Things to Do in Oahu

Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Oahu

Sandy Beach Park

When U.S. President Barack Obama shared that Sandy’s was his favorite Oahu beach early in his presidency, it went from a popular locals’ beach to just plain popular. This public stretch of white sand just north of the extinct Koko Head Crater is no languid oasis, however; it’s one of Oahu’s best—and most intense—spots for bodyboarding and bodysurfing. A fierce shore break best suited for experienced surfers sometimes wells into powerful barrels that can pummel riders trying to catch a wave.

The spot is often coupled with a visit to the neighboring Halona Blowhole, a lookout point where waves regularly blow spray up through eroded crevices in the lava rock. And when the wind kicks up, it’s not uncommon to see families flying kites on the spacious lawn fronting the sand.

Practical Info

Located on Oahu’s rugged southern-facing shoreline, Sandy Beach Park sits about halfway between the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Makapuu Lookout. The beach is accessible via TheBus routes 22 and 23 between Waikiki and Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, with a physically address of 8800 Kalanianaole Highway. The park has ample parking, freshwater showers, restroom blocks, picnic tables and lifeguards, whose warnings should be heeded when the surf is pounding. Also note that areas of shady refuge are sparse, so a hat and sunblock are recommended accessories.

Oahu, Hawaii, USA, USA

From $ 25

Polynesian Cultural Center

Although never a recognized country, Polynesia was once considered the largest nation on Earth, with the island nations in the Polynesian Triangle all tracing their roots to the same ancestral homeland and connected by language and lore. You can experience many of these cultures at the famous Polynesian Cultural Center, set on the North Shore of Oahu. Explore some of the eight island village exhibitions; discover Maori facial tattoos, experience the “ha,” or breath of life, and how it helps connect all cultures across the Polynesian chain; enjoy a canoe tour; and stay for an evening luau.

The Basics

The Polynesian Cultural Center features distinct exhibition areas covering the islands of Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rapa Nui (Easter island). Book full-day admission tickets for full access to the site, a dinner experience with a luau option, and the thrilling “Ha: Breath of Life” night show, or half-day afternoon tickets for access to one island village, dinner, and the night show. Many travelers also visit as part of a circle island tour of Oahu, which may also stop at other notable sites such as Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, or the Dole Plantation.

Things to Know Before You Go

All major areas are wheelchair accessible, and American Sign Language interpreters are available for most shows. Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented on site for an additional fee.
A number of gift shops and restaurants are set throughout the park, including the main Hukilau Marketplace.
A limited number of foreign language tours are offered starting at $25.
Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and run from $5 to $15.
While cameras are welcome around the site, photos and video are not allowed during the “Ha: Breath of Life” show.

How to Get There

The Polynesian Cultural Center is set in the North Shore town of Laie, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) or one hour from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu by road. Most travelers drive independently or choose a tour that includes round-trip transportation. Free parking is available on site.

When to Get There

The Polynesian Cultural Center is open Monday to Saturday from 11:45am to 9pm. The island villages are open from 12-5:30pm, and canoe rides are available until 6pm. Dining begins at 5:30pm and the evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” runs from 7:30 to 9pm. Because the center offers so many activities, it’s best to plan what you’d like to see and allot your time accordingly.

Visiting as Part of a Circle Island Tour

Because the Polynesian Cultural Center is open in the afternoon, many full-day circle island tours spend the morning visiting sites on Oahu’s east and north shores such as Waimea Bay and the Halona Blowhole before arriving at the center around noon. If you’d like to experience the nighttime events including dinner and the show, choose an extended circle island tour that includes the evening entertainment.

55–370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie 96762, USA

Open Mon - Sat noon - 9pm

Adults: $84 - $219

From $ 65

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm

Located on the east coast of Oahu, 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Honolulu, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts is set in the shadow of the mountains of the Koolau Range and is a stop on many circle-island tours. It’s a great place to enjoy a Hawaiian treat and shop for gifts and souvenirs.

