Things to Do in Oahu

Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Oahu

Chinaman's Hat

The islet of Mokolii, or Chinaman’s Hat, is a rugged little outpost that’s home to wedge-tailed shearwaters and occasionally explored by adventurous visitors.

Its unusual shape makes it a popular landmark to spot from panoramic viewpoints such as Kualoa Point. The fish-filled coral reefs surrounding the island are home to sharks, adding to the island’s mystery and James Bond quality.

When the tide is out you could even walk here, but it’s best to visit by kayak or boat. When you get here, you can explore sea caves or have two golden beaches all to yourself.

A 20-minute climb winds to the top of the island for great views looking back to Oahu’s Windward coast.

The conical island lies less than half a mile off the east coast of Oahu, within swimming distance of Kualoa Park on Kaneohe Bay.

To get here by car, follow the Kamehameha Highwy, 45 minutes from Honolulu.

Mokolii, Kaneohe 96755, USA

Free

From $ 48

Honolulu Hale

The Honolulu Municipal Building doesn’t have quite the ring of Honolulu Hale—though they are one and the same. The Hale, which means house in Hawaiian, is home Oahu’s city hall— government offices including the chambers of the Mayor and the Honolulu City Council. The Spanish Colonial Revival building—a popular style in Honolulu in the 1920s—was completed in 1928, and, in addition to being interesting architecturally, hosts regular city and public functions including the popular annual Honolulu City Lights. Each December since the mid 1980s, a giant 21-foot “Shaka Santa” (that is, Santa flashing his one-handed shaka sign) and Tutu Mele (Mrs. Claus) adorn the building’s fountain pool accompanied by a flurry of colored light displays and lawn ornaments. The public is welcomed inside the building to walk amongst ornately-decorated and -themed Christmas trees, which are judged for their creativity; original artwork from area school children lines the walls. The building is a place of community pride—occasionally lit with commemorative colors (pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; red, white and blue for Independence Day) and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Practical Info

This is a functioning government building, so you are able to visit during normal government business hours (8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday) and note its interesting features, including the interior Peace Garden and and ornate staircase and speaker’s balcony. Not to be confused with Aliiolani Hale across the street, which houses the State Supreme Court and boasts the famous golden King Kamehameha Statue on its lawn, Honolulu Hale is located on the corner of S. King and Punchbowl Streets at 530 S. King Street.

530 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA

Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

From $ 51

Diamond Head

Arguably Hawaii's most well-known sight, Diamond Head Crater is more than just a famous Waikiki backdrop but also an entire attraction unto itself, featuring one of Oahu's best hikes for a panoramic view. From atop the 760-foot (231-meter) summit, visitors can gaze out from Koko Head Crater to the Honolulu skyline and down on Waikiki Beach, where surfers, paddlers, sailboats, and canoes all splash through the tropical waters.

The Basics
The Diamond Head trail is 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) round-trip, gaining over 550 feet (168 meters) from the trailhead to the summit and affording amazing views of the island and the Pacific Ocean. Unless you're trying to be the first one up to the Diamond Head summit in the morning, enjoy the hike at a steady pace and take in the views on the way—travelers usually allot one to two hours for the Diamond Head crater hike. This crater adventure is often included on Oahu city tours or circle island tours that take in a number of Hawaiian landmarks and historic sites such as Manoa Falls, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore. Consider taking a guided Diamond Head tour to learn the history and local stories surrounding the popular crater.

Things to Know Before You Go

An admission fee of $5 per car or $1 per pedestrian is required.
Hiking up Diamond Head involves numerous steep stairs and isn’t accessible for travelers in wheelchairs. The trail also includes a 225-foot (68-meter) tunnel that is well lit but can feel a bit tight.
Restrooms and water are located at the trailhead, but there are no facilities on the trail.
Be sure to wear proper walking shoes.
On tours of the crater with a tour guide, hotel transport is often included and reduces the need to find parking.

How to Get There
The best way to reach Diamond Head Crater hiking trail is by foot, bike, guided tour, car, or the local bus. There is limited parking if you choose to drive; many travelers opt to take The Bus to the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop.

