Top 10 Things to Do In Honolulu Hawaii
Visiting Honolulu is much more than visiting a big city. Before I stepped off the plane onto the island, I thought the tropical paradise would be limited to me experiencing just Waikiki, but I quickly learned that I had access to much, much more. I could see the entire island! What I didn’t know is that when people say they are going to visit Honolulu, they can easily get from place to place all around Oahu. From one side of the island to the other, it may only take a couple of hours’ drive. One of the top things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii isn’t just staying put in Waikiki, it’s utilizing the city as your home-base and jumping-off point to explore the rest of Oahu. Since the island is so compact, you can spend your morning on Waikiki Beach and still drive out in the afternoon to hike Diamond Head, or snorkel in Hanauma Bay, or even catch the sunset on the North Shore. For travelers wondering what there is to do in Honolulu, the real magic lies in how easily you can balance big-city energy with the hidden beaches, and scenic drives, and even that Oahu small-town charm all within a couple of hours.
This is my photoblog of my first trip to Honolulu — for more info on what to see in Hawaii, check out our guides!
View of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu’s most active and notorious beach.
1. Try Poke Bowls — No, Seriously!
We booked our trip to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary, but also to see a good friend who lives in Waikiki. Lucky for us, our friend, Tanner, was able to play as a tour guide during our visit. As soon as we landed, the first thing we did was pick up poke bowls and walk to Waikiki Beach to touch the ocean. The color of the water blew my mind. Enjoying fresh poke bowls by the ocean is one of the easiest and most enjoyable must-do things in Honolulu, Hawaii, letting visitors taste the local flavor in a gorgeous setting. For foodies, it’s arguably one of the most memorable things to do.
Store-bought Poke
Though the prices are notorious in Hawaii for being quite high, don’t be turned off by the poke being sold out of small grocery stores; it’s actually some of the best and cheapest you’ll find! (Try checking the ABC Stores, Safeway, Foodlands, or CK’s).
2. Walk Down Waikiki — Enjoy an Açaí Bowl
I had never seen such radiant turquoise in my life. It really was stunning. I remembered always imagining that the photos I had seen of Waikiki were overly saturated by photo editing, but the photos truly don’t do justice to seeing the water for yourself. Between bites of fresh ahi-tuna with spicy mayo, we waded through the warm water, absorbing all the sights and sounds of Hawaii’s most touristy beach. Visiting Waikiki Beach is easily one of the top Honolulu must-see and do experiences, especially for first-time visitors. The stretch of soft sand is framed by Diamond Head in the distance, and the gentle waves make it a perfect spot for learning to surf — a tradition that started right here with Duke Kahanamoku, known as the “father of modern surfing.” Beyond the beach itself, Waikiki is lined with shops, nightlife, and oceanfront dining, which gives you plenty to explore once the sun falls below the horizon. Yes, Waikiki can get incredibly busy, but it’s still one of those essential places to visit in Honolulu that you just can’t miss.
We didn’t want to spend long there, as Oahu is full of much more beautiful and secluded beaches. But we knew we had to at least experience a bit of Waikiki, especially upon arriving. Wading into the water was like a warm hello, a welcoming hug from the island.
Best Açaí in Waikiki
Stop by by Banan Waikiki Beach Shack along Kalakaua Ave on the walkway to the beach. Lined with surfboards, Banan serves some delicious whips and açaí bowls with fresh fruit toppings. Nothing’s better to chill with when heading to Waikiki!
3. Travel Like a Local and Meet Someone New
The spirit of the island is that of community. Everyone we met made us feel like we belonged there from the moment we arrived. After finishing our poke bowls, we found a new friend at Kaimana’s Beach, just down the way from Waikiki. After enjoying a couple of beers at Kaimana’s and taking in the view, Matt took it upon himself to show us some of his favorite spots around the island. Yes, time on the beach and enjoying Hawaiian food get most of the attention, but one of the most memorable and fun activities in Honolulu is simply connecting with the people who live there. Locals embody the aloha spirit, and taking the time to chat with someone at the beach, or a food truck, or even over a beer can open the door to experiences most guidebooks (and even this blog) won’t mention! Making a new friend where you travel can lead to things like being tipped off to a tucked-away snorkeling spot or invited to a random birthday party, or a beachside BBQ! Those moments of connection are often the highlights of a trip. For travelers curious about the best things to see and do in Honolulu, don’t overlook the friendships and cultural exchanges there, because those are as much a part of the island as the turquoise water and the golden sand.
