Activities

Activities

Discovering Honolulu

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and diverse outdoor activities, Honolulu offers an array of experiences that cater to every interest and fitness level. This guide highlights the top 10 activities to enjoy in Honolulu, providing detailed descriptions, practical information, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Honolulu enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it an ideal destination at any time. However, the best time to visit is from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner.

Getting There

Honolulu is serviced by Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). From the city center, you can easily reach most attractions by taxi, rental car, or public transportation. Many attractions also offer parking and are accessible by TheBus, Honolulu’s public bus system.

Waikiki,Tourist,Woman,Walking,In,Honolulu,City,Street,Using,Mobile

The Top 10 Must-Do Activities

Honolulu,,Hawaii,-,December,27,,2022:,Tourists,Hiking,Down,The
1

Hike Diamond Head Crater

Description: A moderate hike up an iconic volcanic crater offering panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

History: Formed over 300,000 years ago, Diamond Head was used as a military lookout in the early 20th century.

Unique Features: The summit provides stunning views of Waikiki and the coastline.

Location: Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid heat and crowds.

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Cost and Booking: $5 per car or $1 per pedestrian. No advance booking required.

Contact: (808) 587-0300

Parking and Amenities: Parking available, restrooms at the trailhead, water fountains.

Advice: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and use sunscreen.

2

Description: Famous for its golden sand and gentle waves, Waikiki Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

History: Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, now a world-renowned beach destination.

Unique Features: Close proximity to dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Location: Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon.

Duration: Flexible, from a couple of hours to a full day.

Cost and Booking: Free access. Surfboard and equipment rentals available.

Contact: N/A

Parking and Amenities: Paid parking, public restrooms, showers, dining options nearby.

Advice: Arrive early to secure a good spot, rent a surfboard to try surfing.

Honolulu,City,Travel,Tourists,Couple,Walking,On,Waikiki,Beach,Boardwalk
Pearl,Harbor,,Honolulu,,Hawaii,-,November,05,,2019:,U.s.s.,Arizona
3

Description: A historic site commemorating the events of December 7, 1941, with exhibits and memorials.

History: The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States entering WWII.

Unique Features: USS Arizona Memorial, museums, and exhibits.

Location: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

Best Time to Visit: Morning.

Duration: 2-3 hours

Cost and Booking: Free tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial available online. Fees for other exhibits and tours.

Contact: (808) 422-3399

Parking and Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, gift shop, food vendors.

Advice: Book tickets in advance, arrive early, and allow time for security checks.

4

Description: A marine embayment formed within a tuff ring and popular for snorkeling and marine life observation.

History: Established as a nature preserve in 1967 to protect marine life.

Unique Features: Crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Location: 7455 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825

Best Time to Visit: Morning.

Duration: 2-4 hours

Cost and Booking: $12.00 per person. Closed on Tuesdays. Reservations required.

Contact: (808) 396-4229

Parking and Amenities: Paid parking, restrooms, showers, snorkel gear rentals.

Advice: Make reservations online, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and respect marine life.

Aerial,View,Of,Famous,Hanauma,Bay,Nature,Preserve,With,Beach
Laie,,Oahu,,Honolulu,,Hawaii,-,April,5th,2022:,Polynesian,Cultural
5

Description: An interactive cultural theme park and living museum showcasing the cultures of Polynesia.

History: Opened in 1963, it promotes cultural preservation and education.

Unique Features: Authentic Polynesian villages, cultural demonstrations, luau dinner, and evening show.

Location: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon to evening.

Duration: 4-6 hours

Cost and Booking: Tickets start at $64.95. Packages available. Advance booking recommended.

Contact: (800) 367-7060

Parking and Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, dining options, gift shops.

Advice: Book a package for the full experience, including dinner and show.

6

Take a Helicopter Tour of Oahu

Description: A thrilling aerial tour providing breathtaking views of Oahu’s landscapes and landmarks.

Unique Features: Aerial perspectives of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and North Shore.

Location: Various tour operators at Honolulu International Airport and nearby locations.

Best Time to Visit: Morning for clearer skies.

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Cost and Booking: Prices start around $200 per person. Advance booking required.

Contact: Check with specific tour operators.

Parking and Amenities: Parking provided by tour operators, restrooms available.

Advice: Book early, wear dark clothing to reduce window reflections.

Honolulu,,Hawaii,-,April,27th,,2018,Blue-hawaiian,Helicopter,Is,Ready
Honolulu,,Hawaii,-,November,15,,2022,Buddha,Statue,Daibutsu,Replica
7

Description: A 14-acre botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of tropical plants and trees.

