Honolulu is not only the largest city of Hawaii, but its mild climate and extensive list of activities make it one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Hawaiian Islands. Because of the city’s harmonious mix of natural and urban life, it offers plenty of entertainment.
However, it doesn’t just offer stunning beaches and shopping. It provides unforgettable experiences like interactive science museums, Polynesian luaus, and Japanese-styled gardens and temples!
A tour we think you'll love
Check out this list of 7 cool things to do in Honolulu if you want a memorable Hawaiian experience:
1) Get A Taste Of Polynesian Culture Through Our Ka Moana Luau Tour
Our Ka Moana Luau Tour gives you the Hawaiian welcome through a luau located at Aloha Tower, the welcoming beacon of Honolulu, Oahu. It also gives a great view of Honolulu Harbor.
Pickups are throughout Waikiki Beach like Ala Moana Hotel, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and Kahala Resort (resort guests only). Then you go to the tower, where you sample Hawaiian and Polynesian delicacies like:
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Seasonal fruits and greens
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Teriyaki chicken skewers
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Mahi Mahi
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Kalua pork
While you are enjoying your farm-to-table dinner, you can take in the Polynesian activities:
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Lei greeting
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Fire-making ceremony
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Fire knife dance
Reserve your spot on this tour and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! It’s guaranteed to be one of the most exciting and unique things you’ll do in the city.
2) Visit The Honolulu Museum of Art
Near Aloha Tower is one of the most popular Honolulu attractions, the Honolulu Museum of Art. Experience diverse art collections from downtown Honolulu to all over the world. The HoMA teaches you Hawaiian history and takes you into the artists’ minds to see and explain their backstories and goals.
Doris Duke Theatre shows independent films for those who love to watch art in motion. They offer hearing assistance systems and English captioning for hard-hearing visitors.
HoMA Café and Coffee Bar serve food like sandwiches and salads; if you’re early enough, they will give you a complimentary picnic basket to enjoy your lunch on the museum’s Central Courtyard. This feature alone makes this one of the most fun things to do in Honolulu.
3) Visit The Ala Moana Area And The Calming Beaches In Waikiki
Beaches in Hawaii are some of the most popular tourist attractions, but they can get crowded. The beaches in this list are less crowded, meaning more relaxing and better views.
They are all at the edge of Waikiki Beach, giving a great view of Diamond Head. These beaches are Sans Souci Beach Park, Queens Beach, and Kapiolani Park.
All three are free, less crowded than other beaches, and waters calm enough for tranquil activities like snorkeling, swimming, and bodyboarding. Each beach has a unique quality:
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Sans Souci Beach Park has the War Memorial Natatorium to honor World War I fallen soldiers
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Queens Beach hosts special outdoor movie nights on its 1000-foot movie screen
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Kapiolani Park hosts various community festivals and concerts at the Bandstand
If you wish to visit an even more relaxing beach, head up to Ala Moana Beach Park. With green patches shaded by trees, they are the perfect spots for picnics. For ultimate relaxation, try a paddleboard yoga lesson. Come to Ala Moana Beach Park during the Memorial Day Lantern Floating Ceremony, and you’ll see over 6000 lanterns floating over the Pacific Ocean.
For more excitement, take a seven-minute walk to Ala Moana Center. You can dance along to the live hula shows or get some supplies at their 350 shops and restaurants for more Honolulu adventures.
4) Take In The Natural Beauty Of Manoa Valley And Honolulu Botanical Gardens
After enjoying the open air of Ala Moana Center, take a direct bus to Manoa Valley and marvel at the tropical trees and plants that surround the Hawaiian Islands.
The valley stays green all year round and is home to thousands of species of tropical plants. Its most prominent feature is its 150-foot Manoa Falls. The area rains almost every day, so be sure to wear slip-resistant shoes and waterproof clothing.
