Honolulu sets the vibrant backdrop for your island adventure with rich culture and history, stunning beaches and landscapes, and endless opportunities to experience the aloha spirit.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Iolani Palace | Official royal residence on U.S. soil, completed in 1882. Offers a walk through Hawaii’s history and original 19th-century furnishings. |
| Waikiki Beach | World-famous beach with powdery white sand, ideal for swimming and surfing. Offers hula shows, outrigger canoe rides, and tropical taro fields. |
| Diamond Head State Monument | Iconic crater with a trail to the summit, providing panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu. 1.6-mile round trip hike. |
| Hanauma Bay | Spectacular natural sight with a white sand beach, calm waters, and over 450 different fish species. Ideal for snorkeling. |
| USS Arizona Memorial | A tribute to crewmen lost during the Pearl Harbor attack in WWII, accessible only by boat, with a documentary film screening and memorial tour. |
| Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout | Offers eye-popping views of Oʻahu from the windward side of the Koʻolau mountain range. Provides vistas down 1200 feet. |
| Queen Emma Summer Palace | Stately white house built in 1848 as a retreat. Offers insights into 19th-century Hawaiian royal life and displays of Hawaiian quilts. |
| Foster Botanical Garden | A living museum preserving native and ornamental plants from sub-tropical regions. Features rare Hawaiian plants and towering bamboos. |
| Honolulu Museum of Art | World-renowned collection spanning 5,000 years, including diverse works like Asian art, traditional barkcloth, Impressionist canvases, and more. |
| Kona Brewing Company | Sample Hawaii’s own craft beers at the Honolulu outpost. Offers specialty ales, brewpub menu, brewery tours, and merchandise. |
| Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site | An ancient Hawaiian temple constructed to honor gods, dating back an estimated 600 years, offering insights into ancient Hawaiian history. |
| Conclusion | Honolulu offers endless opportunities to discover stunning natural scenery, rich cultural traditions, and the warmth of aloha. |
As the gateway to O’ahu as well as the economic and cultural hub of Hawaii, Honolulu offers visitors a chance to dive into the islands’ Polynesian traditions while also enjoying thoroughly modern amenities, cuisine and entertainment. From ancient temples and royal palaces to iconic surf beaches and unforgettable views, these 12 top attractions showcase Honolulu’s very best.
Iolani Palace
Name and Location: Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, Iolani Palace was the residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and is the only royal palace in the United States. It’s a symbol of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s former political and social status.
What to Expect: A glimpse into the royal history of Hawaii, with beautifully restored rooms and artifacts. Guided tours offer insights into the monarchy’s history and the palace’s architecture.
Visitor Information: Open for tours, with an admission fee. Photography inside the palace is restricted.
The only official royal residence on U.S. soil, ʻIolani Palace in downtown Honolulu offers a fascinating walk through Hawaii’s history. Completed in 1882, the distinctive palace with its ornate facade, gilded stairs and throne room served as the official residence of King Kalākaua and his sister and successor Queen Liliʻuokalani until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893.
Today the beautifully restored palace stands as a monument to the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi era. Guided and self-guided audio tours allow you to explore the palace’s storied rooms filled with original 19th century furnishings and artifacts. Don’t miss King Kalākaua’s private library, the impressive Grand Hall used for royal receptions and balls, and exhibits detailing the surprising history of electricity in the kingdom. The shady grounds surrounding ʻIolani Palace make a fine setting for a picnic lunch as well.
Waikiki Beach
Name and Location: Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Famed for its long, iconic beach, Waikiki was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Today, it’s known globally for its surfing, hotels, and vibrant atmosphere.
What to Expect: A bustling beach scene with excellent opportunities for surfing, sunbathing, and people watching. The area is also full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Visitor Information: Easily accessible, with numerous public facilities and beachfront accommodations. Always busy, so plan for crowds.
No trip to Honolulu is complete without a visit to world-famous Waikiki Beach. While today the Waikiki shoreline is lined by high-rise hotels, shops and restaurants, this iconic beach stretching from the slopes of Diamond Head crater to Honolulu Harbor continues to enchant with two miles of powdery white sand bordering calm, translucent waters perfect for swimming and surfing.
