19 Things to do in Honolulu that make it Worth Visiting for First-Timers?

If you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii, chances are Honolulu is at the top of your list. As the capital on Oʻahu, it’s the gateway to the islands and a place where beaches and culture all come together. But with so much hype, many first-time visitors wonder if Honolulu is actually worth spending time and what are the best things to do there.

The truth is, navigating Honolulu can feel overwhelming. Questions like: What are the must-dos? How many days should I stay? Where should I go beyond the beach? are common pain points for travellers.

Having explored Honolulu first-hand, I’ve narrowed down the fun activities that stood out for our first visit, that make it worth visiting. So, after reading this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of your time and that Honolulu is not just a stopover before exploring elsewhere.

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Is Honolulu Worth visiting in Hawaii?

Of course, yes! I feel that Honolulu is absolutely worth visiting and has so much to offer any type of traveller. This includes swimming in the crystal blue waters, phenomenal beaches, hiking, surfing, War history, culture or even snorkelling in their coral reefs. 

Since Honolulu is the international Gateway to the rest of the islands and you’ll find it very easy to fly from any country worldwide. It offers a mix of tropical paradise, rich culture, and city convenience, but like any destination, it comes with both perks and drawbacks. This includes:

✅ Pros:

• Stunning beaches like Waikiki with world-class surfing and swimming.
• Rich history and culture, including Pearl Harbour, ʻIolani Palace & Diamond Head Summit.
• Easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• Gateway to exploring the rest of Oʻahu and neighbouring islands.

❌ Cons:

• Can be very crowded, especially in peak tourist season.
• Higher prices for food, accommodation, and activities.
• Traffic congestion in and around the city.
• Some beaches and areas feel overly commercialized.

➡  Compare prices for Honolulu Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Things to do in Honolulu for First-time visitors?

Honolulu is located in the stunning tropical paradise of Oahu, Hawaii. It’s a vibrant city with plenty to offer, from five-star resorts and boutique hotels.

The beaches here are some of the best in the world and with it’s tourist hub of Waikiki, the golden sands and clear turquoise waters, it makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a sun-filled vacation. 

1. Diamond Head Crater Hike & Lookout

The Diamond Head Crater(Lē‘ahi) summit hike is one of the best cheap things you can do in Honolulu, but if you need transport and entry inclusions there are available tours. It’s a dormant volcano on Oahu’s southeast shore and is one of the most iconic landmarks.

It was built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defence system, with bunkers, tunnels, and observation towers. But, these days, it’s used as a lookout point for the Waikiki skyline, exercise, and to learn about its history.

➡  Find Diamond Head Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

It’s steep and strenuous but relatively short (1 mile or 1.5 km one way), so almost everyone can do it. At the summit, you walk through the previously used bunkers, a lighthouse, plus the postcard view of Waikiki.

And if you’re lucky, you might even see passing whales during winter.

2. Surfing the Waves

Maybe not the favourite pass time for everyone, but the Hawaiian surf draws millions of tourists each year to this location. And there are many different spots across the island, or on the nearby ones, where you can surf. 

➡  Learn to Surf HERE with Viator.

There are also surf schools for beginners to learn, But as for me, I can’t surf yet, and when I have more time, I would love to try. However, my partner Matt used to years ago, and I’m sure he would have loved to have surfed these waves.

➡  Browse all Honolulu Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

3. Say Hi to “The Duke”

“The Duke” is a bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, who welcomes you to Waikiki. He was a Hawaiian hero, a master of swimming, canoe paddling, and he grew up surfing in this area.

During his first competition, he broke the world record in the 100-yard freestyle. Later winning Olympic gold in the 100-metre freestyle and silver in the 1912 relay. On top of that, with two gold medals in 1920 and, at 34 years old, a silver medal in the 1924 Olympics. 

The Statue now stands on Waikiki Beach and probably gets thousands of selfie pictures every day!

4. Scenic Helicopter Flight

A scenic Helicopter flight may not be one of the cheapest things to do, but it’s fun and certainly worth the experience. The views are out of this world and a way of seeing many different areas of the island in such a short time.

