Famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu

Things to do in  Honolulu

Get into the aloha spirit

Situated on the coast of Oahu, Honolulu is Hawaii's capital and its main city. It’s a frequent starting-off point for visits to the island chain, and while some people only spend a day or two here, there are enough things to do in Honolulu to merit a longer visit. Here, you can visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial, immerse yourself in Hawaiian food and culture at a luau, cool off in the Pacific waters of Waikiki, or use Honolulu as a base for exploring the rest of the island.

Here, get your guide to Honolulu’s best attractions, tours, and more.

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Top 4 attractions in Honolulu

#1

Waikiki Beach

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For decades, Waikiki Beach has been Oahu’s tourist mecca thanks to its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and high-rise luxury hotels that stretch from downtown Honolulu east toward the towering Diamond Head. Here all the spoils of Hawaiian beach life—from sunbathing and swimming to snorkeling and fruity-cocktail sipping—are within steps of world-class shopping and dining.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Tourists aboard the Waikiki Trolley in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Waikiki Trolley

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With three lines that cover the highlights of Waikiki, the hop-on-hop-off Waikiki Trolley is a scenic and convenient way to see Oahu’s southern shore. Each route has a different theme—either nature, culture, and dining and shopping—so you can choose to explore a single route or ride all three for a deep dive into the coastline’s delights.More
#3

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

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One of Oahu’s most popular hikes, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail hugs the island's hilly southeastern coast, offering views of the Koko Crater, Makapuu Lighthouse, and—on clear days—the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Roughly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long and entirely paved, this panoramic oceanfront trek is one the whole family can enjoy.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Royal Hawaiian Center

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For retail therapy on Oahu, there’s nowhere better, or bigger, than the Royal Hawaiian Center. Taking up three square blocks along Kalakaua Avenue, this epic shopping complex contains more than 100 stores, dozens of restaurants, and even live music and hula dancing. If you’re seeking a little people-watching and a lot of window shopping, there’s nowhere better.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Honolulu by interest

Top activities in Honolulu

Waikiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
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Waikiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

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$185.00
Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour on Oahu

Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour on Oahu

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$230.00
Majestic Circle Island Tour with Lunch

Majestic Circle Island Tour with Lunch

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$173.00
Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, and Polynesian Center from Kona

Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, and Polynesian Center from Kona

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$479.99
Arrival Trasfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Cruise Terminal

Arrival Trasfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Cruise Terminal

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$17.00
Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Departing from Maui

Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Departing from Maui

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$462.99
Waterfall Hike in Hawaii - Private Transportation/Group

Waterfall Hike in Hawaii - Private Transportation/Group

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$95.00
Slingshots Circle Island Group Ride - Rally Tour

Slingshots Circle Island Group Ride - Rally Tour

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$135.00
Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour

Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour

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$57.00
Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel

Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel

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$189.00
Full-Day Guided Private Tour

Full-Day Guided Private Tour

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$1,299.00
per group
Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki

Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki

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$179.00
Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal

Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal

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$17.50
Roundtrip Shuttle from Waikiki-Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Roundtrip Shuttle from Waikiki-Pearl Harbor National Memorial

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$20.00
Pearl Harbor: Arizona Memorial, Missouri Battleship & City Tour
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Pearl Harbor: Arizona Memorial, Missouri Battleship & City Tour

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$150.00
Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Center from Waikiki

Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Center from Waikiki

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$202.99
Family Surfing Lesson with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle

Family Surfing Lesson with Waikiki Courtesy Shuttle

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$111.30
Custom Island Adventures Tour

Custom Island Adventures Tour

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$165.00
Small Group North Shore Circle Island Tour Oahu

Small Group North Shore Circle Island Tour Oahu

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$116.00
Waterfall Hike , Sightseeing & East Side Beach Day

Waterfall Hike , Sightseeing & East Side Beach Day

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$150.00
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All about Honolulu

When to visit

The best time to visit Honolulu is during the April–May or September–October shoulder seasons. You'll get fewer crowds than during the busy summer vacation months or during the high season, which runs from Thanksgiving through the end of March. If you want to come earlier in the year, consider visiting in March, when the annual Honolulu Festival, which celebrates Asian and Pacific cultures with entertainment, food, and a parade, is held.

Getting around

While having a rental car in Honolulu can be helpful if you want to explore other parts of the island, the city and its suburbs are easy to get around without a car. You can easily get around Waikiki using the Waikiki Trolley, which operates trolley-style and double-decker hop-on hop-off buses geared to visitors, or rely on public buses. Rideshares and taxis are also widely available.

Traveler tips

Eating out in Honolulu can be expensive, particularly if you want a healthy meal. Head to Down to Earth Organic & Natural on South King Street near University Avenue for high-quality food at non-restaurant prices. This grocery store has a deli inside where you'll find all sorts of grab-and-go treats along with healthy, made-to-order deli foods, smoothies, and fresh juices.

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People Also Ask

Are seven days enough time for Honolulu?

Yes, seven days are enough for Honolulu. With a whole week, you can check out local attractions such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Iolani Palace, take a day trip up to the North Shore, and still have plenty of time left to lounge on Waikiki Beach.

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How can I spend 12 hours in Honolulu?

With 12 hours in Honolulu, you can do quite a lot. You could spend some time at the beach and shopping in Waikiki, take a surfing lesson, go snorkeling, or even attend a luau (depending on the time of day you visit).

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What month is best in Honolulu?

May is the best month in Honolulu. The temperatures are generally pleasant, and there’s usually not too much rain. The city is also less crowded than during the peak tourism season, which runs from December through March, and you won’t have to worry about summer vacation crowds, either.

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Is Honolulu more fun than Maui?

Yes, Honolulu is more fun than Maui if you’re into nightlife and shopping, but if you’d prefer a more relaxed or upscale vacation, Maui is the clear winner. Each destination has its own charm and appeal—while Honolulu is a city with urban vibes, Maui is a whole island with prettier scenery.

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What is the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii?

The cheapest months to fly to Hawaii are generally April, May, September, and October, but deals can be found throughout the year. Just be aware that accommodation costs can spike during the peak seasons, so consider that when planning your travel budget.

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What is the most famous food in Hawaii?

Poke is the most famous food in Hawaii, and in recent years, the dish has become particularly popular on the US mainland, too. Other favorite Hawaiian dishes include loco moco—rice topped with burger meat, a fried egg, and gravy— and spam musubi. This onigiri-style snack uses processed canned pork instead of fish.

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Do you need a guide to visit Honolulu?

While most travelers tend to rush through Honolulu on the way to Maui and Oahu, Hawaii’s capital is rich with culture and history. Get a guide to reveal the often-overlooked highlights of this island city, which range from traditional restaurants and beachfront bars to museums and memorials.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Honolulu?
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Q:
What are the top activities in Honolulu?
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