Things to Do in Honolulu
Plan your days in Honolulu, your way
Start with the classic: a morning walk up Diamond Head for the view everyone talks about.
Come down to Waikiki Beach for a swim and an hour of doing absolutely nothing.
Lunch is a plate lunch in Kapahulu, where the neighborhoods get real and the food gets better.
Wander Kaimuki in the afternoon, coffee shops and vintage stores along Waialae Avenue.
Take an easy snorkel morning at Hanauma Bay, just enough adventure without the sore legs.
One evening, catch the sunset from Magic Island as the city lights come on behind you.
Poke, shave ice, and a farmers market round out the food side of things.
A little history at Iolani Palace if you're curious, a beach nap if you're not.
Nothing extreme, everything good: a balanced taste of the island.
This is Honolulu the way most people wish they'd done it.
Top attractions and places to eat in Honolulu
USS Arizona Memorial
A memorial at Pearl Harbor marking the sunken battleship USS Arizona and honoring service members killed in the 1941 attack. A profound historical site for reflection and learning.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Diamond Head State Monument
An iconic volcanic tuff cone with a summit trail delivering panoramic views of Waikiki and the coastline. Travelers hike up for the sweeping vistas and the famous crater landscape.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Diamond Head Summit Trail
The official 1.6-mile round-trip trail to the summit of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), climbing 560 feet through switchbacks, stairs, a tunnel, and historic coastal-defense structures.
trail · 4.6 rating · $5
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
A memorial commemorating the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial over the sunken battleship. Travelers visit to honor the fallen and learn WWII history.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Leonard's Bakery
Legendary Honolulu bakery famous for its Portuguese malasadas since 1952.
bakery · 4.6 rating
Nico's Pier 38
A waterfront restaurant and fish market beside Honolulu Harbor serving fresh-caught seafood with French-influenced local dishes. Travelers come for casual dockside dining and harbor views.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Iolani Palace
Official residence of Hawaii's monarchy, a restored National Historic Landmark known for its opulence and history.
museum · 4.6 rating · $26.95
Liliha Bakery
A beloved local bakery and diner known for its Coco Puffs pastries and classic diner fare. Travelers come for iconic Honolulu baked goods and comfort food.
restaurant · 4.6 rating
Helena's Hawaiian Food
A beloved, long-running restaurant serving traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, pipikaula short ribs, and lomi salmon.
restaurant · 4.5 rating
Honolulu Zoo
A zoo in Waikiki near Kapiolani Park, home to tropical and Pacific wildlife across landscaped exhibits. A popular family outing for animal encounters in an outdoor setting.
zoo · 3.9 rating
Bishop Museum
Hawaii's premier natural and cultural history museum, housing extensive collections of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts. Travelers visit to learn about the islands' heritage and science.
museum · 4.5 rating
Ono Seafood
A small takeout counter renowned for made-to-order poke bowls. Travelers seek it out for some of Honolulu's freshest and most authentic poke.
restaurant · 4.6 rating
Aloha Tower Marketplace
A historic waterfront landmark and shopping-dining complex at Honolulu Harbor, centered on the 1926 Aloha Tower. Travelers visit for harbor views, shops, and casual waterside dining.
attraction · 4.1 rating
The Pig and The Lady
A celebrated modern Vietnamese restaurant in Honolulu's Chinatown known for inventive dishes and pho. Travelers seek out its acclaimed contemporary Vietnamese cooking.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Diamond Head Market & Grill
A casual plate-lunch spot and market near Diamond Head serving local Hawaiian comfort food and baked goods. Popular with travelers stopping before or after nearby hikes.
restaurant · 4.5 rating