As an added bonus, we opted for some old-school memories on this one, taking the replica Magnam PI Hawaii Helicopter Tour. Yep, just like the old TV show back in the 1980s, and even better riding it with the “doors off.”

➡  Book Scenic Helicopter Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Our hour-long Helicopter Ride took us all the way over to North Beach, past movie sets like Jurassic Park, overlooking Diamond head crater and all the beaches in Waikiki. But, more so, it was a surreal experience to see the whole Pearl Harbour base from the air too!

5. Luau Cultural Night

The Hawaiian Luau Dinner & Show is so much fun and a festive experience to be had visiting the Islands. It’s a great place to meet like-minded travellers, learn about Hawaiian Culture, and try some of their local dishes. 

➡  Book Luau Dinners HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

It features a huge feast, music, and a brilliant cultural performance with singing and dancing. In addition, you’ll typically dine on Kalua Pig cooked in an Imu (underground oven), Haupia (coconut pudding), and poi (Hawaiian Taro Starch).

All of which we both enjoyed! Then you can settle in under the stars, listen to music, and watch skilled hula performances that tell stories of the islands.

6. Take a Hawaii Five 0 Tour

Ok, this one is for the fans of the Hawaii Five-O TV show, although if you’re not, the sites are still pretty cool. Conveniently, we were picked up for an Island day tour just around the corner from our Waikiki hotel and driven around to about 10 different sites from the TV Show. 

➡  Browse TV or Movies Tours HERE with Viator

We visited the Courthouse, which was the Five-O headquarters. Then onto the Aloha Football Stadium, fantastic lookout points, and I was surprised to be finishing at McGarrett’s home. 

The whole day was amazing, and I would recommend checking it out for yourself if you get the chance. The Hawaii Five-O show finished in April 2020, so I expect they will keep the tours going for a few more years. 

7. Visit the Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace (which means royal hawk) is a grand sight built in 1882 by King Kalakaua. He wanted an impressive building to represent the Hawaiian monarchy and its culture. 

Its intricate architecture is impressive, and many traditional artifacts are on display. This includes colourful furniture and koa bowl sets that were actually used by the royals on site! 

It’s also one of two official residences of the Head of State of Hawaii. It’s filled with rich history, and you can almost imagine what it must have been like to experience life here back in the day.

8. Tour the Pearl Harbour National Memorial

The Pearl Harbour Base tours commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941. This killed over 2,400 Americans and sank twelve ships in the Harbour.

➡  Find Pearl Harbour Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Today the galleries and memorials honour those who lost their lives on that fateful day. These tours allow visitors to explore and take in the remnants of this tragic event, including the USS Arizona Memorial. 

This Pearl Harbour Day tour is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting! But, plan for a long day as security is tight and many people are lining up. I think we were there for about 13 hours, and I still don’t think we saw everything. 

The site includes but is not limited to the following:

• The USS Arizona Memorial
• USS Utah memorial
• Visitor Centre at Halawa Landing
• USS Oklahoma memorial
• The USS Missouri Memorial
• USS Bowfin Museum
• Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum

9. Indoor Gun Shooting Range

If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Waikiki beyond the beaches and shopping, an indoor shooting range offers a safe but thrilling experience. It might not be for everyone, but for those curious, it’s definitely a rush!

I had the chance to try it out and got to fire a range of iconic weapons, including a Thompson submachine gun, a 12-gauge shotgun, an AK-47, an AR-15, and even an Uzi. Each one felt unique, and I’ll admit, my shoulder was pretty sore afterward from the shotgun recoil!

The staff were professional and ensured everything was handled safely, which made the whole experience more enjoyable.

10. Try some Shaved Ice

When the heat and humidity in Waikiki start to kick in, nothing hits the spot quite like a refreshing Hawaiian shaved ice. You’ll see plenty of vans and stalls around Waikiki (and even at popular attractions like Pearl Harbour Memorial, where I grabbed mine) serving up this local favourite.

Shaved ice comes in a wide variety of flavours, from tropical classics like pineapple, coconut, and mango to fun mixes like rainbow or bubble-gum. Some places even add extras such as a scoop of ice cream at the bottom or a drizzle of condensed milk on top, making it extra indulgent.

