43 Things To Do In Honolulu

Looking for the top things to do in Honolulu? I’ve got you covered with the best spots to eat, drink and play in Honolulu, Hawaii!

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you might be wondering all the top things to do in Honolulu. Luckily, there is plenty to do in Hawaii’s capital city, located on the island of Oahu. Some of my favorite days spent in Honolulu include walking Waikiki Beach, visiting Shangri-La and of course – eating all the delicious food that only Hawaii can offer!

One thing worth noting – while Honolulu has so much to offer, it’s worth renting a car to see other parts of the island. Oahu is such a beautiful place and there is a ton to explore and see. I recommend a Makaha sunset, North Shore waves (in winter) and spending time in Haleiwa town and sunrise at Lanikai Beach.

43 Things To Do In Honolulu

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to eat, do a little shopping, see historic sites or get in a workout, there are plenty of things to do in Honolulu!

Iolani Palace

Take Royal Hawaiian Center’s free luau lessons

Hike Manoa Falls

Ala Moana Center (the world’s largest open-air mall!)

Bishop Museum

Book a helicopter tour

Eat dinner at Opal Thai (arrive early!)

Honolulu Zoo

Walk through Chinatown and visit the fresh lei shops

Honolulu Museum of Art

Get breakfast at Lulu’s and watch the surfers

Koko Head Crater hike

Watch sunset at Magic Island

Waikiki Beach (park at the Royal Hawaiian Center and grab an Iced Island Latte before strolling the length of the beach)

Doris Duke’s Shangri-La

Browse the street murals at Kakaako

Buy a raft at the ABC Store (have them blow it up for a couple bucks) and float in the calm waters off Waikiki Beach

Watch a free hula show

Visit Halona Blowhole

Get a cocktail at Royal Hawaiian Hotel (and visit the museum in the basement!)

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Get shave ice at Uncle Clay’s

Visit Honolulu’s Botanical Gardens

Take a surfing class from the Moniz family on Waikiki Beach

Aloha Tower

Take a walking tour of Waikiki

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Eat an acai bowl at the Sunrise Shack

Pay respects at Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial

Visit the USS Bowfin

Walk through International Marketplace and see the Don Ho statue

Diamond Head

Get lunch at the Royal Hawaiian Center

Learn how to stand up paddle

Eat malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery

Makapu’u Lighthouse trail

Eat mango pancakes at Moana Surfrider

Book a catamaran cruise in Waikiki

Take a free lei making class

Stop by the Aloha Collection store for a splash-proof souvenir

Parasail on a clear morning around Honolulu

Leave a lei at the Duke Kahanamoku statue

Book a tee time at Ala Wai Golf Course

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Hawaii