When to Get There
Diamond Head State Monument opens at 6am and closes at 6pm daily, with last entry at 4:30pm. Considering over 2,000 people hike up the famous volcanic crater each day, you'll never have the trail completely to yourself, unless you start your day with a race to the top. Though crowds are heavy almost every day, Tuesdays tend to be especially heavy since one of Oahu's most popular sights—Hanauma Bay—is closed. The best time to beat the heat is early in the morning, and there's usually a line in front of the gate for the 6am opening. Diamond Head tours also arrive pretty early, so hiking late in the day may sometimes help you beat the crowds. If you plan to hike up Diamond Head in winter, keep an eye out for humpback whales that leap from the waters offshore.

Diamond Head History
In Hawaiian, the mountain is known as ‘Leahi’—the name Diamond Head comes from British sailors who found calcite crystals embedded in the mountain and falsely claimed they were diamonds.

Diamond Head Road, Waikiki 96816, USA

From $ 37

Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu

The Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu was the first in the chain to open in Hawaii, in the summer of 1987. The restaurant moved to its present location in 2000.

The current setting for the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu is right in the middle of Waikiki, within easy walking distance of many of the area's hotels and resorts, as well as other shops, restaurants, the Hawaii Convention Center, and the beach.

The Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu, like all the Hard Rock Cafes, has a casual restaurant with a menu full of American favorites, a lively full bar, and a shop where you can buy all kinds of Hard Rock Cafe merchandise.

Practical Info

The Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu is on the Beachwalk in Waikiki. The restaurant is open Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am; the bar is open Sun-Thurs 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am-1am; and the Rock Shop store is open Sun-Thurs 7am-12am, Fri-Sat 7am-1am.

280 Beach Walk, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA

Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am

From $ 25

Iolani Palace

Much more than just a popular Honolulu visitor attraction, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace to exist within the United States of America. Constructed in 1882, this ornate palace served as the political centerpiece for the Kingdom of Hawaii, and monarchs such as King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani ruled the kingdom from its luxurious halls.

During the time it was constructed, Iolani Palace was considered to be one of the most modern buildings in the world and even boasted electricity and telephones prior to the White House in Washington D.C. The palace also featured indoor plumbing, and large galas were thrown to welcome visiting dignitaries to the modern and sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii. Since King Kalakaua was the world’s first monarch to circumnavigate the globe, the palace was also adorned with decorations and memorabilia acquired during his travels around the world.

In the overthrow of 1893, however, possession of the palace was transferred to Sanford Dole and a group of Western businessmen who formed the Republic of Hawaii. During this time, Queen Liliuokalani was sentenced to house arrest in an upstairs bedroom of the palace, and despite the fact that she firmly believed the United States would grant power back to the monarchy, the start of the Spanish-American war resulted in Hawaii being acquired as a territory, and the palace (and the Kingdom), has remained in American hands ever since.

Iolani Palace today is an enduring symbol of the Hawaiian monarchy and the greatest physical representation of the overthrown Kingdom. The palace is now a popular visitor attraction which is open from Monday through Saturday, and hour-long tours are offered which detail the history of the royal palace.

364 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA

Mon–Sat 9am–4pm

Guided Tour: Adult $21.75, Child $6. Self guided tour: $14.75, Child $6.

From $ 25

Honolulu Harbor

Historic Honolulu Harbor, the state’s original hub for commerce and immigration, stretches from Honolulu’s downtown business district in the east to Ke’ehi Lagoon in the west. A center of activity even prior to European contact, the harbor today—a series of dredged channels and basins encircling the less-than-a-square-mile Sand Island—is picturesque in parts and downright commercial in others. Despite a massive molasses spill that occurred here in Sept. 2013, there are those who say the harbor is among the cleanest commercial ports in the nation. To see for yourself, head down to Pier 7 where modern cruise ships still occasionally dock (if you didn’t arrive by boat, look for the giant wooden Falls of Clyde sailing ship fronting the now-shuttered Hawaii Maritime Center). There, just along the concrete harbor wall, is a veritable open-air aquarium: coral, tropical reef fish and the occasional reef shark can be seen making a living just steps from downtown skyscrapers.

Among the best places to watch the big cargo ships that supply the city with cars, groceries, goods and commodities are from the harbor-facing restaurants in the Aloha Tower Marketplace

Complex, or from the bars and restaurants located directly on Sand Island. During the 1800s, the harbor was the main point of entry into the state for visitors and immigrants, while Sand Island was used as a quarantine checkpoint for sick passengers. Also worth a visit are Piers 36-38, home to the Honolulu Fish Action—the largest tuna auction in the United States—several

notable seafood restaurants and moorings for the state’s largest commercial fishing fleet.

