Things to do

8 Best Things To Do In Honolulu Hawaii For A Perfect Getaway

A group of people cycling downhill in Hawaii in May 2021
Source : facebook

Best things to do in Honolulu Hawaii include Diamond Head Hiking, Turtle Canyon Snorkeling, and many more. Make your trip to the exotic island one to remember.

Honolulu is located on the south shore of Oahu Island and it is the capital city of Hawaii. From exotic natural locations to historical monuments, the city has it all.

The high-rising, green hills make for perfect hiking routes, the waterfalls create an air of peace and calm, and the sandy beach offers a lot of fun water activities.

In this article, we have listed eight activities visitors should definitely try while visiting the Polynesian capital.

1. Diamond Head Hiking Narrated Tour

Best hikes in Honolulu is Diamond Head Hiking Narrated Tour on the Diamond Head State Monument. Reservation is offered starting at $5 per person.

Online reservation is mandatory for non-residents. The visitors will have to pay an additional $5 as the Park Entrance fee.

Parking service is provided for an extra $10. The visitors will be provided with the official 'I Hiked Diamond Head' certificate as a souvenir. 

Hikers walking down the trails on the Diamond Head State Monument in April 2016
Source : facebook

  • Age Limit: 3 years to 85 years
  • No. of People: 10 per group
  • Time Duration of Hiking: 2 hours
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5 based on 14 reviews

Diamond Head State Monument is one of the significant natural landmarks of Honolulu. The dormant volcano mountain has fantastic hiking routes and offers a stunning coastal view.

Although the place does have a steep flight of steps at some points, it is an easy-to-moderate hike-up. There are many outlooks surrounding the craters that offer a scenic overview if you are planning for a short hike.

2. Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour

Best things to do in Honolulu is Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour on the south shore of Oahu. Take a dive into the water and swim alongside green sea turtles.

The guided snorkeling cruise offered by Dive Oahu Inc costs $106.63 per person. It is a Reserve Now and Pay Later package with Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

A diver snorkeling deep in the ocean in Oahu, Hawaii in 2021
Source : facebook

  • Age Limit: 3 years to 70 years
  • No. of People: 40 per group (maximum)
  • Snorkel Duration: 3 hours
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5 based on 921 reviews

The meeting point is at Dive Oahu - Ala Moana, 1085 Ala Moana Blvd suite 109, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. All snorkelers must know how to swim.

The visitors will get to experience the marine life of the famous island. You can watch the sun shining on the shimmering shell of the green sea turtle. 

Look beneath the clear waves, and take the opportunity to spot sharks, stingrays, octopuses, and colorful fish added with the eye-catching views of the Waikiki coastline on the way.

3. Honolulu Morning Polynesian Canoe Voyage

Honolulu Hawaii things to do is Morning Polynesian Canoe Voyage. Kamoauli offers a two-hour ride for $200 per person.

This is a flexible plan which allows travelers to book a spot without having to make an advance payment. 24 hours advance cancellation will be fully refunded.

Passengers onboard sailing in a canoe in October 2022
Source : facebook

  • Voyage Duration: 2 hours
  • No. of Participants: 10 per group (at max)
  • Smoking and Alcohol-free
  • Service pets permitted
  • Meeting Point: Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813, slip D106

The visitors will sail on a traditional Polynesian double-hulled canoe along the Waikiki coastline. While on board, visitors can take part in hands-on activities, or relax on the deck and enjoy the Hawaiian music.

Amenities included in the sail are local food and drinks, lounging nets, a large shade canopy, and an on-board restroom.

4. Helicopter Tour With Doors Off or On

Things to do in Honolulu Hawaii is a 45 minutes Helicopter Tour from Honolulu with doors off or on. Rainbow Helicopters offers the tour for $345 per person. 

The Isle Sights Unseen tour begins at Rainbow Helicopters located at Honolulu International Airport. Guests are free to choose their convenient departure time when booking. 

A passenger shuttle from Rainbow Helicopter flying over the Hawaiian island in 2021
Source : facebook

Get to experience Oahu's most treasured sights from the sky. The flight is made above island landmarks such as Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, Ka'a'awa Valley, Pearl Harbor, and more.

  • Address: 155 Kapalulu Pl Ste. 197, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA
  • Wheelchair / Stroller accessible
  • No. of Travellers: 15 per group (maximum)
  • Infants are allowed
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5 based on 78 reviews

5. History & Culture Tour In Honolulu Via Segway

Best things to do in Hawaii is History & Culture Tour in Honolulu via Segway. Segway of Hawaii - Kaka'ako extends the package for $225 per person.

