“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there's music in the air there.” — Bruno Mars, a Grammy-winning singer born in Honolulu
Need a tropical getaway with urban vibes? Head to Honolulu! During my 6 years living on the Big Island, I visited Honolulu as often as I could. I booked flights that let me spend a night here before heading to my next destination. I love how Honolulu offers this incredible collection of beaches, Hawaiian culture (don't miss the Duke Kahanamoku Statue!), and a diverse choice of activities. Shopping is great too, although a bit expensive.
Don't Miss:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike Diamond Head Crater – Climb to the summit of this ancient volcano for sweeping views of Waikiki and the Pacific.
- For History Buffs: Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Explore the USS Arizona Memorial and learn about a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
- For Shoppers: Explore Ala Moana Center – Browse designer labels, surf shops, and local brands at the largest open-air mall in the U.S.
- For Couples: Watch the sunset on Waikiki Beach – Enjoy golden skies, beach walks, and mai tais with an oceanfront view.
- For Families: Discover sea life at Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo – Perfect for a laid-back afternoon with kids by the coast.
When I like to visit Honolulu, O?ahu
The best time to visit Honolulu is from April to October, when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for beach days. Winter (November to March) is also popular for surf competitions and whale watching, though slightly rainier.
Tips for getting to Honolulu, O?ahu
- If you are traveling by air: Fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), located just 6 miles from Waikiki.
- By Car: Rent a car to explore O?ahu’s North Shore, scenic highways, and off-the-beaten-path beaches.
- By Public Transit: Honolulu’s TheBus system offers convenient routes to most major attractions and neighborhoods.
Where I like to stay in Honolulu, O?ahu
- Halekulani – Iconic luxury resort on Waikiki Beach with elegant rooms, fine dining, and impeccable service.
- Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – Retro-chic boutique hotel with aloha spirit, poolside events, and stylish vibes.
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – Comfortable beachfront resort with cultural programming and modern comforts.
Best Things to Do in Honolulu, O?ahu
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. This two-mile long sandy beach on the island of Oahu is located on the island’s south shore next to the iconic Diamond Head. Across from the beach are many luxury hotels, restaurants, beach bars and shops.
Just before Diamond Head is beautiful, spacious Kapiolani Park, which is popular for jogging, picnics, or throwing a ball with friends. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, on the west end of the beach, is a secluded spot where kids can swim in safety. The beach is popular for surfing, snorkeling and swimming and tends to be quite busy.
2. Pearl Harbor
Visiting Honolulu would not be complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor, where the infamous Japanese attack in December 1941 killed 2,403 people and forced the U.S. to enter WWII. Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark and also an active military base. Organized tours will take you to important sites such as the battleship the USS Missouri, the site where the Japanese surrendered, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin where you can get a glimpse of life on a WWII submarine, and the Pacific Submarine Museum with its indoor and outdoor exhibits.
You will also see a documentary on the history of Pearl Harbor and so much more. It is an emotional journey, and there is much to see, so plan on spending a day going from site to site, especially if you are travelling with kids, who will love roaming aboard battleships and a submarine.
3. Iolani Palace
Located in downtown Honolulu, a quick drive from Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace is a magnificent 10-room, four-story palace built in Italian Renaissance style and the only royal palace in North America. The official residence of Hawaii’s King Kalakaua and his sister and successor Queen Lili`uokalani, the last monarchs of Hawaii, the opulent palace was completed in 1882 and was wired for electricity even before the White House.
Since being lovingly and carefully restored to its former glory, the palace has been open to visitors, who can immerse themselves in Hawaii’s history and royal heritage. The first two floors consist of the living areas, while the basement houses the Hawaiian crown jewels, photos, regalia, and decorations. The palace is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, Phone: 808-522-0822
4. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Leaving the beach in Honolulu to spend two hours hiking a hot and dry trail surrounded by low growing kiawe and cactus and fighting against strong winds makes sense only when you get to the top and see the views. The Makapu‘u Point trail is part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, and once you get through the fairly steep hike you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the O‘ahu’s coastline, Koko Head, and Koko Crater.
From Makapu‘u Head where the trail ends, you can see small offshore islands off in the distance. These are wildlife sanctuaries for seabirds such as frigate bird and tropicbird. You can also easily spot the famous historic 1909 Makapuu Lighthouse with its red roof standing out against the deep blue of the see that surrounds it. If you are lucky, you even might see Lana’i and Moloka‘i on a clear day. If you find yourself on the Makapuu between November and May, you even might see migrating humpback whales.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. USS Missouri Memorial
USS Missouri Memorial was the last battleship America built and the last to be decommissioned. The Japanese surrendered on the deck of the Missouri, effectively ending the Second World War. This 58,000 ton 900 foot long giant now sits in Ford island dock off the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where it silently guards Pearl Harbor and serves as a reminder both of the three wars it fought in and the three generation of American soldiers who fought on board.