Practical Info

Visit the harbor in three publicly-accessible spots: Aloha Market Place fronting Pier 7 (1 Aloha Tower Drive), on Sand Island, or Piers 36-38 (the fishing piers). All are located along Nimitz

Highway. The Aloha Tower Center has its own (paid) parking; some center restaurants validate. To visit the harbor by public transit (TheBus $2.50 one-way), take routes 55, 56, 57 and 57a to

Aloha Tower, or, routes 19 & 20 to reach the Sand Island Access Road and the fishing pier from Waikiki Beach.

USA

From $ 62

Kahana Bay Beach Park

Pre-contact Hawaiians didn’t believe in land ownership, but they did divide the Islands into sectional slivers called ahupua’a. Running from the mountains to the sea, ahupuaa had enough land and water resources to support a whole community, and the 5,300 acre Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park is one of the few statewide divisions that remains intact and managed as a whole. Surrounded on three sides by the verdant Koolau Mountains, and fronting Kahana Bay, the scenic park includes a dusty neighborhood of mostly ethnic Hawaiian residents, two popular jungle hiking trails —Kapa’ele’ele and the Nakoa Loop—leading back into a deep valley, the remnants of an ancient fishpond and a beach park with year-round camping.

Most visitors, drawn by its forested seaside park and calm tropical waters, stop by the here to snap photos enroute to the North Shore. The bay is very shallow and can be murky thanks to the nearby infusion of Kahana Stream, so swimming is not recommended. Instead, the best parts of this park are both scenic and cultural: Visit the rocky, circular remains of the ancient Huila Fishpond on the eastern side of the bay, or head into the park to speak with residents. The 31 families that live here share responsibilities and assist with interpretive programming. The volunteer-staffed orientation center will help guide you toward the hiking trailheads that navigate Kahana Valley, former site of kalo loi (taro terraces), au’wai (channeled irrigation streams), heiau (temples) and later, during WWII, jungle warfare training.

Practical Info

The orientation center with trail-maps, information and restrooms is visible a short drive into the park, but before the neighborhood houses. Makai (seaside) facilities include include picnic tables, restrooms and showers, but, note there are no lifeguards at Kahana Bay. 10 beach campsites are available by advance permitting only ($18 per campsite of up to six per night for non-residents; permits available via camping.ehawaii.gov).

52-222 Kamehameha Highway, Hauula, Oahu 96717, USA

From $ 79

Haleiwa

Set on Oahu’s famous north shore just minutes from world-class surf, funky Haleiwa is the Hawaiian antithesis of urban Honolulu. Gone are the brand-name glamorous stores of Ala Moana Mall, and enter the small, locally-owned boutiques with tanned and beautiful staff. Surfboards poke from the back of trucks that cruise the two lane roads, and boardshorts, bikinis, and rubber slippers are the de facto outfit of choice. Haleiwa, however, has two different moods—and they change with the time of year. In spring, summer, and early fall, Haleiwa is a sunny, laidback beach town where where you can start the day with a shark diving tour and finish with a barbecue at the beach. The waves are flat, the skies are blue, and you’re fare more likely to pack a snorkel than a surfboard or boogie board to the beach.

In winter, however, the entire surf world descends on Haleiwa and the buzz in the air is electric. Parking spots can be harder find, and the streets are a bit more crowded, but the chance to watch the world’s best surfers is worth the added crowds. For a short time, maybe 8 eight weeks at most, Haleiwa becomes the place to be—even more than Honolulu. Growth of the town itself, thankfully, is still relatively slow, and whether it’s ordering shave ice on a sunny day or watching the waves from shore, Haleiwa is a town that remains exactly the way that everyone likes it.

Practical Info

Haleiwa is located approximately an hour from central Waikiki. By following the road up the leeward coast, past Kailua, Laie, and Kahuku, Haleiwa is approximately 90 minutes if you drive directly without stopping. Waves are largest from November-March, with December and January being the peak months for surfing, contests, and crowds.

Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA 96712, USA

From $ 85

Ala Moana Center

Just across the street from the tropical Pacific Ocean in downtown Honolulu, the four-story Ala Moana Center (often just called Ala Moana) is currently the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall. With 2.4 million square feet of retail space alone (that’s as much as 42 football fields!), the sprawling property boasts 340 shops and 80 restaurants including national and international name brands chains (Burberry, Cartier, Apple, Gap, Macy’s, Starbucks, California Pizza Kitchen and Barnes & Noble) as well as Hawaii-only outlets (Happy Wahine Boutique, Big Island Candies, Kahala Sportswear, Martin & MacArthur, Honolulu Coffee Co. and Sand People). Free live entertainment—from singing competitions to hula performances and fashion shows—often take place in its central corridor stage. Always bustling, Ala Moana Center is the place to see and be seen for residents and visitors alike.

The revamped Shirokiya Japan Village walk, the last stronghold of an otherwise extinct Japanese department store, is perhaps the mall’s most unique-to-Hawaii offering. The space was revamped in 2016 and boasts 32 different Japanese food vendors, shopping, artwork and a spirit garden all fashioned to look like the thoroughfares of a traditional monzen-machi village.

Practical Info

Ala Moana is located at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu. It is open from 9:30am-9pm. Monday through Saturday and from 10am-7pm on Sundays, though some individual shops may keep different hours.

The property is a regular stop on several TheBus lines from Waikiki (8, 19, 20, 23, 24, 42), the North Shore (55) and the airport (19 or 20). It is also possible to take a long walk (1.5 miles) or a short-range trolley from Waikiki hotels.

1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, USA

9:30am-9pm. Monday through Saturday and from 10am-7pm on Sundays, though some individual shops may keep different hours.

From $ 80

Aloha Tower Marketplace

Looming large over Honolulu Harbor, the Aloha Tower complex features several buildings including a 10 story clock tower, the (now closed) Hawaii Maritime Center and several dining establishments overlooking the large wooden and permanently-stationed Falls of Clyde sailing ship. The tower, built in 1926, housed a lighthouse and its clock was one of the largest in the United States at the time. It was first structure most immigrants and visitors to Hawaii saw when their boats docked here prior to the popularization of air travel. Today, cruise ships still pull into the nook alongside the building, and, regardless of whether you arrived on one, you can take a free elevator ride to the top of the tower and lookout over downtown, Waikiki and out across the ocean. While there’s little action at the marketplace today aside from a Hooters and a Gordon Biersch restaurant, Hawaii Pacific University has plans to revitalize the area in the coming years, converting the now largely-abandoned center into meeting space, shopping, dining and even residences.

Practical Info

The Aloha Tower building is located off Ala Moana Boulevard at 1 Aloha Tower Drive in downtown Honolulu. There is a large parking lot fronting the building that has hourly and daily rates. The tower is open from approximately 9:30 a.m. until around 5 p.m.

1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA

Open daily 9:30am-5pm

From $ 25

Honolulu Zoo

The shriek of the Honolulu Zoo’s population of endangered white-handed gibbons is a familiar morning sound to Waikiki’s regular surfing contingent; the zoo is just across the street from some of the most popular beginner surf breaks toward the far end of Waikiki near Diamond Head crater. In addition to the monkeys, the sprawling 42-acre open-air zoo is home to more than 900 tropical animals including elephants, black rhino, giraffe, Sumatran tiger, aardvark, meerkat, orangutan, birds, reptiles and more. The zoo also houses animals only found in Hawaii, including the state bird, the nēnē, as well as a number of endemic plants in and around the enclosures.

Practical Info

The zoo’s entrance is just off a large parking lot on the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Waikiki’s main oceanfront drag, Kalakaua Avenue. There is a $1/hour cash-only charge for on-site parking. Several TheBus routes as well as the popular Waikiki hop on/hop off trolley also pass near the zoo.

The Honolulu Zoo is open daily (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. til 4:30. p.m. General admission tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for children with discounts for Hawaii residents and military with ID. Allot at least an hour and a half to explore the zoo.

151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA

Open daily 9am-4:30pm

Adults: $14; Children: $6

From $ 25

Dole Plantation

What started out as a Wahiawa fruit stand in the middle of the pineapple fields in 1950 is now an extremely popular Hawaiian attraction. The sprawling Dole Plantation in central Oahu is a rural throwback to a time when the pineapple helped rule Oahu’s economy. Visitors can sample the sweet yellow fruit, ride on the famous Pineapple Express train and motor out through the fields, take a walk through a huge garden maze, learn how to find fresh pineapple when grocery shopping, and hear how pineapples are grown on plants—and not underground or on trees.

