When it comes to amazing beaches, fun festivals, and lush nature spots, Hawaii is one of the first places that come to mind. Found in vast the Pacific Ocean, this tropical country is home to over 100 cities, with Honolulu as the most populous and popular of all.
There are a great deal Honolulu attractions to add to your bucket list, from the Pearl Harbor and the Aloha Tower to the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Plan out your Hawaiian vacation ahead as we give you the lowdown on the most thrilling things to do in Honolulu.
How many days in Honolulu are enough?
Similar to other Hawaiian islands, Honolulu is loved for its beautiful beaches. Credits: @jess-vide on Pexels
Hawaii is such a magical island that you can plan for a month-long vacation and still have heaps of things to do in Honolulu! Realistically speaking, locals usually recommend staying in Honolulu for 5 to 7 days when visiting Honolulu. That gives you enough time to expose yourself to Hawaiian culture and see the country's famous landmarks without overloading your itinerary.
The best things to do in Hawaii are going to beloved beaches like Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach Park, and Sans Souci Beach Park. But you might also find Hawaii's culture and history at Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Aloha Tower interesting.
You can even consider touring the rest of Oahu for an extra three days if you can't bring yourself to leave the Pacific Islands just yet.
10 Must-Experience Activities and Things To Do in Honolulu
The Pearl Harbor is just one of the many Hawaii attractions tourists love! Credits: @leah-newhouse on Pexels
1. Explore the Kualoa Ranch Hollywood Movie Sites
Appearing in countless Hollywood shows, the Kualoa Ranch is one of the busiest Honolulu attractions today.
Are you a certified cinephile who loves visiting Hollywood filming locations? You can visit more than 50 of them with a single tour of Kualoa Ranch!
During the guided tour, a vintage bus will take you to the ATV hill from Mike & Dave, the fallen tree from Jurassic Park, the battlegrounds from the Windwalkers, and more! Since Kualoa Ranch has been a showbiz staple since the 1950s, you can also visit actual World War II bunkers after enjoying the Hollywood blockbuster sites.
Cost: Around 83 AUD
Duration: Around 2 hours
Tips: If you're not travelling by yourself, arrive early with your mates since bus seating is first come, first serve!
2. Visit the Hawaii Atlantis Submarine
Gaze at all kinds of marine life and plant life from the impressive Atlantis Submarine.
Exploring marine life in a submarine is one of the most exciting things to do in Honolulu! That's why a tonne of people are booking a tour for the Atlantis Submarine. It's a ripper vessel offering coastal views of Lahaina Town without disturbing the tropical fish.
45 minutes into your underwater adventure, you'll dive 100 ft deeper to look at ancient shipwrecks, cool coral reefs, and Hawaii's rarest turtles, shoals, and sharks in their natural habitat.
Cost: Around 245 AUD
Duration: Around 3 hours
Tips: Bring a jacket and meds in case you experience seasickness. No snorkel equipment necessary!
3. Experience Fun Activities at the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center
A day at the Polynesian Cultural Center will tell you everything you need to know about Hawaiian history.
Besides the friendly people and the clear waters, the Hawaiian Islands are also lauded for their rich Polynesian culture. And what better way to experience Hawaii's culture than by joining an authentic luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center?
You'll get to feast on local delicacies like Huli Huli Chicken (grilled chicken with a special sauce) and Hapia (jelly custard pudding) while jamming to traditional music and trying out fun traditions! The locals will even prepare cool fire dancing shows you can't watch anywhere else.
Cost: Around 259 AUD
Duration: Around 9 hours
Tips: You can't do everything in a single day, so check the list of all the shows and activities in advance to maximise your schedule.
4. Go Whale Watching Aboard the Star of Honolulu
Viewing the Hawaiian whales is a memorable experience you'll cherish forever!
While many Hawaiian tourists enjoy watching sea turtles, you can also take a cruise to observe whales swimming! Aboard the Star of Honolulu, marvel at the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and their massive whales from the state's biggest vessel.
Wander around the boat's five stunning decks as your captain shares fun trivia about the huge mammals! Plus, on the off chance that no whales show up, you can sail with the crew again soon until they finally do!
Cost: Around 103 AUD
Duration: Around 2 hours
Tips: Bring your own snacks instead of splurging on the food on deck.
5. Hike Along the Diamond Head State Monument
Trek along the Diamond Head Crater for a refreshing outdoor experience!
Whether you're an outdoorsy nature lover or a first-time trekker, a hiking tour with your mates is among the most memorable things to do in Hawaii. You can hike along the edge of the Diamond Head Crater, a 475-acre state monument known for its unmatched coastal scene and rich Hawaiian history during the Gulf War and World War II.