The Basics

Along with macadamia nuts, Tropical Farms sells coffee, chocolates, gift baskets, and other local items. The rustic indoor-outdoor complex is a nice break when you want to stretch your legs on a drive around the island, whether you make the journey yourself or as part of a circle-island tour from Waikiki or Honolulu.

Tastings are typically provided for coffee and different varieties of macadamia nuts, such as cinnamon- or Kona coffee-glazed, and tours are available into the orchards. Cracking the raw nuts is a favorite with kids.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is a parking lot on site.
Circle-island tours that include a stop at the farm typically last from six to 10 hours, as many other stops are also made.
Kamehameha Highway is a 2-lane road on this part of the island, and it’s the only way to get from north to south along the east coast; delays are possible.
Tropical Farms is located about a mile down the road from popular Kualoa Ranch, making it easy to visit both in one day.

How to Get There

Tropical Farms is located on the Kamehameha Highway, one of Oahu’s major roads, which runs along the east coast, across the North Shore, and through the center of the island, making the farm easy to get to by car from Honolulu, Kailua, and the North Shore. By public transit, bus 55 stops near the farm entrance.

When to Get There

The store is open daily (except major holidays), from morning to early evening. To experience smaller crowds, go in the morning before most groups arrive.

Kualoa Ranch

Known for its outdoor adventure opportunities and movie filming locations, neighboring Kualoa Ranch is one of the most visited attractions on Oahu outside of Honolulu. ATV tours, horseback rides, and a zipline course provide ways to admire the green mountain scenery, and the movie tour shows you where blockbusters such as Jurassic Park have been filmed.

49-227 Kamehameha Hwy # A, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA 96744, USA

Varies

From $ 118

Pearl Harbor

Arguably one of the most significant World War II sites on the planet, Hawaii's Pearl Harbor—once a tranquil oyster farming bay—hurtled the United States into World War II combat on the Pacific Ocean. Today, the central Oahu port features several attractions that memorialize the 2,403 lives lost to Japan's devastating bombings of American ships and planes in 1941.

Pearl Harbor Tour Attraction Highlights

Floating solemnly on the harbor, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument serves as testament to the bravery of those who served in the U.S. Navy and includes many well-known spots, while a number of other Pearl Harbor historic sites can be found in the waters of the harbor.

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial (where most of the casualties took place during the attacks); view the rows of white marble columns honoring the dead aboard the USS Oklahoma on Ford Island (accessible via shuttle); and see the long dock within view of the rusty sunken hull of the USS Utah, currently only accessible to those with a valid military ID. Other official sites include the docked and accessible USS Missouri, the last American battleship ever built; the underwater museum housed in the USS Bowfin submarine; and a vast collection of WWII-era planes at Ford Island’s Pacific Aviation Museum. It should be noted that various attractions may have separate admission fees.

How to Visit with Viator

An array of tours help take the hassle out of navigating this huge area, offering everything from simple shuttle service from Waikiki to ticket bundles packaging multiple see-it-yourself sites and guided tours on land and by boat. Whether you want round-trip transfer service from Waikiki or a comprehensive full-day Pearl Harbor tour, it’s possible to customize your experience. Bypass long lines with a skip-the-line pass; combine a Pearl Harbor tour with sightseeing in Honolulu; or take an inter-island tour from the Big Island that includes a panoramic Oahu boat tour to delve into the island’s history.

Insider Tips

To make the most of Pearl Harbor’s multitude of historical and maritime attractions, set aside an entire day to explore the site, and be sure to choose a tour that includes all the areas important to you.
The famous Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7am until 5pm, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

How to Get There

Pearl Harbor is set on Oahu's south coast, about 12 miles (20 km) west of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Most Pearl Harbor tours depart from the aforementioned cities, Maui, and Kauai. For a cost-effective option, take TheBus, which serves many stops between Waikiki hotels and Pearl Harbor. Fares come in at an economical $2.50 each way.

