Honolulu is the only major city in Hawaii offering everything an urban environment has to offer. What’s more, right in Honolulu itself you’ll find beautiful beaches and mountains perfect for sporting activities.

View the 10 best hotels in Honolulu

Beaches and swimming

Honolulu is the epitome of a tropical paradise, spearheaded by the famous Waikiki Beach. There are many more beautiful, natural beaches in Hawaii, but it must be said that even the beaches right in the city are immaculately maintained, clean, well-equipped and, if you don’t need to lie on a sun lounger with a provided parasol, free of charge.

They’re therefore ideal for a day of relaxation after a long journey, before setting off to explore the other islands.

If you get tired of the often-crowded Waikiki, simply walk a few hundred metres to the much less crowded Ala Moana Beach, which is particularly popular with locals.

The ocean water is pleasant all year round, with temperatures around 25–27 °C.

Surfing

Waikiki Beach is a mecca for surfers from all over the world, and although there are certainly better conditions elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, surfers have simply been a part of Honolulu since the sport’s inception. Those interested in beginner’s lessons can choose from many surf schools; simply take a stroll along the beach and pick the one you like best. Expect to pay around 125 usd and 170 usd dollars per person for a two-hour private lesson.

Examples of surf schools in Honolulu:

• Ty Gurney Surf School(Honolulu, Waikiki)
• Kahu Surf School(Honolulu, Waikiki)
• Ohana Surf Project(Honolulu, Waikiki)

Hiking

You don’t need to venture far out of the city for shorter hikes; right in Honolulu itself, you can climb several hills offering breathtaking views of the ocean, the skyscrapers in the city centre and the mountains in the middle of the island. Among the most popular walks are the hike up Diamond Hill, the Tantalus Lookout, to Koko Crater or to the Manoa Falls.

However, in Honolulu you can also set off on more challenging full-day treks to the nearby hills. Among the most popular is the 9 km route to Mount Olympus and Ka’au Crater, from where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the mountain ranges of Oahu.

Bear in mind that flip-flops or other beach footwear are highly unsuitable for hiking in the hills and could lead to unpleasant injuries.

In the footsteps of history

Although Honolulu is a modern city where you won’t come across many historical sites, there is nevertheless a place nearby that attracts crowds from all over the world. On the western outskirts of the city lies Pearl Harbour, infamous for the Japanese attack that drew the USA into the Second World War.

Today, the site is home to a vast memorial, a museum and many other points of interest, which we’ll discuss in more detail below in the ‘What to See’ section.

Snorkelling and diving

The diverse waters of the Pacific Ocean beckon you to journey into their mysterious depths to discover the strange and colourful creatures that abound off the coast of Hawaii. You don’t need to travel particularly far from Honolulu; for example, Hanauma Bay, which can be reached by bus, is one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving on Oahu.

Equipment hire shops and full-service agencies are, once again, on every corner in central Honolulu and right by the beaches.

Sunsets

The entire Honolulu coastline faces west, which, combined with the picturesque mountainous surroundings, the ever-present tropical palm trees on the beaches and the almost always perfect weather, creates the perfect mix for some spectacularly kitsch sunset photos.

You’ll enjoy the best views from the Nuunalu and Tantalus lookouts high up in the hills, or from the beach at Magic Island right in the city centre.

Fun at the aquariums

Tourist destinations by the ocean are inevitably linked to entertainment attractions in the form of large aquariums and various water-based attractions.

A classic venue with many giant tanks full of colourful marine life is the Waikiki Aquarium on the southern edge of Waikiki Beach. It is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm; admission is $12, or $5 for children (official website:waikikiaquarium.org).

If you’d like to enjoy more interactive entertainment, such as swimming with dolphins and similar shows, visit Sea Life Park on the easternmost tip of the island of Oahu. Standard admission is $25; you can find a schedule of specific programmes and ticket information on the official website.

Shopping

Honolulu is the largest shopping destination in the Hawaiian Islands, boasting a wealth of typical American mega-malls as well as smaller shops along the beach promenade.

The largest shopping centre is called Ala Moana Centre, where you’ll find luxury boutiques, jewellery shops and huge stores selling affordable fashion. Naturally, there are plenty of restaurants, fast-food outlets and cafés.

Ala Moana Centre is situated right in the heart of Honolulu, and you can find a list of all the shops on the official website:alamoanacenter.com.