cooler activities (as well as covering yourself top to toe in factor 50, natch). Here, then, are a few ideas for things to do in Oahu and Honolulu when it’s hot outside, including: Beaches! Snorkeling! Catamarans! Pineapples! Shave ice! And more! Keep Your Cool on the Beach You’ll want to pack plenty of beach bag essentials for your day at Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, the North Shore and, well, whichever of Oahu’s stunning tropical beaches tickle your fancy. We’re talking UV sunglasses, great big floppy sun hats and gallons of bottled water as a bare minimum. You may want to add a parasol or tent for use in some of the more exposed bays, though you’ll also find plenty available to rent in the main tourist areas. Beaches like Lanikai and and Kailua on Oahu’s windward side (the east coast) tend to offer more natural shade, in the form of palm trees. Top-tip: before slinging your towel down underneath, check carefully for the very real and present danger of ripe coconuts up above. You’ll be cooling off in A&E if one of those beauties drops on your nut! Waikiki Beach is of course the most popular of Oahu’s beaches, and opportunities to cool off on snorkeling trips here abound. Cruise out onto the beautiful clear blue waters and come face to face with all manner of tropical marine life. You’re all but guaranteed to meet green sea turtles at the aptly named Waikiki Turtle Canyon. Hanauma Bay is where it’s at for some of Oahu's most spectacular sealife selfie opportunities. Vibrant yellow tangs and flamboyant spinner dolphins are just two of the cute critters you might spot on snorkeling excursions to the thriving coral reef that lies in the cone of this long-extinct volcano. Hit up the pristine sands of Lanikai Beach for more of the same (but with added palm cover), and crescent-shaped Kailua Beach (pictured above), where balmy trade winds encourage other watery pursuits including kitesurfing and kayaking. Oahu’s Hottest Tours If you simply can’t bear to spend all day lounging in the shade of a coconut palm, moving only to top up your rum-laced Mai Tai cocktail, there are plenty of island tours you can take around Oahu and Honolulu on hot days instead. Here, after all, is an opportunity to see this beautiful volcanic paradise from the lush cool confines of an air-conditioned coach. Try a trip to the Dole plantation on the North Shore. Sampling the sweet flesh of their world-famous pineapples under the hot Hawaiian sun is one that’s worth disembarking the refrigerated coach for, and no mistake! You could also take a tour of Oahu’s hidden gems, including tranquil temples, shaded Japanese gardens, and the cooling spray of epic blowholes like Halona. Or immerse yourself in rainforests and visit the 150-foot Manoa waterfalls, passing through jungle scenery used in The Hunger Games movie series. You can book tours including all of the above (and more) with an Oahu pass from Go City, which can save you up to 50% on top attractions, tours and activities on Oahu. Find out more and bag your Oahu pass here. Ice Cold in Oahu Hawaii is arguably as famous for its shave ice as its beaches, volcanoes and hula skirts. Find out what all the fuss is about at any one of dozens of purveyors of this frozen treat across the island. Shave ice is exactly what it sounds like: tiny shavings of ice liberally doused in lashings of fruit syrup, and boy is it refreshing on a hot day. Get yours from North Shore shave ice stalwart Matsumoto’s. A fixture on Oahu since the early 1950s, its natural lychee, passion fruit and yuzu flavorings are some of the best in Hawaii. Other local favorites include Ululani’s and Shimazu – for all the ice-cold refreshment but without the half-hour lines. Top tip: it’s ‘shave ice’ not ‘shaved ice’, so be sure to sidestep any vendor that didn’t get the name right on their signage. Life on the Ocean Wave Feel the sea breeze on your skin aboard a catamaran or luxury yacht as you tour the Oahu coastline in style. This is a fine (and crucially effortless) way of seeing a bit more of the island and perhaps even ogling the odd humpback whale, flying fish or green sea turtle on your travels. Don your floppiest sun hat, slather on the sunscreen and sip a glass of prosecco on deck-o as you cruise past jungle-clad mountains and over the coral-rich depths of Oahu’s submerged volcanic cones. Take your pick from straightforward catamaran excursions to decadent day trips that include lunch, snorkeling, and bottomless bubbly. You can access a variety of superb sea-faring options with the Go Oahu pass. Oahu’s Coolest Hikes Ok ok, so hiking may not be the first activity that springs to mind when it’s hot out in Oahu, but bear with us. The botanical gardens at Waimea Valley are a 1,875-acre oasis of lush plantlife and great fronds of greenery. Shady groves and a cooler climate make the gardens ideal for strolling, even when the tropical sun is at its most punishing. Meander gently through some of the park’s 52 themed zones, where towering cacti and fresh-scented hibiscus flourish, and where the picture-perfect Waimea Falls provide ample opportunity for cooling off should the heat get too much. Alternatively, hop across to Big Island, home of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii. Hikes to the summit commence from the visitor center, 9,200 feet up, where you’re all but guaranteed freezing temperatures and possibly even snow. But be warned that this 12-mile round-hike is not for the faint of heart, with challenging terrain and the threat of altitude sickness the price of evading the Hawaii heat way up here. Save on Oahu and Honolulu Activities, Tours and Attractions Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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