11. Royal Hawaiian Centre

The Royal Hawaiian Centre is more than just a shopping complex, it’s a cultural and entertainment hub in the heart of Waikiki that blends retail therapy with the true spirit of Aloha.

With over 90 shops, boutiques, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to indulge in everything from high-end fashion and Hawaiian-inspired gifts to casual eats and fine dining.

What really sets the Centre apart, though, is its commitment to Hawaiian culture. Beyond shopping and dining, visitors can enjoy free cultural activities such as hula and ukulele lessons, lei-making workshops, and storytelling sessions that bring Hawaiian traditions to life.

The lush open-air courtyards, shaded by tall palm trees, create a welcoming space to relax in between browsing and exploring.

12. Honolulu Zoo

Nestled right beside Waikiki Beach and surrounded by stunning, lush greenery is the Honolulu Zoo. King Kalakaua granted the royal lands to be used as a public park in the 1800s, and it now houses more than 1,230 animals of nearly 400 rare and indigenous species. 

An unforgettable sight awaits you, with rhinos, tortoises, and pythons. As well as a range of birds and exciting reptiles like the Komodo dragon. Just don’t forget to sign up for one of their unique Twilight Tours for an enchanting after-hours experience at the zoo!

13. Waikiki Beach

Finding some of the free things to do in Honolulu might sound difficult, but the famous Waikiki Beach is right there waiting for you!

The beach is world-renowned for its soaring palm trees, powdery white sand, and cerulean blue waters. 

Whether you’re a beach-goer or not, Waikiki Beach provides an array of activities for every kind of tourist. This includes swimming, surfing, sun-baking, or even making sand castles. I even managed to catch a fire-breathing show and acrobatics, which were all free to watch. 

14. Shark Encounters

Despite this being called Shark diving tours, it’s actually just snorkelling can be done by almost everyone game enough to jump in the water.

You will see sharks up close, like Tiger Sharks and Galapagos Sharks. And even better that it’s in the wild and their natural environment.

After you book your Shark tour, you’re driven out from the shores and step inside a purpose-built cage. You’ll wear a snorkel and mask and with the 360-degree viewing cage. All while the sharks will gracefully glide around you and the boat. 

The whole tour is a safe yet exhilarating experience, and I’ve been lucky to tick off a few of these Shark experiences around the world. This includes:

• the Bega Shark dives in Fiji,
• Swimming with Great White Sharks in Australia
• and the more harmless Whale Shark Tours in Mexico.

15. Snorkelling or Diving

Honolulu has several different snorkelling or diving companies to choose from, and visit various spots for your viewing pleasure. Choosing the right boat for you depends on the group you’re travelling with and their skill, what you want to see, and how much time you have. 

➡  Browse Underwater tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

You can expect to encounter both green turtles and hawksbill turtles, lots of fish life, and seeing the Spinner Dolphins was amazing. In addition, over 100 species of coral and 400 species of fish that call the Hawaiian waters home.

These include angelfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, stingrays, and even octopuses. 

16. Waikiki Trolley Hop-on Hop-off

The Waikiki Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore Honolulu and beyond, offering several color-coded routes that take you to the city’s top attractions.

➡  Get your tickets for the Waikiki Trolley HERE with Viator.

Depending on the line you choose, you can cruise past iconic spots such as Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Shopping Centre, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbour, and Downtown Honolulu, all while enjoying open-air seating with great views.

With the flexibility to hop on and off at different stops, you can tailor your day to include everything from shopping and dining to cultural and historical landmarks. It’s a relaxed and affordable way to see more of Oahu without worrying about parking or navigating traffic.

17. Go City All-Inclusive Pass

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to save money and experience everything that the city has to offer, the Go City All-Inclusive Pass could be your ticket!

➡  Purchase your GO City All Inclusive Pass HERE with Viator.

With a 60% discount on some of the city’s top attractions, you can see the beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks from a totally different perspective with up to 40 different experiences.

