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Honolulu, United States

Destination Guide

Honolulu

United States

Best things to do in Honolulu

49 curated attractions in Honolulu, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - October

Average temp

24°C/75°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Take care

About Honolulu

Honolulu, the largest city in Hawaii, sits between the blue Pacific and the green slopes of Diamond Head. Its identity is shaped by a mix of indigenous culture, military history and tourism. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of World War II, while neighborhoods like Chinatown showcase a blend of local traditions and Asian influences. The city's beach access is renowned, with Lanikai Beach regularly voted among the best in the world. However, it's not all sand and surf; urban life creates traffic jams that can make you question your decision to visit. Tourists flock to the USS Arizona Memorial and Iolani Palace, but many locals escape the hustle by hiking to Manoa Falls or exploring the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. Most visitors come for the beaches, but they often find the city is a lot busier than they anticipated.

Who it's for

Beach lovers and history buffs will find plenty to enjoy. Great for those who appreciate cultural experiences, but frustrating for anyone seeking a quiet getaway or an authentic slice of island life, as the urban environment brings crowds and traffic.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • Walking around downtown can take thirty minutes, though you may want to stop for ice cream
  • The bus system is decent but can be slow, so plan for delays
  • The airport is about twenty minutes from the city center, depending on traffic
  • If you're looking for a pleasant drive, Kualoa Ranch is about an hour away
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Hiking trails
Chinatown Honolulu

Chinatown Honolulu

Streets & neighbourhoods
Hawaii State Capitol

Hawaii State Capitol

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Foster Botanical Garden

Foster Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls

Waterfalls
Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch

Mountains & volcanoes
Queen Emma Summer Palace

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Historic houses & mansions
Waikiki Aquarium

Waikiki Aquarium

Aquariums
Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace

Castles & palaces
Bishop Museum

Bishop Museum

Science & natural history museums
Mayor Wrights

Mayor Wrights

Urban Attractions
Magic Island

Magic Island

Beaches
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Specialty & quirky museums
Honolulu Museum of Art

Honolulu Museum of Art

Art museums & galleries
Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Scenic viewpoints
Tantalus Lookout

Tantalus Lookout

Scenic viewpoints
Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach

Beaches
Lyon Arboretum

Lyon Arboretum

Botanical gardens
Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove

Beaches
Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu

Urban Attractions
Diamond Head

Diamond Head

Mountains & volcanoes
Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay

Beaches
In Temple

In Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

History museums
Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Historical
Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo

Zoos
Puu Ualakaa State Park

Puu Ualakaa State Park

City parks
Kualoa Regional Park

Kualoa Regional Park

Nature
Koko Crater Railway Trail

Koko Crater Railway Trail

Hiking trails
USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial

Monuments & memorials
Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach

Beaches
Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Monuments & memorials
Koko Crater Arch Trail

Koko Crater Arch Trail

Outdoor Adventure
Kalākaua Avenue

Kalākaua Avenue

Shopping
Pū'u O Hulu (Pink Pillbox) Trail

Pū'u O Hulu (Pink Pillbox) Trail

Outdoor Adventure
Waimea Bay Beach Park

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Beaches
Diamond Head Beach Park

Diamond Head Beach Park

Beaches
Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head State Monument

Mountains & volcanoes
Hawai'i Kai Lookout

Hawai'i Kai Lookout

Natural Wonders
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

Art museums & galleries
Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach

Beaches
Kapiolani Park

Kapiolani Park

City parks
Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley

Botanical gardens
Halona Blowhole

Halona Blowhole

Nature
Ala Moana Park

Ala Moana Park

Natural Wonders
Ala Wai Canal

Ala Wai Canal

Urban Attractions
Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center

Malls & department stores
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

National parks & nature reserves

Where to eat in Honolulu

The places worth planning a meal around.

Leonard's

Leonard's

Portuguese

★ 4.6 · 13,549 reviews

Marukame Udon

Marukame Udon

Japanese

★ 4.5 · 13,315 reviews

Liliha Bakery

Liliha Bakery

American

★ 4.6 · 4,803 reviews

Haleiwa Joe's

Haleiwa Joe's

Hawaiian

★ 4.6 · 4,685 reviews

Ono Seafood

Ono Seafood

Hawaiian

★ 4.6 · 2,790 reviews

Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack

Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack

Hawaiian

★ 4.6 · 2,161 reviews

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