Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii

The massive volcanic crater known as Diamond Head is over 300,000 years old, and the massive ridge around its edge is said to resemble the dorsal fin of a tuna fish. A trail leading to the top will allow hikers the opportunity to obtain some breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and includes some steep ascents over rocky terrain as well as a long staircase near the top. The park itself is open daily until 6:00pm, but hikers are not admitted after 4:30pm, to allow everyone enough time to make it to the top and back down again.

Boasting the title of the largest art museum in Hawaii, the Honolulu Museum of Art features more than 50,000 items in its collection. On display in the museum's galleries is art from all over the world, from Japanese woodblock prints to classical European paintings. The museum also displays Hawaiian art, and all of its items range in medium from paintings to sculpture to textiles. The museum offers a variety of fascinating tours led by knowledgeable docents.

900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814, Phone: 808-532-8700

The Honolulu Zoo is another relic of a bygone era, as the only zoo in the US that began by the decree and donation of lands by a royal ruler. It was begun in 1876, and in the centuries since, the 300-acre plot of land has grown into a thriving and world-class zoo. The Honolulu Zoo features animals from all over the world, including endangered species like the black rhino, Asian elephant, and cheetah, as well as many animal species that are native to the Hawaiian Islands, like the Hawaiian hawk, the black crowned night heron, and the pueo Hawaiian owl. The zoo offers a number of programs for groups, field trips, summer camp, and more.

151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

The Iolani Palace represents the final days of the Hawaiian monarchy. Built in 1882, the palace was the home of King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliukalani, until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. It is an iconic part of Hawaiian history and, in fact, the Iolani Palace is the only official royal residence located in the entire country of the United States. Visitors can explore the palace to see original decor and furnishings, and learn about the people who once lived there. The palace is open for guided tours, and after exploring the palace reception halls and private suites as well as the throne room, guests will enjoy a wander among the paths and gardens of the palace grounds.

364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Located in downtown Honolulu, inside the regal Capitol District Building, the Hawaii State Art Museum explores art and Hawaiian culture through a variety of visual media. Visitors will enjoy the exhibits, which feature paintings, photographs, and more, as well as the visual sculpture garden, which is located in an area that was once a swimming pool. The sculpture garden features pathways that wind through elements of sculpture, paintings, architecture, and natural art, so guests will be surrounded by beauty in every way.

250 South Hotel St Second Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, Phone: 808-586-0300

The Bishop Museum is a history and science museum located in Honolulu. Founded by the bereaved husband of the last remaining Hawaiian princess of the Kamehameha family in 1889, the museum's collection contains hundreds of the personal belongings and family heirlooms of the royal family as well millions of other documents, items, and artifacts pertaining to Hawaiian and South Pacific history and culture. Visitors to the Bishop Museum can learn all about the cultural history of Hawaii as well as the history of humankind in the South Pacific Islands.

1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, Phone: 808-847-3511

The US Army Museum of Hawaii is located at Fort DeRussy, which was once a stronghold for the island state's defense. The museum today houses exhibits depicting Hawaii's military forces throughout history, from the first settlers to the islands over 1,500 years ago all the way through to the Vietnam War. Exhibits focus on ancient Hawaiians, feudal weapons, the first US military camps on the islands, and the unique challenges presented by the defense of a group of islands instead of a large mainland. Visitors will learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor, which sent the United States into World War II, as well as the other wars in which Hawaii played a part afterward, like the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Fort DeRussy Military Reservation, 2161 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Despite what many people believe when they travel to Hawaii, it is not the original land of the pineapple, which is native to Brazil and was brought to Hawaii during the 19th century. The guides behind Hawaii Food Tours will dispel that particular rumor, along with many others, on this expansive tour of some of the best food in Hawaii. Guests can choose from the North Shore Food Tour, which showcases country food in Hawaii, or the Hole in the Wall Tour, which takes guests to some of the best bakeries, cafes, and other delicious stops in Honolulu. Tours last approximately 5 to 6 hours, with pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel, and ticket prices include food and transportation.

Hawaii Food Tours, Phone: 808-926-FOOD (3663)

Visitors to the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives will step out of the modern era and into the past. There are three houses on site, and two of them are the oldest houses in Hawaii. By exploring these structures and the recreated scenes within, guests will gain an understanding of life dating back to the early 19th century for missionaries doing their work in Hawaii. The interactive museum contains a replica of Hawaii's oldest printing press, a recreation of a depository, and many more unique artifacts. The museum offers guided tours.

553 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, Phone: 808-531-0481

The sensation of parasailing is indescribable, one of freedom and thrilling adrenaline coursing through your veins, as you soar above the sea feeling the wind in your hair. At Hawaiian Parasail, visitors can experience the rush for themselves with a safe and experienced team who have been in the business for over 40 years of smooth sailing. Guests can choose the length of line they want to parasail from, the amount of time they want to go, and whether they'd like to go alone or with friends. There is a maximum of three people or 500 lbs. allowed at one time, and children must be above the age of 5.

1651 Ala Moana Blvd #600b, Honolulu, HI 96815, Phone: 808-591-1280