The Basics

Allowing travelers to learn how agriculture helped influence the rise of modern Oahu, the plantation is a popular stop on small-group and private circle island tours departing from Waikiki. The site is often paired with other Oahu sightseeing activities including snorkeling and sites such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor or Hanauma Bay.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Dole Plantation is a must-see for families with kids and Hawaiian history buffs.
Expect to spend one to two hours at the plantation, depending on which activities you’d like to take part in. (Each activity requires a separate fee.)
The plantation is a common stop on North Shore tours.
The Dole Plantation is wheelchair accessible.
There is both a gift shop and an on-site restaurant, the Plantation Grille.

How To Get There

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is located outside of Wahiawa on the road to the island of Oahu’s North Shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport and 45 minutes from Waikiki by road. Buses run from Waikiki to the Ala Moana shopping center to connect with the Circle Island service; it’s a 1-hour and 45-minute trip.

When To Get There

The Dole Plantation is open 9:30am to 5:30pm daily. The site is busiest in summer and around the winter holidays, and crowds are smallest from September to December. To beat the late afternoon crowds, consider planning a mid-morning visit.

Get Lost in the World’s Largest Maze

When Pineapple King James Dole first moved to Hawaii in 1899, he probably never thought his plantation would house the world’s largest maze. Constructed from over 14,000 plants, the site’s garden maze covers three acres (1.2 hectares) and has navigational plaques that help you eventually find your way to the exit.

64–1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa 96786, USA

Open daily 9:30am - 5:30pm

$7 - $22 per adult

From $ 98

Hanauma Bay

Circular Hanauma Bay is a particularly attractive, sheltered inlet of turquoise water, carved from a submerged volcanic crater east of Diamond Head.

The sandy beach park is popular with families, with its calm waters, lifeguards, and gentle diving and snorkeling. Picnic tables overlook the bay, and you can rent diving equipment.

The area is a Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, and when you visit there’s a short film to watch about the marine life before you head down to the beach.

While diving you should spot green turtles, parrotfish and coral.

Practical Info

Buses run here from Waikiki, around 10 miles (16 km) east of Waikiki, just off the Kalanianaole Highway. A shuttle runs from the car park entrance down to the beach.

7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Hanauma 96801, USA

Open 6:00am-7:00pm in the Summer, Open 6:00am-6:00pm in the Winter, Always Closed Tuesdays

$7.50 per person, $1.00 per car

From $ 25

Halona Blowhole

Once visitors are aware that hālona means “lookout” in Hawaiian, it becomes quite clear what the Halona Blowhole is about: views, Pacific Ocean and blowhole! The Halona Blowhole is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on O’ahu Island; the more than 1,000-year-old geyser-like rock formation is characterized by a hole which propels incoming surf in a narrow, molten lava tube, shooting sea spray high into the air as a result - sometimes up to 30 feet. This is mostly a summery phenomenon but wintertime also has a big ticket item drawing visitors: humpback whales. The lookout point offers unobstructed views of the O’ahu shoreline as well as glimpses of Lanai and Moloka'I Islands on clear days.

The coast is home to a special type of coral that requires very little light to live, the Sinularia Leather Coral, where it is possible to find various species like echinoderms, slugs, corals, and eels. And although the marine life is quite plentiful and fascinating, divers should proceed with caution because of the strong and sometimes erratic currents, including the colloquially named Moloka'i Express, which can drag divers out to sea without warning. Visitors should know that below the hālona is one of the most dangerous ocean currents in the world, and should always proceed with care.

Practical Info

Halona Blowhole is located on the southeastern tip of O’ahu Island, roughly 14 miles from Honolulu. It can be reached by car via routes H1 and 72. It is also possible to get there by bus but the journey is quite lengthy and complex.

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

From $ 25

Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Named after Hawaii’s legendary surfer and the official “Ambassador of Aloha,” this Waikiki Beach was voted “Best Beach in America” in the 2014 rankings. Dozens of palm trees spring from the sand to provide natural shade from the sun, and young children love splashing and lounging in the protected saltwater lagoon. The ocean here isn’t nearly as busy as at the main Waikiki Beach, and since the offshore reef manages to break up the waves, inflatable rafts meant for lounging in the sun replace surfboards, SUP boards, and canoes.