History: Established in 1853, it’s the oldest botanical garden in Honolulu.

Unique Features: Historic trees, conservatory, butterfly garden.

Location: 180 N Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Cost and Booking: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for residents, $1.00 for children. Tickets available on-site.

Contact: (808) 768-7135

Parking and Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, guided tours.

Advice: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a camera.

8

Enjoy the North Shore’s Banzai Pipeline

Description: World-famous surf break known for its massive waves, especially in winter.

Unique Features: Spectacular surfing competitions, ideal for surfing enthusiasts and spectators.

Location: Ehukai Beach Park, 59-337 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712

Best Time to Visit: Winter months (November to February) for big waves.

Duration: Flexible, depending on interest.

Cost and Booking: Free to watch. Surf lessons and rentals available.

Contact: N/A

Parking and Amenities: Limited parking, restrooms, food trucks nearby.

Advice: Arrive early for parking, bring binoculars for a closer view of surfers.

Big,Ocean,Waves,,Rolling,On,To,The,Famous,Pipeline,Beach
Hawaii,Hula,Luau,Woman,Wearing,Hawaiian,Lei,Flower,Necklace,On
9

Attend a Luau

Description: Traditional Hawaiian feast with entertainment, including hula and fire knife dancing.

Unique Features: Cultural performances, authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

Location: Various locations, including Paradise Cove (92-1089 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707) and Germaine’s Luau (91-119 Olai St, Kapolei, HI 96707).

Best Time to Visit: Evening.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cost and Booking: Prices range from $90-$150 per person. Advance booking required.

Contact: Paradise Cove (800) 775-2683, Germaine’s Luau (808) 949-6626

Parking and Amenities: Free parking, restrooms, gift shops.

Advice: Book in advance, arrive early, and come hungry.

10

Explore the Honolulu Museum of Art

Description: Museum featuring an extensive collection of Asian, European, and Hawaiian art.

History: Founded in 1922, it’s the largest fine arts museum in Hawaii.

Unique Features: Diverse art collections, beautiful courtyards, special exhibitions.

Location: 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings.

Duration: 2-3 hours

Cost and Booking: $20 for adults, $10 for residents, free for children under 18. Tickets available online or on-site.

Contact: (808) 532-8700

Parking and Amenities: Paid parking, restrooms, café, gift shop.

Advice: Check for special exhibits, join a guided tour for deeper insights.

Honolulu,,Hi,-,Aug,6:,The,Honolulu,Museum,Of,Art
Hawaii,Travel,Background.,Hawaiian,Lei,Flower,Necklace,At,Holiday,Resort

Costs and Booking Information

Booking Process

  • Online: Most activities can be booked online through the respective websites or tour operators.
  • On-Site: Some activities offer on-site ticket purchasing, but advance booking is recommended for popular attractions.
  • Travel Agents: Available for package deals and group bookings.

Price Range

  • Low-Cost Activities: $1-$10 (e.g., Diamond Head hike, Foster Botanical Garden)
  • Moderate Cost Activities: $20-$70 (e.g., snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, museum entry)
  • High-Cost Activities: $90-$200+ (e.g., helicopter tours, luaus)

Best Times to Attend

  • Early Morning: For popular attractions like Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach to avoid crowds.
  • Weekdays: Less crowded compared to weekends, especially at museums and botanical gardens.
  • Seasonal Considerations: Winter for big waves on North Shore, year-round for most other activities.

Local Customs and Etiquette

  • Respect: Follow guidelines and respect cultural sites, especially at Pearl Harbor and during luaus.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable, casual attire for most activities, with appropriate clothing for outdoor and cultural activities.

Additional Attractions

  • Beaches: Explore less crowded beaches like Lanikai and Kailua.
  • Hiking Trails: Try Manoa Falls and Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail.
  • Cultural Sites: Visit Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum for deeper historical insights.

Safety and Comfort

Staying Safe

  • Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially for outdoor activities.
  • Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
  • Be Aware: Follow safety instructions and be mindful of your surroundings.

What to Bring

  • Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and sturdy shoes.
  • Extras: Camera, binoculars, and swimwear for beach and water activities.

Final Thoughts

Honolulu offers a rich variety of activities that cater to all interests and fitness levels. From hiking iconic craters and exploring historical sites to enjoying cultural performances and relaxing on world-famous beaches, there’s something for everyone. These top 10 activities provide a comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Honolulu, ensuring a memorable and enriching visit to this beautiful island city. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to discover the wonders of Honolulu!

View,Of,Honolulu,City,,Waikiki,And,Diamond,Head,From,Tantalus