Honolulu offers more than just postcard views—it’s a dynamic city where island culture, history, and modern life come together. Whether you're visiting or considering a move, knowing where to go and what to see helps you understand the rhythm of life here. If you’re looking for meaningful and memorable things to do in Honolulu, this guide covers the highlights.
Hike Diamond Head for a Panoramic View
One of Honolulu’s most recognizable landmarks, Diamond Head State Monument, offers a moderately challenging hike with a major payoff. The trail winds through old military bunkers and stairways before reaching a summit with sweeping views of Waikiki, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s about a 1.6-mile round-trip, making it manageable for most visitors with a good pair of shoes and some water.
The park opens early, which makes morning the best time to go—especially to avoid the heat and crowds. It’s a great starting point for those looking to combine a bit of exercise with a deeper appreciation of the island’s natural features.
The park opens early, which makes morning the best time to go—especially to avoid the heat and crowds. It’s a great starting point for those looking to combine a bit of exercise with a deeper appreciation of the island’s natural features.
Spend the Day at Waikiki Beach
No list of things to do in Honolulu would be complete without Waikiki. While it’s one of the most visited beaches in the world, it remains a central part of local life, from surfing at Canoes to sunset walks along the shore. It’s also home to beachfront restaurants, historic hotels, and the famous Duke Kahanamoku statue.
For first-timers, it’s worth taking a surf lesson or renting a paddleboard. For residents and return visitors, it’s simply a place to relax or catch up with friends. Waikiki is walkable, vibrant, and always within reach of good food and entertainment.
For first-timers, it’s worth taking a surf lesson or renting a paddleboard. For residents and return visitors, it’s simply a place to relax or catch up with friends. Waikiki is walkable, vibrant, and always within reach of good food and entertainment.
Visit Iolani Palace and Learn Local History
Iolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States and offers a unique window into Hawaii’s past. Built in 1882, it was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs before the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Guided and self-led tours take you through restored rooms and exhibits that detail both the elegance and political turbulence of that era.
Located in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is near other historic sites like the King Kamehameha Statue and Hawaii State Capitol, making it easy to explore several landmarks in one visit. It’s an essential stop for anyone who wants a more complete understanding of the islands beyond the beaches.
Located in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is near other historic sites like the King Kamehameha Statue and Hawaii State Capitol, making it easy to explore several landmarks in one visit. It’s an essential stop for anyone who wants a more complete understanding of the islands beyond the beaches.
Explore the Honolulu Museum of Art
For those who appreciate culture, the Honolulu Museum of Art offers a quiet, curated space with works ranging from traditional Hawaiian pieces to creations by Monet, Picasso, and Hokusai. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits, educational workshops, and outdoor film screenings.
Located near Ward Avenue, it’s close to several other cultural institutions and casual dining spots. It’s a good change of pace for a rainy day or a slower afternoon, offering insight into both global and island influences on art and culture.
Located near Ward Avenue, it’s close to several other cultural institutions and casual dining spots. It’s a good change of pace for a rainy day or a slower afternoon, offering insight into both global and island influences on art and culture.
Shop and Dine at SALT at Our Kakaʻako
Honolulu’s modern side comes to life at SALT at Our KakaÊ»ako, a retail and dining hub that blends local vendors with contemporary design. You’ll find everything from third-wave coffee shops and food halls to homegrown boutiques and open-air events. It’s also one of the best areas in Honolulu for street art and walkability.
KakaÊ»ako continues to grow as a residential and commercial district, drawing locals who want a more urban experience without sacrificing community feel. Whether you’re grabbing a poke bowl or browsing artisan shops, SALT gives a fresh take on island life.
KakaÊ»ako continues to grow as a residential and commercial district, drawing locals who want a more urban experience without sacrificing community feel. Whether you’re grabbing a poke bowl or browsing artisan shops, SALT gives a fresh take on island life.
Stroll Through Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu
Honolulu’s Chinatown offers a blend of markets, galleries, and dining options that are constantly evolving. From noodle shops and dim sum to craft cocktail bars and indie art spaces, this area has undergone a major revival in recent years. Pair it with a walk through downtown Honolulu to see historic architecture alongside modern office buildings.
It’s a place where history meets innovation—and it’s a great spot for both daytime exploration and evening outings. Don’t miss the local farmer’s market or First Friday events, which showcase the area's creative energy.
It’s a place where history meets innovation—and it’s a great spot for both daytime exploration and evening outings. Don’t miss the local farmer’s market or First Friday events, which showcase the area's creative energy.
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
For underwater exploration, Hanauma Bay is one of the top destinations in Hawaii. This protected marine life conservation area is home to a wide variety of tropical fish and coral, making it ideal for snorkeling. Entry requires a reservation, and a short educational video is shown before you access the beach—part of the state’s effort to preserve this ecosystem.
It’s best to arrive early, and you’ll want to bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own gear if possible. As one of the most memorable things to do in Honolulu, it’s well worth planning ahead.
It’s best to arrive early, and you’ll want to bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own gear if possible. As one of the most memorable things to do in Honolulu, it’s well worth planning ahead.
Why Attractions Matter When You’re Considering a Move
Getting to know Honolulu through its local highlights offers more than just a visitor’s experience; it gives future residents a preview of daily life. These activities show the range of what’s possible in one city: mornings at the beach, afternoons with art, and evenings in neighborhoods that feel both vibrant and grounded.
Whether you're drawn to coastal living, walkable neighborhoods, or access to cultural events, Honolulu provides a lifestyle that blends convenience with natural beauty. It’s this balance that makes the city stand out—not just as a destination, but as a place to call home.
Whether you're drawn to coastal living, walkable neighborhoods, or access to cultural events, Honolulu provides a lifestyle that blends convenience with natural beauty. It’s this balance that makes the city stand out—not just as a destination, but as a place to call home.
Ready to Explore Life Beyond the Attractions?
IIf you’re inspired by the variety of things to do in Honolulu and are considering making it your home, reach out to a team that knows Honolulu real estate, the market, and the lifestyle. Team Hawaii Real Estate offers local expertise and a personalized approach to help you navigate the real estate landscape with confidence. Whether you're buying, selling, or just starting to explore, they’re here to guide you every step of the way.
