Things to do in
Honolulu

From shark dives to scenic hikes, you get a real island mix of things to do in this Polynesian capital.

Our most recommended things to do in Honolulu

Oahu: Waikiki Parasailing

1. Oahu: Waikiki Parasailing

Soar above the vibrant city of Oahu on a peaceful but exciting parasailing trip. Take off from the scenic Waikiki Beach and take in views of the island's golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and cityscape. You'll even catch a unique glimpse of Diamond Head from a privileged perspective. Enjoy a truly introspective experience by flying away from the hustle and bustle of the area. All the noise from the boat and the city will cut away as you ascend, leaving you and your flight buddy in your own bubble of paradise. Make the most of your Hawaii holiday and experience Oahu in a unique way. Seize this incredible opportunity to go parasailing in the company of a professional team, providing all the necessary instructions and high-quality equipment to keep you safe at all times.

Oahu: Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower

2. Oahu: Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower

Get tickets to the oceanfront dinner theatre of Ka Moana Luau and enjoy an evening of Polynesian entertainment and a tropical-themed buffet dinner. Sip on a welcome Mai Tai with the celebrity option. Upgrade your experience by choosing hotel transfers from Waikiki. After check-in, head inside the venue where you can take part in a number of cultural activities like lei making, temporary tattoos, hula, and drum lessons, coconut-headband weaving and a coconut tree-climbing demonstration. The buffet selections include: Farm-to-table buffet: • Mixed greens salad • Hapa rice (brown and white rice) • Bread rolls w/ small-batch honey guava butter • Stir-fry veggies • Mahi mahi • Guava chicken • Local kalua pork Dessert: • Haupia • Ube cheesecake Complimentary beverage options: • Fresh lemonade • Water Bar menu: Enhance your Luau experience by indulging in some refreshing Ka Moana pineapple, served in a freshly cut pineapple and filled with a signature cocktail. • Island Mai Tai’s • Tropical Cocktails • Mixed premium and well drinks • Beers: Bud Light, Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave • Soft drinks: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Passion Fruit Orange Juice, bottled water Following dinner, enjoy an award-winning production highlighting the vibrant traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia. The show navigates through Polynesia on a way-finding adventure. Your experience culminates with the Polynesian Sword of Fire dance and don’t be surprised if you find yourself as part of the experience. 

Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

3. Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

Swim with the sharks during this tour that offers you the unique adventure of a shark dive, while ensuring your safety at all times. Discover the wonders of the sea on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii alongside a certified guide. Bring your own masks and snorkels or use the ones provided on board. Your guide will give you a safety briefing at the start of the tour and will answer all your questions concerning this special adventure. See up to 200 feet (60 meters) in the crystal-clear, cobalt blue water. Depending on the season, you will encounter such magnificent animals as the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, playful dolphins, and Humpback whales. Admire the sharks from the ship's deck, or experience the rush of entering the shark cage which allows you to be only inches away from sharks that can grow up to 15 feet (5 meters) in length. Capture pictures with your underwater camera of their grace and majesty in the water. Have 20 minutes to marvel at the sharks and cherish this unforgettable moment. Up to 8 people can be in the cage at the same time, so you can experience the sharks with someone you love.

Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Tour

4. Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Tour

Spend the day visiting the most important historical sites and landmarks of Honolulu, Hawaii. Visit Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu City Hall, and more. Begin your tour with a visit to Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Enjoy the exhibits, galleries, and displays before boarding a Navy boat shuttle for a tour of the harbor along “Battleship Row.” Step off the boat to explore the USS Arizona Memorial, then continue to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater. See the historical landmark against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush foliage. Wrap up your experience with a narrated tour of downtown Honolulu. Spot the impressive state buildings and learn about the Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarch and the only royal palace in the United States. Make your way to the Hawaii State Capitol grounds. See the Eternal Flame, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, Liberty Bell, the majestic statue of King Kamehameha, and Kawaiahao Church.

Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Boat Tour

5. Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Boat Tour

Watch angelfish dart in and out of underwater coral caverns and search for sea turtles using high-quality snorkeling gear on this tour from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon. Relax in the sun on the boat's floating platforms while enjoying the provided snacks and beverages.  Be greeted by the activity provider's staff at the pier and hop aboard a comfortable boat with a captain and crew made up of certified divers, lifeguards, free divers, and surfers who familar with the waters of Turtle Canyon. They can show you where to look and what to look for. Admire views of the famed Diamond Head while you head out to the snorkeling site and be provided with new, high-end snorkel gear and floatation devices. For non-swimmers there is a swim step where they can sit and put their feet in the water. Plunge into the water, swimming through schools of tropical fish. Look for the large green sea turtles that come from deeper waters to visit the shallower turtle cleaning station known as Turtle Canyons. Back onboard seasonal fruits, snacks, juice, and water are included. Unwind with an ice-cold drink and stunning views of the shore on the way back to your meeting point. 

Oahu: Waikiki Trolley Hop-on Hop-off All-Line Pass

6. Oahu: Waikiki Trolley Hop-on Hop-off All-Line Pass

Your Great Hawaiian Adventure is Just A Stop Away! There’s more to Hawaii than just the sights, and the Waikiki Trolley can take you to places beloved by locals and visitors alike. From soaring mountains that meet the sea to historic landmarks and even exciting shopping and dining venues, the choice is literally up to you. Blue Line: Sights and Tastes of the Oahu. With its coastal sceneries and delicious local dining stops, the Blue Line invites you to discover the best of Waikiki’s natural beauty and culinary delights. Take a breathtaking tour of Oahu’s southwestern shore on the way to Sea Life Park and enjoy some of the island’s local favorites at Kahala Mall, Diamond Market & Grill, or the ever-popular Rainbow Red Line: A Story of Hawaii's rich cultural past and modern present Hawaii has its own story to tell those who are interested in listening. This is where the Red Line shines. This line takes you through Hawaii’s cultural and historical past, from the time of kings and queens through its importance in WWII and even the cultures that influence it to this day. Truly, a Hawaiian vacation is incomplete without jumping aboard the Red Line. Green Line: Visit Diamond Head from Waikiki. Our newest and most unique line takes you to Diamond Head and KCC Farmers’ Market from convenient stops around the Waikiki area. It’s the easiest way to visit this world-renowned landmark! Pink Line: Hawaii's Iconic Shopping and Dining Hawaii is the epicenter of the Pacific, and it shows: Asian cuisine mingling with popular American comfort food, high-end fashion alongside popular streetwear that suit everyone’s comfort and style. You can find all these throughout Waikiki, but your Hawaiian vacation isn’t complete without a visit to Ala Moana Center–Hawaii’s Center–where all things shopping and dining collide into a truly Hawaiian experience. So much so that Ala Moana isn’t just for visitors–it’s a popular shopping mall for locals as well.

Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri

7. Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri

Visit Pearl Harbor and discover what really happened on that fateful day in 1941. Benefit from guaranteed access to the USS Arizona Memorial and board the Battleship Missouri on Ford Island. Start with a convenient pickup from Waikiki and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle to reach Pearl Harbor. Once there, your guide will escort you into the Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center and give you specific instructions on how to make the best of your visit. Explore the visitor center and the accompanying “Road to War” and “Attack” exhibit galleries that display pictures and recovered items from the events which transpired at Pearl Harbor and WWII. Then, watch a short film explaining the fateful day and its significance. Followed by a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of the ship's 1,177 crewmen. Take a short break for lunch and grab some refreshments from the snack shop or food truck, then set out to discover the USS Battleship Missouri. Visit the battleship lovingly known as "Mighty Mo". After fighting in the last year of the war with Japan, Mighty Mo served as the location where Japan would sign the official surrender documents. It also offers a glimpse into what life at sea was like aboard a battleship. On the way back to Waikiki, enjoy a quick drive through the city to check out the National Cemetery of the Pacific and Historic Honolulu City.

