Overview
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu’s south shore. It offers everything from golden beaches and lush mountain trails to cultural landmarks and a surprisingly good food scene. My husband and I arrived with the desire to both relax and explore and we found wonderful ways to do both. Whatever you come to the city to do, I’m sure you’ll find something to enjoy.
When To Visit
The beauty of Honolulu is that it’s a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. April through June and September through November are my top picks—you’ll find fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and slightly better deals on accommodations. If whale watching is on your bucket list, plan for winter (December through March).
Where to Stay
We booked a 1BR King Oceanview Club room at the Prince Waikiki and were very pleased. This hotel is well situated near Ala Moana Beach Park and just a short walk from the Waikiki strip. Our room had a stunning view and our Club status granted us lounge access with complimentary breakfast, snacks, and drinks. We spent epic afternoons at the infinity pool and enjoyed the on-site dining options.
Quick Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Transportation: Rent a car. It’s the best way to explore the island.
- Beach Etiquette: Respect the natural environment—leave no trace and avoid stepping on coral reefs.
- Sun Protection: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.
- Time Management: Aim to hit popular spots early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- The Homeless Crisis: We were surprised by the sheer number of unhoused people around the island. We were warned several times around the island that car break-ins are a thing, so be sure to keep valuables out of sight and lock your car doors at all times.
What to Do
Diamond Head
I don’t care if you don’t hike. A visit to Honolulu wouldn’t be complete without hiking the iconic Diamond Head crater. The trail is short but steep, so bring water and good walking shoes. The panoramic views at the summit? Worth. every. step.
Kualoa Ranch
Known as “Hollywood’s Hawaii,” Kualoa Ranch is a sprawling private nature reserve where many blockbuster movies and TV shows were filmed, including Jurassic Park and Lost. Visitors can take guided tours through the amazing landscapes, zip-line across the valleys, or ride ATVs. We were like kids zipping around this place. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Sunset Horseback Riding
Horseback riding through the scenic Oahu countryside was one of the highlights of our trip. I was disappointed to learn that the ranch we visited, Happy Trails Hawaii, is permanently closed but luckily there’s another great option – Gunstock Ranch. They offer small, eco-friendly tours that are beginner-friendly.
Pearl Harbor
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona Memorial and the museums provide a deep dive into one of America’s most pivotal moments. Pro tip: Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid long waits.
Additional Activities
Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout
This is a quick stop, but a must-see. The wind here is intense, but so are the views of the valleys and coastline below. Stop by and get those photo ops.
Dole Plantation
I was on the fence about whether or not Dole Plantation would be a worthwhile activity, but I’m glad we went. This place offered a range of activities and we not only got to learn a little about Hawaii’s agricultural history, but also navigated the famous Pineapple Garden Maze – one of the largest mazes in the world. The maze was a fun challenge and we grabbed the obligatory Dole Whip at the end of our adventure.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is an interactive attraction that showcases the unique cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, and other Pacific islands through live performances, hands-on activities, and authentic village replicas. You can explore all day, then attend the evening luau and “Ha: Breath of Life” show, which tells a beautiful story through dance, music, and fire-knife performances. It’s a full-day experience that’s both educational and entertaining. Loved it.
Hawaiian Parasail
If you’re up for a little adventure – and not afraid to be dangled mid-air behind a speed boat – hit up Hawaiian Parasail. They are one of the longest-running parasail operators on the island and made our excursion enjoyable.
Where to Eat
There are tons of restaurants to choose from across the island, but we found ourselves eating mostly at food trucks rather than formal restaurants. A few we did check out:
- 100 Sails: Beautiful restaurant inside the Prince Waikiki with a great buffet as well as a la carte options.
- Maile’s Thai Bistro: Traditional Thai cuisine with a local twist. They’ve been around for nearly 20 years.
- Leonard’s Bakery: Home of the famous malasadas (Portuguese-style fried doughnuts). This place gets extremely crowded and parking is a bit of a nightmare. Plan on parking a few blocks away, but do get in line and grab one of their tasty treats!
- Roy’s Waikiki: Popular spot for Hawaiian fusion cuisine.
- Matsumoto Shave Ice: So, I’m from Philly and “water ice” has a special place in my heart. Considering what I’m used to back home, the shaved ice was just OK but refreshing on a hot day.
What to Bring
Bring your usual beach-location items along with these must-haves:
- Comfortable Shoes: Don’t play yourself trying to hike in flip-flops! These Adidas Hiking Boots are my fave.
- Reef-Friendly Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch is one of the few I can use on my dark skin that won’t make me ashy!
- Waterproof Bag: I never leave home without my Marchway Waterproof Bag.
- Reusable Water Bottle: I like this Stanley Iceflow Flip Tumbler to stay hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu offers a nice blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture. There’s plenty to do – except at night. If you’re looking for a healthy club scene or tons of late-night eating options, you won’t find many. That was OK with us, as we tend to start our days very early and enter relax mode after a good dinner. Overall, whether you’re hiking, exploring historic sites, or just lounging on the beach, this island city will leave you enchanted. Planning on visiting with a group and don’t wanna DIY it? Head on over to Why Not Roam to request a designed experience. Mahalo for reading—and until next time, aloha!
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