Top 50 Best Things to Do in Honolulu
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Honolulu

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Pearl Harbortop_1
    󰺂7.7
    Honolulu.Western Honolulu13.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊A water memorial to commemorate the heroic souls of history
    󱨜Remember history at the USS Arizona Memorial
    󱨠Saved by 213 users󱨠218 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    小飞象全家福小飞象全家福

    It's definitely worth the trip, and the overall arrangement was very convenient. The entire Pearl Harbor area is perfect for children, and there are many worthwhile museums in different directions. The fact that they provided interpreters and guides in different languages ​​every hour was particularly thoughtful. Overall, the children loved it. They learned some historical knowledge and witnessed some historical exhibits firsthand, which also stimulated their interest in military and history. The only problem was that the park closed early, so the water and beverage vendors were already closed, which was a bit inconvenient.

  • Kualoa Ranchtop_2
    󰺂7.3
    5581.14
    Honolulu23.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKualoa Ranch Jurassic Valley Zipline Adventure
    Highlights:
    󱨜Traditional family-run Hawaiian ranch
    󱨜Ranch across 3 mountains & 5 miles
    󱨠Saved by 360 users󱨠179 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The scenery is great, the sea breeze is very comfortable, and we saw many famous movie shooting locations, but we haven't seen many of the movies, and we don't understand the English commentary very well. Overall, it lacks a bit of excitement, but it's still worth a visit.

  • Waikīkī Beachtop_3
    󰺂6.9
    Honolulu.Waikiki4.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    Sunset & palm trees tranquility
    Surfing events & hula shows
    󱨠Saved by 325 users󱨠190 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Aria 🎵Aria 🎵

    Waikiki Beach, Hawaii: A Tropical Dream and the World of the Pacific Ocean Waikiki Beach, this three-kilometer golden arc, has transcended geographical boundaries to become a cultural symbol of Hawaii and a tropical dream for countless travelers. Surrounded by Diamond Head and facing the azure Pacific, it carries the ancient memories of the Polynesian people while reflecting the ultimate epitome of modern resort culture. A Symphony of Nature and Humanity Waikiki's charm lies in its harmony within contradictions: white sand imported from Australia blends seamlessly with the pristine coastline, while the pristine charm of swaying coconut trees contrasts with the towering Waikiki skyline. The waves here are gentle and layered—nearshore is perfect for beginners to stand in the waves, while further out, expert surfers can be seen riding the waves, continuing the surfing tradition pioneered by the Xia Dynasty monarchs. Sunset is the most magical moment: Diamond Head gradually bathes in the twilight glow, and Polynesian canoes paddle the golden sea, like a journey through time and space in a Hawaiian epic. A Multidimensional Experience Behind the Bustle Despite being criticized for its over-commercialization, Waikiki's splendor lies amidst the hustle and bustle. Luxury stores coexist alongside ABC convenience stores on Kalakaua Avenue, street artists embody the spirit of Aloha on ukuleles, and hula dancers tap the rhythm of the earth with their bare feet. A closer examination reveals hidden corners of tranquility: the garden maze at the Royal Hawaiian Center, crowds laying flowers at the Duke Kahanamoku statue, and the wondrous sight of locals practicing Tai Chi in Kapiolani Park in the early morning hours. The Prism of Reality Waikiki is not a perfect paradise. Crowding, with over five people per square meter of beach during peak season, high prices (a glass of juice can cost $12), and ecological concerns (coral reef degradation and rising sea levels) pose real challenges. Yet, its value lies in its honesty: refusing to feign wildness, it embraces modernity with an open attitude, allowing travelers of all colors to find their place. Beyond Sightseeing As the world's first planned resort destination (sand filling projects in the 1920s saved the beach from disappearing), Waikiki is a laboratory for the symbiosis between humanity and nature. It teaches the world how to preserve culture through commerce (such as the modernized legacy of luau dinners). It also proves that paradise need not be isolated from the world—the simultaneous presence of surfboards and laptops on the beach is Waikiki's response to the modern desire for balance. Perhaps the true spirit of Aloha lies in this beach's inclusiveness: it allows tourists to sip Mai Tais in the Sheraton Waikiki's pool while respecting the moonlit ritual of local families scattering flower petals for the deceased. This vitality amidst chaos makes Waikiki a never-ending Pacific theater.

  • Battleship Missouri Memorial
    4
    󰺂6.5
    3097.55
    Honolulu.Ford Island11.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Explore the internal structure of the Battleship Missouri
    󱨜Witness a historic moment on the deck of the USS Missouri
    󱨠Saved by 107 users󱨠44% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    As a key visiting project of Pearl Harbor, you must set aside more than 2 hours. The lower level is where naval officers and soldiers live and work, the deck focuses on the site where Japan surrendered during World War II, and the upper level has a combat command room.

