Honolulu HI is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Honolulu HI based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis area!
Best Place to Visit in Honolulu HI
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (16572)
- 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
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Honolulu HI
Diamond Head State Monument
- Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (13355)
- 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 (9 months ago)Great, well maintained hiking trail. A little narrow in spots. Not hard at all. Actually one of the easier trails I’ve done across the country. Most people get up in 45 minutes. If you’re really in shape, you can do it even faster. All shapes and sizes easily went up and down. Definitely wear trail shoes or shoes with good grip. A lot of steps towards the top, FYI. Go in the morning or around sunset to avoid biggest crowds. Bathrooms and water/vending machines at the visitor center. Just know that now you have to make A RESERVATION ONLINE to get into the park. $5 to hike. $10 if you want to park in the lot inside the park.By Craig Prater (4 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. (5 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 (a month 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 (2 months ago)Honolulu Zoo
- Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (7859)
- Phone: +1 808-926-3191
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 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 (9 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 (7 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 weeks 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 (6 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 (10 months ago)Ala Moana Regional Park
- Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5754)
- Phone: +1 808-768-4611
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
A nice park with plenty of grass and some good paths throughout. A great place to have a picnic or simply to walk or jog through.
There is a small sheltered public beach at the end of the park and a couple of food shops within, though only one seemed to be open.
The views are spectacular, especially if you walk out to the end of the point. There’s a warning sign which you can easily go past but proceed with caution as the rocks can be wet and slippery and a rogue wave can appear at any time.
If you keep within the marked areas, the park is very safe for little kids and the paths provide great bike riding opportunities.
Disabled access is very good.
By Gavin Bollard (a month ago)Absolutely breathtaking views and a clean park! The beachfront isn’t super busy, and definitely kid friendly. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set on the water.By Tae G (10 months ago)I love coming here and putting my hammock up and taking a few hour long nap. If you want to take a nap, you have to walk around like going to Magic Island to get to the good trees and away from the tourists.
The fishing here is also amazing but, not to eat, just fish to feed the birds.. don’t eat out of the Ala WaiBy Cathy Warren (8 months ago)I enjoy walking close to the ocean, and the scenery here is awesome! On weekdays there is plenty of parking and it’s not very crowded. Walking here is very relaxing and being able to watch the surfers and boats pass and airplanes fly overhead makes you really appreciate living here on this beautiful island!By Hawaiiboy (6 months ago)One of the best parks in Honolulu where you can do just about everything from family outings to aerobic exercises. It opens early in the morning until 10:00 pm. It is also a very ideal place to observe a full moon.By Joe K. (5 months ago)Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- Address: 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4470)
- Phone: +1 808-441-1000
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Had a blast! My boyfriend and I tried out the 360 flight simulator in the Aviation Museum and got the high score that day! Bought cute stuff at the gift shop and loved supporting the museum! Definitely coming again with my family and friends! PS: Was surprised to find the F-14 Tomcat there, but LOVED IT ?By Joecey S (7 months ago)Super cool museum. Loved learning about the Japanese aircraft and how they planned their invasion. They also have a legitimate Japanese Zero aircraft here to take a look at. Very cool to see up close. This stop was also the first time I’ve ever seen an F14 Tomcat in the flesh. Awesome to see especially after seeing the new Top Gun.By John C (5 months ago)I love everything related to military history. Being military, that might sound biased but I assure you that it’s not. This is one of the most amazing places that I’ve ever visited in my 39 years of life. Every single exhibition or museum that we visited is special. This is a must visit if you’re around the area. And like we were told, this would give you cooler points that going to the beach.By Julio Isaac (a month ago)A great museum and tribute to those who flew during WWII. If you’re doing the whole Pearl Harbor experience I would highly recommend. Aviation enthusiasts and war buffs will like it too. The people working there and giving talks were exceptional. The only reason it only gets four stars from me is because it seemed a little light on exhibits, especially when compared to some museums in the mainland US. Don’t get me wrong, its a great museum with plenty to see, but since I’ve been to many aviation museums I guess I was just a little disappointed. Definitely worth a visit though!By Isaac Archuleta (11 months ago)This is easily the best of the Pearl Harbour attractions. There is a shuttle bus that picks you up from the main area and takes you to the hangars where there are dozens of military (and some civilian) aircraft complete with placards telling their story.
You don’t have to be a plane enthusiast to be awed by the planes on show here as they are large, colourful and shiny – but it helps.
There are also original windows from Pearl Harbour, complete with bullet holes and there’s a section dedicated to comedian Bob Hope which was both interesting and funny.
Highlights include a bomber rescued from the jungles of Malaysia after 50 years, a zero, several helicopters, a F-111 and a Falcon
Disabled access is very good as you can park at Pearl Harbour and the hangars and exhibits are in wide flat spaces. The only consideration for disabled visitors is that the coach that takes you to the site has narrow, steep stairs. You may be able to arrange alternative transport if you book ahead of time.
By Gavin Bollard (a month ago)Kapiʻolani Regional Park
- Address: 3840 Paki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4245)
Iolani Palace
- Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4131)
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
- Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3906)
Bishop Museum
- Address: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3550)
Tantalus Lookout – Puu Ualakaa State Park
- Address: Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2119)
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
- Address: 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1573)
Foster Botanical Garden
- Address: 180 N Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1418)
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
- Address: 7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1132)
Kūhiō Beach
- Address: 2453 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1068)
Aloha Tower
- Address: Aloha Tower, 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.1 (992)
Waikiki Aquarium
- Address: 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 3.9 (972)
The best place to visit in Honolulu HI Honolulu HI is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Honolulu HI – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
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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.