Despite being the third-largest island in the Hawaiian chain of islands, Oahu is easily one of the most popular among travelers — particularly international visitors. Each month, Oahu welcomes between 450,000 and 570,000 travelers, many of whom head straight to Honolulu in order to enjoy the lively atmosphere that can be found along the shores of Waikiki Beach.
Whether you want to add Honolulu’s top historical attractions to your itinerary, or you’re more interested in the best family activities in Honolulu, the island offers no shortage of things to see and do. Below you will find some of the best attractions in Honolulu:
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818
- Free Admission
Pearl Harbor National Memorial has long been considered one of the top attractions in Honolulu, largely because of its national significance. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is operated by the National Park Service and it pays tribute to the lives that were lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Visitors to the memorial have an opportunity to travel to the sites of the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials in order to pay their respects.
Waikiki Beach
- Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Free Admission
Often described as a picture-perfect paradise on the shores of the big city, Waikiki Beach is the heart of Honolulu. In addition to surfing, splashing in the waves and building sandcastles, you can enjoy dining, shopping and more at one of the best attractions in Honolulu.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- 100 Hanauma Bay Road, Honolulu, HI 96825
- $25 per person, free admission for children 12 and under
- $1 per vehicle parking fee for Hawaii residents, $3 per vehicle parking fee for non-residents
Many of the Honolulu top things to do center around recreational activities and adventures, with snorkeling being one of the most popular activities in the city. The Hanauma Bay Nature Preseve is one of the most popular places to go snorkeling in Honolulu, as this preserved marine ecosystem is home to sea turtles, dolphins and more.
Diamond Head State Monument
- Honolulu, HI
- $10 per vehicle or $5 per person walking into the crater
Considered to be one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hawaii, the Diamond Head State Monument is easily one of the top attractions in Honolulu. The arduous journey to the massive crater is well worth the effort, as it offers some of the most spectacular views of Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu skyline. In addition, you will find several trails in the area that allow you to fully enjoy this natural wonderland.
Polynesian Cultural Center
- 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762
- $120-$290 per adult, $96-$232 per child
In order to truly experience and appreciate the Polynesian culture that has defined Hawaiian life for thousands of years, you simply have to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. This historic attraction consists of six island villages, all of which offer cultural immersion experiences for visitors of all ages. To top it off, you can complete your visit with an authentic luau dining experience.
Bishop Museum
- 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI 96817
- $34 per adult, $26 for children between the ages of 4-17
The Bishop Museum is another one of the best attractions in Honolulu for culture and history. Dedicated to the natural and cultural history of Hawaii, the Bishop Museum has endless artifacts on display that showcase the traditions and heritage of the Hawaiian people over the course of thousands of years.
Honolulu Museum of Art
- 900 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814
- $25 per adult, free admission for children 18 and under
The Honolulu Museum of Art provides local residents and visitors alike with the chance to celebrate the arts in an interactive and dynamic way. What first began as a small art museum with a collection of just 875 items is now a massive institution with more than 55,000 items in its collection, many of which are Asian works of art, European paintings and contemporary art from the 20th century.
Honolulu Zoo
- 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
- $21 per adult, $13 for children between the ages of 3-12
Those who are taking a family vacation to Honolulu will love the Honolulu Zoo, which is considered to be one of Honolulu's top attractions for kids. Home to a variety of Hawaii's indigenous species as well as animals from around the world, this zoo gives families of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to learn more about the creatures that we share our world with.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
- 63 Cowpens St., Honolulu, HI 96818
- $35 per adult, $17.50 per child between the ages of 4-12
Now permanently located in Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri Memorial invites guests of all ages to come aboard the last battleship ever built by the United States Navy in order to learn more about the role the ship played during World War II. Tours of the Battleship Missouri also include a visit to the Surrender Deck, which is the spot where World War II officially ended in 1945.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
- 7602-7604 Koko Head Park Road
- Free Admission
What was once a railway that lead to the top of the Koko Crater is now a footpath that is favored among hikers in Hawaii and from around the world. It's not for the faint of heart — the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead requires you to climb more than 1,000 steps in order to get to the crater, but the effort is worthwhile. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy unbeatable panoramic views of Oahu.
Iolani Palace
- 364 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813
- $27-$33 per person
Built in the late 19th century, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii's final reigning monarch and today, it lives on as a symbol of Hawaiian identity. The palace is open for a variety of guided tours, allowing you to learn more about the construction of the home and the role that it played in Hawaiian life until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.
Waimea Valley
- 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Honolulu, HI 96712
- $25 per adult, $15 per child between the ages of 4-12
In order to experience the natural wonders of Hawaii and the ancient traditions of its people, you simply must make time to visit Waimea Valley. This attraction aims to provide visitors with insight into Hawaiian history, spirituality and tradition through educational programs and cultural demonstrations. In addition, guests are able to visit the waterfalls and swim in the waters when conditions permit, allowing everyone to absorb their surroundings in a way that is both fun and respectful.
Manoa Falls
- End of Manoa Road
- Free Admission, $5 parking fee per vehicle
Cascading more than 150 feet off of a cliff in the depths of a Hawaiian jungle, Manoa Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Honolulu. The trail to get to the falls is considered to be a moderate excursion that is best for people with some experience, but it's incredibly popular, so you are sure to find others who can help guide you along the way.
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