When standing on the wide, white sand beach, iconic Diamond Head looms to the left on the far side of Waikiki. To the right, the Ala Wai Boat Harbor houses mariners from all across the Pacific, and the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort lines the entire shoreline. The beach—as you can imagine—is very popular, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and stake out a good patch of sand. Once here, exhale deeply, slather on sunscreen, and peacefully float in the saltwater lagoon. You should also probably cancel the rest of your plans—since there’s a good chance you won’t want to leave.

Practical Info

Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the westernmost beach in Waikiki and is separate from the main Waikiki Beach, often referred to as “Canoes.” Even though the Hilton fronts the entire beach, there are a couple of public access points from Kalia Road and Pahoa Place. Parking in Waikiki can be tough, however, so visitors staying in Waikiki are better off visiting on foot. Every Friday night at 7:45pm there is a free fireworks show, and the beach shouldn’t be confused with the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, which is at nearby Kuhio Beach.

Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, USA

From $ 178

Bishop Museum

For the lowdown on Polynesian lore, legend, history and anthropology, drop into the Bishop Museum. Far from dry, displays range from woven hats, sculptures and scientific exhibits to planetarium shows and historical artifacts.

Take a welcome tour, view the plants of the Pacific, watch a lava-melting demonstration or hear island oral history. There’s also a calendar of events, activities and exhibitions to entertain the kids, from circus acts to hula shows.

Practical Info

The Bishop Museum is about 7 miles (11 km) north of downtown Waikiki, a 25-minute drive via the I-H1 highway. Buses run from Waikiki to Kapalama Street, around the corner from the museum.

1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu 96817, USA

Wednesday-Monday, closed Christmas Day

From $ 25

Honolulu

Honolulu is so much more than just the sunny resort area of Waikiki, where white sands stretch all the way to iconic Diamond Head. The capital city is Hawaii’s commercial and urban heart, with first-class museums, shopping, dining, clubs, and bars. And every year millions of visitors from around the globe find aloha in Honolulu, where surfboards, sunsets, swimming, and taking it slow are simply a way of life.

The Basics

Aside from Honolulu’s iconic Waikiki Beach, walking, driving, and even Segway city sightseeing tours feature downtown Honolulu attractions like Iolani Palace, bustling Chinatown (one of the country’s oldest), early mission houses, churches, and the Bishop Museum, which is filled with historical and cultural artifacts. Many visitors venture above and beyond the city limits on helicopter tours to take in the island’s unique and verdant volcanic topography, on land-based Oahu tours that circle the island, and on water and boat tours that cruise the Pacific. Honolulu is the perfect jumping-off point for other Oahu sights including Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor (home to the USS Arizona and USS Missouri memorials, as well as the Pacific Aviation Museum), the Dole Plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the North Shore surf town of Haleiwa, laid-back Kailua, Sea Life Park, Pali Lookout, and the protected snorkeling reefs at Hanauma Bay.

Things to Know Before You Go

Every Friday night, hotels in Waikiki set off a not-to-miss fireworks spectacular.
Both Diamond Head and Koko Head Crater offer challenging but easy-to-reach hikes with stunning city, island, and sea views.
The Waikiki trolley is a convenient way to get around the area.

How to Get There

Regular daily flights arrive at Honolulu International Airport from destinations across Hawaii, the mainland US, and the globe. From points on Oahu, a rental car and the public TheBus are your best bets for getting to Honolulu.

When to Get There

Honolulu enjoys year-round balmy weather, so many visitors make the trip in winter (November through March). Hawaii’s peak tourism times tend to coincide with breaks in the US academic calendar—summer, spring break, and the Christmas/New Year holidays. To get the best rates, dodge the crowds, and still enjoy some warm sun in the winter, plan a vacation for February, a particularly affordable time to travel to Honolulu.

Popular Honolulu Events

The Honolulu Festival, celebrating the unique cultural blend of the city and neighboring countries in the Pacific Rim, is held over three days each March with parades, musical entertainment, and craft fairs. A unique and Buddhist twist on Memorial Day (observed on the last Monday of May) is also a sight to see—thousands of paper lanterns are set afloat at Ala Moana Beach Park. Kamehameha Day (June 11) sees copious amounts of floral lei draped on statues throughout the city, but perhaps the city’s most unusual festival is April’s Waikiki Spam Jam, where kitschy costumes and roadside grills honor Hawaii’s favorite meat since World War II.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, USA

From $ 36

Ala Moana Beach Park

With 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of public beach situated right between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park is a local favorite and top destination for Oahu visitors. There are paths for walking, calm water for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, gentle waves for surfing, and plenty of soft, golden sand for sunbathing.

