Honolulu, and just about anywhere in Hawaii, isn’t a particularly cheap place to visit. Not only do you have to factor in your travel and lodging expenses, but the prices of goods and services on the island chain that happens to be a US state are pretty high. Fortunately, you can save a good deal of cash for your travel budget just by watching this video. Not only will be discussing some of the top tourist attractions in Honolulu, but a great deal of them are actually free to visit!
History lovers will absolutely fall in love with Honolulu as there are many historical sites such as Pearl Harbor to visit. And then you have all of that gorgeous flora and fauna. Many species of plants, in particular, are only native to Hawaii and it’s respective islands. Make sure you bring your hiking shoes as well when you visit because Honolulu has some of the finest trails on the planet waiting for you to explore.
Honolulu also has some out-of-this-world cuisine for you to try, and the locals are known for being particularly kindly so long as you are also polite! And if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city altogether, you can get your Zen on up in the Ko’olau Mountains before heading back to town to enjoy the nightlife.
If you’ve been thinking about visiting Honolulu but have no idea where to go, we’ve got you covered. So, sit back, relax, grab a snack and get ready for about 8 minutes of must-see sights and attractions in best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Climb Aloha Tower For Unparalleled Views Of The Harbor
It’s easy to mistake this lighthouse for a clock tower. Don’t worry, that’s what we first thought too, but it’s actually one of Honolulu’s most prominent and distinct landmarks. It was built almost a century ago, back in 1926, to celebrate Honolulu’s status as a major port. It looms over Pier 9, looking out over the coastal skyline and Honolulu’s harbor.
We recommend climbing to the top for views that will leave you speechless. It’s also worth a visit just to admire it’s construction. Can you imagine building something like this? It’s a marvel of human ingenuity, to say the least.
Down below at ground level, you’ll find the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which features restaurants, event space, and many shops and boutiques.
Lay Out A Towel At Waikiki Beach
No one goes to Honolulu without going to the beach – and Waikiki Beach is definitely worth checking out. In fact, we recommend setting aside a day or two of your itinerary to soak up the sun here – but don’t forget the sunscreen!
The emerald blue water and perpetually sunny weather are inviting enough, but we should let you know that it can get quite crowded, especially during the sunny months. If you’re looking for a beach with a little more seclusion, you can find plenty of other top-tier beaches throughout Oahu.
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Take A Tour Of Pearl Harbor And The USS Arizona Memorial
You likely already know, but December 7, 1941, was a very dark day for the island of Oahu and the US as a whole. The USS Arizona Memorial does a great job honoring those who laid down their lives for their nation on that fateful day in history.
While it’s free to visit and they offer a 75-minute educational program which is also highly recommended, only 1,300 guests are admitted each day. So make sure you show up early to ensure that you secure your spot. The parking lot will fill up quickly, and those tickets run out FAST.
Tickets are first come first serve, but if you show up early in the morning, you’ll have plenty of time after the educational program to explore everything else that Pearl Harbor has to offer.
If you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks, take a tour of the other ships at Pearl Harbor. We also recommend checking out the Pacific Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri Museum.
Visit The Official Residence Of The Hawaiian Monarchy
Back in 1882, Iolani Palace was built for King Kalakaua and his family. It was restored in 1969 and was opened to the public in 1978, and ever since, it has been providing visitors with an unforgettable and totally free experience.
If you’re interested in learning a little about Hawaii’s distinctive history heritage, you won’t regret paying this incredible locale a visit.
Take A Hike At Diamond Head
If you’re a nature lover like we are and looking for one of the best things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii, taking a hike at Diamond Head should definitely be on your Honolulu vacation itinerary. This steep path featuring jutting rocks and breathtaking views leads hikers from the center of the crater to the outer rim of a volcano that fortunately is inactive. Along the way you’ll be wowed again and again by the striking sights and sounds of the city, mountains and ocean.