Arizona Memorial Way, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA

Vary

Varies

From $ 10

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Built in 1847, Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of Oahu’s last remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture. The summer retreat of Queen Emma and the Hawaiian royal family from 1857 to 1885 is now a historic landmark and museum showcasing many of Queen Emma’s personal belongings, royal antiques, furnishings, and other objects.

The Basics

Queen Emma inherited the palace, located in the Ko’olau foothills, from her uncle in 1857. The secluded location and elevation made the home a royal retreat from the heat of Honolulu. After Emma’s death the palace slipped into disrepair, and the Daughters of Hawai’i took it over in 1915. After extensive renovations, the palace opened to the public as a museum. It also serves as a cultural institution, offering guided and self-led tours, educational programs, and community events.

Admission to the palace is included with a Go Oahu card.

Things to Know Before You Go

Queen Emma Summer Palace is ideal for those wanting to explore Hawaiian history.
The original palace architecture is not completely wheelchair accessible, but people needing assistance can contact the palace ahead of time for options.
Docent-led tours for groups of more than 10 people should be arranged in advance; check the website for details.

How to Get There

Queen Emma Summer Palace is located in Nu’uanu, right off the Pali Highway and about a 10-minute drive from downtown Honolulu. City buses run from Honolulu and Waikiki regularly and stop near the palace. There is also on-site parking.

When to Get There

Queen Emma Summer Palace is open daily year-round except for major holidays. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in the summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.

The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Queen Emma Summer Palace is a 5-minute drive from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, one of Oahu’s most visited viewpoints and a historic site. In 1795 during the bloody Battle of Nu’uanu, hundreds of Hawaiian warriors were pushed off the cliffs to their deaths. Today visitors to the lookout are treated to panoramic views of Oahu’s windward side and the Ko’olau Mountains.

2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA

Varies

From $ 57

USS Missouri

Step aboard the USS Missouri, a hulking, gray battleship also known as the “Mighty Mo," docked at Ford Island in Oahu's Pearl Harbor. More than 70 years ago, it played an important role in history while anchored in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrender documents that ended World War II were signed on her decks. Permanently docked off the active military base and within sight of many memorials that mark the United States' tragic entry into World War II, the USS Missouri (now known as the Battleship Missouri Memorial) is a reminder of the war's conclusion.

The USS Missouri went on to participate in two more wars, and today the 900-foot decommissioned ship serves as a showcase of what life aboard was like. Visitors can wander the crew's quarters and mess halls, look out from the bridge and touch the 50-caliber deck guns. Exhibits inside the ship's various compartments—restored to look as it did during service—share information and crew artifacts from its various tours of duty. Three regularly running guided tours are included in admission and offer different insights: The main deck tour explores the guns and site of the historic surrender; the below deck tour covers the cabins, berths and mess hall; and the above deck tour offers bird's-eye views from the command and control center, bridge and captain's quarters.

Practical Info

Because the USS Missouri Memorial is located on Ford Island, visitors must take either the designated shuttle (departs Pearl Harbor Visitors Center and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park every 15 minutes during operating hours) or arrive via organized tour. The memorial is open daily from 8am to 4pm, except in June, July and August when it remains open until 5pm. General admission costs $27 for adults and $13 for children ages 4–12. The ticket gives access to three tour options: self-guided, an informational audio tour with 100 stops, or one of the three guided routes mentioned above (35 minutes).

Did You Know? The Mighty Mo was the last battleship ever built, but there were three other USS Missouris prior to this its commissioning in 1944. The fourth, a submarine, is still an active military vessel.

63 Cowpens Street, Ford Island, Oahu, Hawaii 96818, USA

Daily 8am–4pm (June–Aug until 5pm)

$27

From $ 69

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

There are only 15 American submarines that remain from World War II, and the most-heralded of them—the USS Bowfin—now sits in Pearl Harbor, where the war American’s war first started. Known as the “Avenger of Pearl Harbor,” the USS Bowfin was built in Maine and sailed the South Pacific. It set off on its mission exactly one year after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, and 44 different enemy ships would eventually succumb to her guns.