As you explore the trail of the centuries-old Diamond Head Crater, take a break now and then to enjoy the panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline and the Pacific Ocean.
Cost: Around 12 AUD
Duration: Around 4 hours
Tips: Bring your own water to stay hydrated throughout your trek!
6. Tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Cap off your Hawaiian vacation with an enlightening tour of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Among Honolulu's attractions, one site tourists can't miss is the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Massive and spacious, this treasured battleship served the United States in not one, not two, but three wars!
After exploring the numerous decks and learning about the Navy's maritime routines, you can stand in the exact spot where Japanese authorities signed a World War II armistice. You can even drop by the Captain's and the Chief Engineer's areas by paying for an add-on tour!
Cost: Around 53 AUD
Duration: Around 1 hour
Tips: This attraction offers guided tours in English, Japanese, and Chinese, but you can also opt for a self-guided tour so you can go around at your own pace.
7. Learn more about the Pearl Harbor attack
Home to historical spots like the USS Arizona Memorial, the Aloha Tower, and the Pearl Harbor, Downtown Honolulu is the go-to for history buffs! Credits: @mischievous_penguins on Unsplash
As one of the most well-known Hawaii attractions, Pearl Harbor is another landmark to add to your must-visit list. Beyond familiarising yourself with Hawaiian history, you'll get to tour the USS Arizona Memorial and pay your respects to the countrymen who sacrificed their lives during World War II.
The tour will also take you to other beloved spots in downtown Honolulu, like the statue of Kamehameha the Great, Hawaii's first king, and the Iolani Palace, the royal residence from the 19th century.
Cost: Around 87 AUD
Duration: Around 6 hours
Tips: Downtown Honolulu is the main business district in Hawaii, so we suggest bringing extra money for all the shops and restaurants you'll encounter!
8. Swim at the Kualoa Ranch Secret Island Beach
The Secret Island Beach is a pristine sandy beach that'll treat you to some peace and quiet.
World-famous beaches like the Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach Park, and Kaimana Beach always come up in conversations about what to do in Hawaii. As breathtaking as these spots are, it's also worth finding an underrated sandy beach so you can catch some Vitamin D away from the crowd.
The Secret Island Beach, for example, is a private beach that will soothe your nerves thanks to its fun activities and scenic views. At this hidden gem, you can enjoy common watersports in Hawaii such as kayaking, volleyball, and paddleboarding, while taking in the view of the clear blue shores.
Cost: Around 181 AUD
Duration: Around 6 hours
Tips: You're allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks as long as you don't use glass bottles!
9. See the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine
Powerful and enormous, the USS Bowfin is a historical landmark you can't skip. Credits: @plover37 on Unsplash
If you still want to learn more about Hawaii's military history beyond the Pearl Harbor attack, consider paying a visit to USS Bowfin Submarine, as well! Also referred to as the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," the USS Bowfin is the submarine that sank more than 40 enemy vessels during the war.
Tourists like you are now allowed to enter the actual vessel, so you get the full experience of Hawaii's naval history in particular! Nearby the boat is the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, an impressive museum that stores preserved artifacts and real battle equipment from World War II and the Cold War.
Cost: Around 33 AUD
Duration: Around 2 hours
Tips: Since bags won't be allowed at some sites, it's best to bring only the valuables you need.
10. Enjoy the UTV Raptors at the Kualoa Ranch
The Kualoa Ranch's exciting UTV Raptors are straight from your childhood dreams! Credits: @kualoaranch on Instagram
In for a little adrenaline rush and heaps of fun? Channel your inner daredevil and ride a UTV Raptor through dirt roads, rocky trails, and muddy streams at Kualoa Ranch, or Hawaii's "Jurassic Valley."
As you drive through the ultra-lush ranch, you'll get to witness the scenic views of the tall valley plus pass by iconic filming locations from Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and other Hollywood faves! FYI, the tour will also come with a guide and all riding equipment to guarantee your safety throughout your outdoor expedition.
Cost: Around 229 AUD
Duration: Around 2 hours
Tips: You're bound to get dirty and dusty after the trip! Steer clear of wearing anything white and bring a spare change of clothes just in case.
Whether you've set your sights on the bustling downtown Honolulu or the beloved Pearl Harbor, you can rest easy knowing that you'll never run out of interesting things to do in Honolulu. Now that you've decided on what to do in Honolulu, it's time to find a place to stay! Start your search by reading about the best resorts in Hawaii for those craving a tropical getaway.
Written by: Leika Golez
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