From surf history exhibits nearby to beachfront hotels and high-end boutiques, Waikiki embraces its role as a premier tourist destination while retaining remnants of its Hawaiian roots through hula shows at Kuhio Beach, outrigger canoe rides, and the preserved tropical taro fields of Queen Kapiʻolani Garden adorning the district. Whether you come to surf its gentle waves, gaze at Diamond Head, or simply sunbathe on golden sands, no one leaves Waikiki without falling for its enduring, nostalgic charm.
Diamond Head State Monument
Name and Location: Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: This iconic volcanic crater is a symbol of Hawaii’s natural beauty. Formed about 300,000 years ago, it offers a historical hiking experience and panoramic views of Honolulu.
What to Expect: A moderately challenging hike leading to stunning views at the summit. The trail includes steep stairs and tunnels.
Visitor Information: Open daily, with a small entrance fee. Early morning is the best time to hike to avoid the heat and crowds.
Honolulu’s iconic backdrop comes courtesy of the dramatic crater of 760-foot Diamond Head, named by British sailors who mistook calcite crystals embedded in the crater’s rock for diamonds. Part of the State Monument encompassing the crater’s interior and rim, the trail to Diamond Head summit offers panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu unfolding below along with scenic vistas stretching east over the entire Oʻahu coastline.
The moderately strenuous 1.6 mile round trip hike ascends over 500 feet through historic World War I-era tunnels and up steep staircases and passes before emerging at an open-air US Army artillery observation station on the very top. In addition to stellar photo opportunities, interpretive signs along the trail detail the volcano crater’s explosive geological history as well as its military role. Sweeping sightlines of Oʻahu’s south shore make the journey up Diamond Head truly unforgettable.
Hanauma Bay
Name and Location: Hanauma Bay, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Formed within a volcanic cone, Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve and a marine life conservation area, famous for its abundant coral reef and diverse marine life.
What to Expect: Excellent snorkeling opportunities in clear, calm waters. The bay is home to a variety of fish and marine animals, offering a unique experience for nature lovers.
Visitor Information: Open most days except Tuesdays, with an admission fee and parking charge. Snorkeling equipment can be rented on-site.
With its curved white sand beach, calm protected waters and abundance of colorful fish, Hanauma Bay tops visitors’ lists as one of Oʻahu’s most spectacular natural sights. Located 10 miles east of Waikiki along the rugged southeast shoreline, this marine embayment carved from a volcanic crater hosts over 450 different fish species that call the bay’s reef and interior lagoon home.
An underwater preserve since 1967, Hanauma Bay offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and witnessing gorgeous tropical species like butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish and green sea turtles in their natural habitat. First-timers can view an informational film at the Hanauma Bay Education Center and gear up with snorkel equipment rentals and lessons available onsite. More experienced divers love exploring popular spots like Witches Brew or the Keyhole along the bay’s western rim where coral grows thick and fish gather in huge numbers.
USS Arizona Memorial
Name and Location: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: This memorial honors the sailors and Marines killed on the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It’s a powerful symbol of American history and sacrifice.
What to Expect: A solemn experience, including a boat ride to the memorial, which stands above the sunken battleship. The site includes exhibits and historical information.
Visitor Information: Free admission, but tickets are required for the boat ride. It’s recommended to book in advance due to high demand.
A solemn tribute to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack in WWII, the USS Arizona Memorial honors the heroic American sailors while conveying the history and magnitude of events that day in December 1941. Accessible only by boat, the large white concrete memorial spans the mid-portion of the sunken battleship. Inscribed marble plaques on the memorial’s concave walls include the names of those sailors and marines killed.
The memorial tour, available through advance reservations, includes a documentary film screening and transportation out to the memorial where visitors can pay respects by tossing flower petals into the waters above the battleship. Joint tours of the USS Bowfin submarine museum and the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center compliment the experience. As an active military shrine and gravesite, proper respectful behavior is required at the USS Arizona Memorial.
