Things To Do In Honolulu
Beach days, ridge line hikes, Pearl Harbor history, and Waikīkī sunset sails. Honolulu is adventure wrapped in aloha. Compare tickets, book top tours, and plan an Oʻahu trip you will actually brag about.
Top Deals In Honolulu
Luaus & Nightlife
Fire knife finales, imu (underground oven) feasts, and hula under the stars. Oʻahu luaus are unforgettable evenings. Most include dinner and transport.
Popular Luaus
- Paradise Cove Luau (Ko Olina)
- Chief's Luau (Kapolei)
- Polynesian Cultural Center Luau and Show (North Shore)
- Germaine's Luau (ʻEwa Beach)
Pearl Harbor & WWII History
Timed entries and transport options simplify your visit so you can focus on the story of December 7, 1941.
Key Sites
- USS Arizona Memorial (boat transfer required)
- Battleship Missouri (Ford Island)
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- USS Bowfin Submarine and Park
Tip: Morning slots are calmest. Bags must be clear and small.
Waikīkī Sails & Snorkel
Catamarans launch right off the beach. Choose from snorkel trips with sea turtles, sunset cruises, or winter whale watching sails.
Easy Wins
- Waikīkī sunset catamaran (open bar available)
- Turtle Canyon snorkel boat
- Seasonal whale watch (December through May)
- Glass bottom boat or submarine tours
Kualoa Ranch & Circle Island
Jurassic valley ATVs, secret beaches, and scenic loops around Oʻahu. These tours cover it all with easy hotel pickup.
Top Picks
- Kualoa Ranch ATV and Movie Site Tours
- Full Circle Island Day Trip (North Shore, Dole, Halona Blowhole)
- Byodo-In Temple and Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Hikes & Nature
From crater rims to rainforest waterfalls. Guided hikes simplify permits and parking.
Don't Miss
- Diamond Head (Leʻahi) summit trail (timed entry)
- Manoa Falls waterfall trail
- Makapuʻu Lighthouse coastal walk
- Kaʻena Point wildlife refuge (seasonal birds)
Beaches & Surf Lessons
Waikīkī's gentle rollers make it perfect for first waves or SUP sessions. Morning conditions are best.
Quick Picks
- Group or private surf lesson (Waikīkī)
- Stand up paddle session
- Outrigger canoe surf (Beachboy style)
- Shark cage snorkel (Haleʻiwa, North Shore)
Family & Culture
Kid friendly adventures and hands on island heritage experiences for all ages.
- Polynesian Cultural Center (villages plus night show)
- Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium
- Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum
- Sea Life Park Oʻahu
Honolulu By Month
Trade winds keep temps steady year round. Winter brings whales and North Shore surf.
- January through March: Whale season and surf competitions
- April through June: Calm seas and spring blooms
- July through September: Long beach days and sunset cruises
- October through December: Cooler trails and holiday boat parades
Honolulu FAQ
Not for Waikīkī. Tours include pickup, and rideshare covers short hops. Rent a car for North Shore freedom.
As soon as you know your dates. Morning slots fill fast.
Waikīkī for beach access. Ko Olina for resort vibes. North Shore for laid back surf towns.
Usually not. It requires its own reservation and capacity limit. Many tours stop at the overlook only.
December through May, with peak sightings January through March.