Rent A Board And Hit The Surf
Oahu is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. So, if you’re ready to hang ten and try your luck out on the waves, consider renting a surfboard from one of Honolulu’s many surf shops and making a day of gliding upon the crystal-blue waves. Winter is the best time of year to go surfing, as professionals from all over the world flock to Oahu’s iconic North Shore to show off their kills and shred some tubular waves in the Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing competition. And who knows, if you play your cards right, maybe even a surfing legend like Kelly Slater will give you a few pointers.
But as you probably already know, surfing isn’t the easiest aquatic sport. If you’re looking for something a bit simpler and entry-level, you can always grab yourself a boogie board and make a day of it. If you don’t mind the learning curve, however, there are plenty of surf schools that will show you the ropes.
Go Snorkeling Or Diving
Did you know that there are over 1,200 miles of coral reefs in the Hawaiian islands? One of the best ways to see these natural wonders in all of their glory is by going out on a diving or snorkeling exhibition. When you’re out there in the warm, blueish water, you’ll probably spot a colorful array of rainbow-colored fish in addition to larger marine animals like sea turtles and dolphins.
You can snorkel for free at public beaches like Makaha Beach Park and Sans Souci Beach Park, but it should be noted that equipment rental fees can be a bit pricey and vary greatly depending upon the time of year.
Stretch Your Legs On The Koko Crater Trail
This two-mile hike stretches across Koko Crater in the Windward Coast area of Oahu. Make sure you bring lots of water because you’ll likely spend most of your day exploring everything that this beautiful trail has to offer. Not only are there over 1,000 steps made from old abandoned railroad ties to climb, but you’ll also be treated to panoramic vistas of Diamond Head State Monument and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
This trail can be a bit steep and rugged, so it’s recommended to only give it a go if you’re confident in your hiking abilities. Again, bring lots of water! Also, you don’t want to try this trail out on wet days, as some parts of your hike will likely get quite slippery. To avoid crowds and high temperatures, arrive early! And it’s always nice to bring some snacks to keep you fueled up.
Take A Trek Out To The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
For a trail that’s a bit easier than the last one we just covered, take a short drive northeast of the Koko Crater Trail. There you’ll find a 2-mile long trail that will lead you to one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the island. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse is an excellent spot to go bird and whale watching especially in the late fall to early early spring. The lighthouse was built in 1909, and the trail is maintained by Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. It’s paved and features benches, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Try Out The Local Flavor
We could easily devote an entire video just to Honolulu’s phenomenal selection of restaurants and cafes. But a few of our favorites include Lucky Belly, an Asian restaurant that’s a bit on the pricier side but won’t leave you with any regrets, Azure, an American Seafood restaurant that offers an elegant atmosphere and oceanside seating, and Hy’s Steak House, where you can try out some authentic Japanese Wagyu beef.
If you’re into seafood, give Ken’s Fresh Fish a try. It’s owner, Ken Broad, is an avid fisherman who prides himself at always selling the freshest fish out of this quaint roadside shop on the Windward coast.
Waiahole Poi Factory is of the few Hawaiian restaurants owned by native Hawaiians. It’s also one of the few places that serve up fresh pai’i’ai, a dish consisting of cooked taro that’s been pounded with lava rock on a long wooden board. It has a texture that’s reminiscent of mochi and a flavor that will leave you wanting more. We also recommend trying out the kanaka nui plate, which gives you a sampling of pretty much everything on the menu.
For breakfast, head on over to Over Easy, where you’ll be treated to a warm and friendly atmosphere and crisp, golden pancakes. The Okinawan sweet potatoes are another delicacy that this family-owned and operated establishment does just right.
We really wish we could spend another hour or so telling you about all the fantastic things to see and do in Honolulu, but alas, we’re just about out of time.
But now that you’ve heard me ramble on for a bit, now it’s your turn to let your voice be heard. What are you most excited to see or do on your next vacation to Honolulu? And if you’ve already been before, what attractions or restaurants do you think deserve a shout-out? Let us know in the comments down below.
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And as always, thanks for watching! Safe Travels!