  • Polynesian Cultural Center
    5
    󰺂6.2
    Laie37.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Visit seven Pacific cultural villages
    Traditional activities & Hā show
    󱨠Saved by 136 users󱨠34% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    大吃吃吃货大吃吃吃货

    The overall feeling is good, with characteristics and local cultural displays, but I don't understand some of the check-in projects. I don't know where to get the stamps. There is no detailed introduction, and the time of each project conflicts, so I run around. But overall it is still unique

  • O‘ahu
    6
    󰺂6.1
    Honolulu20.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoEnjoy the most celebrated surfing series in Oahu | Nov 12, 2025-Nov 23, 2025
    Highlights:
    Diamond Head: panoramic Honolulu views
    󰋄Diamond Head: Waikiki Beach views
    󱨠Saved by 102 users
    4.7/5
    JQKABBQJQKABBQ

    Come and snorkel with the turtles! Be sure to book the tour in advance. We booked the 1pm tour. Free drinks and snacks are provided on the boat. Be sure to spray sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Remember to bring a bath towel or it will be a bit cold when the sea breeze blows after it gets wet. Sisters who are afraid of water and dare not snorkel, don’t be afraid! The captain will teach you and take you! Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail (p.4-5) It takes 30 minutes to complete the one-way walk. It is recommended to bring a bottle of water and pay attention to sunscreen. It is really hot. There are no shops to buy water along the way, but it is really worth it after climbing to the top! ^ Kualoa Ranch recommends booking the tour 3 weeks in advance! When we booked it, there was only a 2-hour horseback riding tour left. The ATV was fully booked. But horseback riding is also very interesting. There is a tour leader who will take us to see the scenery of the entire ranch, the mountains and the sea.

  • Atlantis Submarines Waikiki
    7
    󰺂5.8
    16395.6
    Honolulu.Waikiki3.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Seats for underwater wonders
    󱓊Submarine ride & Pacific wonders
    󱨠Saved by 120 users󱨠34% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    用了十多年的昵称不给用了用了十多年的昵称不给用了

    Very good. I booked a 64-seater. The submarine is much larger than the 48-seater. When booking, I also booked a daily Japanese-speaking flight because the Japanese guide can also speak Chinese. But the only drawback is that the ticket pick-up location shown in the text message sent when booking is wrong. You can just go to the pier directly. I asked many people at the time and wasted some time.

  • Diamond Head
    8
    󰺂5.8
    Honolulu.Diamond Head7.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    175 steps & explore bunkers
    󰀆Centennial trail through lush greenery
    󱨠Saved by 232 users󱨠195 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    汶华淼淼汶华淼淼

    It is a landmark in Hawaii. It is so beautiful. You can see the mirror-like sea and the panoramic view of the city of Hawaii. The photos are also super photogenic. It is worth climbing. The tickets are also very cheap. You can buy tickets directly without booking in advance. Go and try it.

  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial
    9
    󰺂5.7
    Honolulu.Halawa10.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Visit the USS Arizona Memorial
    See the USS Arizona up close from a boat
    󱨠42% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    WanderinAussieWanderinAussie

    A must see for all who visit Hawaii and appreciate history. It was a very humbling experience to visit a place I had only ever heard about in text books before.

  • Waikiki Trolley
    10
    󰺂5.6
    1504.86
    Honolulu.Waikiki5.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Experience Oahu's natural beauty
    󰋄Retro bus tours Oahu's attractions
    4.8/5
    DEAR张小球DEAR张小球

    Taking the sightseeing bus on Oahu Island is highly recommended for people like us who are visiting Hawaii for the first time. It can save time and effort to have a basic understanding of Oahu Island, and you can also enjoy many beautiful attractions.

What Best Things to Do are there in Honolulu?
These are all Best Things to Do in Honolulu:Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch, Waikīkī Beach, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Polynesian Cultural Center
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Honolulu?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Honolulu include:Pearl Harbor:4.8, Kualoa Ranch:4.6, Waikīkī Beach:4.7, Battleship Missouri Memorial:4.6, Polynesian Cultural Center:4.3
At what locations in Honolulu can Best Things to Do in Honolulu be found?
The Best Things to Do in Honolulu are mainly located in:Pearl Harbor:Honolulu, Kualoa Ranch:Honolulu, Waikīkī Beach:Honolulu, Battleship Missouri Memorial:Honolulu, Polynesian Cultural Center:Laie
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