The capital city of Hawaii, known as the Big Pineapple, is suitably filled with sweet, tropical fun just waiting to be picked. Sure, kicking back beachside is peak vacation vibes, but for more active travelers, you’ll find the city of Honolulu (and the entire island of Oahu) packed with a playground of adventures.
Honolulu is synonymous with paradise — it’s something like walking into a living postcard. But it is also a very real place filled with experiences you’ll find nowhere else. Will you surf the famous waves, hike to unforgettable heights, or just pile your plate to new heights instead (no judgment)? Find your getaway inspiration with these top 10 Honolulu activities.
1. Surf The Waves
When in Hawaii, do as the Hawaiians do — it’s one of the best things to do in Hawaii. Pros can find a treasure trove of big waves and competition-caliber surfing. But even if you’re more of a channel surfer, surf lessons can teach you to hang ten in no time. Surfing is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture and is a fantastic way to experience this Pacific paradise. Plus, if you aren’t up for surfing, the waves are often perfect for bodyboarding too.
2. Kayak The Coastline
Though surfing gets the most shine, kayaking offers a more laid-back approach to paddling out. Consider joining up with one of the many popular kayak tours to get an unforgettable sample of pristine shores, uninhabited islands, and tide pools you’d otherwise miss out on. Bring a waterproof camera to snap pics that are sure to give your social media followers some instant FOMO.
3. Take A Hike
With views like these, “take a hike” isn’t an insult — it’s an invitation. With easier hikes like the Manoa Falls Trail to truly challenging adventures along volcanic cliffs, there’s an option for people of all abilities. Just be sure to pack hiking-friendly footwear, water, and sun protection when you try this fun Honolulu activity.
4. Go Horseback Riding
When hiking seems just a little too strenuous, there’s no need to hoof it. Horseback riding is a popular way to tour Oahu’s best sights. Join up with a tour that takes you to famous film locales, seaside wildlife spotting, or high-rising hills with panoramic views.
5. Try Skydiving
Honolulu is filled with amazing overlooks featuring otherworldly views, but this view is guaranteed to be the best one you’ll get. Enjoy a tandem skydive attached to a pro and you’ll literally get a bird’s-eye perspective of the island’s natural wonders.
6. Take A Helicopter Tour
If skydiving is just a touch too thrilling of an adventure, try a scenic helicopter tour that lets you fly above it all and see some of Oahu’s best sights from the sky. Buzz past a greatest hits collection of must-sees like soaring cliffs, epic waterfalls, sprawling forests, and the world-famous shoreline.
7. Go Snorkeling
With tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral to spot, snorkeling is a fantastic way to come face to face with some friendly locals. There are plenty of snorkeling spots to explore, so dive into whichever seems like the right fit. The welcoming waters of Hanauma Bay, just a 20-minute drive from Honolulu, is a great place to start. Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Honolulu.
8. Watch Whales
See Mother Nature at her most majestic. Cruise on the water for your chance to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and other unique marine life. Note: Humpbacks tend to be snowbirds, so if you’re trying this Honolulu activity, you’ve got a better chance of spotting them in the winter or early spring months.
9. Experience History
Visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a must-do for history and World War II buffs. Take a tour that shuttles you to the National Memorial’s various museums, monuments, battleship memorials, and the National Memorial Cemetery, or rent a car to visit these historic sites at your own pace. Pearl Harbor is definitely one of the best things to do in Honolulu.
10. Eat
Pro Tip: All of the above Honolulu activities are much more fun paired with a stomach full of something delicious. Hawaii is a rich melting pot of culinary traditions, borrowing from its many neighbors and influences. You can enjoy SPAM musubi, a play on the Japanese onigiri. Or try a fresh poke bowl full of locally caught ahi tuna. And if you do a little sleuthing, you may even find traditional dishes like kālua pig.
The best part? This is just the tide pool of an ocean of options just waiting to be explored. You get the best of a modern metropolis, plus stunning beaches and lush landscapes. Prefer the city nightlife? You’re in the right place. Want to challenge your hiking skills? Go for it. Ready to jump out of a perfectly good plane? Well, the logic of that is debatable. But regardless of your travel taste, it’s all there waiting for you in Honolulu.
