Visiting Honolulu? 11 Things to Do

You’ll find Honolulu offers incredible experiences within minutes of each other. Start with Diamond Head‘s iconic summit hike for sweeping city views, then learn to surf on Waikiki‘s beginner-friendly waves for around $75-100. Pay respects at Pearl Harbor, explore America’s only royal palace at ʻIolani, and snorkel with tropical fish at Hanauma Bay. Don’t miss a traditional lūʻau, tackle the challenging Koko Head railway trail, discover downtown’s art scene, and catch a sunset catamaran cruise. We’ll show you exactly how to make the most of each adventure.

Hike to Diamond Head’s Summit for the Classic Oahu View

When you’re looking for Oahu’s most iconic viewpoint without breaking the bank, Diamond Head’s summit delivers sweeping panoramas of Waikiki, Honolulu’s skyline, and the southeast coast stretching from Koko Head to the Wai’anae Range.

This moderate 1.6-mile round-trip hike inside Diamond Head State Monument takes 1-2 hours and gains about 560 feet through switchbacks, stair sections, and a lighted tunnel. You’ll encounter uneven tuff surfaces and steep climbs, so wear sturdy shoes.

The trail leads to historic military bunkers offering 360-degree views. During winter months, you might catch glimpses of whale sightings from the summit as humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters. Book your timed entry reservation through Hawaii State Parks since walk-ins aren’t allowed. Park hours run 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with entry and parking fees required.

Learn Surfing on Waikiki’s Beginner-Friendly Waves

After taking in those stunning views from Diamond Head, you’ll want to experience Oahu’s legendary surf culture firsthand at Waikiki Beach. This world-renowned spot offers perfect conditions for first-time surfers with its gentle, rolling waves and sandy bottom that’s much safer than rocky breaks.

Most surf schools offer 1.5-hour lessons starting around $75-100, including a soft-top longboard, leash, and rash guard. You’ll spend 15 minutes learning basics on land, then 60+ minutes practicing in the water with certified instructors who’ll help position you on waves and provide real-time coaching.

Just bring your swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. Basic swimming ability is required, and booking a few days ahead is recommended since lessons fill quickly during peak times. If you missed your chance to book ahead, same-day walk-ups are often possible due to last-minute cancellations.

Pay Your Respects at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

While surfing gives you a taste of Hawaii’s joyful spirit, Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers a profound encounter with American history that’s both moving and educational. You’ll need to plan ahead since same-day tickets aren’t available—reserve your USS Arizona Memorial boat tickets online through recreation.gov for just $1. The memorial grounds and museums are free to explore.

Arrive early since the visitor center opens at 7:00 AM. You’ll pay $7 for parking through their mobile app or kiosk. The site’s fully wheelchair accessible, though you’ll need to bring your own assistive devices. Wear proper attire—shoes and shirts required. Remember that boat trips may be canceled due to weather conditions like high winds for safety reasons.

Don’t miss the two museums showcasing WWII and Pacific Theater exhibits. The experience is solemn and reflective, honoring those who served.

Tour ʻIolani Palace, America’s Only Royal Residence

Step into America’s only royal palace and you’ll discover a fascinating chapter of Hawaiian history that most visitors never knew existed. ʻIolani Palace served as the official residence for Hawaii’s last two monarchs—King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani—from 1882 until the kingdom’s overthrow in 1893.

Located in downtown Honolulu’s Historic Capitol District, the palace showcases stunning American Florentine architecture with native koa wood interiors. Remarkably advanced for its time, the palace featured electric lighting by 1887, making it one of the first electrically illuminated buildings in the world. You’ll tour the throne room, reception areas, and royal suites where state dinners and grand balls once took place.

Don’t miss the basement galleries displaying royal crowns and regalia.

The palace also tells a sobering story—Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned here after the 1893 overthrow. Combine your visit with nearby civic landmarks for an extensive downtown experience.

Snorkel With Tropical Fish at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

From exploring Hawaii’s royal history, you’ll want to experience the islands’ natural underwater treasures at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This curved bay inside a volcanic crater offers Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spot, where you’ll encounter hundreds of colorful fish species including parrotfish, surgeonfish, and Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa.

You’ll need advance reservations since the preserve limits daily visitors to protect the coral reef. Entry requires watching an orientation video at the hillside visitor center before accessing the beach.

The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for beginners, while deeper channels challenge experienced snorkelers. However, it’s important to be a strong swimmer as snorkeling requires good swimming skills and comfort in ocean conditions.

Rent gear on-site or bring your own. Focus on the outer reef areas for better coral coverage and fish diversity, as the popular inner zones show more environmental stress from heavy use.

Explore Hawaiian Culture at Bishop Museum

Where can you dive deep into authentic Hawaiian history and culture beyond the tourist attractions? Bishop Museum offers Hawaii’s most extensive cultural experience. Founded in 1889 to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, it’s now the state’s premier museum with millions of Pacific artifacts.

You’ll spend 2-3 hours exploring Hawaiian Hall and Pacific Hall, discovering traditional tools, featherwork, and ceremonial objects that tell authentic stories of pre-contact society and the Hawaiian Kingdom. Don’t miss the planetarium shows explaining how Polynesian navigators used stars to cross the Pacific.

