10 Top Things to Do in Honolulu on Your Next Oahu Vacation
Oahu sees more tourists than any other Hawaiian island, so you’ll find plenty of things to do in Oahu and Honolulu, Hawaii’s biggest city.
1. Waikiki
Waikiki is certainly a must-visit for anyone who takes a Oahu vacation. This stretch of beach runs along the southern shore of Honolulu and is home to some of the city’s glitziest hotels, resorts, and beachfront bars.
Most days of the week, Waikiki is crowded with tourists, both on the beach, in the water, and in the nearby neighborhoods. If you’d like a slightly quieter stretch of sand, simply walk west to Ala Moana Beach Park.
2. Diamond Head
Diamond Head is the name of a former volcano that overlooks the city of Honolulu, and it is one of the top Oahu attractions.
The scenic viewpoint is located southeast of the city, just a short drive from Waikiki. The hike to the top is relatively easy and should take less than a half hour to complete.
3. Honolulu Fish Auction
Early risers may want to pay a visit to the Honolulu Fish Auction, a great local activity that takes place early in the morning. Each day from around 6 to 8 am, you’ll be able to witness locals auctioning off countless fish.
Be sure to dress warm…and don’t wear flip-flops, because the room can get quite cool.
4. Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is the site dedicated to the 1,102 sailors who died during the Pearl Harbor attack. Tours begin at 8 am and end at 3 pm.
Shuttles will take you to the complex, which includes a visitor’s center, an offshore monument, and the memorial itself, which displays the names of those who died during the attack. A visit to Pearl Harbor is a very popular Hawaii tour.
5. Honolulu Museum of Art
Since 2011, downtown Honolulu houses the Honolulu Museum of Art, a collection of contemporary and classical art from around the world.
You’ll be able to find everything from the European greats to local Maui landscapes.
6. Navatek Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise
The Navatek Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise is just one of many popular Honolulu dinner cruises. It is an ideal Hawaii tour choice if you’re taking a romantic vacation or would like to spend alone time with a special person.
This cruise features a royal buffet with over a dozen items, from cocktail shrimp to sautéed mushrooms to chocolate mousse cake.
7. Swimming with Dolphins in the Wild
Looking for a bit more fun and adventure on the water? Dolphins and You offers a twice-daily cruise that takes you out to swim with some of Oahu’s wildlife, from dolphins to sea turtles.
Bring a swimsuit and get ready to have fun snorkeling, kayaking, hula dancing, and more!
8. Honolulu City Hawaii Duck Tour
The Honolulu City Duck Tour is a perfect way to start out your trip, since it offers you a quick exploration of the entire city.
This amphibious vehicle will transport you on land and through the water to some of Honolulu’s major attractions, including landmarks, historic districts, and more.
9. Ala Moana Center
Honolulu isn’t short on shopping, but Ala Moana Center stands apart from the crowd. This enormous mall can take an hour or all day…depending on how much you like to shop.
The large shopping center houses a variety of stores, from luxury shops such as Versace and Chanel to souvenir shops such as Hawaiian Island Creations.
10. Honolulu Chinatown
Chinatown is 20 blocks of shopping fun, especially if you like food. Come early in the morning and visit the Oahu market to find a wide selection of tropical fruits, local seafood, fresh meat, and more.
And there are plenty of options for souvenirs, such as hand-made Hawaiian leis, antiques, silk garments, local art, and much more.
Whether you spend one day or ten in the city, there are plenty of things to do in Honolulu – these 10 will just get you started.
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