Today, visitors to Pearl Harbor can walk inside the submarine to see the cramped metal quarters, and get an authentic feel for the daily hardships of the boys in the “Silent Service.” In nine tours of duty only one crewmember died from injuries in battle, and when visiting today, you can stand in the chambers where these brave sailors celebrated a successful strike. Once finished with the tour of the ship, learn the fascinating history of submarines in the accompanying Bowfin museum, where exhibits range from a ballistic missile that was once housed on the ship, to a 54-foot, human-guided torpedo known as a Japanese Kaiten.

Practical Info

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is open from 7am-5pm daily, with the exception of Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children—and only $5 and $4, respectively, to visit the museum.

11 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA

Daily 7am-5pm, Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day

Adults $12, Children $5

From $ 15

Shangri La

A guided tour of Shangri La is unlike anything else on Oahu, where the sun and sand of tropical beaches are swapped for the lavish, luxurious world of heiress Doris Duke. Here on the slopes of Diamond Head, Duke designed a soaring mansion of exquisite Islamic design—inspired by her travels in 1935 through much of the Islamic world. Over a span of nearly 60 years, Duke continued her epic travels through Iran, Egypt, and Morocco, and housed the art she’d find on her travels right here at Shangri La. Today the Islamic Art Collection includes over 2,500 pieces from across the Islamic world, and introduces visitors to cultures and styles not normally found in the tropics. On a guided tour of Shangri La, visit inside the historic home that faces out toward the ocean, and hear as docents discuss the details of archways, tile work, sculptures, and fountains that form a sense of Islamic exoticism just minutes from Waikiki. Hear tales from the life of a legendary traveler and “richest girl in the world,” who scoured the world for artistic riches and brought them here to her home.

Practical Info

Guided tours of Shangri La depart from the Honolulu Museum of Art. Tours begin with video presentations, and the entire experience lasts two and a half hours, with a 90-minute tour of the home.

900 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, USA

Tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday at 10:30am, 12pm, and 1:30pm.

$25

From $ 109

Sunset Beach Park

White sand, blue sea, great waves and shady palms. If it sounds too good to be true, it must be Sunset Beach!

This 2-mile (3 km) stretch of sand is targeted by swimmers and snorkelers in the calm of summer, and by the world’s best surfers during December and January, when the wintertime waves are at their lethal best for pro surfer tournaments.

Pack a picnic to enjoy under the palms, go swimming in summer under the watchful eye of the beach lifeguards, and collect shells in tidal pools when the tide’s out.

Sunset Beach is on Oahu’s North Shore. To get here by public transport, reserve a few hours and pick up the Circle Island via North Shore public bus service from Waikiki. You’ll need to have at least five hours spare.

59–104 Kamehameha Highway, Sunset Beach, USA

Free

From $ 79

Sea Life Park Hawaii

Just across from the blue sea, the mostly open-air Sea Life Park highlights some of Hawaii's aquatic residents—sharks, rays, turtles, penguins, seals (even the rare Hawaiian monk seal), and dolphins included.

In addition to regular educational programs and talks with trainers to teach visitors about its animals, admission tickets also include access to a number of animal habitats, such as the Hawaiian Reef Aquarium and the seabird sanctuary, where injured or sick birds are rehabilitated. Guests are also free to visit an open-top tide pool housing urchins, starfish and, occasionally, baby turtles (touching is optional).

After hours, the park hosts the Chief's Luau, a popular traditional Hawaiian feast and dancing show with hula, a 10-minute fire dance, and chances to weave a headband from banana leaves. Performers remove a pig from the traditional underground imu (oven) for the dinner. This experience is offered nightly (except on Tuesday and Saturday) with a cost separate from park admission: $158 for adults, $139 for youth ages 13 to 20, and $125 for children ages 5 to 12.