The Basics

Ala Moana Beach Park’s calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming and wading, making this a particularly kid-friendly spot. There are surfing and stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons available, though many beachgoers just choose to relax on a beach towel or watch the vivid sunset from shore. Picnic tables for self-catering are located near the beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ala Moana Beach Park is ideal for beachgoers of all ages.
There are lifeguards on duty, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables available.
Don’t forget your towel, sunscreen, and drinking water.

How to Get There

Conveniently located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is easily reached on foot, by bus, or by car. There is a large, free parking lot fronting the beach, but spots fill up by afternoon, especially on weekends.

When to Get There

Ala Moana Beach Park is open year-round during daylight hours. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so arrive early to snag a good spot on the sand. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.

Magic Island

Just next to Ala Moana Beach Park is a man-made peninsula officially named Aina Moana but known locally as Magic Island. Originally built in 1964 to house a resort that never materialized, today Magic Island is a public park and a favorite spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the view—in fact, many claim that Aina Moana is the island’s top sunset watching spot. There is a small beach with a lagoon for swimming, but the water can be rough and not as calm as Ala Moana Beach Park.

1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, USA

From $ 75

Hawaii State Capitol

Hawaii’s Capitol building doesn’t have the grand golden domes of capitols in other U.S. states, instead its exterior is blocky and reminiscent of the 1960s postmodern era in which it was built. But, like other capitols, its features are rife with symbolism. Inside, the central courtyard opens to the sky via narrowing layers set to mimic the interior of the volcano; the two Legislative chambers also feature unique sloped walls to achieve a similar effect. The eight supporting pillars on the front and back of the building narrow toward the top to evoke the trunks of royal palm trees, there is one for each of the main Hawaiian Islands. A raised moat reflecting pool surrounds the building and is said to symbolize the Pacific surrounding the Islands. Visitors can wander through the courtyard and grounds, which has an appropriately blocky statue of Father Damien—a sainted priest who treated Hansen’s disease patients on a remote Molokai peninsula in the late 1800s before succumbing to the disease himself—an exact duplicate represents the state in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.

Practical Info

The Hawaii Capitol Building is located at 415 S. Beretania Street in downtown Honolulu. Public tours are available by appointment on weekdays only. The building is open between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and a self-guided tour brochure is available from the fourth floor; follow the signs.

415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA

Open Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm

From $ 25

Banzai Pipeline

The Banzai Pipeline, one of the most famous surf breaks along Oahu’s Seven Mile Miracle, is known by wave riders the world over. This is no beginners’ break: Pipeline has earned its reputation as one of the most intense on the planet. The danger here is the same thing forms its ridable tubes—an abrupt and shallow coral shelf that causes the water mounds to topple quickly and very close to the shoreline. Experts try their luck when Pipeline pounds between October and April with waves heights averaging 15 feet.

As one might imagine, with surf crashing close to shore, Pipeline is a sight to behold even for landlubbers. Gawkers come out in droves to see the spectacular sunsets over the tropical waves, but especially to see the pros shred it. The Billabong Pipe Masters’ challenge—the final competition in the World Surf League’s competitive season and culminating event of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing—selects its winner here each December.

In the summer months, it can be hard to recognize The Pipe. The ocean pulls a 180, the wind and the waves die down and the waters off Banzai Beach become a popular snorkeling spot.

Practical Info

In typical North Shore low-key style, no signs blare “Pipeline this way.” If you weren’t looking for this world famous spot, you might miss it! The break is located off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea, and most easily found by spotting Sunset Beach Elementary across the street. If you have a GPS, set it for the Beach Park at 59-337 Ke Nui Road. A small parking area fits maybe 20 cars, and when the waves are good it’s almost always full. Your best bet will likely be to park on the left side of Kamehameha Highway and walk back. Note even in the summer waves and currents can be finicky: If you plan to snorkel, check with lifeguard (daily 9 a.m. til 5:30 p.m.) to make sure it’s safe to proceed.

Ehukai Beach Park, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii, USA 96712, USA

From $ 68