14 Amazing Things To Do And Eat In Honolulu

Renowned for its breathtaking coastline views, well-known buildings, and vibrant customs, Honolulu is a vibrant and interesting city with plenty of excellent visitor attractions and distinctive cuisine to experience. From just walking up to some of the most beautiful vistas to learning about Polynesian culture to sampling some of the most unusual and mouthwatering cuisines exclusive to Hawaii, this location is a treasure store for all kinds of visitors.

1. Hike Up Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a natural volcanic cone rising to 760 ft which is a must-visit during your trip to Honolulu. The essentially mid-level 0.8-mile trail leads one through some dimly lit tunnels before revealing the stunning 360-degree panorama of the city skyline, beaches, mountains, and ocean at the top. Take some water with you and ensure that you are wearing appropriate shoes since the trail may at times be rocky and has steep slopes.

2. Explore Waikiki Beach

Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand lined with high-end buildings, hotels, resorts, and clear turquoise water perfect for swimming, surfing, canoe paddling, snorkeling, and much more. Enjoy a thrilling surfing lesson, explore the beauty of the region by joining the Waikiki Historic Trail, or simply enjoy sunbathing on the beach.

3. The history of Hawaii Harbor is a good place to start.

Visit the memorial site of the USS Arizona and explore the 1941 attack of Pearl Harbor which led the US into the second world war. Request for advance passes to book for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to be able to observe the museums, memorials, ships, and artifacts that depict the History of the event of December 7, 1941.

4. Culturally savvy with Polynesian Culture

From hula dancing to spear throwing, watching the Indigenous people’s dance, music, eating, and their general way of life as practiced at the Polynesian Cultural Center is an experience of a lifetime and such experiences can only be got from places like Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga among other places. Engage in adventurous and cultural island village tours and invest in fun half or full-day luau performances.

5. Shop in the largest shopping center in the world

Consequently, the massive open-air Ala Moana Center has over 350 stores and restaurants to fulfill the needs of the most enthusiastic shoppers. Whether the visitors are interested in fashions by international designers beach wear or the typical island wear, there are the latest trends offered here and there is a chance to get refreshed to taste several delicious dishes at the restaurant.

6. Wander Chinatown Markets

Waikiki’s Chinatown is full of markets and local shops, art studios and galleries, cafes and restaurants, and sellers of incense, herbs, and Chinese charms on Maunakea Street. Stroll through interesting lanes such as the Chop Suey Row or buy quality produce/ grocery or fish from indoor/ outside markets.

7. Surf at Waimea Bay Beach Park

Another famous tourist attraction, Waimea Bay Beach Park, covers one of the most beautiful areas on the North Shore and is also a perfect stopping point for surfers during the winter. Take surf lessons if you dare, or sit back and watch as the professionals ride gargantuan waves. More than 20 feet the waves are dangerous to swimmers but one can see them from the shore since they close the bay.

8. Eat a Plate Lunch

Every visit to Hawaii must include a plate lunch featuring salad, two rice portions, and a protein portion of their choice, teriyaki chicken, grilled mahi-mahi, or Korean fried chicken. Visit Rainbow Drive-In or L&L Hawaiian BBQ, both institutions on the highway; always remember the shoyu sauce!

9. Visit Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace also has a story of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last reigning monarchy before the American takeover. What is known is that visitors can tour the throne room and other state rooms, visit the basement that contains galleries full of royal relics and memorabilia, and even follow the fence line of the palace grounds located in downtown Honolulu.

10. Snack on Manapua

A native Hawaiian pastry, Managua was introduced to Hawai’i as a snack by Chinese plantation workers, Managua is a sweet, white bread pocket that can be filled with such delicacies as char siu pork, chicken curry, sweet potato, and more. If you want to have freshly cooked manapua, search for food stalls that offer this food on the streets or those stores that are known to be selling this food such as Libby Manapua Shop and Royal Kitchen.

11. Take a walk at the Sunset beach to enjoy the beauty of nature during the evening.

There is no doubt that those who had the privilege of naming this beach on the North Shore of Oahu are likely to have looked at the sunset and exclaimed: Sunset Beach! Famous for massive winter swells and surf, the Sunset has equally stunning orange and pink sunsets nightly. Plan to get there a few hours before sundown; buy a tropical cocktail from the food trucks around; and watch the day retiring to her bed.

12. Walking at Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

If you are looking for fantastic scenic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, then this course is for you. The round trip of 3 miles through the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail gives dramatic views of Rabbit Island, cliffs, blowing holes in the lava rock, sand, and tide below on one side, and the boundless sea on the other. Travel to Alaska in winter to spot humpback whales.

13. Try Shave Ice

Shave ice: when the afternoon begins to heat up in Hawaii, there’s nothing more satisfying than a cool shave of ice. Observe ice made from large blocks shaved and topped with exotic sweeteners such as guava, coconut, lychee passion, mango, and many others available at Waiola or Shimazu Store. For an authentic local flair, one can also include azuki beans haupia cream, or even just condensed milk topping it.

14. Make a trip to Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Regenerate your energy from the concrete jungle of Honolulu with a stroll at Koko Crater Botanical Garden situated within the volcanic formation of Koko Head. Trek along the watersides and bridges and view samples of the uncommon and threatened terrestrial flora such as baobabs, palms, and plumerias, for free.

Conclusion

Boasting great hiking trails, historic landmarks and monuments, beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, shopping, and the island’s delicious food, Honolulu has all the appeal of a quintessential Hawaiian island. It is best to try to fit all 14 of these great things to do and great foods to eat in Honolulu for a wonderful Hawaii trip. Unlike the feeling you get as soon as you step off the plane, the aloha spirit is sure to leave its mark on you.

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