Although Viator tours do not include sea lion and dolphin encounters and swims, these experiences are available for purchase at Sea Life Park Hawaii for an additional fee (from $69.99).

Practical Info

Sea Life Park Hawaii is located off Highway 72 on the island's southeastern coast. When coming from Honolulu, it's on the left side of the road past Hanauma Bay, the Blow Hole, and Sandy Beach. The site is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm from June through August, and until 4pm the rest of the year. Standard daily entry costs $39.99 for adults and $24.99 for children 12 and under. On-site dining options include Pink's Hot Dogs and the Beachboy Lanai Food Court. A trip to the park is frequently coupled with a stop for snorkeling at nearby Hanauma Bay.

41-202 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795, USA

Daily 9:30am-4pm (June-Aug 9:30am-4:30pm)

Adults $39.99; Children $24.99

From $ 25

USS Oklahoma Memorial

The only land-based memorial at Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the more than 400 servicemen who lost their lives aboard the ship during the flurry of attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Second only in casualties to the USS Arizona on that fateful day, the Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island commemorates each life lost with a tall white marble column, symbolizing a crisp white Navy uniform. Taken together, the low black granite walls etched with stories and towering clean rows of columns symbolize the ship and the crew within standing tall forever.

The memorial’s location, on the still-active military base at Ford Island, is also significant. The USS Oklahoma’s berth was here, just offshore. When the ship was torpedoed, several crew were able to escape by swimming and crawling on the stretch of land the memorial now occupies.

A relatively new Pearl Harbor attraction, the USS Oklahoma Memorial was designated on Dec. 7, 2007.

Practical Info

The Memorial is run by the National Park Service as part of the Valor in the Pacific National Monument. However, it is located across a channel from the park’s popular USS Arizona Memorial and fronting the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island. Because of its location, and the need to board designated vehicles with access to the base, visits to the free USS Oklahoma Memorial are often combined with the separately ticketed Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum (ticket packages available). A park shuttle departs the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center every 15 minutes from 8 a.m til 5 p.m.

Insider Tip: Only one camera and water bottle per visitor are allowed on the military base. It’s best to leave purses and backpacks at home, but if you must bring them a the USS Bowfin Submarine (one of the shuttle stops before the Ford Island entrance) has storage facilities charging $3 per bag.

Langley Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA

From $ 125

Pali Lookout

On Oahu’s Windward (or east) Coast, Nuuanu Pali Lookout stands sentinel over the 1,200-foot (360 m) cliffs of the Koolau mountains.

One of the best viewpoints on Oahu, the lookout provides panoramic vistas across the island. You can also see Chinaman’s Hat and Kaneohe Bay.

In 1795 the lookout was the site of a massacre, when King Kamehameha defeated the island’s warriors by forcing them off the treacherous cliff top to their deaths.

Hold on to your hat, as it can get extremely windy up here, and bring a warm coat and your camera.

Practical Info

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is on Oahu’s east coast. It’s on Highway 61, four miles (6.5 km) north-east of Honolulu. The Circle Island bus from Waikiki runs through the Pali tunnels, it’s a very scenic drive.

Huuanu Pali State Park, Highway 61, Nuuanali 96817, USA

Free

From $ 50

Statue of Duke Kahanamoku

A landmark stop on almost every organized Honolulu tour is the nine-foot-tall bronze statue immortalizing Hawaii’s original ambassador of aloha, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. One of those guys who was seemingly good at everything, Kahanamoku wore many hats. He was a Hollywood actor, a full-blooded Hawaiian descended from alii (the royal class), an Olympic swimmer who won gold in both the 1912 and 1920 games, an Olympic water polo player, a 13-term sheriff of Honolulu and one of Waikiki’s first surf and canoe instructors. Kahanamoku used his charm and personable nature to popularize surfing and was later the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing and Swimming Halls of Fame.

