Listen to the burble of a gigantic waterfall, cascading 150 metres down the mountainside into a shimmering pool. Fascinating, right?
This is one of the reasons why the capital of Hawaii makes for a dreamy holiday destination. With sun-soaked beaches, marvellous waterfalls, scrumptious seafood, and a plethora of historical sites, Honolulu has plenty to offer for everyone, from solo backpackers and couples to touring families.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of its magical experiences, we’ve curated a list of fun things to do in Honolulu Hawaii for an unforgettable trip.
Take a dip in Manoa Falls #1
The waterfall seems straight out of a movie. Quite literally! The majestic beauty of Manoa falls has led to it being featured in movies like Jurassic Park & The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
It takes a 2-mile hike to reach this marvel. The hiking trail takes you deep inside the rainforest where you can witness dappled sunlight entering through the canopy of trees, making up for a mesmerizing experience. It is also believed that the Nightmarchers, a ghostly group of ancient Hawaiian warriors haunt this area even today.
Go snorkelling to witness the exquisite coral reefs #2
Boasting 1200 miles of coral reefs, the Hawaiian Islands offer some of the best snorkelling experiences. Explore the wonderful world of marine creatures at the most popular spot Hanauma Bay, located along the southeast coast of O’ahu island. It is at the bottom of a volcanic creator & is home to 300 varieties of Hawaiian fish species.
So, get your gear on & dive to discover life underwater. Make sure to not touch or step on coral reefs since it could damage them.
Marvel at the wonders of nature with an environment-conscious mindset & take home a memorable story.
Hike to Diamond Head State Monument #3
A tuff cone for geologists, it is a volcanic crater formed 300,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption that spewed ash into the air. The ash settled over thousands of years, making this Diamond Head State Monument, the most recognizable feature of Oahu’s skyline which you can also witness through a helicopter tour.
You can also hike to the top. The hiking trail offers scenic views making the journey enjoyable. As you reach the top of this 760 feet tuft cone, you will be rewarded with breath-taking sights of Waikiki Beach & the Pacific Ocean.
No wonder this is one the most favourite tourist attractions, making it to our fun things-to-do in Hawaii Honolulu list.
Catch a glimpse of history at Pearl Harbour National Memorial #4
One of the most meaningful destinations in Honolulu, Pearl Harbour National Memorial is located northwest of downtown Honolulu.
The most famous memorial is the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the resting place of 1,777 sailors killed during the Pearl Harbour attack. You can see the sunken battleship from the memorial floating above it. There are several museums & visitor centres, making up a series of memorials called Pearl Harbour Historic Sites.
Swim with the dolphins #5
Who doesn’t want to boast of swimming with the dolphins? You can tick this off your bucket list during your trip to Honolulu. There are several tour operators offering this with the popular one being Dolphin Quest O’ahu by the Kahala Hotel and Resort. From the basic activities such as jumping in the Dolphin pool for some Instagram-worthy pictures to feeding & snorkelling with dolphins swimming all around, this is an extraordinary experience for anyone.
Soak in the sun at Waikiki Beach #6
Dreamt of going to a tropical paradise? Well, this could be your dream come true.
One of the most favourite beaches of Hawaii, Waikiki has a lot to offer. Featuring shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, and theatres, it is a bustling tourist destination. You can surf on the turquoise waters, take a Lei-making class, go on a shopping spree, or picnic under the fireworks show, the options are endless. There is something here for everyone.
Splurge at the Ala Moana Centre #7
Being the largest open-air shopping centre, this is an ideal haven for shoppers. This four-story shopping complex features everything from expensive boutiques to cheap kiosks & a public amphitheatre where you can witness bands play.
Pamper yourself with delectable Hawaiian food and groove to great music or shop for souvenirs for your loved ones for a great day out at this huge complex.
Revel amidst the Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Centre #8
You’ll not find a dull moment at this thriving Cultural Centre. From hula dancing, and spear throwing to people climbing up 40 feet high coconut trees, this is a place full of fascinating sights. Far from being a dull educational institution, the Polynesian Cultural Centre is a living theme park.
It is divided into six villages that represent different regions of the Polynesian islands. Each village offers its own set of fun activities. One of the most popular ones is offered by the Tonga village where you can paddle a canoe down the water as painted drummers evoke your enthusiasm with their invigorating performance. The sheer variety of activities here makes the visit one of the most fun things to do in Honolulu.
There is no dearth of fun activities to do on your trip to this Polynesian capital. Choose what you loved the most in your itinerary and you will surely return with some incredible stories to tell.
Stay tuned for more travel tips for your next unforgettable holiday. Aloha!
