Things to do in Honolulu for self travelers

With this in-app audio tour, you will explore Honolulu walking through its historical and architectural treasures located in the central part of the main city of Hawaii. Explore the sites representing the city, nation, and Hawaiian royalty history at your own pace! Your journey will start by the ocean, near the famous Aloha Tower. It immediately reminds you to say "Aloha!" when you greet someone or say goodbye in Hawaii. A must-see relic of the ocean port is a 150-year ship. Imagine what it has been through! You will then learn about the royal families of Hawaii. First, you will see King David Kalakaua Building and learn about his profession before he became a king. You will also pass by his home, Iolani Palace, which was restored by caring citizens. A little further, you will meet the first king of Hawaii. Not in person, of course — there is his statue in front of the Aliiolani Hale. Next, you will visit the fascinating church made of coral rocks and functioning since the 1840s. You will see where the first copies of the Hawaiian Bible were printed and stop by Hawaii State Capitol, a building with meaningful architecture and rich history. The islands' culture and traditions are secured by its special art. Hawaii State Art Museum will take you through hundreds of artworks that will help you understand the essence of Hawaii better. Lastly, you will find yourself in Chinatown, where you can explore the connections between the two cultures.

This self-guided audio tour invites you to uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of Waikīkī, revealing its transformation from sacred marshlands to a renowned beach community. Ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, the tour highlights Hawaiian royalty, ancient traditions, and iconic surfing culture woven into the neighborhood's fabric. Starting at the Surfer on a Wave statue beside Queen’s Beach, the route follows the Waikīkī Historic Trail with surfboard-shaped markers guiding your way. Along this path, you’ll visit significant sites including the Kapua Pier, the Hale Hāli'a Aloha burial mound, statues honoring Duke Kahanamoku and Princess Kaʻiulani, and the elegant Royal Hawaiian Hotel near the shore. Each stop offers a vivid glimpse into Waikīkī’s past, from its sacred waters and royal residents to treasured natural landmarks. As you walk, experience moments that connect you directly to Hawaii’s traditions: feel the ocean breeze at historic surf breaks, contemplate the ancient healer stones imbued with spiritual power, and reflect on the enduring legacies of Hawaiian leaders who shaped the islands’ cultural identity. This immersive journey enriches your understanding of Waikīkī beyond its famed beaches, leaving you with lasting impressions of aloha ʻāina and aloha nui.

Aloha! This in-app self-driving audio tour will take you around Oahu, the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands! You will be able to stop at any location and spend there as much time as you like. Your tour begins in Honolulu, in front of the Iolani Palace, America's only royal palace. Get in to learn about the life of Hawaii's last monarchs and get an insight into the island's history. Furthermore, the Bishop Museum will be a great place to learn about traditions, arts, and culture of the Hawaiian people. On your way, you will also see the USS Arizona Memorial commemorating those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Later on this tour, you will have some fun at the maze on the pineapple plantation, get surprised seeing a Buddhist temple deep in the heart of Oahu, and stroll around the Ho'omaluhia botanic garden enjoying its peace and the scent of plumeria flowers. If you feel like swimming in the waterfall and hiking, you will have a chance to do so at Maunawili Falls. Then, drive to Lanikai Beach with its white sand and crystal clear waters. Don't miss Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve and a great snorkeling spot! You can stay there or return to Honolulu if you plan to visit the Honolulu Museum of Art with its amazing artworks from around the world. Note! It's better to start the tour early and on a weekday to avoid parking issues. To avoid traffic jams, you may expand a map at the end of each step and choose your preferred navigator.

Love seeing sea creatures, but also care about their welfare? Get your flippers on a ticket to Sea Life Park Hawaii, and enjoy a guilt-free aquatic safari in a sustainable marine park where research, education, and animal welfare come first. Explore a variety of spacious habitats, and get nose to bottlenose with dolphins, sharks, stingrays, sea lions, penguins, turtles, and seabirds. Listen in to fascinating marine biology talks, enjoy feeding demonstrations, and more!

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and campus recently completed a makeover. The museum was expanded and the interior was completely redesigned with three galleries that document the history of the United States Navy's Submarine Force during World War II, the Cold War, to the present day and into the future. There are many different exhibits the whole family can enjoy. **World War II Gallery** The Submarine Force came of age during World War II. Although it comprised just 2% of the US Navy, it was responsible for sinking over five million tons of Imperial Japan's shipping vessels - about 60% of the total shipping sunk during the war. **Bowfin's Bell** Bowfin's bell was missing after her move between San Diego and Seattle. In 1996, the bell resurfaced and was offered to the museum. **Battleflags** Hanging in the World War II gallery of the museum are replicas of submarine battleflags of many submarines that fought in the Pacific.

Spanning two historic WWII-era hangars filled with aircraft, exhibits, and artifacts of the men and women who gave their lives for freedom, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers a can't-miss stop on your pilgrimage to Pearl Harbor. **Hangar 37** Housed in an authentic World War II-era hangar, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Hangar 37 is home to the artifacts that tell the story of America’s involvement in World War II from the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway, and beyond. **Hangar 79** Hangar 79 picks up where the story in Hangar 37 leaves off, documenting the rise of American air superiority that was established in World War II and continued to climb in subsequent decades in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf Wars. **The Raytheon Pavillion & Outdoor Exhibits** This permanent pavilion opened at the museum with the aim of providing exposure to national and international traveling exhibits, through the lens of American history.