Things to Do in Honolulu
50 curated spots from Honolulu itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Diamond Head State Monument
Popular crater hike with a paved trail and stairs leading to panoramic views over Waikiki and the south shore.
2h · $10-25 (parking/entry or shuttle)
Waikiki Beach
Swim in calm waves, build sandcastles, watch surfers.
2h · Free
Manoa Falls Trail
A relatively easy rainforest hike through lush valley vegetation to a scenic waterfall; expect muddy sections and bring water and proper footwear.
2h · $5-10 per person (parking/shuttle as applicable)
Iolani Palace
Guided or self‑guided tour of the only official royal residence in the United States, telling the story of the Hawaiian monarchy and overthrow.[1][2][7]
2h · $25-30 per person
Ala Moana Beach Park
Spend a calm beach morning swimming, walking the sand, or doing an easy shoreline photo session.
2h 30m · Free
Honolulu Museum of Art
Spend a quiet afternoon with galleries, courtyards, and a slower indoor break after the hike; it is a good balance to the morning's outdoor time.
2h · $25 per person
Diamond Head State Monument Hike
Short but steady uphill hike to a panoramic crater rim view; go early for cooler temps and better visibility.
2h 30m · $5-10
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Snorkel volcanic bay; underwater photos with GoPro; book early.
3h · $25/person
Honolulu Zoo
Visit the family-friendly zoo near Kapiʻolani Park; animals, open lawns, and shaded paths.[2][9]
2h · $22 adults / $14 kids approx.
Ala Moana Center Shopping
Explore one of the world’s largest open-air malls with luxury boutiques, local brands, and great people-watching.[5]
2h 30m · Varies
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Play volleyball, visit free US Army Museum, relax on sand.
1h 30m · Free
International Market Place
Open-air shopping center with a central banyan tree, mid-range shops, and casual eateries.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Stop for dramatic windward views across the mountains and coastline.
30m · Free
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Visit the memorial and exhibits for a major history day that should be planned carefully.
4h · Free-$30 per person
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona Memorial)
Take the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and explore the visitor center exhibits about the events of December 7, 1941.
3h · $1-20 per person (depending on ticket type)
Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island Lagoon
Relax on the calm lagoon side, swim, and enjoy park shade; walk along the water for skyline photos.
3h · Free
Ala Moana Center
Open-air shopping; evening cultural shows.
2h · Free (shopping varies)
Byodo-In Temple
Replica Japanese temple in Valley of Temples; gardens, bells, and black swans.
1h 30m · $5/person
ʻIolani Palace
Tour the official residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs with ornate interiors, original furnishings, and exhibits on the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.[5]
1h 30m · $30
Kakaʻako Waterfront Park
Walk to the waterfront park for ocean views and grassy hills ideal for resting.
2h · Free
Kapiolani Park
Picnic, zoo views, people-watch near Diamond Head.
1h 30m · Free
Aloha Tower Marketplace
Explore shops and browse the waterfront complex for souvenirs and a casual break.
1h 15m · Free to browse
Bishop Museum
Hawaiʻi’s premier museum of natural and cultural history with exhibits on Polynesian navigation, royal artifacts, and volcanoes.
2h 30m · $25-30
Foster Botanical Garden
Wander paved paths among massive trees, orchids, and tropical plants in one of Honolulu’s oldest botanical gardens.
1h 30m · $5-10 per person
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Snorkeling)
Reserve a morning slot, watch the short conservation video, then snorkel among coral and tropical fish in this protected bay; arrive early for calmer water.
3h · $25-30 per person (non-resident fee, plus transport)
Kailua Beach Park
Windy beach for kite flying, bodyboarding.
2h · Free
Kakaʻako Street Art & SALT at Our Kakaʻako
Explore the colorful murals and grab a coffee or treat around SALT, a modern, walkable complex in a former warehouse district.[3][6]
1h 30m · Free to walk (food/drinks extra)
Kakaʻako Street Art Walk
Stroll through the neighborhood to see colorful murals and creative storefronts.
1h 30m · Free
Kalākaua Avenue Stroll
Walk the main beachfront avenue for light shopping, window‑browsing designer shops, and browsing ABC Stores for beach gear and snacks.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
KCC Farmers Market
Browse local produce, prepared foods, and snacks; arrive hungry and sample a few items.
1h 30m · Free to browse, food $10-25Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Heavenly Island Lifestyle
Organic-leaning Waikiki café with loco moco, acai bowls, and island-style eggs; arrive a bit early to avoid a wait.
1h · $18-30 per person
Duke's Waikiki
Hula pie and fresh fish; bare-foot bar with ocean views.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
The Pig and the Lady
Order shared plates or noodle dishes with Vietnamese-Hawaiian influences.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Ono Seafood
Customizable poke bowls with spicy ahi; takeout-friendly.
45m · $16-26 per person
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Squid luau and pipikaula short ribs; authentic family recipes since 1946.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Marukame Udon Waikiki
Popular cafeteria‑style spot for freshly made udon and tempura; expect a line but it moves quickly.
45m · $12-20 per person
Leonard's Bakery
Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) filled with custard; grab-and-go.
30m · $8-15 per person
Rainbow Drive-In
Classic local plate lunches—try the mixed plate or loco moco.
45m · $10-15 per person
Marukame Udon
Order a simple vegetarian udon or plain broth-based noodle bowl with tempura vegetables; these are the safest halal-friendly choices on the menu.
1h · $15-25 per person
The Pig & The Lady
Modern Vietnamese-inspired cuisine with creative sandwiches and bowls.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Diamond Head Market & Grill
Casual spot with a small garden feel; after the hike, choose halal-compatible options like the blueberry cream cheese scones, baked goods without lard, plain rice with eggs, and salads or grilled fish without sauces (confirm ingredients, avoid meats since they are not halal-certified).
45m · $10-18 per person
House Without a Key
Elegant but relaxed oceanside restaurant and bar with live Hawaiian music and hula at sunset.
2h · $35-50 per person
Nico's Pier 38
Casual harbor-side restaurant with fresh fish plates, poke, and kid-friendly options; order at the counter and seat yourselves.[3]
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Duke’s Waikiki
Classic beachfront restaurant and bar right on the sand; try fresh fish, kalua pork sliders, and the famous Hula Pie for dessert.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Fête
Stylish bistro blending local ingredients with global flavors—think ahi sandwiches, seasonal salads, and inventive small plates.[1][2]
1h 15m · $25-35 per person
Island Vintage Coffee
Popular local chain for Kona coffee, açai bowls, and light island-style breakfasts near Royal Hawaiian Center.
1h · $15-25 per person
Island Vintage Coffee (Royal Hawaiian Center)
Grab quality coffee and an acai bowl or breakfast sandwich in the open-air mall courtyard.
45m · $12-20 per person
Koko Head Cafe
Start with local-inspired brunch dishes; the cornflake-french toast and savory breakfast plates are popular picks.
1h 15m · $20-40 per person
MW Restaurant
Modern Hawaiian fine dining near Ala Moana; try the mochi-crusted fish or short rib, and save room for creative desserts.
1h 15m · $50-80 per person
Pioneer Saloon
Japanese‑style plate lunches with generous portions—think chicken katsu, garlic ahi, and curry—in a cozy setting.
1h · $15-22 per person