Travel Insights

Fun fact: Did you know Honolulu residents can be fined for not having a boat?

Clearly the authorities want everyone to join in the fun as much as possible.

The capital city of Hawaii is colorful, laidback, adventurous and has lots to offer for those looking for a truly memorable vacation. From surfing the best waves at Waikiki beach, snorkeling, and hiking breathtaking trails to eating around the world at top notch restaurants, you’ll have a ball in Honolulu.

Wondering how to prioritize and experience Honolulu like a local? This guide will walk you through some of Honolulu’s most prominent landmarks and experiences.

Dive in!

1. Places to explore in Honolulu

Pearl Harbor

Your Honolulu trip will be incomplete without visiting this historic site. Here are the top things to see.

• WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument

This is the home of the USS Arizona battleship and tells the story of a pivotal point in American history: from the entry of the U.S. in World War II to the battles in the Aleutians.

• USS Arizona Memorial

This is the resting place of the 1,700 soldiers who lost their lives after the surprise attack on the USS Arizona battleship on December 7, 1941. The visitor center opens at 7 AM every day and the programs start at 7:30 AM, at an interval of 15 minutes. If you’re carrying a backpack or your purse, you may have to leave it in a locker before entering the park.

• Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is on Ford island, just a few yards away from the sunken USS Arizona remains. Take a tour of the officer’s quarter’s, see the historic artifacts on display, and stand on the deck where General MacArthur accepted the Japanese Surrender.

• Pacific Aviation Museum

This is an aviation museum that showcases restored battle aircrafts that were seminal in the U.S. conflicts in Korea and Vietnam during WWI.

• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park

This is located within walking distance of the Arizona Memorial and showcases the history of submarines during WWII. Children under the age of 4 are not allowed in the submarine though.

Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art hosts a collection of Asian and Pan-Asian art, primarily Japanese and Chinese art. It also has a special gallery showcasing the work of masters such as Picasso, Monet, Warhol, Gaugin, Warhol. The permanent collection consists of over 50,000 works and is displayed in 32 galleries and 6 courtyards.

Visit the museum between Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.

Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures

Originally the home of Doris Duke, heiress and socialite, this Islamic-style mansion is now a museum that exhibits remarkable art from Iran, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, and India. The outdoor landscape is in the style of a Mughal-Indian garden and exhibits include ceramics from Syria, gilted ceilings, precious metal work, among others.

Street art in Kakaako

Honolulu’s Pow! WoW! street art festival (third week of February) sees talented artists from all over the world pouring their heart out on the walls in the Kakaako district in Honolulu. Go mural hunting in the following places:

• Cook Street
• Pohukaina Street
• Mother Waldron Park
• Coral Street

The artworks are diverse, vibrant, and thought provoking – you’ll go back with a lot of memories and incredible content for your Insta feed!

Iolani Palace

Visit the Royal home of the Hawaii royals and go on a journey of this Hawaii’s history. The grounds are beautiful and the opulent interiors feature portraits of the royal family, beautiful furniture, and gifts to the royals from around the world.

2. Things to do

a. Surfing, diving, and snorkeling

• Waikiki beach

The Waikiki neighborhood in Honolulu is really popular among the island’s rich and famous. Head over to the beach and hit the waves, and before the sun goes down, snap on your snorkeling gear and explore the beautiful marine world: spot turtles and hoards of colorful fish – watch out for the jellyfish though.

If you need a break from the beach, grab a bite at a restaurant in the Kalakaua Avenue, which is also lined with some of the most exclusive luxury outlets of Hermes, Cartier, Coach, and Luis Vuitton.

• Lanikai beach

Lanikai is more tranquil than Waiki beach and offers a stunning view of the Mokulua Islands, which are great for kayaking and surfing. You may have to drive out for a bit to grab a bite though (but showers and bathrooms are less than a mile from the beach).

b. Hike the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

If you thought the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is overrated, it’s time to reconsider.

It’s a relatively short trail (1.5 miles roundtrip) with an easy ascent. Plus, the view from the top of the hill is to die for. See if you can spot a few hump back whales in the water below (yes, whales!).

c. Trek the Koko Crater Trail

The Koko Crater Trail, also known as the Koko Head Stairs, is a little more challenging. The trail is actually an abandoned railway line that’s used as “hiking steps” to reach the top. There are about 1050 steps from the top to the bottom, with the path getting progressively steeper. There’s a flat zone in the middle, but it has a caveat: it’s actually a railway bridge with a 40 ft drop below.

This one’s not for the faint hearted, but if you’re up for an adventure, go for it!

d. Catch the weekly evening fireworks show at the Hilton

Who doesn’t love fireworks? The Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a free fireworks show every Friday on Waikiki beach. It’s absolutely marvelous – don’t miss it if you’re in Honolulu on a Friday!

e. Get your fill of malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery

Malasadas are a type of Portugese donut but without the hole in the middle. You can get two kinds of malasadas at Leonard’s: light, fluffy, and plain (but scrumptious) ones with a light dusting of powdered sugar or stuffed ones (usually filled with custard, coconut cream, chocolate, or fruit fillings). Yum!

f. Water sports at Kailua beach park

The beautiful blue water and the honey-colored sand will make you instantly fall in love with Kailua beach in Honolulu.

And if you’re a fan of water sports, this is the place to be.

Swim, go kayaking, snorkeling, paragliding, wind surfing, kiteboarding, body boarding – the opportunities are endless!

g. Hike the Manoa Falls trail (Jurassic Park and LOST were shot here!)

Manoa falls is pretty close to Waikiki beach (a 15 min drive) and has an easy hiking trail (1.6 mile long, round trip and quite flat) through the rainforest which ends in a beautiful cascading waterfall (150 ft high). We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t be able to resist taking a dip after the hike!

The Wrap: Best time to visit Honolulu

If you want to snag a great deal on airfare, hotels, and enjoy all the festivals, plan your Honolulu visit during the shoulder season: from mid-April to June and in September. The weather is balmy and breezy with temperature ranging between the mid-60s to 80s and its sunny without being sweltering.

Happy planning!