We came to Hawaii with nothing planned and nothing pertinently scheduled so as to truly encompass the meaning of Aloha, the Hawaiian laid-back spirit towards life. So, at the offer of seeing the island through a new friend’s eyes, we took it to heart and agreed to meet up the next day.
Hanging out at the most popular gay beach on Oahu, Polo Beach.
4. Take it Off at Polo Beach
After a cheap but delicious breakfast of spam musubi from the neighborhood 7-11, our new friend Matt, Michael and I piled into Tanner’s car to embark across the island to a place we had just heard about, Polo Beach. Known to locals as not only an LGBTQ+ friendly location, but also a popular clothing-optional stretch of pristine golden sand on Oahu’s Northern coast. For day trips, relaxing at Polo Beach is considered one of the top fun things to do in Honolulu, with LGBTQ+ friendly spirit, clothing optional freedoms, and an escape into Hawaii’s lesser crowded beaches. Among the many Honolulu places to go, this one feels more like a hidden gem.
5. Relax and Take Time to Soak in the Spirit of Aloha
Umbrella and snacks in hand, we found an open space and set up our camp for the day. Often when we travel, we try to fit in as much as possible and see absolutely everything there is to see. Reflecting on trips like that, I’m reminded of how tired I’ve returned home and feel sometimes like, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” On our second day on Oahu, I started to understand the appeal and draw of the island. It’s a place I can finally unwind and relax. A friend reminded me that paradise is about rest and connection just as much as it is about seeing a new place, so slowing down and soaking up the Aloha Spirit is actually one of the must-do things in Honolulu, Hawaii, and can make a vacation go from feeling chaotic and packed to relaxing and fulfilling. Taking an afternoon just to rest, away from technology and away from any scheduled itinerary, many travelers say this is among the most rewarding things to do while in Honolulu, Hawaii.
I didn’t feel the same rush of needing to go and experience absolutely everything that the island had to offer. I felt perfectly content, sitting on a beach surrounded by crystal blue water, feeling the sun on my face, and in the company of good friends. Friends of our friends arrived at Polo Beach to join us, one of them gifting us a homegrown mango from his tree.
6. Hike to Ka’ena Point and See Laysan Albatross
Since we were already in the area, we decided to hike to Ka’ena Point, the westernmost edge of Oahu. Known for its remote coastal lava-crusted shoreline, Ka’ena Point’s rugged hiking trails lead to incredibly beautiful vistas providing Oahu’s largest Laysan albatross sanctuary. The hike in total is 3 miles to the edge, and 3 miles back to the starting point on the North Shore. For those looking for the top things to do in Honolulu, a day trip hiking Ka’ena Point offers adventurous travelers the chance to enjoy the rugged coastline, rare birds, and an unforgettable sunset. It’s often recommended in lists of the most adventurous things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii. We watched the sunset as a giant albatross flew overhead, and it truly was a sight I’ll never forget.
Tanner watching the sunset at Ka’ena Point, Oahu.
7. Explore Oahu’s North Shore and Visit Lanikai Beach
Following our adventurous hike to the Western Point, we made plans to explore more of Oahu’s North Shore the following day, including seeing the famed Lanikai Beach. The destination certainly did not disappoint, as the color and clarity of the water exceeded even what we had seen at Waikiki or Polo Beach. Even though Lanikai is outside the city of Honolulu, relaxing at Lanikai Beach is still often listed as one of the top things to see in Honolulu, thanks to its turquoise water and the postcard-like shoreline and islets. Many visitors add it to their list of the 10 best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii. The small islands Moku Nui and Moku Iki provided further magic to the backdrop as we sat perched on the sand.