The Science Adventure Center lets you simulate volcanic eruptions and explore Hawaii’s unique geology. The museum also serves as a cultural preservation center, maintaining extensive collections of documents and photographs that safeguard Pacific island heritage for future generations. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, it’s open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and provides exceptional educational value for understanding Hawaiian culture’s roots.

Chase Waterfalls on the Manoa Falls Trail

When you’re ready to escape Waikiki’s crowds for genuine natural beauty, Manoa Falls Trail delivers one of Oahu’s most accessible waterfall experiences just 15-20 minutes from the beach.

This 1.6-mile round-trip hike through lush rainforest leads to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall cascading down the Ko’olau Mountains.

The trail’s mostly gradual uphill path takes you through bamboo groves and under a famous banyan tree arch that’s perfect for photos.

Expect muddy conditions and slippery rocks, so wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.

You’ll find paid parking at Paradise Park near the trailhead.

Visit early morning or weekdays to avoid tour groups that pack the trail between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The scenic beauty has attracted Hollywood filmmakers for productions like Jurassic Park and Lost.

Don’t swim in the pool—bacteria and landslide risks make it dangerous.

Experience a Traditional Lūʻau in Waikiki

Why settle for dinner and a show when you can learn about Hawaii’s most meaningful cultural tradition? A Waikiki lūʻau offers you authentic Hawaiian culture alongside incredible food.

You’ll start with a lei greeting and mai tai, then watch the dramatic imu ceremony where kalua pig is unearthed from the underground oven.

The buffet features traditional staples like poi, lūʻau stew, and lomi salmon alongside tropical fruits.

You’ll experience both hula kahiko with ancient chants and modern hula ʻauana with guitar accompaniment. Many shows include Samoan fire-knife dancing for extra excitement.

Most Waikiki venues offer oceanfront or rooftop settings perfect for sunset dining. Book ahead since popular luaus fill quickly, especially during peak season.

Expect to spend 3-4 hours experiencing this centuries-old tradition. This communal feast tradition dates back to 1819, when the first recorded lūʻau marked the end of restrictions on men and women dining together.

Tackle the Koko Head Crater Railway Trail Challenge

After soaking up Hawaiian culture at a lūʻau, you’ll want to earn those extra calories with one of Oʻahu’s most challenging hikes. The Koko Head Crater Railway Trail transforms an abandoned WWII railway into a brutal stair-climbing workout.

You’ll tackle roughly 800 railroad tie steps over 0.68 miles, gaining 1,000 feet of elevation at a punishing 41% average grade. This isn’t a leisurely nature walk—it’s a leg-burning endurance test that’ll have you questioning your fitness level.

The trail is maintained by the nonprofit Kokonut Koalition under a city contract, ensuring safe access to this popular hiking destination.

Plan 1-2 hours roundtrip depending on your conditioning. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes since there’s zero shade on this exposed climb. The 360-degree summit views of Hawaiʻi Kai and Hanauma Bay make every grueling step worthwhile.

Discover Art and History in Downtown Honolulu

While your legs recover from the Koko Head climb, downtown Honolulu offers a perfect cultural cooldown with world-class art and fascinating history—much of it completely free.

Start at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum on South Hotel Street, where you’ll explore rotating exhibits featuring local artists without paying admission.

Then head to the Downtown Art Center in Chinatown’s historic district, showcasing Hawaii-based artists across two floors of galleries. The center also features a curated retail shop where you can purchase unique Hawaiian-made artwork and crafts directly from local artists.

For deeper exploration, join the DAC Walking Tour combining art, history, and architecture through downtown’s core streets. Expert guides reveal how monarchy, territorial era, and modern Hawaii shaped the cityscape while highlighting public murals and installations.

You’ll receive a complimentary walking guide extending your adventure beyond the 1.5-hour tour.

Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise Along the Coast

How does watching the sun melt into the Pacific while sailing past Diamond Head sound for your evening plans? Sunset catamaran cruises offer the perfect way to experience Oahu’s coastline from the water.

Most trips depart from Waikiki Beach or Kewalo Basin Harbor and last 1.5–2 hours, showcasing vivid gold and pink skies against Honolulu’s skyline.

You’ll find options ranging from $40–$140 per person. Budget-friendly cruises ($40–$60) include basic drinks, while midrange options ($70–$110) add open bars or appetizers.

The stable twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride for all experience levels. Be prepared for a short beach walk of 5-10 minutes to reach the catamaran, as the exact boarding location varies with tides.

Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in, and consider rideshare since parking’s limited. Most operators offer 24-hour cancellation policies, making these cruises a flexible addition to your Honolulu itinerary.

The Sum Up

You’ve got an incredible mix of adventures waiting in Honolulu, from free hikes like Diamond Head to budget-friendly beach days at Waikiki. Don’t feel pressured to do everything—pick what excites you most and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Pack sunscreen, bring a reusable water bottle, and remember that some of the best experiences, like watching surfers or exploring downtown, won’t cost you a dime. Honolulu’s magic is accessible to every traveler.