Poised in front of a longboard and welcoming visitors with open arms, the Duke statue has enjoyed a prime seaside spot across from popular Waikiki breaks since it was installed on what would have been Duke’s 100th birthday in 1990. Many visitors honor Duke’s memory by draping floral and kukui nut lei around his neck and from his arms, or just pause long enough to take a shaka selfie. Making this stop even more popular is the fact that one of Honolulu’s live city cameras is constantly trained on the statue and the palm-lined sands of Waikiki behind it — a great tool for making family back home jealous in real time.

Each summer, Duke’s OceanFest honors the waterman’s memory with ceremonies at the statue and a series of ocean sporting events including longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, surf polo and beach volleyball.

Practical Info

The Statue of Duke Kahanamoku fronts Kuhio Beach between Kaiulani and Uluniu avenues off Kalakaua Street, Waikiki’s main drag. The Duke Kahanamoku statue live cam can be viewed online from anywhere in the world.

Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

From $ 25

Oahu Cruise Port

Hawaii’s most populous island is home to big-name attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Pineapple Plantation and Diamond Head. Check out these sites on a shore excursion, or get out on the water with a submarine tour or surfing lesson.

If you want to explore Honolulu and the surrounding area on your own, rent a scooter to travel around in style.

How to get to Oahu

Ships dock in Honolulu, the state capital. You’ll pull in the harbor by the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can find cabs, rental car shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley Red Line.

One Day on Oahu

Before it gets too crowded, visit the sites of the Pearl Harbor complex, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine memorial. The Japanese attack, which killed more than 2,000 people on December 7, 1941, is remembered through film, museum exhibits, artifacts, aircraft and personal stories.

Pearl Harbor will take up most of the morning, so head to Waikiki next to relax. Honolulu’s famous stretch of sand is home to high-rise hotels, Diamond Head crater and landmarks like the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of surfing. Visit Diamond Head’s observation deck for views of the coast, and then find the perfect spot on one of the several beaches to people watch and work on your tan – try Fort DeRussy Beach for snorkeling or Kuhio Beach for a calm swimming spot.

Port Information

The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals speak, as well.

Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu, HI, USA

From $ 36

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Otherwise and colloquially known as Punchbowl Cemetery, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a United States Armed Forces cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery gathers millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Hawaii. It is dedicated to Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard members who lost their lives in their line of duty.

The location of the cemetery wasn’t the fruit of coincidence; it is located on what Hawaiians called “Hill of Sacrifice,” which used to be an altar where they offered human sacrifices to pagan gods and where they installed a battery of two cannons used to salute prominent arrivals and signify noteworthy instances.

Since the site was established in 1949, approximately 53,000 World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans and their dependents have been interred in these grounds – including the sadly infamous USS Arizona victims during the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition to its vast burial grounds, the cemetery contains a number of small memorials, such as that of Honolulu, commemorating soldiers of 20th-century wars. The memorial is often regarded as the highlight of the cemetery’s visit, because of Lady Columbia’s statue erected at the top of the staircase in the Court of Honor; also known as Lady Liberty or Lady Justice, she is said to represent all grieving mothers.

Practical Info

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located at 2177 Puowaina Drive in central Honolulu and is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm between September 30 and March 1. It is open from 8am to 6:30pm between March 2 and September 29. On Memorial Day, the cemetery is open from 7am until 7pm.

2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Varies

From $ 51

Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest

A natural escape just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu Valley is a lush jungle tucked into the folds of the Koolau Mountains. Beyond a series of houses on Nuuanu Pali Drive, the jungle seems to close in on the road with tall flowering vine-drenched trees towering overhead. Near the stream and water reservoir about a mile in, a series of trails tempt visitors off the road and into the jungle. On one, a bamboo thicket winds to a clearing housing the jumbled lava rock ruins of a mid-19th century Hawaiian summer palace. Others lead down muddy slopes, past wild ginger and forest fruit trees to tucked away waterfalls that spill into swimmable pools.