Visitors can climb aboard the Missouri and imagine General Douglas MacArthur pacing back and forth while commanding the Allied Powers. They can get a look at the Missouri's enormous 16-inch 50-caliber guns, visit the crew's quarters, and even sit in the captain’s chair on the bridge.
63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 877-644-4896
6. Koko Crater Trail
Koko Crater, a 1,208 tall volcanic tuff cone, is one of the most recognizable of Oahu's landmarks. It is a popular hiking destination, and the hiking trail leading to its peak can be seen for miles. There is also a smaller tuff cone called Koko Head nearby. To get to the lookout point, hikers have to climb 1,048 very steep stairs made of railroad ties, which were built more than 60 years ago so that the military could get supplies to the bunkers at the top.
At one point, the railroad tracks hanging above ground, making that part of the trail a little scary. Inside of the crater there are horse stables and the famous Koko Crater Botanical Garden with many native cacti and succulents. It is a pleasant place to take a rest before heading back.
Koko Crater Trail, 7802 Koko Head Park Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop was the last of the royal Kamehameha family descendants. When she died in 1889, her husband Charles Reed Bishop built the spectacular Hawaiian and Polynesian Halls on the grounds of the Kamehameha School for Boys to display the impressive collection of royal family heirlooms of the Princess and a large number of meaningful Hawaiian artifacts.
Since then, the museum collection has grown to include millions of documents, artifacts, and photographs about Hawaii and other Pacific islands, and it is one of the world’s biggest collections of natural history specimens. The museum is today the largest Hawaiian museum and a major cultural and natural history institution.
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, Phone: 808-847-3511
8. Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaii’s largest private visual arts institution. It was founded by Anna Rice Cooke in 1922 and officially opened its doors in 1927. It is recognized as having one of the largest collections of Pan-Pacific and Asian art in the States.
The museum’s other treasures include works by Monet, Hokusai, Gauguin, van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. Since its opening, the museum’s collections have expanded to contain over 50,000 works of art covering 5000 years. The museum also includes the Doris Duke Theatre, which hosts concerts, meetings, and lectures, the Robert Allerton Art Research Library, and the Honolulu Museum of Art School.
900 S Beretania St. Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-532-8700
9. World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is a U.S. National Monument that honors, preserves, and interprets the stories of the Pacific War, from the internment of Japanese-Americans to concentration camps to the battles in the Aleutians.
The monument covers 6,310 acres in nine sites and tree states. Most sites are in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor, the USS Utah Memorial, the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center, Six Chief Petty Officer Bungalows, Ford Island, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and Mooring Quays F6, F7, and F8 on Battleship Row. The Monument is managed by the National Park Service.
1 Arizona Memorial Pl., Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-422-3399
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
10. Manoa Falls
To see the true beauty of Oahu you have to get off the beach. Just a short drive from Waikiki towards Manoa Valley will get you to a lush rainforest thick with bamboo. An easy 45-minute hike up the mountain will reveal Manoa Falls, the 150-foot waterfall that turns into a thunderous gush of water after heavy rains.
The small pool where the water cascades from the overhanging cliff looks fresh and inviting, but it is actually dangerous for swimming because of falling rocks and bacteria contamination. Nevertheless, the air is cool and quite refreshing. The 1.6-mile long trail is fairly easy, with some large boulders you will have to climb over. It can be slippery after the rains, and it rains often in the rainforest even if it’s dry when you leave the beach. Bring bug spray, as insects thrive in the forest.
37 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, Phone: 800-464-2924
Where I Like to Eat in Honolulu, O?ahu
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food – Local favorite for authentic Hawaiian plates like pipikaula, laulau, and lomi salmon.
- Alan Wong’s – Elevated island cuisine with Asian fusion flair and a focus on local ingredients.
- Marukame Udon – Fast-casual spot famous for made-to-order udon noodles and crispy tempura.
My favorite local events:
- Honolulu Festival (March) – Cultural performances, crafts, and parades celebrating Asia-Pacific traditions.
- Pan-Pacific Festival (June) – A weekend of music, dance, and food representing cultures across the Pacific Rim.
- Duke’s OceanFest (August) – Surf contests, beach games, and celebrations honoring surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Honolulu, O?ahu:
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (25–30 min) – Snorkel in a volcanic crater teeming with colorful reef life.
- Makapu?u Point Lighthouse Trail (30 min) – Hike a paved trail with panoramic ocean views and winter whale sightings.
- Pearl Harbor Historic Sites (20–25 min) – Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, and Pacific Aviation Museum.
- Nu?uanu Pali Lookout (20–25 min) – Gaze over lush windward cliffs from a breezy historic viewpoint.
- ?Iolani Palace and Downtown Honolulu (10–15 min) – Discover Hawaiian history, local markets, and street art in the capital’s core.
Plan Your Trip