For the American traveler, Honolulu HI is rife with exciting activities! From catching breathtaking views of local landmarks to savoring traditional cuisine and world-renowned hospitality, there are plenty of amazing experiences not to be missed out on. Here’s a list of 10 must-see attractions guaranteed to make your trip unforgettable!
Best Thing to Do in Honolulu HI
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (17240)
- Phone: +1 808-422-3399
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5 Replies to 10 Best Things To Do in Honolulu HI As a U.S Citizen
Leave Reply
TOP 10 Fun Things to Do in Honolulu HI
Diamond Head State Monument
- Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (13589)
- Phone: +1 808-587-0300
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
There is a large field that is perfect for a picnic without going on the hike, if preferred (picture included). It was a moderate hike up to the summit, the slower you go the easier it is. The trail had plenty of places to rest and allow others to pass with plenty of photo opportunities. The hike back down was a breeze, just make sure you take some water and maybe a small snack and keep all your trash until you get back down. Highly recommended for the beautiful view of the crater and surrounding area at the top, also has an interesting history to read about!By william bolden (11 months ago)What a great experience and what a great view from the top.
Being out of shape, the hike did make my wife and I work, but we made it up fairly quickly. This is more of a rugged hike compared to some of the paved bikes in Hawaii, but it’s still manageable for most people and the view is well worth it.
By Michael C. (8 months ago)Such a gorgeous view! I would call this more of a moderate hike than easy. There are some daunting steps, but it’s really worth it. Bring water, wear sunscreen, take your time and enjoy the views on the way up!Also make sure to book your reservation ahead of time! They were kind enough to work with me at the gate, but I don’t know how lucky I got with slots that were left.
It definitely was not crowded. There were people there but at no point was it overwhelming. Everyone was super friendly and mindful of pictures and letting everyone get that perfect picture.
By Mallory turner (3 months ago)Diamond head was a great hiking challenge but quite congested and not the smoothest path to making it to the top. I recommend wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes to stay safe. And we arrived at 7am in the morning so it might be better to go as soon as it opens or 1-2 hours before closing to avoid the crowds.By Tee Khema (4 months ago)This place contains an amazing view. It does come at a cost to “vacationers”, at the time of this comment, you must reserve a spot online to get a parking spot. It’s well worth it. The hike to the top is quite challenging. But there are spots along the way you can stop and rest. They also have water bottle machines at the trail head before you start the hike if you would like to purchase one.By MG42 (6 months ago)Honolulu Zoo
- Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (7969)
- Phone: +1 808-926-3191
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
Really cute zoo, it’s small compared to others but very well kept. Everything was clean and well decorated. The weather was perfect in the day we went 02/12/2022. After all we are in Hawaii but the weather was cool and there was a great breeze. The animals are all so beautiful and there’s a great playground at the end for the kids to run around the last bit of energy. The petting zoo is cute as well but there wasn’t much to do as covid has kind of out a damper in things. All in all a wonderful place to take your kids ❣️By kimberly virden (11 months ago)Parking at the zoo fills out quickly so Prepare to park further from the zoo. Parking fee was less than $10 bucks for 4 hours so bare that in mind. Kids will definitely enjoy themselves at the park after your tour at the zoo. Comfortable shoes and loose clothes are encouraged since it’s usually hot and long walking.By sam brown (9 months ago)The Honolulu Zoo was a nice walk with a good variety of animal exhibits. I was impressed at the amount of natural covering for shade as we walked through the grounds.
We came on a weekday and the zoo was not overly busy.
Admission was very reasonable. They do charge a small credit card surcharge if you pay admission with card. Bring cash if you don’t want to pay the surcharge.
Great place to bring young kids as they have a playground and a kiddie section.
By BDub 247 (3 months ago)I have never seen a prettier zoo in my life. We bought tickets in advanced due to covid but I don’t think you have too.
The animals are in an open area. Not cages everywhere.
A beautiful park rest in the middle of it. If I was a local I would take my kid here all the time.
I’m so surprised to see so much preserved nature in such a busy place. Worth checking out. 100.By Pamela Berry (8 months ago)The zoo is so much bigger than the initial look. We spent almost 3 hours in it observing the animals. The various different animals were nice to see.
The only downside is that due to COVID, there were several spots that were no longer accessible. Plus it looked like there was several spots where they were upgrading and revamping the enclosures.
But all in all, so very worth checking out.
Park was beautiful and clean.By Keith Lang (a year ago)Ala Moana Regional Park
- Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5855)
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
- Address: 2055 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4382)
Kapiʻolani Regional Park
- Address: 3840 Paki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4331)
Iolani Palace
- Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4212)
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
- Address: Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4091)
Bishop Museum
- Address: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3626)
Tantalus Lookout – Puu Ualakaa State Park
- Address: Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2179)
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
- Address: 900 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1588)
Best things to do in Honolulu HI That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Honolulu HI! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy traveling!
You might also like
Great experience, probably what impressed me (besides the history of what happened in Pearl Harbor) is that there’s oil coming out, you really can see it and smell it. The place is very very small, it is a quick walk. Of course it is a memorial so, not sure why people take small kids here, I would go to the Missouri boat with them instead
Really enjoyed our morning in Pearl Harbor. Facilities are much improved since my last visit 16 years ago. The reservations we easy to get and definitely the way to go. After a short intro to the memorial site, they take you over to it on a boat. Just enough time on the memorial to look around, talk to the rangers and get any photos. The museums are full of info and artifacts. This site participates in the Junior Ranger program for kids. Also make sure to arrive early since parking is limited and no bags of any kind inside the gates. Definitely worth checking this historic site out.
It was humbling and an absolute honor to be able to visit Pearl Harbor.
Please be aware you should RESERVE a ticket to go visit the USS ARIZONA. Also if you want to visit Ford Island where the Memorial of the USS OKLAHOMA and USS MISSOURI are you either need to be a member of the military and have an ID proving this or have a seat on the shuttle bus, otherwise you will NOT be allowed to see them except from a distance… they are on an ACTIVE MILITARY BASE.
The museums at Pearl Harbor are very informative, and have lots of WWII history on display, please visit and learn! Also, I think you would benefit greatly from watching the short video provided BEFORE visiting the USS ARIZONA, it provides more perspective and makes more of an emotional impact on what you are seeing, what those people who were there fought and died for. Be quiet and respectful at all times while visiting this Memorial.
What an amazing experience. The passport package was the way to go as this offered the most sight seeing and the whole experience. The boat ride and memorial was sobering and impactful for myself as well as my children. The stories told by the staff were amazing and truly hit you in the heart. You can spend 3 hours to all day and be extremely happy.
So this review will primarily address the Battleship USS Missouri tour.
Arrived at Pearl Harbor National Park around noon on Friday and walked through security to purchase 2 tickets. No issues. If you have a military or veteran ID present it for a discount. Discount is only for the individual holding the card.
Drove to the Battleship on Ford Island (ensure you can do that as the Island is actively guarded and has restricted access, if not no biggie as there is a nice air-conditioned bus to take you).
We walked to the entrance. Go to the end, basically where the ship is, and turn left. Past the concession stands there is another checkpoint to enter the ship. They will take your picture there and then you proceed to the ship. If you want buy a bottle of water at one of the stores and you can bring it along otherwise no food and beverages are allowed.
As we boarded a volunteer group informs you of a free guided 3 stop tour. We opted for the tour and enjoyed it greatly.
Price seemed expensive but the experience was unique, educational, and fun.
Highly recommend if you have the time.