Honolulu
🌺 Things to do
17 curated experiences
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Honolulu
The most visited historic site in the Pacific. The Arizona Memorial requires a boat (included). Go early — afternoon crowds are crushing. Bring tissues.
Waikīkī Friday Fireworks Cruise (Spirit of Aloha Catamaran, Hilton Pier)
Waikīkī
Operated by Port Waikiki Cruises' Spirit of Aloha catamaran, departing straight from the Hilton Hawaiian Village's own pier for a close-up view of the resort's free weekly fireworks show; includes dinner and two drink tickets per adult. It is described as their most popular cruise and frequently sells out, so book well in advance.
Diamond Head Summit Hike
Waikīkī
0.8-mile round trip to the 762-foot summit of an extinct volcanic crater. Iconic 360° views of Waikiki and the Ko'olau Range. Steep interior concrete staircase — bring water. Best done at sunrise before the heat.
Private Catamaran Sunset Sail
Waikīkī
The best perspective of Diamond Head and Waikiki without a helicopter. Open bar, appetizers, and the famous green flash (when conditions allow). Dolphins and humpbacks (Jan–Mar) often escort the boat.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour of O'ahu
Honolulu
The only way to see the Ko'olau cliffs, the sacred Halawa Valley, and the Jurassic Park filming valley from above. Blue Hawaiian is the most reputable operator. Earphones provide narration throughout.
Bishop Museum
Honolulu
The world's foremost museum of Hawaiian and Pacific natural and cultural history — the Smithsonian of the Pacific. The Hawaiian Hall (a three-story Victorian gallery) and the reconstructed traditional hale (house) are extraordinary. The Pacific Hall covers migration patterns and languages across the entire Pacific basin. The top-floor Hawaiian calendar exhibit explains the profound role of the ocean and stars in Hawaiian life. Allow 3 hours minimum.
🥾 Hikes
4 trails
Diamond Head Summit Hike
Waikīkī
0.8-mile round trip to the 762-foot summit of an extinct volcanic crater. Iconic 360° views of Waikiki and the Ko'olau Range. Steep interior concrete staircase — bring water. Best done at sunrise before the heat.
Manoa Falls Trail
Mānoa Valley
1.6-mile round trip through lush rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall. The valley receives 150+ inches of rain annually — truly primordial. Do NOT swim in the pool (bacterial contamination).
Koko Crater Trail
East Honolulu
Climb 1,048 railway-tie steps straight up the spine of an extinct volcanic crater — the most demanding short hike on Oahu. 360° views at the top take in Diamond Head, Kailua, and the open Pacific. Not for the faint of heart or knees. Vastly underrated compared to Diamond Head and far less crowded.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
East Honolulu
A paved 2.4-mile round-trip trail to a lighthouse perch at 647 feet — the most accessible elevated viewpoint on Oahu, open to all fitness levels. Views sweep across the Windward Coast, Rabbit Island, and the offshore wildlife sanctuary. December through April it becomes the best whale-watching vantage point on the island: humpbacks are frequently visible breaching from the trail without binoculars, no boat required. The cliffs drop directly to tidepools below, and there's almost always something moving in the water. Natural pairing with a Kailua or Hanauma Bay day.
🏨 Where to stay
18 vetted properties
The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
★ FeaturedWaikīkī
Mid-century modern design hotel that stands apart from cookie-cutter Waikiki. The Hideout pool bar is excellent. No resort fee — extraordinary for Oahu. Book partial ocean view.
Halekulani
★ FeaturedWaikīkī
The benchmark for Hawaiian luxury since 1907 — "House Befitting Heaven." La Mer is Oahu's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant. The orchid-mosaic pool on the ocean floor is iconic. Request a Diamond Head view room.
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki
Waikīkī
Artsy boutique on the quieter end of Waikiki. Rooftop pool. Best budget option that doesn't feel cheap. No beach access but 5-min walk.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikīkī
Massive resort complex (lagoon, 5 towers, 20 restaurants) — great for families who want a self-contained resort. Friday fireworks from the beach. Can feel overwhelming; book a Rainbow Tower room for the best views.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikīkī
Beachfront, solid value, great location. Less pretentious than the luxury flagships but has everything you need — beach access, pool, multiple restaurants.
Coconut Waikiki Hotel
Waikīkī
Intimate boutique hotel one block from the Ala Wai Canal. Quiet end of Waikiki, walkable to everything. Rooms are small but clean — best value on the strip.
🍽️ Where to eat
6 places our scouts eat
Duke's Waikiki
Waikīkī
Duke's Waikiki (Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach) — the most famous restaurant on the strip, named for surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. Directly on the beach; the hula pie dessert is required. Expect a 30–60 minute wait for dinner — put your name in, grab a drink at the downstairs bar, and watch the surfers.
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Honolulu
Helena's Hawaiian Food (1240 N School St, Honolulu) — the best local plate lunch on the island, off the tourist path. James Beard America's Classic winner. Pipikaula short ribs, kalua pig, lomi salmon. Cash only; closed Saturday to Monday.
Marugame Udon
Waikīkī
Marugame Udon (Waikiki, on Kuhio Ave) — handmade Japanese udon noodles and tempura at astonishing value: a full meal with noodles and two pieces of tempura for under $15. Cafeteria-style service, fast, excellent quality. Best quick lunch option in Waikiki — counter-programs the overpriced resort dining perfectly.
Leonard's Bakery
Kapahulu
Leonard's Bakery (933 Kapahulu Ave) — hot Portuguese malasadas dusted in cinnamon sugar, open since 1952. Get them fresh from the fryer; they deflate within 20 minutes. Try the haupia (coconut cream) filled version. Cash preferred, line moves fast.
Rainbow Drive-In
Kapahulu
Rainbow Drive-In (Kapahulu Ave, near Diamond Head) — the real locals' plate lunch since 1961. Two scoops rice, macaroni salad, and your protein. The loco moco (rice, burger, egg, gravy) is the dish. Cash preferred.
Alan Wong's
East Honolulu
Closed permanently in November 2020 (alanwongs.com) — do not recommend. It stood at 1857 S King St, where Chef Alan Wong pioneered Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
📅 Events
116 on the calendar
Ready to plan your Honolulu trip?
Leave your details and a travel expert will create a custom itinerary for you.