The Ultimate Guide to Fun Things To Do In Honolulu, Oahu

Welcome to Honolulu, Oahu! The capital city and largest city of the Hawaiian state, Honolulu is home to a population of over 350,000 people and is the gateway to all that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. Located on the southeastern side of the island of Oahu, Honolulu is known for its stunning beaches, diverse culture and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s museums, take in the stunning views of Diamond Head or take a dip in one of the many beaches, Honolulu has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top attractions and fun things to do in Honolulu, Oahu.

A Brief Overview of Honolulu

Situated on the southeastern shores of the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the hub of Hawaii’s government, economy and culture. As the capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu is home to many of the state’s largest companies as well as a number of its top attractions. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Honolulu is a popular destination for both locals and tourists from around the world.

The city is divided into several distinct districts and neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor and attractions. Waikiki is one of the most popular areas for tourists, offering a wide range of restaurants and shops as well as world-famous beaches. The downtown area is home to many corporate headquarters and is a great place to explore the city’s rich history. The Chinatown district is also popular with visitors, offering a variety of shops and restaurants with a distinctly Chinese flair.

Exploring Honolulu’s Top Attractions

No trip to Honolulu is complete without visiting its top attractions. From world-famous beaches to iconic landmarks, there is something for everyone in this vibrant island city. Here are some of the top attractions to check out while visiting Honolulu.

Diamond Head State Monument

One of the most iconic landmarks on Oahu is Diamond Head State Monument. This volcanic tuff cone was formed over 300,000 years ago and provides stunning views of the city skyline and coastline. It is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing, with trails leading to the top where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding area.

Waikiki Beach

No trip to Honolulu would be complete without visiting Waikiki Beach. One of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii, this stretch of white sand is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking to take a dip in the ocean or take a stroll along the shoreline, Waikiki Beach offers something for everyone.

Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace is a stunning example of Hawaiian architecture and was once the home of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Located in downtown Honolulu, this palace was built in 1882 and is the only royal palace in the United States. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace or explore its grounds on their own.

Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is home to over 50,000 works of art from all over the world. Located in downtown Honolulu, this museum offers a wide range of collections from ancient artifacts to modern works of art. There are also frequent exhibitions featuring works from both local and international artists.

Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum is one of the largest museums in Hawaii and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the culture and history of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Located in downtown Honolulu, this museum offers a wide range of exhibits from archaeological artifacts to natural history displays.

Unique Experiences in Honolulu

In addition to its world-famous attractions, Honolulu offers a variety of unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Here are some of the top experiences to check out while visiting Honolulu.

Surf Lessons

One of the best ways to experience Honolulu is by taking a surf lesson. With its warm waters and consistent waves, Honolulu is one of the best places in Hawaii to learn how to surf. There are several surf schools located around the city offering both private and group lessons for all levels.

Snorkeling Tours

Visitors can explore some of Oahu’s most beautiful underwater scenery by taking a snorkeling tour. With its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, snorkeling off the coast of Oahu is an experience that can’t be missed. There are several tour companies located around the city offering snorkeling tours for all levels.

Helicopter Tours

For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a helicopter tour over Honolulu and enjoy spectacular views of the city from above. There are several tour companies located around the city offering both private and group tours that provide breathtaking aerial views of iconic landmarks such as Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.

Luau Tours

No trip to Hawaii is complete without experiencing a traditional luau. Visitors can take part in an immersive luau experience by booking a luau tour with one of the many tour companies located around Oahu. These tours typically include dinner, drinks, entertainment and an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Popular Tours in Honolulu

In addition to its top attractions and unique experiences, Honolulu also offers a variety of popular tours that visitors can book while they’re in town. Here are two popular tours that visitors can book while visiting Honolulu:

Historic Pearl Harbor Tour

Take a tour through historic Pearl Harbor and explore some of its most iconic landmarks such as the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri battleship and Pacific Aviation Museum. This tour also includes stops at Punchbowl National Cemetery and other local attractions such as Iolani Palace. Visitors can book this tour here.

Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

Explore Oahu’s ocean waters on an exciting dolphin & whale watching tour! This tour offers guests an up-close look at some of Hawaii’s most majestic creatures including dolphins, whales, sea turtles and more. Visitors can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Honolulu offers something for everyone with its abundance of attractions and activities. From its iconic landmarks such as Diamond Head State Monument to its world-famous beaches like Waikiki Beach, there is truly something for everyone in this vibrant island city. Whether you’re looking for unique experiences such as surf lessons or popular tours such as historic Pearl Harbor tours or dolphin & whale watching tours, Honolulu has something for everyone!