Honolulu: what's actually worth it
When Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown here in 1893, the monarchy fell but aloha spirit endured, shaping a city that balances deep history with relaxed resilience. You will feel this warmth in the slow rhythm of street vendors and the genuine smiles exchanged on busy sidewalks, where time seems to stretch like the afternoon sun. Today, Honolulu is not just a tropical gateway but a vibrant, lived-in metropolis where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern urban life, inviting you to wander its diverse neighborhoods at your own pace.
Top things to do in Honolulu
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Museum · ★ 4.8 (27,283 reviews)
Site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries.
Check tours & tickets →Polynesian Cultural Center
Cultural Center · ★ 4.7 (24,249 reviews)
Center highlighting various enduring Pacific island cultures with luaus, live shows & tours.
Check tours & tickets →Kualoa Ranch
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.7 (21,725 reviews)
4,000-acre nature retreat offering ATVs, a zip-line, beaches & tours of Hollywood film locations.
Check tours & tickets →Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
Visitor Center · ★ 4.7 (18,360 reviews)
This still-active naval base is known for the 1941 attack by Japan that brought the U.S. into WWII.
Check tours & tickets →USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Museum
Historical Place · ★ 4.8 (14,506 reviews)
Storied battleship, site of the official Japanese surrender in WWII, hosting exhibits, tours & more.
Check tours & tickets →Dole Plantation
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.2 (38,462 reviews)
This historic pineapple plantation now attracts families with a train ride & a 3-acre garden maze.
Check tours & tickets →Halona Blowhole Lookout
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (7,755 reviews)
From this lookout, visitors can see ocean water shoot 30 feet into the air from a lava tube.
Check tours & tickets →Waimea Valley
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.6 (9,176 reviews)
This large parkland offers a botanical garden, a waterfall area & info on Native Hawaiian history.
Check tours & tickets →Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (7,349 reviews)
400 acres of tropical plants along with a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails & camping.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Leonard's Bakery
Bakery · ★ 4.6 (13,402 reviews)
Local fixture since 1952 for malasadas (Portuguese donuts), breads, pastries & other sweets.
Website →Duke's Waikiki
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (19,200 reviews)
Popular option known for its beachfront location, surf 'n' turf, tiki vibe & umbrella drinks.
Website →Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (3,506 reviews)
Elegant, modern restaurant serving Southern Sicilian fare & an extensive wine selection.
Website →Liliha Bakery
Bakery · ★ 4.6 (4,758 reviews)
Bakery & diner since 1950, popular for its breakfasts, comfort food & coco puffs.
Website →Lulu's Waikiki
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (6,817 reviews)
The breezy open-air vibe at this eatery creates a welcoming scene for American grub & drinks.
Website →Rainbow Drive-In
Hawaiian Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (8,012 reviews)
Iconic counter-serve spot for Hawaiian plate lunches features BBQ, mahi mahi, chili dogs & more.
Website →Hula Grill Waikiki
Hawaiian Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (5,246 reviews)
Relaxed beachside venue serving pupu, fish tacos & tropical drinks, plus weekend brunch.
Website →Barefoot Beach Cafe @ Queen's Surf Beach
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (4,795 reviews)
Outdoor cafe has Hawaiian plates & standard American fare, plus live music & a weekend beach BBQ.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
E Noa Tours and Waikiki Trolley | Corporate Office
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 4.9 (5,992 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Koko Head District Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (8,085 reviews)
Sprawling collection of sports fields, gardens, picnic areas & stairs climbing a volcanic crater.
Website →Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Hiking Area · ★ 4.8 (5,132 reviews)
Natural hiking area with paved trail & overlook, ocean views, lighthouse & whale-watching potential.
Website →Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.6 (7,129 reviews)
Known for it’s snorkeling, this beachfront protected park offers a coral reef & diverse marine life.
Website →Mānoa Falls Trail
Hiking Area · ★ 4.7 (5,357 reviews)
This picturesque rainforest trail leading to Mānoa Falls has appeared in several movies.
Kualoa Regional Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (3,995 reviews)
Picturesque waterside park offering mountain & ocean views, picnic lawns & beach access.
Website →After dark
Surf Bar Waikiki
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.9 (1,221 reviews)
Website →RumFire
Restaurant · ★ 4.2 (2,322 reviews)
The Sheraton's posh, beachside lounge known for unique cocktails, comfort food & coveted fire pits.
Website →Arnold's Beach Bar
Bar · ★ 4.5 (1,209 reviews)
Comfortable Hawaiian tiki bar with tropical drinks, games, snacks & frequent live music.
Website →Suzie Wong's Hideaway
Bar · ★ 4.7 (819 reviews)
Website →More guides
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