Ahhh… Vacations in Honolulu! The island vibe, the tropical breeze… Honolulu has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
But sometimes, we need a little help to find the best island activities and attractions in this little slice of paradise.
So we did the work for you. Create unforgettable memories during your Honolulu Vacations with these must-do activities and attractions!
Let’s face it, any excuse for vacations in Honolulu is a good one.
Hawaii’s capital is more than just a stopover on the way to Oahu. With its ambiance of eternity and the magic of aloha, it has plenty of reasons for you to spend time there.
As you stand at the edge of a new adventure, this guide will help to get your vacation off on the right foot.
Let the journey begin!
Hotels in Honolulu
Booking.comCovet-worthy Things To Do on Your Vacation in Honolulu
Time to travel in Pearl Harbor
This experience is more than just educational; it’s emotional too.
Pearl Harbor is a sacred site in American history etched in infamy for its place in the surprise attack on December 7, 1941.
It serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when there is complacency in the world, and what can happen when there is hatred. Visiting here is a pilgrimage you should make.
But what most people don’t know is that Pearl Harbor:
– Is Hawaii’s largest natural harbor
– Home to the World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument, Pacific Aviation Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
– And a bustling Naval Base.
Most of your time would be spent at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. It is also where tours to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pacific Aviation Museum depart.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free to the public.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service and free to the public.
At the center, visitors are able to view historical exhibits, learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor and also pay their respects to those who lost their lives during the attack.
You can also enjoy a film that tells about events leading up to December 1941, and a documentary on the attack itself.
That’s not all:
The museum features photographs related to the history of Pearl Harbor, a pair of hangars where a handful of WWII aircrafts are on display.
And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a fighter pilot, there is a flight simulator where you can experience the thrill of taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier.
It’s an educational and emotional experience you won’t want to miss on your vacations in Honolulu!
Pay Your Respect at the USS Arizona Memorial in your vacations in Honolulu.
You can’t leave Honolulu without visiting the USS Arizona Memorial – one of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Which happens to be the most visited sight in Hawaii.
The memorial is built above the sunken remains of this battleship and it is a stunning tribute to all the 1,177 servicemen who lost their lives when the ship was bombed in 1941.
Visitors are taken on a free tour of the memorial starting from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. A film on the attack of Pearl Harbor is screened, and a documentary about the battleship unfolds.
Once you’ve learned all you can about the events that occurred, it is time to head out and explore the memorial itself.
Visitors hop on a United States Navy boat which takes them out to the memorial. Once you arrive, a guide leads everybody onto a platform built above the sunken remains of this battleship.
Inside, an immense wall of impeccable marble with engraved names of those on the battleship when it sank is something to behold. The remains of this ship are below, resting at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.
A sense of respect, admiration and reverence fills each visitor as they look out at the sea and take in what happened here.
The memorial is an extremely impressive sight to behold, and one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. The sheer size of it – the sun bouncing off the water, and the boats floating by – is enough to make this an unforgettable experience.
Take a guided tour of the USS Missouri Battleship
With 11 battle stars to its name, USS Missouri (or “Mighty Mo” as it’s lovingly called) has a storied past.
Launched in 1944, the Battleship Missouri was the site of Japan’s formal surrender during WWII. Then it saw action in Korea and the Persian Gulf.
Today, the battleship is a museum and, as such, has been meticulously maintained to preserve its history.
Tours are available that provide insight into the history of this battleship as well as a look at its inner workings. Which also includes the opportunity to walk on-board an authentic battleship and see what life was like for the troops.
The guided tours explore all decks of this mighty battleship, from its decks, bunk and engine rooms. And as well as glimpse at some of the guns that once protected it from attack, to the bridge where General MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender.
Visitors also get to see original war exhibits and view the Japanese peace treaty on display in the Commanding Officer’s sea cabin.
Hands-on activities include lighting one of the ship’s huge boilers or operating the old analog computers in the aft plotting room’s ancient computer system.
Soak in the beauty of Waikiki’s beaches and attractions
Journey to legendary Waikiki’s beaches and soak up its sun, sand, and surf. Go beyond the shore with exclusive island tours that take you to some of Hawaii’s most spectacular natural wonders away from the crowd.
A great thing to enjoy in your vacations in Honolulu. Then wander through Waikiki’s shops, cafes and restaurants to find the perfect souvenir or memento.
Here’s something about the beaches of Waikiki:
The beach is a stretch of several beaches caressing Honolulu’s southwest shores with its uniquely honey-gold sand. The sparkling turquoise-blue water of the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Diamond Head looming in the distance.
The winter months from November to January bring the famous North Shore swells. This is when Hawaii’s top surfers come out to play on some of the biggest waves in the world.
You can take a walk on Waikiki’s beaches, shop in the high-end stores down Kalakaua Avenue, and enjoy the nightlife at the bars and restaurants in Waikiki.
Reach for the stars on the summit of the Diamond Head State Monument
The Diamond Head is a natural cone-shaped crater that is over 300,000 years old – a product of violent volcanic eruptions. However, it stands today as Hawaii’s most famous natural landmark – a silent sentry watching over the city’s skyline.
The trail to Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s best hikes and an iconic Hawaii experience. The 0.8-mile, 760 feet climb leads to the summit of the dormant volcano crater, which offers mesmerizing views of Waikiki shoreline that’ll take your breath away.
An imposing 1917 Lighthouse, military bunkers, and a fire control station located at the summit are other highlights of this national landmark.
As you explore the summit, look out over Waikiki and keep an eye peeled for surfers catching waves off Waikiki’s shoreline.
Pay Homage to the Impressive Iolani Palace
The only Royal Palace in the United States, Iolani palace is an impressive sight to behold. The magnificent edifice – with its striking white façade – stands in the middle of the picturesque grounds.
Built by King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani in 1882, it was used as the official residence for Hawaii’s royalty until 1893. Then until 1969, it served as the capitol building of the Republic and State of Hawaii.
Today, Iolani palace has been restored to its original grandeur and is one of Honolulu’s most popular attractions in the Island of Oahu as a museum where you can explore the elegant rooms and fascinating exhibits
The Palace is well worth a visit, especially if you plan to tour the other historical attractions in Honolulu. And when your vacation in Honolulu is over, you can tell your friends about America’s only Royal Palace.
It was used as the setting for the movie, Princess Kaiulani, based on the life of Princess Kaiulani.
Burn the trail with a hike up the Koko Crater
Are you up for the challenge? This rugged hike is one of the most popular trails on Oahu. The 1,050 steps that lead up to the top will leave you breathless.
But once at the summit, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the island. And what a great backdrop for a few selfies!
Here’s a few tips on what to wear:
Wear comfortable shoes—hiking boots or running sneakers with good traction.
Bring a hat and sunglasses—it’s easy to get a bad case of sunburn on the exposed trail.
Take your time—the climb is steep in places, so take baby steps on the way up.
Plan to arrive early—the parking area fills quickly at peak times (especially weekends), and the trail gets crowded at the summit.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, take on Koko Crater Trail. So, when you return home after your vacation in Honolulu, you have something to brag about.
Wrapping it Up
So, what are you waiting for? Vacations in Honolulu await! Come to Oahu and explore its many attractions. From the North Shore to the majestic Diamond Head, there are so many things to do on Vacations in Honolulu.
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