What makes this valley of mother nature special is the Mu-Ryang-Sa Korean Buddhist Temple. After a long hike, you can meditate at this temple every Saturday at 4 pm while seeing:
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Buddhist statues
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Intricate architecture
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Live shots of the entire valley
Get ready to dive into the lush world of botanical gardens in Honolulu:
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Foster Botanical Garden
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Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden
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Koko Crater Botanical Garden
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Foster Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Hawaii, traced back to 1853. It is home to exceptional towering trees, as well as memorials and sculptures that surround gardens featuring palms, ginger, butterflies, and exotic orchids. Take a leisurely stroll through its winding paths and let the tranquility wash over you.
Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden is named after Hawaii’s beloved queen. She later donated the land for the public’s enjoyment, and it is now home to native Hawaiian plants. This hidden gem is a peaceful oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Japanese-inspired landscape and let your worries melt away.
Koko Crater Botanical Garden is situated within the iconic Koko Crater, this garden is a true hidden gem. As you make your way through the garden’s winding paths, you’ll be greeted by a stunning array of plant species from all around the world. From vibrant tropical flowers to towering trees, and its collection of rare and endangered plants, the diversity of flora here is truly awe-inspiring.
5) Dive Into The Past Of World War II In A Sunken Ship And A Restored Submarine
Pearl Harbor is one of the most well-known attractions of Honolulu, and our tour will make it one of your favorite parts of your trip.
No tickets are required for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial, and this area of the tour includes:
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Boat ride to USS Arizona itself
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A 23-minute documentary on the Pearl Harbor attack
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A bookstore filled with videos, posters, and audio recordings
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Bronze 3D map of Oahu
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Battleship Missouri Memorial
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Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
While Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (a.k.a. Bowfin Submarine Museum Park) admission is not included, it is worth paying to see and step inside the historical submarine.
The formerly known USS Bowfin Submarine Museum tells the history of a submarine that took war patrols from 1943-1945, even going through the mine-laden Sea of Japan, hence its nickname “Pearl Harbor Avenger”.
Now you can get close and personal with it, while the museum promotes STEM through field trips, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations.
Seeing Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona is a given, but stepping inside a submarine makes this one of the most unique things to do in Honolulu.
Curious about the other amazing attractions included in this tour? Head over to our website and dive into the full tour description! We’ve got all the details you need to plan your perfect Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city tour.
6) Immerse Yourself In History And Science At Bishop Museum
Take Hawaii’s history, add some interactive science, and you get Bishop Museum, the largest museum in the state. Makes sense since it has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world!
It holds over 25 million historical and natural artifacts, primarily in:
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Archaeology
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Botany
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Ethnology
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Invertebrate Zoology
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Pacific Center for Molecular Diversity
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Vertebrate Zoology
Their programs help you learn as well as enjoy science. With Playing with Light, you can play with moving LED lights, exploring a walk-in kaleidoscope.
Lalo: Science and Conservation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands teaches you about biodiversity and the dangers of plastic through 2D and 3D stories. With a $3 admission, the immersive planetarium show will take you from downtown Honolulu to above the stratosphere.
7) Visit The Diamond Head Crater
If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu, a visit to Diamond Head is an absolute must. This iconic volcanic crater, located just a short distance from the city, offers a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the stunning Honolulu skyline. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape and snap some photos.
Diamond Head is not only a natural wonder but also a significant historical site. It played a crucial role in the defense of Honolulu during World War II. Explore the remnants of military bunkers and learn about the fascinating history of this iconic landmark.
A visit to Diamond Head promises to be an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, physical activity, and a touch of history. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore one of Honolulu’s most beloved attractions.
Uncover Honolulu’s Remarkable Expositions Here!
Whether you want to learn or relax, Honolulu gives all these experiences to people of all ages. We take pride in giving you unique and cool things to do in Honolulu through our tours, making sure your trip isn’t like any other.
If you wish to venture out of Honolulu and dive into Hawaiian culture on the North Shore, look into our North Shore Snorkeling Tour and take a day to see Diamond Head, Dole Plantation, green sea turtles, and more!
Book one of our unique tours and allow us to give you an unforgettable experience across the Pacific Ocean!