Nuuanu Pali Drive reconnects with the Pali Highway after a little less than two miles, but don’t miss the historic Nuuanu Pali Lookout a few miles further at the windy crest 1,000 feet atop the valley. Here a bloody battle in 1795 united Oahu under a single ruler, and panoramic views stretch beyond the Windward towns of Kailua and Kaneohe all the way to the offshore Island called Mokolii —also known as Chinaman’s hat—jutting above the tropical sea.

Practical Info

To reach the rain forest from Honolulu, you’ll need a car. A tour guide is recommended if you are not familiar with the hikes in this area, as some trailheads are locally-guarded secrets. Head north on the Pali (Hwy 61) and turn off at Nuuanu Pali Drive. Follow it through a residential neighborhood in the Nuuanu/Punchbowl area to a tree-lined section of road. Pull off the road to park near the trailhead of your choice. Mosquito repellent and lightweight rain gear are recommended for jungle hikes.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

From $ 205

Oahu Chinatown

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. Home to an eclectic assortment of storefronts, spend some time wandering and you’ll find herbalists, temples, antique shops and lei makers.

Folks in Chinatown also know how to eat well. When hunger strikes you’ll have your pick of dishes. Chefs serve everything from Chinese dim sum to Cuban and French Fare. Night owls will be happy to know Chinatown offers a variety of nightlife options from jazz clubs to wine bars and nightclubs.

Practical Info

Chinatown is located on the western edge of Honolulu’s financial district. If you’re in town the “First Friday” of the month, Chinatown is a fun place to be. Artists come together to showcase their work in a fun, festive setting that attracts locals and visitors. The main events occur between 5 and 9 pm, with celebrations afterward in popular bars and night spots.

Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96817, USA

From $ 25

North Shore

Surfing is king on Oahu’s North Shore, where summer’s placid snorkeling spots are transformed into pounding 40-foot (12-meter) waves come winter. On land you’ll find a peaceful respite from hectic Honolulu, with scenic waterfall hikes, sleepy farms selling tropical fruit, and food trucks doling out garlic shrimp.

The Basics

There are a number of options for exploring the North Shore. Head to the water for a surfing or stand-up paddle board lesson, a sunset catamaran cruise, or a shark cage diving excursion. On land, tour the area’s rich farms, hike to Waimea Valley Falls, explore the fields and jungles of Kualoa Ranch, or see the island from above on a helicopter tour. While many tours leave from nearby Waikiki, it’s also possible to visit the North Shore on a day trip from Honolulu. Some full-day excursions include visits to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay State Park, or the Dole Plantation.

Things to Know Before You Go

Only expert surfers should attempt to ride the North Shore’s massive winter waves.
Parking can be difficult to find, especially during the winter surf season.
Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.

How to Get There

Oahu’s North Shore stretches for more than seven miles (11 kilometers) and is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. During winter, the one-way road along the North Shore’s “seven-mile miracle” of popular surf beaches can back up for hours, so it’s best to visit on a tour to avoid the hassle of driving and parking.

When to Get There

The North Shore’s summer and winter seasons each have their benefits. In summer, seas are calm and you can to take beginner surf lessons, go kayaking, or enjoy some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling. Winter is the busiest time to visit, when expert surfers hit the waves and other visitors stick to the safety of land. If you opt for a winter visit, it’s best to arrive early (before 9am) to score a parking spot.

