Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii. The place is one of the bustling cities of the United States of America with a population of over one million. It served as one of the main centers of military importance for the USA during the World Wars. After the war came to an end, several steps were taken to promote the beauty of the region which has remained unknown to many in the world. One can swim, snorkel, dive and take sunbathe on the beaches of Honolulu. Go for a hike in the dormant volcano or taking long trails along the shores of beaches. Due to the different sightseeing locations that are found at this place, one can opt for several things to do in Honolulu.
9 Things To Do In Honolulu
This is a not so exhaustive list of things to do while you are in Honolulu. The best one are listed below for your convenience.
1. Waikiki Beach – Go For Surfing
Surfing at Waikiki Beach is not the latest activity. Right from the royal family who ruled the Hawaii region to the millions of tourists who flock Hawaii today, have visited the beach for surfing in the waters. The beach with its honey-colored sand is not just suitable for surfing but also for just lying down in the sands with a towel and overlooking the Diamond Head State Monument which is located at a distance. If you get bored of surfing, then there are many restaurants in the area that serve lip-smacking food. The beach is very much suitable for first-time surfers. If you get too tired of the waters, then there are many designer boutiques of some of the world’s most famous brands. One could shop till they drop here.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Entry Fee: $7.50
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2. Sea Life Hawaii – Enjoy Watching Dolphins
If you are visiting Hawaii with the entire family and you wish to get a glimpse of the sea life with your kids, then you are supposed to visit the Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Apart from the wide variety of sea life, one could also witness a lot of birds within the park. These birds can be fed and this is one of the extremely fun activities which can be tried at this park. There is a majestic show of the sea lions and the other sea creatures. Sea lions, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, manta rays are some of the marine life which is found in this park. There are some species of turtles that are unique to the landscape of the Pacific islands.
Location: 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States
Timing: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: $40
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3. Makapu’u Lighthouse – Go For Hiking
Image Credit: Kaleismith for wikipedia
Imagine hiking along one of the highest lighthouses in the world, then this activity would entice your mind. The hills which look towards the sea with the different geographical formations along the seashore are a sight that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. If you wish to spot whales that jump out of the water and then swish into, you should be visiting the lighthouse in the months between December and April. One of the most special features of this park is that the lighthouse here is very old. One can also go hiking early in the morning to experience the sunrise. Apart from just spotting the whales, the place also makes space for some excellent photographs. If you are a person who doesn’t like too much crowd or planning to take a break from the waters by connecting with nature, then hiking at Makapu’u Lighthouse is a sure shot activity to indulge in.
Location: Near the Hawaii Kai Golf Course on Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI
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4. Pearl Harbour – Take A History Walk
Whenever one speaks of Hawaii, the first thing that strikes one’s mind is Pearl Harbor. The place already beaming with images of history became even more prominent after the movie was released. When you decide to take a history tour of Pearl Harbour, there are special arrangements made by the government of the United States of America. The submarines, warships and other military equipment which are decommissioned are kept in the display. There is also a Pacific Aviation Museum which has a collection of different kinds of aircraft that were used in the past during the water. There is also a guided narrated tour of the USS Arizona. As one enters into this defunct submarine which was very actively used during the World Wars, then you can enjoy the history which the place has to offer.
Location: Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S
Timing: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: $75 for adults and $25 for kids
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5. Bishop Museum – Get Sci-Fi Feels
If you wish to experience life in Hawaii at its fullest with all the elements of science fiction attached to it, then you must be visiting the Bishop Museum. The museum was built to honor the last descendant of the royal family Kamehameha, princess Bernice, the wife of Charles Bishop. The museum holds a lot of artifacts and documents relating to the royal family. The museum has become one of the largest in the country. It holds many premier cultural and historical reminiscences of the entire Pacific islands. The best part is that the place consists of many natural specimens that make you awe and at the same time, it makes you fear to go too close to it. There is also a natural volcano crater in the museum which is an active volcano. These are some of the rarest things in the world.
Location: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817-2704
Timing: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: $60
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6. Manoa Falls – Trek With Your Gang
Manoa Falls is the sight where major sequences of Jurassic Park had been shot. The place is known for its lush green vegetation along the entire valley before one reaches the main area of the falls which is the top tip that offers an even more beautiful view. The stream of water that gushes down the hills looks more or less like a white blanket of water amidst all the greenery around. The place might get a bit crowded during peak hours and so it is advised to start a bit early if one decides to go hiking in the falls area. The area near the falls might get a bit slippering, so it is advised to wear the right pair of slippers. For those who are not comfortable with even the slightest of the slippery floor are advised to carry a support stick along with them.
