Things to do in Honolulu for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Honolulu
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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.
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!
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.
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.
About Honolulu
The must-see attractions in Honolulu for a first visit are:
The best indoor tours in Honolulu for rainy days are:
The best tours to do in Honolulu with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Honolulu are:
Insider tips for visiting Honolulu
ListenUp Audio2021When I visit Honolulu for a night out, I always recommend Waikiki if you want the most energy in one walkable area. Around Kuhio Avenue and the side streets off Kalakaua, Honolulu shifts from beach town to late-night city, with live Hawaiian music, low-key cocktail bars, and spots where local DJs actually draw a crowd. I usually tell friends to start with sunset drinks near Gray’s Beach, then head mauka for a more local feel away from the busiest strip. If you’re planning to visit Honolulu and want a practical travel guide Honolulu tip, Waikiki packs the most things to do in Honolulu after dark without needing a car.
When I’m in Honolulu, I recommend mixing the famous sights with places locals actually return to. For classic attractions in Honolulu, I like walking Diamond Head early, then cooling off with a swim at Kaimana Beach instead of the busiest Waikiki stretch. If friends ask me what to see in Honolulu, I usually send them to Shangri La for its oceanfront Islamic art collection, then over to Kakaʻako for street murals and a relaxed lunch. I also love sunset at Tantalus lookout, when Honolulu lights start to glow. Even if people search for tours in Honolulu, I think the best days here feel unhurried and neighborhood-based.
When I’m with family in Honolulu, I usually recommend Hanauma Bay if you can reserve an early entry. It’s one of those things to do in Honolulu that works for both kids and adults: calm, shallow water, bright reef fish close to shore, and enough structure to keep the day easy. I always tell people to bring reef shoes and arrive ready for strong sun, because Honolulu mornings there are much more comfortable than midday. Among the big attractions in Honolulu, this is the one that feels most rewarding for families. If you’re deciding what to see in Honolulu, skip rushed tours in Honolulu and give yourselves a half day here.
I usually tell friends the sweet spot for Honolulu is late April to early June, or September into early November. In my travel guide Honolulu notes, those months bring warm water, steady trade winds, and fewer crowds than peak winter or summer breaks. When I visit Honolulu then, I can still catch sunrise walks at Diamond Head or an easy beach afternoon without the heaviest hotel-zone congestion. Winter in Honolulu is great for surf watching on the North Shore, but town feels busier and prices jump. If you want to visit Honolulu for relaxed days and flexible things to do in Honolulu, shoulder season feels best to me.
When I visit Honolulu for food, I usually split my time between Kaimukī and Kapahulu. Kaimukī has the most interesting mix right now: chef-driven spots, old-school bakeries, and places where locals linger instead of rushing through. Kapahulu is where I go for casual Honolulu comfort food, from garlic-heavy plate lunches to late-night malasadas nearby. In any travel guide Honolulu, Waikīkī gets attention, but these neighborhoods feel more grounded and better for repeat meals. If you visit Honolulu and want things to do in Honolulu beyond the beach, spending an evening eating your way mauka from Kapahulu into Kaimukī gives you a real taste of Honolulu.
When I want quieter attractions in Honolulu, I head to Manoa Valley rather than the main beach circuit. Lyon Arboretum is one of my favorite corners of Honolulu, with rainforest paths, giant bamboo, and the kind of cool air you forget exists near town. I also like the Makiki side of Honolulu for Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside, especially near sunset when the city and coastline open up below you. If friends ask me what to see in Honolulu beyond the obvious, I mention the Kakaʻako backstreets for murals and small cafés. People look up tours in Honolulu, but these places are better explored slowly and on your own timing.
When I’m showing first-timers around Honolulu, the most popular things to do in Honolulu are usually Diamond Head at sunrise, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and a beach day that stretches from Waikīkī to Kaimana. In Honolulu, people also flock to Pearl Harbor, but I always suggest pairing the history with a walk through ʻIolani Palace or Chinatown so the day feels fuller. If you’re deciding what to see in Honolulu, those are the attractions in Honolulu that visitors ask about most. A lot of people book tours in Honolulu for convenience, but I’ve found the best rhythm is an early start, a slow lunch, and time left for sunset by the water.
When I write a travel guide Honolulu recommendation for first-timers, I usually point them to the east side of Waikīkī, near Kaimana Beach or the quieter end by Kapahulu. You’re still close to the classic Honolulu shoreline, but it feels less frantic than the center of Waikīkī. When I visit Honolulu, I like being able to walk to morning coffee, the beach, and dinner without dealing with the thickest crowds. It also puts you near Diamond Head and some of my favorite local food streets. If you want easy access to things to do in Honolulu without spending your whole stay in the busiest hotel zone, this part of Honolulu works well.