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Name and Location: Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, near Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: This lookout is historically significant as the site of the Battle of Nuʻuanu, where King Kamehameha I won the struggle that ultimately united the Hawaiian Islands.
What to Expect: Breathtaking views of the windward coast of Oahu. The area is known for its strong winds and stunning vistas.
Visitor Information: Easily accessible by car. There’s a parking fee, and the area can be quite windy, so dress accordingly.
For one of the most eye-popping views on Oʻahu, venture just north of Honolulu to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout perched high on the windward side of the Koʻolau mountain range. Translating to “cold cliffs,” the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout treats visitors to vistas looking down 1200-feet to the sheer serrated cliffs marking the northeastern side of the mountains. The dizzying panoramas gaze down across Kaneohe Bay with offshore islets appearing as tiny green smudges on the dazzling blue Pacific.
Powerful trade wind gusts frequently blow across the mountains through Nu’uanu Pali valley below, explaining the area’s “cold cliffs” moniker. Interpretive plaques recount the legendary Battle of Nuʻuanu fought here in 1795 and detail native Hawaiian history. Hikers can continue along trails through cloud-wreathed mountain forests flushed with cold moisture. For landscape photographers and sightseers, Nuʻuanu Pali supplies stunning island eye candy.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Name and Location: Queen Emma Summer Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: This was the summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son. The palace now serves as a museum showcasing Hawaiian history and culture.
What to Expect: A tour of the palace reveals royal artifacts, antique furnishings, and a beautiful collection of Hawaiian quilts. A look into the life of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Visitor Information: Open to the public with an admission fee. Guided tours are available.
Built in 1848 by Queen Emma’s father-in-law as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, this stately white house framed by diamond-paned windows and columns offers a peek into 19th century Hawaiian royal life. Tucked at the cooler end of Nuʻuanu Valley five miles from downtown Honolulu, Queen Emma loved spending summers at Hanaiakamalama relaxing on the covered lanais, tending to her gardens and hosting dignitaries.
Today the beautifully restored Queen Emma Summer Palace functions as a museum honoring the history of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV including their charitable works, travels abroad, courtship mementos and more. Don’t miss displays of Hawaiian quilts hand-sewn by Queen Emma, royal portraits and photographs, musical instruments, and furnishings original to the home including koa wood tables and cabinets. The ornamental gardens cultivating native and Polynesian plants remain a highlight as well, just as in Queen Emma’s time.
Foster Botanical Garden
Name and Location: Foster Botanical Garden, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Established in 1853, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Hawaii. The garden showcases a mature and impressive collection of tropical plants.
What to Expect: A peaceful escape in the heart of the city, featuring a variety of exotic plants, an orchid garden, and a prehistoric glen with a collection of primitive plants.
Visitor Information: Open daily with a small admission fee. Ideal for plant enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil experience.
Nestled downtown just to the west of Chinatown, Foster Botanical Garden represents a living museum preserving native species as well as showcasing ornamental plants from sub-tropical regions across the globe. Originally started in 1853 as a private garden belonging to wealthy German immigrant Dr. William Hillebrand, eventually Foster Botanical Garden was opened to the public in 1930. Today visitors from around the world admire the rare and beautiful tropical blossoms cultivated throughout its 14 acres.
Don’t miss rare Hawaiian plants like the loulu palm thriving in the Prehistoric Glen, towering bamboos and banyans populating tropical corners, the Vine Pergola smothered by brightly flowering monsteras, heliconias with lobster claw blooms, and dozens of orchid varieties. Signage identifies intriguing species from near and far. Newer garden sections highlight plants used for canoe-building, medicine, weaving and more among ancient Hawaiians. Escape into exotic tropical tranquility right downtown at Foster Botanical Garden.
Honolulu Museum of Art
Name and Location: Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Founded in 1927, it is the largest of its kind in the state and is renowned for its extensive collection of Asian, Western, and contemporary art.
