Top Things To Do In Honolulu

You don't have to leave America to find white sand beaches, volcanoes, and active Polynesian culture — you only have to leave the continental United States. Hawaii offers a wildly different travel experience due to its island excursions, art, Hawaiian food, and a tropical backdrop. As the largest city and capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a popular destination that’s earned its place as a common bucket list item. Still, no visit to Oahu would be complete without seeing all the island has to offer. Read the following list for things to do in Honolulu, a bustling island metropolis.

Charms of Honolulu Walking Tour for Couples
Charms of Honolulu Walking Tour for Couples
online_deal
$180.62
Charms of Honolulu Walking Tour for Couples
Up to 26% Off on Museum at Bishop Museum
Up to 26% Off on Museum at Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu2.0 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
2,632 ratings
$18.95 $14
26% discount_off
General Admission for One Adult
Catamaran TradeWind Sailing Trip for Two, Four, or Six from Maita`i Catamaran (Up to 41% Off)
Up to 41% Off Sailing Trips from Maita`i Catamaran
2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu2.7 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
8,587 ratings
$98 $59.99
39% discount_off
90-Minute TradeWind Sail for Two Adults, Valid for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. reservations
UP TO 73% OFF ON FULL DAY 16 LOCATIONS, SNORKELING BEVERAGES, SNACKS, AND TOUR GUIDE INCLUDED
UP TO 73% OFF ON FULL DAY 16 LOCATIONS, SNORKELING BEVERAGES, SNACKS, AND TOUR GUIDE INCLUDED
2250 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu2.7 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
2,290 ratings
$178 $48
73% discount_off
Full-Day 16 Location Tour Including Snorkeling, Tour Guide, Snacks and Beverages For One Child
Xtreme Parasail in Honolulu, Hawaii
Xtreme Parasail in Honolulu, Hawaii
1085 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu0.9 mi
$69.11
Xtreme Parasail in Honolulu, Hawaii
Admission to Ka Moana Lu'au Oceanfront Experience
Up to 15% Off Entry to Ka Moana Lu'au
1 Aloha Tower Dr,, Honolulu0.5 mi
4.6
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
2,855 ratings
$149 $126
15% discount_off
Splash Lu'au Package: 1 Person
$55 for Group Surfing Lesson for One at Star Beachboys ($75 Value)
Group Surfing Lesson at Star Beachboys – Up to 27% Off
2450 Koa Avenue, Honolulu3.1 mi
4.7
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
1,235 ratings
$75 $55
27% discount_off
Group Surf Lesson for One Ages 10+
900-Feet Parasail Adventure for One at Diamond Head Parasail
900-Feet Parasail Adventure at Diamond Head Parasail
1085 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu1.0 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
3,865 ratings
$85.99
900-Feet Parasail Adventure for One
Up to 59% Off on SCUBA at Try Scuba Diving
Up to 59% Off on SCUBA at Try Scuba Diving
1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu1.2 mi
4.6
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
668 ratings
$200 $82
59% discount_off
Two-Hour No Certification Required Guided Scuba-Diving Tour for Beginners for One with Free Videos

Photos don’t do the immaculate landscapes of Honolulu and greater Oahu justice. Visit any of the island’s attractions, there is a lot of fun to be had in Honolulu and around the island.

The best activities near Honolulu include:

  • Seeing the World War II valor in the Pacific National Monument
  • Visiting Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic tuff on Oahu
  • Taking a seaside photo with a scenic background at Waikiki Beach
  • Seeing the island wildlife at Honolulu Zoo
  • Doing some upscale shopping at Ala Moana Center

With so many tourist attractions around Honolulu to explore, there’s plenty to pack your trip with. Consider booking excursions to iconic waterfalls or walk around downtown to learn more about Honolulu’s storied past.

Popular attractions near Honolulu include:

  • Visiting ‘Iolani Palace, the residence of historic Hawaiian royalty
  • Boarding the USS Missouri Battleship Memorial
  • Visiting Aloha Tower, a lighthouse considered a Hawaiian landmark
  • Taking a leisurely walk along Lanikai Beach
  • Walking around the Koko Crater Trail

Leaving space in your itinerary to explore Honolulu is essential. Enjoying it’s natural beauty and lively culture are the best ways to experience the island like a local. Try touring coffee farms, finding a picnic spot, or going off-the-beaten-path.

Exciting activities near Honolulu include:

  • Touring of Hawaii State Capitol Building
  • Scaling the walls of Arch Project Climbing Center
  • Going on a self-guided tour at Green World Coffee Farm
  • Picnicking at the Kapiolani Park
  • Trying new things at Tikis Family Fun Center

Honolulu’s inviting atmosphere ensures that no time is wasted in this bustling island metropolis. Whether you want to sing karaoke or go on a nightly excursion, there’s always something to do at night in Honolulu.

Nighttime activities near Honolulu include:

  • Going on Nocturnal Adventures Hawaii’s stand-up paddle board at sunset
  • Singing your heart out with karaoke at Nocturna Lounge
  • Grouping up for trivia night at Osoyami Bar and Grill
  • Exploring the twilight tours at the Honolulu Zoo
  • Tasting craft cocktails and jazz at Lewers Lounge

If you’re off to Hawaii on a family vacation, you’ll be excited to find plenty of fun things to do with the kids. You can even stay in the city to get your fill of adventure — go to the aquarium, botanical gardens, or water parks together.

Family-friendly attractions near Honolulu include:

  • Planning a marine history lesson at Waikiki Aquarium
  • Seeing the sea creatures at Sea Life Park Hawaii
  • Exploring island natural habitats at Foster Botanical Garden
  • Heading for a day trip to Wet’n’Wild Water Park Hawaii
  • Bouncing around at iTrampoline Hawaii

See the Oahu landscape from a different perspective. Arts, culture, dessert-making, and power yoga are just a few indoor attractions to experience on the island.

Things to do indoors near Honolulu include:

  • Going on a self-guided tour through Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
  • Seeing contemporary art at Honolulu Museum of Art
  • Seeing authentic Hawaiian art pieces at Hawaii State Art Museum
  • Taking a Power Yoga Acroyoga class
  • Taking a Madre Chocolate Bean-to-Bar chocolate making class

There’s plenty of sightseeing to do in Honolulu and Oahu. Whether you want to dive under the shallow waters or go find a hidden waterfall, a lot of your time in here will be spent outdoors.

Best outdoor activities in Honolulu include:

  • Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
  • Finding a panoramic view at Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
  • Seeing the iconic waterfalls at Manoa Falls
  • Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, open daily and free of charge
  • Kailua Beach Park, which offers clear water, fine sand, and accessible aquatic activities