As the crowning jewel of the Isle of Oahu, Honolulu is the perfect getaway destination. Perched in the Pacific Ocean, in the Polynesian paradise state of Hawaii, Honolulu is filled with crystal clear waters, tropical sunsets and of course, Aloha.
Commonly used as a form of greeting, this Hawaiian word also captures the essence of love and affection for family and friends, and in this capital city you can really feel it in the local atmosphere.
Honolulu boasts an incredibly rich history, with many claims to fame. The only city in the USA that’s home to a royal palace, as well as being the birthplace of former US president Barack Obama, it is awash with proud Hawaiian traditions, and celebrating the island’s rich diversity is the order of the day.
Here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Honolulu, to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Waikiki Beach
This world-famous stretch of sand boasts a deserved reputation as one of the globe’s top beaches. Here you can splash in the azure ocean, surf the incredible waves and party all night long. By far the busiest beach on the island, Waikiki certainly has a buzz about it. It’s easy to see why so many locals and visitors alike flock to the sands each day to soak up the sun.
With paddle boarding, surfing, volleyball, parasailing and tennis courts all within close reach, there’s always something to get involved with. Unwind with a cocktail or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants which line the shores – the fish tacos at Duke’s beach bar are legendary.
Hanauma Bay
For a more peaceful afternoon by the shore, Hawaii has a number of pristine bays and beaches that are less populated than Waikiki.
Hanauma Bay on Oahu is particularly unique, thanks to its bright white sands and shallow waters which attract an amazing array of tropical fish, making it a great place for snorkelling.
The area became a Marine Life Conservation Area in 1967 and visitors are encouraged to watch an educational conservation video before entering the park, to learn about the preservation and safety rules, including all of the reasons why touching the animals and corals is prohibited.
Snorkelling here feels like a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you can expect to be overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of colours. Look out for green sea turtles, iridescent parrotfish and red and green Hawaiian Wrasses, which are often found in these waters.
The bay is closed to visitors every Tuesday to give the fish one day of undisturbed rest, with night time snorkelling also prohibited.
Honolulu Museum of Art & Shangri La
From natural beauty to human-made splendour, Honolulu’s beautiful beaches are almost trumped by its flourishing art scene.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is situated downtown in the city, and features more than 60,000 unique pieces. Home to one of the most diverse collections of Asian works, here you’ll find unique pieces from Filipino and Japanese visionaries, as well as European artists. Of course, you can also enjoy stunning paintings and sketches that celebrate Hawaii too – with an array of magnificent creations inspired by the islands’ culture, people and landscape over the centuries.
There’s even the opportunity to join a party at the monthly Art After Dark event, offering visitors an alternative way to experience the museum.
For a similarly memorable artistic adventure, the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design houses some incredible treasures. Located in the former home of American heiress Doris Duke, book a tour of the Shangri La through the Honolulu Museum of Art to discover intricate Indian jewellery, ceramic pots, and silk carpets from Morocco, Syria, Iran, Southeast Asia and more.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor’s tropical bay and dramatic history makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re an American history enthusiast or not, there’s so much to see and discover here, with plenty of opportunities to learn about what happened during World War Two.
Board a vintage submarine, take a flight lesson in a Cirruss SR22, or visit the USS Arizona memorial and learn about what happened on the 7th of December 1941, when the U.S naval base at Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese military. The self-guided, narrated tour gives you digital access to the Pearl Harbor archives, for an unforgettable immersion into the fascinating history of the area.
The Diamond Head State Monument
Perhaps the most famous geographical landmark in all of Hawaii, Diamond Head is a huge volcanic crater, positioned on the eastern side of the Waikiki coast.
Formed around 300,000 years ago, you can follow the trail all the way to the summit where you can admire panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
Completing the hike takes around two hours in total, so it’s a good idea to set off well before the park closes at 6pm to give yourself enough time to get around. Be sure to pack plenty of supplies to keep hydrated too. The spectacular sights from the top are more than worth the effort of getting there, however.
Dine like a local
With so many local delicacies to discover, Honolulu offers an unforgettable taste sensation.
The city’s enviable location means that its cuisine is heavily influenced by many different regions of the world, taking inspiration from America, the Philippines, China and Japan. This blend of Asian influences, traditional Hawaiian favourites and western classics is exquisite, with many world-famous chefs embracing the islands’ love affair with food.
The Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement was established in 1991 by 12 chefs, including Alan Wong and Gary Strehl, who were determined to use fresh island produce to create signature dishes.
Featuring everything from high-end eateries and beach-side bars to street food trucks, the city offers ample opportunity to explore the many facets of the Honolulu food scene. A plate lunch is the local staple, made up of rice and meat which can be anything from kalua pork to chicken katsu. By the beaches, tuck into fresh shrimp plates and sumptuous seafood. On hot days, meanwhile, trying the shaven ice cones to cool off is a must.
Collect your rental car from one of our convenient pick-up points to get on the road as quickly as possible, exploring the best things to do in Honolulu and all across this gorgeous, paradise landscape.