Things to Visit in Honolulu

Hawaii's most iconic beach, a 2-mile crescent of golden sand backed by highrise hotels and framed by Diamond Head. The water is calm and warm (24-27°C year-round). Surfboard and bodyboard rentals are available on the beach for USD 15-25 per hour. The section near the Duke Kahanamoku statue is most touristy; walk east toward the Natatorium for a quieter experience.

A marine sanctuary in a volcanic crater with the best snorkeling on Oahu. Crystal-clear water with hundreds of tropical fish species. Reservations required in advance online (USD 25 including shuttle from parking). The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. A mandatory 9-minute education video about the ecosystem plays before entry. Arrive early as daily visitor limits apply.

Consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world, with fine white sand and turquoise water. Located 30 minutes from Waikiki in Kailua. The two Mokulua Islands offshore are accessible by kayak (rentals USD 50-70 for a half day). The Lanikai Pillbox Hike (1.5 miles round trip) offers aerial views of the beach and islands. Parking is limited, arrive before 9 AM.

From November through February, the North Shore of Oahu receives massive waves (up to 30+ feet) that attract the world's best surfers. Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are the main breaks. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing runs November-December. Even as a spectator, watching these waves is humbling. In summer, the same beaches are calm and perfect for swimming.

The most popular hike on Oahu, climbing inside the volcanic crater to the 232-meter summit for panoramic views of Waikiki, the coastline, and the mountains. The trail is 1.3 km each way with about 560 steps. Reservations required (USD 5 per person, book at gostateparks.hawaii.gov). Start early to avoid heat and crowds. Allow 1.5-2 hours round trip.

A 1.6-mile round-trip trail through a tropical rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall. Muddy year-round, so wear shoes with traction. The lush vegetation, birdsong, and humidity create a distinctly Hawaiian atmosphere. Free parking near the trailhead (arrive early on weekends). Swimming in the pool below the falls is not officially allowed due to bacterial risks.

The Pali Lookout (Nuuanu Pali) on the Pali Highway offers dramatic views of the windward coast from 366 meters. It is also the site where King Kamehameha I won a decisive battle in 1795. Parking USD 7. The wind can be incredibly strong, so hold onto hats and loose items. A 15-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.

The USS Arizona Memorial sits above the sunken battleship where 1,177 crew members are entombed. Free tickets (timed entry) are available online and go quickly. The visitor center has excellent exhibits about the attack. The USS Missouri (USD 35), parked nearby, is where Japan formally surrendered in 1945. Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience. Book tickets 60 days in advance.

The only royal palace in the United States, built in 1882 by King Kalakaua. Queen Liliuokalani was held prisoner here after the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Guided tours (USD 27) or self-guided audio tours (USD 22) cover the throne room, state dining room, and the basement gallery. A powerful site for understanding Hawaiian history and sovereignty.

Hawaii's largest museum, dedicated to Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history, culture, and natural history. The Hawaiian Hall features three floors of artifacts from ancient to modern Hawaii. The Science Adventure Center has interactive exhibits. Admission USD 27. Located in the Kapalama neighborhood, about 15 minutes from Waikiki. Allow 2-3 hours.

A traditional Hawaiian feast with music, hula dancing, and fire knife performances. Quality varies significantly between venues. Paradise Cove (USD 125-185) and the Polynesian Cultural Center (USD 100-230, on the North Shore) are well-regarded. Most include all-you-can-eat Hawaiian food (poi, kalua pig, poke, haupia). Book in advance, especially for weekend shows.

Raw fish (usually ahi tuna) marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and Hawaiian salt. Poke is everywhere in Honolulu but the best comes from local shops, not tourist restaurants. Ono Seafood, Maguro Brothers, and Foodland supermarket deli counters serve excellent poke. A poke bowl costs USD 12-18. Try the traditional Hawaiian style (soy sauce and limu seaweed) alongside the popular spicy mayo version.

Hawaii's quintessential working-class meal: a protein (chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, kalua pork, or loco moco) with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. Rainbow Drive-In (since 1961), Helena's Hawaiian Food (since 1946, James Beard Award winner), and Zippy's (local chain) are institutions. A plate lunch costs USD 10-15 and is enormously satisfying.

Hawaiian shave ice (not a snow cone) uses finely shaved ice with tropical fruit syrups, often over ice cream and azuki beans. Matsumoto's in Haleiwa (since 1951) is the most famous. The line can be long but moves fast. A large shave ice costs USD 5-7. The combination of coconut, lilikoi (passion fruit), and guava is a classic Hawaiian flavor trio.

The 45-minute drive from Honolulu to the North Shore passes through pineapple fields and ends at the famous surf beaches. Haleiwa town has surf shops, shrimp trucks, and art galleries. Giovanni's shrimp truck in Kahuku is legendary (USD 15-17 for a plate). In winter, watch the massive waves. In summer, the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

Kailua, 30 minutes from Waikiki, has beautiful beaches (Kailua Beach, Lanikai), charming shops, and a more local atmosphere. The drive along the windward coast through Kaneohe offers views of the dramatic Koolau mountain range. The Byodo-In Temple (USD 5), a replica of a 900-year-old Japanese temple in a lush valley, is remarkably peaceful.

A cultural park 60 km from Waikiki showcasing six Pacific Island villages (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, Aotearoa). Interactive demonstrations include fire-making, coconut husking, and traditional games. The evening show is spectacular. Packages range from USD 80-230 depending on dinner and show options. Allow a full afternoon and evening.