Things to do in Honolulu
Honolulu mixes city energy with island nature. You can hike a volcanic crater, tour historic sites from WWII, or simply settle into Waikiki for beach t…
Honolulu mixes city energy with island nature. You can hike a volcanic crater, tour historic sites from WWII, or simply settle into Waikiki for beach time and plate lunches. The range is wide—from museums and palaces to farmers’ markets and late-night clubs—so there’s usually something to match your mood.
Start with the classics: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead rewards hikers with panoramic views, while Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Museum bring history to life. For families, Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are easy wins, and Lucky Strike Honolulu adds bowling and arcades. Food is a highlight—Rainbow Drive-In serves iconic plate lunches, Nico’s Pier 38 focuses on local seafood, and Duke’s Waikiki offers beachfront dining. Shopping ranges from Ala Moana Center’s four levels to the open-air Waikiki Beach Walk. When the sun goes down, Blue Note Hawaii books jazz and blues, and spots like The District keep the nightlife going.
Frequently asked questions about Honolulu
What are the best outdoor things to do in Honolulu?▾
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead is the most famous hike, with a steady climb to sweeping views of the coast. For something less crowded, Mānoa Falls Trail leads through a rainforest to a waterfall, and Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park offers skyline views without much effort. Ala Moana Regional Park has calm surf and plenty of grass for a picnic.
What can families do together in Honolulu?▾
The Honolulu Zoo spans 42 acres and has over 900 animals, and the Waikiki Aquarium showcases more than 3,000 marine creatures. For active fun, Lucky Strike Honolulu combines bowling with arcades, and Jungle Fun Island is built around kids’ games and prizes. Many restaurants, like Duke’s Waikiki and Rainbow Drive-In, welcome children.
Where can I get local Hawaiian food in Honolulu?▾
Rainbow Drive-In is a long-running spot for plate lunches—think BBQ, mahi mahi, and chili dogs. Nico’s Pier 38 focuses on locally sourced seafood with a French-Hawaiian twist, and Duke’s Waikiki serves surf ’n’ turf right on the beach. For a special evening, Ka Moana Luau combines Polynesian dancing with a buffet.
What historical sites should I visit in Honolulu?▾
Pearl Harbor National Memorial covers the 1941 attack on the harbor. The USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Museum is where Japan’s surrender was signed, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum displays WWII aircraft. In town, Iolani Palace was home to Hawaii’s last monarchs, and the King Kamehameha I Statue honors the first king.
Are there good options for a night out in Honolulu?▾
Blue Note Hawaii brings in jazz, blues, and local acts with dinner service. For dancing, The District has three bars and a large dance floor, while Play Bar Night Club Waikiki keeps things simple with hip-hop and a full bar. If you prefer something low-key, Tikis Grill & Bar pairs tiki cocktails with live music and ocean views.
Upcoming events
Lady Cougar Volleyball @ McKinley
HOCO Assembly & Game
A Day
Football vs. Kaimukī @ Kaiser *HOCO*
HOCO Dance
Cross Country @ Kalani
Air Rifle vs. Kalani
Soft Tennis vs. Roosevelt & Kailua
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Things to do in Honolulu
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Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
WWII-focused museum presenting historical aircraft, exhibits & even a simulated flight experience.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Known for it’s snorkeling, this beachfront protected park offers a coral reef & diverse marine life.
Halona Blowhole Lookout
From this lookout, visitors can see ocean water shoot 30 feet into the air from a lava tube.
Lulu's Waikiki
The breezy open-air vibe at this eatery creates a welcoming scene for American grub & drinks.
Kapiʻolani Regional Park
A public, oceanfront park with volcano views, a beach, volleyball, picnicking & canoeing.
Foodland Farms Ala Moana
Local supermarket chain with departments for produce, general groceries & Hawaiian specialties.
Hula Grill Waikiki
Relaxed beachside venue serving pupu, fish tacos & tropical drinks, plus weekend brunch.
Iolani Palace
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
Cheeseburger In Paradise
Lively outpost with tiki-hut decor serving burgers, American standards & tropical drinks.
Ala Moana Regional Park
This 100-acre park with a man-made beach offers usually calm surf, plus tennis courts & a pavilion.
Costco Wholesale
Members-only warehouse selling a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, electronics & more.
Go Tours Hawaii
Waikiki Beach Walk
Open-air, 2-level mall with boutiques & restaurants, plus weekly yoga, hula & concerts.
Mānoa Falls Trail
This picturesque rainforest trail leading to Mānoa Falls has appeared in several movies.
Bishop Museum
A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.
Eggs 'n Things - Waikiki Beach Eggspress
Casual eatery with traditional breakfast/brunch staples featuring area-sourced ingredients & syrups.
Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
This oceanfront park offers beach swimming, showers & a grassy area with picnic tables & grills.
Restaurant 604
Laid-back bar & grill featuring Hawaiian dishes, live music & a waterfront deck with sunset views.
Yard House
High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & an extensive list of draft beers.