Famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu

Things to do in  Honolulu

Get into the aloha spirit

Situated on the coast of Oahu, Honolulu is Hawaii's capital and its main city. It’s a frequent starting-off point for visits to the island chain, and while some people only spend a day or two here, there are enough things to do in Honolulu to merit a longer visit. Here, you can visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial, immerse yourself in Hawaiian food and culture at a luau, cool off in the Pacific waters of Waikiki, or use Honolulu as a base for exploring the rest of the island.

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Top 1 attractions in Honolulu

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A view of tourist aboard the Waikiki Trolley

Waikiki Trolley

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With three lines that cover the highlights of Waikiki, the hop-on-hop-off Waikiki Trolley is a scenic and convenient way to see Oahu’s southern shore. Each route has a different theme—either nature, culture, and dining and shopping—so you can choose to explore a single route or ride all three for a deep dive into the coastline’s delights.More

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Top activities in Honolulu

Pearl Harbor and Scenic Oahu Private Tour

Pearl Harbor and Scenic Oahu Private Tour

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$310.00
Hawaii Five-0 TV Tour & Lunch at McGarrett's with Cousin Flippa
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Hawaii Five-0 TV Tour & Lunch at McGarrett's with Cousin Flippa

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$208.38
Luau de los Reyes Excursion in Spanish - Polynesian Cultural Center

Luau de los Reyes Excursion in Spanish - Polynesian Cultural Center

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$169.02
per group
Private Oahu Circle Island Tour

Private Oahu Circle Island Tour

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$300.00
Tribute to Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial Tour
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Tribute to Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial Tour

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$45.00
Oahu's Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling and More

Oahu's Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling and More

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$99.99
Off-Road ATV & 3 Ziplines Adventure Package with Waikiki Trans
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Off-Road ATV & 3 Ziplines Adventure Package with Waikiki Trans

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$299.99
USS Arizona Memorial & Aviation Museums
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USS Arizona Memorial & Aviation Museums

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$119.00
Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Kona

Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Kona

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$342.99
Pearl Harbor + Dole Plantation + Polynesian Cultural Center from Kona

Pearl Harbor + Dole Plantation + Polynesian Cultural Center from Kona

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$479.99
Roundtrip Shuttle From Waikiki to Dole Plantation & Haleiwa Town

Roundtrip Shuttle From Waikiki to Dole Plantation & Haleiwa Town

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$50.00
Half-Day Waterfall Tour - Hike, Scenic, Food and Photo

Half-Day Waterfall Tour - Hike, Scenic, Food and Photo

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$115.00
Ka Moana Luau

Ka Moana Luau

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$148.00
Private Transfer from HNL Airport to Honolulu / Waikiki

Private Transfer from HNL Airport to Honolulu / Waikiki

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$163.49
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour

Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour

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$79.99
Complete Island Tour & Sunrise Photo Experience
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Complete Island Tour & Sunrise Photo Experience

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$169.99
Private Limousine Tour of Pearl Harbor- The USS Arizona & Historic Honolulu

Private Limousine Tour of Pearl Harbor- The USS Arizona & Historic Honolulu

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$799.00
per group
Diamond Head & Manoa Falls Adventure Tour & Hike

Diamond Head & Manoa Falls Adventure Tour & Hike

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$645.00
per group
Private Customized Oahu Full Day Tour

Private Customized Oahu Full Day Tour

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$1,199.00
per group
Diamond Head Hiking with Hotel Pickup and Short Waikiki Tour
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Diamond Head Hiking with Hotel Pickup and Short Waikiki Tour

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$36.88
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All about Honolulu

When to visit

The best time to visit Honolulu is during the April–May or September–October shoulder seasons. You'll get fewer crowds than during the busy summer vacation months or during the high season, which runs from Thanksgiving through the end of March. If you want to come earlier in the year, consider visiting in March, when the annual Honolulu Festival, which celebrates Asian and Pacific cultures with entertainment, food, and a parade, is held.

Getting around

While having a rental car in Honolulu can be helpful if you want to explore other parts of the island, the city and its suburbs are easy to get around without a car. You can easily get around Waikiki using the Waikiki Trolley, which operates trolley-style and double-decker hop-on hop-off buses geared to visitors, or rely on public buses. Rideshares and taxis are also widely available.

Traveler tips

Eating out in Honolulu can be expensive, particularly if you want a healthy meal. Head to Down to Earth Organic & Natural on South King Street near University Avenue for high-quality food at non-restaurant prices. This grocery store has a deli inside where you'll find all sorts of grab-and-go treats along with healthy, made-to-order deli foods, smoothies, and fresh juices.

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People Also Ask

Are seven days enough time for Honolulu?

Yes, seven days are enough for Honolulu. With a whole week, you can check out local attractions such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Iolani Palace, take a day trip up to the North Shore, and still have plenty of time left to lounge on Waikiki Beach.

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How can I spend 12 hours in Honolulu?

With 12 hours in Honolulu, you can do quite a lot. You could spend some time at the beach and shopping in Waikiki, take a surfing lesson, go snorkeling, or even attend a luau (depending on the time of day you visit).

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What month is best in Honolulu?

May is the best month in Honolulu. The temperatures are generally pleasant, and there’s usually not too much rain. The city is also less crowded than during the peak tourism season, which runs from December through March, and you won’t have to worry about summer vacation crowds, either.

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Is Honolulu more fun than Maui?

Yes, Honolulu is more fun than Maui if you’re into nightlife and shopping, but if you’d prefer a more relaxed or upscale vacation, Maui is the clear winner. Each destination has its own charm and appeal—while Honolulu is a city with urban vibes, Maui is a whole island with prettier scenery.

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What is the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii?

The cheapest months to fly to Hawaii are generally April, May, September, and October, but deals can be found throughout the year. Just be aware that accommodation costs can spike during the peak seasons, so consider that when planning your travel budget.

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What is the most famous food in Hawaii?

Poke is the most famous food in Hawaii, and in recent years, the dish has become particularly popular on the US mainland, too. Other favorite Hawaiian dishes include loco moco—rice topped with burger meat, a fried egg, and gravy— and spam musubi. This onigiri-style snack uses processed canned pork instead of fish.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:
What are the top things to do in Honolulu?
A:
The top things to do in Honolulu are:
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What are the top activities in Honolulu?
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