Michael soaking up the sun and enjoying the water at Lanikai Beach.
KuaLoa Ranch
After a long day in the sun, the drive back provided even more beautiful surprises. Along the North Shore, the cliffs that were used for scenes from the movie Jurassic Park stunned us as we drove around the bends. Stopping at Kualoa Ranch may technically take you outside the city, but it’s still considered one of the essential Honolulu must-see and do experiences because so many visitors base themselves in Honolulu and take the time to make the short drive up the windward coast. The location makes for an iconic photospot because of its role as a filming location in movies like Jurassic Park and Jumanji. The ranch also offers ATV tours, horseback rides, ziplining, and boat trips through the lush Kaʻaʻawa Valley. This area isn’t just about Hollywood; it’s steeped in Hawaiian history and incomparable beauty, making it one of the most memorable day-trip style places to visit in Honolulu for travelers who want to see more than just the city.
8. Visit Halona Beach Cove for Epic Photos
We stopped at Halona Beach Cove to find a crater-like beach surrounded by steep and rocky cliffs. Many were taking advantage of the last hours of sunlight, snorkeling in the turquoise waters. For travelers who are up for a small drive outside the city, Halona Cove is a breathtaking stop that’s often included in guides as one of the top things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii, thanks to its dramatic cliffs and vibrant blue waters. For photographers, this is one of the most rewarding places to go in Honolulu.
9. Take a Catamaran Sailing Cruise from Waikiki Beach
Though lounging and experiencing some of Oahu’s best beaches was a definite highlight of the trip, there was so much more to experience. On our last full day on the island, our friend Tanner surprised us with a catamaran sailing cruise along with friends we had met during our trip. The day-cruise departed from Waikiki Beach and sailed around the bay, providing plenty of drinks to enjoy as we marveled at the view of the city from a different perspective. Taking a catamaran sailing cruise is one of the most unique and fun activities in Honolulu, letting you relax on the water while enjoying Honolulu’s shimmering skyline and views of Diamond Head. This is also one of the most popular things to do in Honolulu for groups of friends!
Grabbing a couple drinks at Lulu’s Beachside Cocktails, right across the street from Waikiki Beach!
10. Check Out Honolulu’s Best Gay Bars
To cap off the trip, we went out to experience the nightlife with our newfound Hawaiian chosen family.
To start the evening with a happy hour drink, head to Lulu’s for beachside cocktails. Just around the corner, Hula’s is a very popular gay bar that many end their night at. We loved spending our evenings here, listening to Kylie Mynogue, Spice Girls, and all our pop favorites, it’s a fun and quintessentially cute place to meet others. Other popular locations include Tapas, Bacchus Waikiki, and Wang Chung’s for Karaoke! Exploring the nightlife at Hula’s and Bacchus is often ranked among the best things to do in Honolulu, since the city’s gay bars are extremely inclusive, vibrant, and always full of good energy. For LGBTQ+ travelers, this is a must on the list of what to do and see in Honolulu.
Experiencing Lanikai Beach for the first time.
Even though we stayed just a week on the island, it felt like we had been there for years. We connected closely with those we met incredibly fast, and that wasn’t just because we like to meet new people when we travel. It’s because of the laid-back and friendly Hawaiian way of life, and the idea that all who walk on this earth are connected in some way or another. As a relatively small island, Oahu is a tight-knit community, and though it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA, the community is still incredibly welcoming. Honolulu is more than just beaches; discovering its culture, food, and nightlife are among some of the must-see things in Honolulu for first-time visitors. With so much to see, it’s no surprise that taking time to rest and truly finding the Aloha Spirit is also almost always included in guides for the 10 best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ka’ena Point — Photo by Matthew Sherman.
Honolulu Hawaii
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Honolulu Hawaii 〰️
If Maui isn’t already on your bucket list, you need to bump it to the top. After (finally) exploring for myself, I can confidently say this island is so much more than pretty beaches and postcard-worthy palm trees. There are all kinds of variety and culture of Maui, Hawaii Island.