Things to do in Honolulu

Honolulu is famous for being an incredibly unique place. As the biggest city in the Hawaii, Honolulu has everything to offer visitors — from one of the most iconic beaches in the world to dormant volcanoes, snorkeling, surfing, and everything in between. Here are a few things you cannot miss on your visit to Honolulu.

It’s been in countless movies and the inspiration for many songs — but you won’t believe how great Waikiki Beach is until you see it for yourself. With eight different sections boasting unique offerings, the area is home to Kapi’olani Park, Fort DeRussy, Kahanamoku Lagoon, Kuhio Beach Park, Ala Wai Harbor, and so much more. It’s incredibly popular for swimming, as the protective seawall around the beach keeps the water calm. Sit back, relax, put on extra sunscreen, and watch as the crowds and waves roll in and out. There's also Hanauma Bay and the Halona Blowhole with 30 ft geysers. Check it out on an Oahu Circle Island Adventure Tour.

Or maybe you’re looking for something more explosive. The Hawaiian Islands have three volcanoes, and the Honolulu volcanic series is in, you guessed it, Honolulu. Created between 800,000 and 300,000 years ago, the volcano set continues to be at the center of the island’s attention. Diamond Head, known to locals as Le’ahi, is the famous tuna fin-shaped ridgeline that rises up behind the city. While much of it is closed to the public, the Diamond Head Trail is one of the best hiking experiences on the island, and also boasts one of the best views of the Oahu.

Now that you’ve trekked up, down, and around the area’s natural wonders, how about some history? The city has plenty of historical sites to keep visitors interested, reflecting its history from the Hawaiian monarchy that ruled it for centuries to the island’s pivotal role in WWII. First, start your history tour at the Iolani Palace State Monument. This palace in Downtown Honolulu was dedicated in 1882, and it is the only official state residence of royalty in the USA. It now acts as a museum, and educates and entertains countless visitors every year. Just across the street lays the King Kamehameha I statue, rounding out your Hawaiian history lesson.

Of course, a visit to Honolulu is just not complete without a stop to Pearl Harbor. Known as the home of the USA’s entry into WWII, this site includes the WWII Valor, the USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, as well as several other monuments. There are several Pearl Harbor tours available including USS Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu Tour and WWII: Honor the Heroes & Historic Honolulu Tour.

Enjoy your stay in Honolulu, and don’t forget to call us to take care of all your transportation needs on the island — from airport pick up to drop off. Reserve transport from Honolulu to Waikiki or anywhere your vacation takes you. SpeediShuttle offers airport transfers throughout Honolulu and tours with IMI Tours.