10 Best Things to Do in Honolulu Hawaii

Welcome to Honolulu, a friend who has everything! Stunning looks, a sunny personality, and traits to keep you entertained. Whether you enjoy cocktails, shaved ice cream, sunsets, or surfing on blue waves, this capital of Hawaii has it all. Start your day with an Aloha, and head to the Diamond Head for stunning views, or grab your flip-flops to enjoy a stunning day on a beach. This tropical heaven will make you feel like you are on a postcard, so let's explore together some of the best Honolulu attractions and things to do that will make your trip memorable!

The Diamond Head Hike is one of the most popular activities to do in Hawaii, so make sure you get up early for this one before the massive crowd of other tourists get on the trail. The trail is relatively easy, but you might encounter some steep parts, so watch out! As you reach the top the beautiful views of Hawaii, Waikiki, and Honolulu will surely make all the efforts worth it. Make sure to carry sunscreen, a hat, water, and a charged phone if you want to survive the scorching Hawaii sun.

One of the top things to do in Honolulu would be to try its local food, and it's worth it! Discover experienced bartenders from Oahu and chefs from the Honolulu area, all while indulging in fresh, locally sourced cuisine. The city has a "Taste Our Love for the Land," theme this year, that initiates locals and tourists to take care of the island and its natural resources. Visitors can also participate in volunteer programs organized by local chefs to gain a deep understanding and appreciation of island culture.

The famous Malama Hawaii is a volunteer program that allows tourists to learn more about Hawaiian food, landscapes, and culture. Discounts are provided by member hotels, one of them being the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel.  The visitors can assist with taro planting and traditional thatch home repairs, outside of Honolulu, visitors can partake in environmental activities such as a fun eco-adventure at Kualoa Ranch, exploring the set for several Jurassic Park movie scenes, or a helicopter tour with Paradise Helicopters.

If you have a sweet tooth or have a thing for donuts, you might not want to miss the delicious donuts at Holey Grails. This famous donut place was opened by a brother-sister duo, but what makes this eatery special is its donut base is made up of taro, a local ingredient from Hawaii. The base gives the donut a crisp and fluffy texture and it is also fried in coconut oil. Visitors can check out plenty of other options on the menu as well such as lemonades, lilikoi, and honey cream pineapple. Try to visit them a bit early if you want to grab a bite without waiting in long lines.

If you love art, then explore your creative side at The Honolulu Museum of Art, which also offers summer programs with interactive workshops in addition to a variety of exhibits and pop-up installations. You can snack in the café or unwind on the lawn while listening to live music, the choice is yours! The museum is in the No. 1 Capitol District Building and provides free art shows all year long through interactive exhibits. When you are done exploring, go and search for the lively outdoor murals strewn around numerous blocks of eye-catching street art and click pictures.

Surfing is the best answer to the “What to do in Honolulu” question. Get your reservations done at Kaimana Beach Hotel, and get paddleboard and surfing lessons from coach Kai Sallas, a 2018 World Champion. The training will start from the basic level of surfing and keep going until you learn to stay on the water. 

The floral aesthetic is a defining feature of Hawaii, visible in everything from head and neck pieces to clothing and beverages. It's hard to imagine being in Hawaii without encountering a single flower. How about trying your hand at making your floral headpiece at Paiko? This boutique offers 2-hour sessions where participants can create flower crowns using a variety of floral options, including orchids, anthuriums, ferns, and eucalyptus. However, please note that a minimum of six participants is required, so be sure to book in advance. After the session, visitors can also purchase floral pots, jewelry, and soaps.

How about a scenic 90-minute cruise ride on The Vida Mia, a 1929 commuter yacht berthed at the Waikiki port? Also, the sunset cruise is another great option serving cocktails, live music, and even fireworks, and don’t forget to enjoy Hawaiian coffee, fresh fruit, and pastries. This yacht is as attractive as the ocean vistas, with its glistening teak wood, stained glass highlights, and a porcelain bathroom below deck. To make the ride more memorable make sure to take pictures of Diamond Head State Monument and look out for whales or marine turtles!

That cool sweet treat of crushed ice and strawberry syrup may be known as a snow cone or snowball where you grew up. But here in Honolulu, they like to call it shaved ice. Some of the well-liked flavors include tropical lilikoi, guava, and mango. To add more diversity Pan-Asian additives like salty plum, mochi, and even sweet red beans are added as a topping. We would like to recommend Waiola Shave Ice and Lahaina Shave Ice, as they are the local's favorite spots.

Shangri La is a magnificent 14,000-square-foot estate strongly influenced by Islamic and Moorish architecture, and it was built by the famous philanthropist and former heiress Doris Duke. In the 1930s, she spent $1.4 million, which makes about $30 million today, on fine stained glass, tiling, artwork, and gardens. The property is really popular in Honolulu, and reserved guided tours are available through the Honolulu Museum of Art costing $25.

Book your stay at the Gat Point Charlie Hotel for a perfect base to explore all the amazing attractions in Honolulu! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable Hawaiian adventure!