What to Expect: A diverse collection of art spanning several millennia, including special exhibitions and a beautiful sculpture garden.
Visitor Information: Open to the public with an admission fee. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops.
With a world renowned collection spanning 5,000 years and featuring more than 50,000 diverse works, the exceptional Honolulu Museum of Art belongs high atop any visitor’s must-see list. The museum’s holdings include extensive Asian art collections showcasing textiles, ceramics, sculpture and paintings from China, Japan, India, and southeast Asia as well as traditional barkcloth, woodwork, and stonework hailing from Oceania and Hawaii. Impressionist canvases by Monet, van Gogh and Cézanne also delight.
Spread across three locations – the striking main building with terraced courtyards, the contemporary Spalding House displaying modern art, and the Tropical Forest wing recreating Tongan village life – the Honolulu Museum of Art could easily occupy art enthusiasts for days. In addition to the superb galleries, the Honolulu Museum of Art also hosts events, classes and lectures for continued enjoyment and discovery.
Kona Brewing Company
Name and Location: Kona Brewing Company, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Founded in 1994, Kona Brewing Company is one of Hawaii’s premier craft breweries, known for its commitment to sustainability and local ingredients.
What to Expect: A tour of the brewery offers insights into the brewing process and includes a tasting session of various craft beers. The brewpub serves delicious local cuisine.
Visitor Information: Tours are available with a reservation. The brewpub is a great spot for a casual meal and beer enthusiasts.
No visit to the 50th state would be complete without sampling Hawaii’s own Kona Brewing Company craft beers like the hoppy Big Wave Golden Ale or rich Pipeline Porter. Swing by the company’s Honolulu outpost set in the former Kinau Street warehouse to taste test the full range of specialty ales and lagers or grab a bite from the onsite brewpub menu.
Relax at picnic tables in the beer garden to take in live music performances while you sip flavorful brews and nosh on pub classics like chicken wings, burgers, flatbreads and poke bowls. Or book tickets in advance for an enlightening and entertaining behind-the-scenes brewery tour explaining the entire beer-making process straight from the source. Retail space allows you to bring home Kona Brewing’s iconic crafted beers and logo merchandise to share a taste of Hawaii with lucky friends and family.
Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site
Name and Location: Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, Kailua, Hawaii.
History and Significance: This ancient Hawaiian religious site dates back to the 14th century. It was originally used as a heiau (temple) and later as an agricultural site.
What to Expect: A fascinating look into Hawaii’s pre-contact history. The site features massive stone platforms and walls, providing a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture.
Visitor Information: Open to the public with no admission fee. The site is not heavily commercialized, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience.
Venture into the lush Manoa Valley just above Waikiki to immerse yourself in ancient Hawaiian history at Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, home to one of the island’s few remaining temples or heiau constructed to honor gods like Kū, Lono and Kāne. Dating back an estimated 600 years, Ulupo Heiau rests on a scenic hillside surrounded by tropical foliage and tranquil ponds ideal for ritual purification baths and ceremonies.
While the large platform measures 140 by 180 feet across, its ruins appear unimpressive to modern eyes. However fascinating interpretive signage helps paint a picture of days long past when native islanders presented offerings, sacrificed animals, beat drums, blew conch shell horns and sang during important cultural and spiritual events at Ulupo Heiau. Surrounding gardens include traditional plants that would have been utilized as well. The site’s sweeping views overlooking Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean emphasize why ancient Hawaiians chose this sacred spot.
Conclusion
From world-renowned Waikiki Beach where surf culture thrives to the grand ʻIolani Palace displaying the graceful opulence of Hawaiian royalty, Honolulu sets an unforgettable and quintessentially Hawaiian stage for your Oʻahu experience. Outdoor lovers will thrill to views from Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout or Diamond Head while history buffs uncover fascinating stories at Pearl Harbor or Queen Emma’s 19th century summer palace. And don’t miss Honolulu’s exceptional dining, shopping and museums as well. However you choose to spend your time exploring Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu offers endless opportunities to discover stunning natural scenery, rich cultural traditions, and the warmth of aloha.