Hawaii is a top destination for those who want to relax by the ocean. The islands and other sandy beaches are highly sought-after places by those looking to escape.
They offer the ability to look up historical events or natural sites like Manoa Falls and Diamond Head State Monument.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Iolani Palace, and beaches nearby provide ample entertainment options for visitors.
Below, you’ll find ten of Honolulu’s top attractions. It will make your trip easier to plan.
1: Waikiki Beach
Relaxation and shopping are two things that come to mind with Waikiki Beach; when you’re ready for more than the surf and sand, head down Kalakaua Avenue, which lies parallel to the beach and offers excellent shopping and dining, even if you’re not a surfer.
Address: Kalakaua Avenuue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
2: Pearl Harbor / USS Arizona Memorial
For a reason, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona are the most visited US WWII memorials- everyone leaves feeling the experience was worth every minute. A shuttle for World War II buffs will take visitors from the USS Arizona to the USS Missouri, another battleship that is now a memorial. Remember also to visit the Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum!
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
3: Manoa Falls
Grab your shoes and insect repellent, along with a swimsuit and camera, and you’ll have everything you need for hiking at Manoa Falls. The 100-foot waterfall has various flora, fauna, and wildlife. Jurassic park was filmed here, where Steven Spielberg wanted to bring justice to dinosaurs. The falls are open from sunrise to sunset so that you can enjoy them any time of day!
Address: Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
4: Sunset Beach
This is the place to go if you’re looking for a place to surf that’s too intense for those that don’t have new professional skills, but the views are beautiful, and it can be less busy and crowded than other locations. The waves are perfect for swimming during the summer and are successful at keeping beachgoers safe since there will be lifeguards on duty around the clock.
Address: 59-104 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712
5: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
This cemetery is set on the plateau of the crater, and it memorializes all the veterans who served in the military or gave their lives for their country. Some notable people are buried here, including Ernie Pyle and Stanley Dunham. This memorial has moving tributes commemorating those who fought in Vietnam, Korea, and WWII in the Pacific.
Address: 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813
6: Iolani Palace
This palace tells the story of Hawaii’s last monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. This is the only royal residence available to explore on American soil, so take your chance!
Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
7: Waimea Bay
If you’re visiting in summer, the waves usually bring calmer waters and beautiful bay views. There are many places to swim, snorkel, and boogie-board. The beach is large and empty of restaurants or shops. It’s an excellent place for a picnic lunch and refreshments on your trip!
Address: 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712
8: Diamond Head State Monument
Three hundred thousand years ago, this crater was created by a volcanic eruption, and today it provides hiking with panoramic sights. Be sure to hike up this volcano! With so many pictures captured around the cone and at the top of the volcano, you will feel rewarded in more than one way. The climb is a great workout too! Be sure to bring water and a camera with you so that you can capture all of your incredible views!
Address: Diamond Head Road at 18th Ave., Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
9: Ke Iki Beach
Waimea Bay (Ke Iki Beach) is between Sunset Beach and Honolulu. There are cottages near the water if you want to spend a night outside the city. Like beaches in Honolulu, you will find pristine sands and waters. You can enjoy an incredible Hawaiian sunset from this location as well.
Address: 59-579 Ke Iki Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
10: Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is an ideal place to windsurf. Lessons are available, and if you feel like something other than learning, there are plenty of others looking for a partner or those watching windsurfers taking their break. There are also picnic tables, many parking spaces, and even a cafe if you get thirsty or hungry! The sand here is fantastic in color – tan and rich- and the blue waters complement it perfectly.
Address: 526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