Oahu: Waikiki Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Excursion

8. Oahu: Waikiki Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Excursion

Experience the magical underwater world of sea turtles. Dive under the waves with a snorkel and see the rainbow of tropical fish. Connect with the wide array of stunning marine life on this immersive tour. Start off with a cruise along the coast, where you can potentially spot spinner dolphins and humpback whales during the wither months. Once at the Turtle Canyons, you’ll get a brief lesson on snorkeling and your snorkeling equipment.  Snorkel alongside the sea turtles and tropical sea life under the supervision of a certified lifeguard, returning to the boat whenever you please to relax with complimentary refreshments.

Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour

9. Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour

Hear fascinating stories on this tour of Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu. Witness the key sites and memorials to the 1941 attack, and experience the island's wartime history. Begin this tour with pickup in Waikiki. Travel first to Pearl Harbor and ride the navy launch to the USS Arizona Memorial. Visit the sombre monument above a sunken battleship from the day of the attack. Explore the memorials to the many groups who lost their lives, and pause to reflect at the wall of remembrance. Return to your waiting van for a historic tour of downtown Honolulu. Your expert guide will explain what it was like to live on the island during wartime. See sights including Iolani Palace, the State Capitol, King Kamehameha Statue and Aloha Tower as you learn about the fascinating history of this historic place.

Oahu: Oahu Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour

10. Oahu: Oahu Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour

Discover the best of the island of Oahu on a guided day tour from Honolulu. Enjoy beautiful scenery and views from locations such as the Diamond Head State Monument, the Kahala Scenic Route, Makapu'u Point, and Turtle Beach as you learn about local history. After meeting in central Honolulu, depart to your first stop of the day, the Diamond Head State Monument. Stroll through the famous East Honolulu neighborhood and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise view over Maunalua Bay. Travel along the Kahala Scenic Route, known for its large concentration of expensive real estate and beachfront properties, which include some of the most expensive in the entire state. Visit the Halona Blowholetake "postcard-worthy" photos to show off to your friends. Continue to Makapu'u Point and capture stunning images of Rabbit Island's crater and cliffs. Experience firsthand why many famous movies were filmed at this location. Drive along Kauai's windward coast, from Waimanalo onward to Kualoa. Right before heading to Kualoa's Mac Nut Farm, stop for shave ice and ice cream. Try some free coffee samples, mac nuts, and take a picture in front of the Kamehameha Statue. Visit the appropriately named Turtle Beach on the North Shore and spot Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles. Enjoy some free time for swimming or sunbathing and this beautiful beach. Then, visit vintage farms and the surfer town of Hale'iwa as you learn about Hawaii's surfing culture and big wave competitions. Next, learn about Hawaiian pineapples at the Dole Plantation. Wander through the largest pineapple maze here, and you can find gifts for your loved ones. Finally, stop at the Green World Coffee Farm where you can enjoy samples of coffee and tea to sip while perusing the storefront. Afterward, relax on the journey back to Honolulu.

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Frequently asked questions about Honolulu

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Honolulu?

The best day trips and excursions from Honolulu are:

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Other Sightseeing Options in Honolulu

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What people are saying about Honolulu

Overall rating

4.6
(8,293 reviews)

It was amazing and the crew was very friendly and helpful. I went to jump in the water with my phone in an underwater necklace phone case. The dang lanyard came loose and lost my phone in the middle of the ocean . I was so bummed out and stressed. Lucky one of the lady crew member that was supposed to to be at church but took a shift was there that day thank god ! Because she came across it in the water thinking it was trash till she realized it was a phone. She was the last on on the boat and asked if some one lost their phone ! That was the best feeling ever cus I felt some one gifted me a house! All my pictures and videos of my trip were there! Thank you so much again and god bless you! Great adventure! We saw a whale and dolphins and a turtle swam right next to us. This is a must!

Really enjoyable although too late in the day to see any fish. However, it was lovely just sailing around Waikiki Bay hearing about Honolulu history and culture. The two young men running the show were well informed and interesting to talk to.

Excellent visit to turtle canyon, lots of turtles and reef fish, exactly what we wanted. The life guards from the boat were excellent spotters as well as keeping us safe in the water

No frills, fuss free activity. Loved it! We not only saw a lot of sharks but a lot of dolphins as well. Definitely recommend everyone to do this!

Great. Nice captain and crew Treated us well, not pushy. Better pricing than most..leave directly from beach. Recommended