Waikīkī Aquarium – Small, charming, and right on the water.
Honolulu Zoo – Great for families and an easy stroll from Waikīkī.
Kapiʻolani Park – Picnic‑friendly with beautiful mountain views.
Magic Island Lagoon – Calm waters ideal for kids and casual swimming.
Ala Moana Center – Massive open‑air shopping center with dining and entertainment.
(All direct links below)
Diamond Head Hike – Iconic trail with unbeatable views of Waikīkī.
Manoa Falls – Lush rainforest hike ending at a waterfall.
Hanauma Bay – One of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
Lanikai Beach & Pillbox Hike – Stunning turquoise water and a scenic ridge trail.
Kualoa Ranch – Ziplining, ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie‑site adventures.
(All direct links below)
Honolulu has a vibrant, energetic nightlife scene with everything from rooftop cocktails to late‑night dancing.
Top Picks
Sky Waikīkī – Rooftop bar with panoramic views and great cocktails.
The District Nightclub – High‑energy club with DJs and dancing.
Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian – Beachfront drinks with live music.
RumFire Waikīkī – Oceanfront lounge with fire pits and a lively atmosphere.
House Without a Key – Classic Hawaiian music and hula at sunset.
Bishop Museum – Hawai‘i’s premier museum of history and culture.
Iolani Palace – The only royal palace in the United States.
Honolulu Museum of Art – Beautiful galleries and rotating exhibits.
Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial – A powerful and important historical site.
Ala Moana Center – Shopping, dining, and entertainment all under one roof.
(All direct links below)
Hours: 9:00AM -4:30PM Daily
General Admission: $12 (Discounted Rates Available)
Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm Daily
General Admission:
Adults: $21.00
Children: $13.00
Parking:
The Zoo parking lot entrance s on Kapahulu Ave. and charges $1.50 per hour. The Waikiki Shell parking lot across the street on Monsarrat Ave. has free parking.
The Ala Moana Center, often simply called Ala Moana, is a large open-air shopping mall in the Ala Moana neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii.
The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.
Important Note: Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents
Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance. Please arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation period. If you arrive after 30 minutes into your reservation period, you may be denied access and/or parking. No refunds for no-shows or late arrivals. If you purchase parking reservations, be aware that you must exit the park by the end time of your reservation period.
Reservations REQUIRED
Park Hours: 6:00am-6:00PM Daily (last entry at 4pm)
Parking $10
Entry Fee $5
Mānoa Falls — A 150‑ft rainforest waterfall and one of Oʻahu’s tallest; the trail is a 1.5‑mile round trip from the Na Ala Hele trailhead and typically takes 1–2 hours. Expect muddy, sometimes slippery sections—wear sturdy shoes, bring bug repellent and plenty of water. Note: parts of the area have appeared in films and TV (including Jurassic Park and Lost).
Hanauma Bay — Popular snorkeling bay with clear water and abundant marine life; plan ahead. Hours: 6:45 AM–4:00 PM (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Entry fee: $25; parking lot fee: $3. Parking fills early and is security‑guarded. Reservations: 48‑hour advance reservations are REQUIRED to enter; reservations open at 7:00 AM daily and often sell out within 5–10 minutes (occasionally up to 30 minutes). Have your party ready and book immediately when reservations open. Tickets and more info: https://www.honolulu.gov/parks-hbay/home.html (Park phone: (808) 786-6861; email: parks@honolulu.gov).
Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaiwa Ridge) — A moderate 1.6–1.8 mile (1–1.5 hour) out‑and‑back hike with sweeping views of Lanikai, the Mokulua Islands, and the windward coast; sunrise is the most popular time for photos. Parking is extremely limited in the residential neighborhood—arrive early, carpool, or use a rideshare to avoid congestion.
Kualoa Ranch — Privately owned 4,000‑acre valley known as “Jurassic Valley” and a filming location for more than 70 movies and TV shows (50 First Dates, Jurassic World, LOST, Kong: Skull Island, and more). Activities include UTV and ride‑along tours, ziplining, jungle expeditions, Jurassic Adventure, and horseback rides. Full‑day and half‑day packages available; contact the ranch for current pricing and reservations.
Full Day Package: $164.95 PP
Half Day Package: 124.95 PP
Tours (UTV Raptor Tour, UTV Ride Along Tour, Zipline Tour, Jungle Expedition Tour, Jurassic Adventure Tour, Hourseback Tour)
Hawaii's Community Museum- the largest collection of Polynesian objects, held in trust for Hawaii and the world.
General Adult: $38.95
General Senior (65+): $35.95
General Youth (4-17): $30.95
Under 4: FREE
Hours: 9am-5pm Daily
'Iolani Palace- the official residence of Hawai'i's monarchy. This National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, walked its celebrated halls.
As 'Iolani Palace is a sacred place, guests are to be dressed in a manner that is respectful of its culture and historical significance. Shirts and Footwear required. Bathing suites and beachwear are inappropriate attire and not permitted. Clothing displaying profanity is not allowed.
Tuesday-Saturday: 8:30am-4pm
Audio Tour (Reservation Required): $28
Docent-Led Tours (Reservation Required): $34
White Glove Tour (4 Guests Max, Thursdays Only): $127
Take a deep dive into the attack on December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese Imperial Navy conducted a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii.
USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor Tour: $59
USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri Tour: $143
The Complete Pearl Harbor Tour from Waikiki: $199