Two visitors pose in front of the King Kamehameha State in Honolulu in 2020
Source : facebook

  • No. of People: 8 per group (at max)
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Departure Detail: Kaka’ako, 670 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
  • A roundtrip from Waikiki to Kaka'ako is offered for an extra $20 per person

The tour begins from the iconic Aloha Tower at Honolulu Harbor. The visitors will then glide to the historic downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, colorful Hotel Street, Washington Place, Hawaii State Capitol, and Iolani Palace.

The tour continues along the King Kamehameha State, Kawaiahao Church, and Mission Houses and closes at majestic Kaka'ako Waterfront Park which provides a stunning ocean and cross-Island views.

6. Downhill Bike and WaterFall Hike Tour

Downhill Bike and Waterfall Hike Tour by Bike Hawaii Tours is offered for $179.49 per person. It is a 5 miles fun ride through the lush landscape for all skill levels.

Make a visit to the Pu'u 'Ohia rainforest and witness the beauty of nature with a bicycle tour. The tour will be led by a professional nature guide and you will travel around five miles in total.

People cycling downhill on the beautiful country road in the Pu'u Ohia rainforest
Source : facebook

  • Age Limit: 3 years to 99 years
  • No. of Riders: 20 per group at max
  • KHS cruiser bikes, helmets, and rain gear will be provided
  • Hotel pickup and drop off facility
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5 based on 12 reviews

While you coast downhill, the local guide will provide a commentary about the local ecology of the rainforest. Cyclists will hear the sweet sounds of tropical birds echoing through the trees.

After the tour is completed, visitors can opt to return to their hotel or take off on an afternoon hike. The optional hiking excursion is also followed by a drop-off back at the hotel.

7. Shaxi Dive Bar Tour

Shaxi Dive Bar Tour for food enthusiasts is offered by Shaxi Hawaii for $81.63. Make the most out of your trip by visiting Honolulu's hottest bars.

Ride around Waikiki in an open-air Shaxi leaving directly from your hotel and embark on a thrilling bar adventure. The flexible booking system allows free cancellation at least 24 hours in advance.

Two Shaxi drives with beautifully decorated roofs lined up before the go
Source : tripadvisor

  • Age Limit: Above 21 years
  • No. of Travelers: 10 per group at max
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Hotel pickup and dropoff included

The Shaxi tour will take visitors to four cool dive bars. You will get to spend 45 minutes at each bar. However, alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not included in the package.

Also, check out the best Miami hotels for solo travelers on our website if you are looking to make a trip on your own to the island.

The visitors can explore a range of bars for the opportunity to try different drinks, environments, and party scenes. You can also witness and be a part of Honolulu's nightlife.

Similar packages offered by Shaxi Hawaii are listed below:

  1. Shaxi Sunrise Tour at $81.63
  2. Shaxi Sunset Tour at 81.63
  3. Shaxi Diamond Head Hiking and Waikiki Tour at $81.63
  4. Shaxi Hawaiian Brewski Tour at $81.63

8. Surfing

Surfing is a popular water activity visitors must not miss out on while visiting Honolulu. Visitors can opt for either one-on-one or group training.

Semi-Private Surfing Lessons are provided by the Ohana Surf Project for $104.71 per person. It is a 2-hour training that includes all gear with an option to purchase professional photos taken during the day.

A picture of a person surfing on the clear blue ocean in Waikiki, Oahu in 2022
Source : facebook

You will learn the basics of popping up and balancing along with safety training before jumping in the water. Get one-on-one instruction and learn surfing essentials with a team of experienced teachers.

  • Age Limit: Above 13 years
  • Traveler pickup is offered for selected hotels
  • Wheelchair and Stroller accessible
  • No. of participants: 8 per group at max
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5 based on 52 reviews

Family Surfing

Ohana Surf Project also provides family surf lessons if you are traveling with your younglings. The lesson is available for pre-booking.

Family lessons must include one parent and a child who is 12 years or under. The child must be capable enough to swim and paddle his/her own board.

  • Price: $94.24 per adult
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
  • Room for an additional family member

Group Surfing

If you are traveling with a group of friends, then you can opt for the Group Lesson as well. Hans Hedemann Surf School provides training at $95 per person.

A small group of four or fewer is admissible for the 2-hour surf lesson in Oahu. The professional instructor will guide you to learn the paddle, stand up, and ride on the North Shore or Waikiki.

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