Must-See North Shore Spots

Don’t miss the historic Haleiwa Beach town, with its clapboard shops, surf boutiques, and restaurants. The Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are some of the most famous North Shore beaches, while Turtle Beach offers a chance to see sunbathing Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa 96712, USA

Free

From $ 65

Pacific Aviation Museum

On Ford Island in the heart of infamous Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum’s two massive hangars totaling more than 120,000 square feet house military aircraft from the WWII Vietnam and the Korean War. Given its setting, the highlights here are Pearl Harbor related: Hangar 37 houses Japanese Zero planes, a civilian plane that was shot down during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and a P-40 fighter plane similar to those that took flight on Dec. 7th, 1941. On the door of Hangar 79, it’s still possible to see bullet holes left from that day. But there are plenty of other planes to pique the aviation-enthusiasts interest including an authentic F4F Wildcat, the actual Stearman N2S-3 piloted solo by former President George H.W. Bush and several MiG planes from the Korean conflict. You can even learn about ill-fated aviator Amelia Earhart, who visited the airstrip here on several occasions, including during her Round-the-World Flight—each year, the museum hosts a birthday party in her honor. Additionally, incredibly popular combat flight simulator experiences are available for an additional fee; the experience lasts 30-minutes including a flight briefing.

Practical Info

Because the Pacific Aviation Museum is located on an active military base, you’ll have to park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (1 Arizona Memorial Place) and take a shuttle bus—with departures every 15 minutes—to the museum; no bags are allowed but storage is available for a fee. The museum is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Tickets for self-guided tours can be purchased on the museum’s website in advance (sometimes for a considerable discount) or at the onsite box office for $25 adults, $12 children. Guided tours led by experienced pilots lend additional insight but cost a little more at $35 adults or $22 kids (4-12).

319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96818, USA

Open daily 8am-5pm

Adults: $25; Children: $12

From $ 25

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial floats above the watery site where the eponymous battleship was bombed and sunk, taking 1,177 lives with it, in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The solemn, all-white memorial features a marble wall of names of those who served onboard and spans the Arizona’s width, with openings to look down on the sunken hull.

The Basics

The USS Arizona Memorial is free and open to the public. For civilians, the only way to access the memorial is via Park Service shuttle boats that run according to timed tickets. Visit several Pearl Harbor attractions on a guided tour that includes boat tickets and round-trip transportation between Honolulu and Waikiki. Because USS Arizona tickets are limited each day and often involve long waits to procure, booking a tour in advance is a convenient way to ensure you’ll see the memorial. Note that boat tours not run by the Park Service are not allowed to disembark at the USS Arizona Memorial and sometimes skip it; boat tours with Park Service tickets allow you to disembark and take the Park Service’s tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Park Service’s memorial tour includes the viewing of a 23-minute documentary, round-trip boat ride, and time at the memorial. Plan to spend about 90 minutes there.
Check the weather before you go. Because the memorial must be accessed by boat, high winds and seas may be cause for cancellation.
There are no restrooms at the memorial, but facilities can be found at the visitor center.
The USS Arizona Memorial, visitor center, and related facilities are accessible to wheelchair users.
Because the timed tickets are limited to the number of seats on the boat, crowding is not an issue.

How to Get There

The memorial is located within the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, in Pearl Harbor on Oahu. To reach the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, take Nimitz Highway to H-1 West and take exit 15-A to HI-99, then turn left at the fourth traffic light.

When to Get There

The USS Arizona Memorial is open daily year-round except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. If you want to visit spontaneously, the site gives away 1,300 tickets each day starting at 7am—arrive early, as they’re given on a first-come, first-served basis. Many visitors opt to start their Pearl Harbor experience with the USS Arizona, making morning tickets the hardest to come by. Other challenging times to get tickets are the weekends on either side of the anniversary of Pearl Harbor (December 7), as well as over busy summer and winter school holidays.

Other Pearl Harbor Attractions

There are four other main sites at Pearl Harbor besides the USS Arizona Memorial: the land-based USS Oklahoma Memorial run by the National Park Service; the floating Battleship Missouri Memorial, aboard which the WWII peace treaty was signed; the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, where visitors can board and see the interior of the sub that avenged the attacks by sinking enemy ships; and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, home to huge hangars of period aircraft.

Arizona Memorial Place, Pearl Harbor 96818, USA

Daily 7am–5pm

Free

From $ 4