Why Honolulu Is The Best

Trying to figure out where to visit in Hawaii? I always recommend Oahu, and today I’m sharing why Honolulu is the best.

When people ask me “What should I do in Hawaii?” I cannot help but recommend visiting Oahu. While others might recommend Kauai for hiking, Maui for whale watching, Hawaii Island for the volcano or Lanai for the ultimate luxurious stay, Oahu is perfection to me. Here’s why I think Honolulu is the best…

Why Honolulu Is The Best

There is something truly special about Honolulu and the iconic skyline featuring Diamond Head and people dotting Waikiki Beach. I think when people think of Honolulu they may JUST picture Waikiki and perhaps not all the truly remarkable things that make it so special. Let’s dive in…!

First of all, Honolulu is a city (not an island) and it is truly just one small part of Oahu. I feel like I need to share that, because sometimes people will ask me where Honolulu is in relation to the chain of Hawaiian Islands. It can be confusing, but Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. The city itself is rich in culture and Hawaiian heritage and it is home to many important historical landmarks, including: 

Iolani Palace

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Diamond Head State Monument

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

King Kamehameha Statue

Hawaii State Art Museum

Bishop Museum

Mauna ʻAla — Royal Mausoleum State Monument

USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Battleship Missouri at Pearl Harbor

Honolulu Restaurants

Hawaii’s capital city is also home to some delicious food. From Chinatown to Hawaii Kai, there is so much to offer in town, which is how locals sometimes refer to Honolulu. James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants call the city home and some of the best spots appear as hole-in-the-wall establishments. Just trust me! Some of the best restaurants to try include: 

Opal Thai

Pig and the Lady

Fête

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Sweet E’s Cafe

Scratch

Hy’s

Uncle Bo’s

Leonard’s Bakery

Cafe Kaila

Koko Head Cafe

Mahina and Sun’s

Noi Thai

Moku Kitchen

Honolulu Beaches

I encourage anyone visiting to stroll Waikiki Beach at least once. And when you’re done with that, buy a raft at the ABC Store below Sheraton Waikiki, pay to have them inflate it and then take your raft out into the water and float in the calm waters. There’s truly nothing like it, but there are also plenty of other wonderful Honolulu beaches.

Baby Makapuu

Sandy Beach Park

Kaimana Beach

Kahanamoku Beach

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy 7 Delicious Breakfast Spots on Oahu or Where To Eat At Royal Hawaiian Center