Location: End of Manoa Road, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96822
Timing: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: Hiking is free but one needs to pay $5 for the parking
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7. Hanauma Bay – Opt For Snorkeling
Hanauma Bay is much preferred for snorkeling owing to the extent of coral reefs found in the bay and the number of shops that dot the place where one could easily buy the equipment for snorkeling. This is one of the musts to do activities while you are in Hawaii. The place is known for its turquoise blue waters and the excellent variety of sea life found in the place. The bright sea life, fish and other sea mammals which would swim alongside you are a great sight to reckon with. There are many trainers along the bay who are ready to guide you if you are a first-time snorkeler. Hanauma bay is truly a surreal location with all the glorious sea life.
Location: Island of Oahu, East Honolulu,
Timing: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: $7.50
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8. Diamond Head – Hike To Catch Amazing Views
You could have gone hiking in different parts of the world. But one could have not heard someone say that they have gone hiking in a volcano crater. This is one of the experiences that could only be offered by the islands of Hawaii. This is one of the world’s largest volcano craters. This requires those who are quite fit in shape to take a climb up the crater. It is advised to reach the place early in the morning so that one could avoid the harsh sun. The hike to the top takes about half an hour. But the climb to the top provides an extremely glorious view of Waikiki Beach and the nearby geographic locations. Many eateries are located near the Diamond Head that serves lip-smacking food to satisfy your hunger pangs after a humongous hike.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Timing: 6:00 am to 4: 30 pm
Entry Fee: $5 for vehicle parking and $1 for entry of a single person
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9. Iolani Palace – Get A Taste Of Royalty
The Iolani Palace is known as the place where the monarchs of Hawaii resided. Hawaii is one of the places in the USA where the monarchs were in the rule for a long time. The palace is not very old to take you back to the long-time past but it has a lot of artifacts dating to the 19th century. This palace is a must-visit for all the architecture enthusiasts as the place is filled with extremely great designs. The best furnishing and the highly decorated interiors pose stiff competition to the interior designs of today’s projects.
Location: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Timing: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: $ 21.75 for adults and $6 for children
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There are many things to do in Honolulu that one can indulge in. When one thinks of Hawaii, the first image that strikes one’s mind is the bluish-green waters and the various types of water adventure sports one can indulge at this place. But the place is abounding with historical importance and a wide variety of animal life that is evident in the sanctuaries of Honolulu. Honolulu is a must-visit place with the entire family as it offers something or the other for every member of the family to indulge in. So, plan your getaway to Honolulu soon and tick it off from your travel list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Honolulu
What are the top attractions to visit in Honolulu?
To witness the best of Honolulu, you can visit attractions such as Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, USS Arizona Memorial, and Iolani Palace.
What are the most popular things to do in Honolulu with children?
Here are some exciting experiences you can enjoy in Honolulu with children:
1. Enjoy watching dolphins at Sea Life Hawaii
2. Visit Iolani Palace
3. Explore history at Pearl Harbour
4. Visit Bishop Museum
Can I visit Honolulu during the current Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a visit to Honolulu during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.
Are there enough scuba diving trainers in Honolulu?
Yes. There are many scuba diving trainers in Honolulu. The best part is that most of them know English. You can get your doubts clarified about first-time Scuba diving without any second thoughts.
Can one visit the historical places at Honolulu without any prior permission?
Yes. There are historical monuments in Honolulu that are open to all the tourists. The entry is not restricted, so anyone can visit the monuments.
What are the things to carry while hiking in Honolulu?
Sunscreen, some first aid kit, and a prescription if you are allergic to certain types of surroundings. One also needs to carry a pair of sunglasses to protect one’s eyes from the sun.
Are the waves too rough for surfing in Honolulu?
No, the waves are not too rough for surfing in Honolulu. Many teenagers try out their hands for the first time surfing in the waves of beaches at Honolulu.
Can one rent a vehicle for getting around Honolulu to try out activities?
Yes. Many places rent their vehicles for getting around Honolulu. There are many mopeds and other four-wheelers for family trips available on rent.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