And best of all, there’s plenty of flexibility for those spontaneous holidays with choosing between 1 to 7-day passes. 

18. Whale Watching

From December to April, the waters off Oahu come alive with migrating humpback whales, making it one of the best times to book tours and witness these gentle giants up close. Watching them breach, slap their tails, or leap gracefully from the water is an interesting experience.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot pods traveling together or catch a glimpse of playful calves learning the ropes from their mothers.

Some of the best spots to see them from shore include Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse, Hanauma Bay Lookout, and the western coast near Ko Olina.

Although, for a closer encounter, whale watching boat tours depart regularly from Waikiki and North Shore harbours, offering the chance to see the whales from the water with expert commentary.

19. Visit Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is far more than just another beach, it’s one of the most iconic natural treasures in Hawaii and a must-visit on any Oahu itinerary. Formed inside a volcanic cone, this stunning bay was designated a marine life conservation area, making it a sanctuary for thriving coral reefs, colourful fish, and a variety of ocean wildlife.

With its calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the best places on the island for snorkelling, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced underwater explorer.

Beyond its marine beauty, Hanauma Bay also offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding volcanic landscape, creating a setting that feels almost otherworldly. The strict conservation efforts mean visitor numbers are limited, ensuring the area remains pristine while giving you a more intimate experience with the reef.

Where to Stay?

When vacationing in Honolulu, you won’t be short of choices for where to stay! I spent ages searching the net, but I found narrowing down a location and your budget will help shorten that list.

Also, helps to look out for deals and start early with your research.

➡  Find Honolulu Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

I decided to base myself in the Aston Waikiki hotel straight across from the beach. This turned out to be very convenient when we needed everything within walking distance. I can’t say it was the flashest of hotels, but I loved the view, and it had everything we needed.

How to get around?

Hiring a car is probably the most convenient way to get around, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace and have ample time for sightseeing.

Of course, this will suit most people, but it wasn’t necessary for us on this trip. 

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

However, if you prefer a more leisurely approach, there are more methods of getting around the mainland. This includes:

• the Hop On/Off Trolley mentioned above,
• organised tours to your favourite locations,
• Taxis,
• Ubers,
• or the public Bus system. 

Is it safe to visit?

Yes, I felt very comfortable and safe touring around Honolulu, and any tourist should feel the same. This included walking the streets, finding my way around, and talking to some of the locals. 

Although it’s always good to take general safety precautions like not walking around at night, not leaving valuables unattended, and keeping an eye out for pickpockets.

Best Time to visit?

Honolulu is the perfect summer destination and great for any time of year! My visit was during April, and I was welcomed with great weather and an average amount of other tourists.

With that said, I felt the prices were slightly more reasonable compared to the USA Summer.

For those looking for a busy tourist destination zone filled with visitors from around the world, the summer season runs from June to August. It is the more popular time to visit and when you’ll find prices on the rise. 

However, if you want something a bit more relaxed and intimate, the winter months from December to March will bring smaller crowds and better deals. 

February is the most affordable time to visit Honolulu, especially for tourists from cooler climates! February invites visitors to the close of winter and bodes them with the promise of tropical days. 

At this time, your average temperature ranges between a high of 79°F and 68°F lows. February offers excellent discounts, whether it be flights or lodging, and in many cases for both.

How many days do you need?

If you’re trying to decide how many days to spend there, I think 5 days in Waikiki is ideal, but 7 to 10 days would be considered a good average. 

Of course, this depends largely on what your goals are in visiting the city and the highlights on your list.

My visit ended up being 6 nights, but also, found it worth seeing the Big Island for another 6 nights. I thought this delivered a nice daily variation and saw everything I wanted on my list.

Wrap up & Read More!

So, is Honolulu worth visiting in Hawaii? I say, Absolutely! With its mix of beautiful beaches, rich culture, exciting activities, and unique attractions, Honolulu offers plenty to make any first-time visit unforgettable. Hopefully, this guide has given you more than enough inspiration to start planning your own adventure.

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for more tips and ideas to help with your travel planning, be sure to check out my other USA blog posts for even more guidance and inspiration.

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