Must See Places in Honolulu – A Complete Guide

If you’re looking for the perfect place to visit on your next vacation, then Honolulu is the place for you. Not only is Honolulu the capital of Hawaii, but it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. From stunning beaches to breathtaking mountain ranges, Honolulu has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about all the must see places in Honolulu. So, let’s get started!

Waikiki Beach

The first must-see place in Honolulu is its iconic Waikiki Beach. This two-mile stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Waikiki Beach is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Plus, the beach is within walking distance of the city center, so you can easily explore the rest of Honolulu while enjoying all that Waikiki Beach has to offer.

If you’re looking for some adventure, then you can take a surf lesson at Waikiki Beach. You can learn how to surf from experienced instructors who will teach you all the basics. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even take a night surfing lesson. No matter what your skill level is, Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Waikiki Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset. Every evening, the beach comes alive with locals and tourists alike, watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s a beautiful sight and one that you won’t soon forget.

Diamond Head

The next must-see place in Honolulu is Diamond Head. This majestic volcanic crater is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hawaii. It was created during a single explosive eruption, and it’s now home to a variety of wildlife and plants. You can explore the crater by taking a guided tour or by hiking its trails.

The hike itself is fairly easy, but it’s still a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to take photos and just enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a zipline tour of the crater. You’ll soar over the crater and get a bird’s eye view of the entire area. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is another must-see place in Honolulu. This beautiful bay is home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. It’s the perfect place for snorkeling, as the waters are crystal clear and the reefs are teeming with colorful fish. Plus, the bay is protected from the waves, so it’s safe for swimming and snorkeling.

Hanauma Bay is also a great spot for bird watching. You can spot a variety of seabirds, such as terns, red-footed boobies, and Hawaiian stilts. It’s a great way to see some of the island’s wildlife in its natural habitat.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, then you can take a sunset cruise around the bay. It’s a great way to end the day and get some stunning views of the bay and the surrounding area.

Byodo-in Temple

The Byodo-in Temple is another must-see place in Honolulu. This stunning temple is located in the Valley of the Temples and is a replica of a 900-year-old temple in Japan. It’s a beautiful sight to behold and is the perfect place to find some peace and quiet.

At the Byodo-in Temple, you can explore the temple grounds and admire the architecture. You can also take part in a traditional tea ceremony or join a meditation class. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some tranquility.

The Byodo-in Temple is also a great spot for photography. The grounds are filled with lush gardens and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace is another must-see place in Honolulu. This grand palace was once the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and is filled with a variety of artifacts and artwork.

At the Iolani Palace, you can explore the palace grounds and learn about its history. You can also take a guided tour of the palace and learn about the royal family’s life and times. It’s a great way to get an up-close look at Hawaiian history.

The Iolani Palace is also a great spot for photography. The grounds are filled with lush gardens and stunning views of downtown Honolulu. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

Manoa Falls

The Manoa Falls is another must-see place in Honolulu. This stunning waterfall is located in the hills of Manoa Valley and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. You can take a hike to the falls and enjoy the stunning views of the valley below.

At Manoa Falls, you can explore the surrounding rainforest and admire the beauty of nature. You can also take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls or take a leisurely stroll through the valley. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.

The Manoa Falls is also a great spot for photography. The scenery is filled with lush greenery and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial is another must-see place in Honolulu. This memorial honors the more than 2,400 lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It’s a moving experience and one that you won’t soon forget.

At the USS Arizona Memorial, you can explore the memorial grounds and learn about the history of the attack. You can also take a guided tour of the memorial and learn about the heroes who lost their lives. It’s a great way to pay your respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The USS Arizona Memorial is also a great spot for photography. The grounds are filled with lush gardens and stunning views of the harbor. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is another must-see place in Honolulu. This popular zoo is home to a variety of animals, from exotic birds to endangered species. You can explore the zoo grounds and learn about the different animals that call the zoo home.

At the Honolulu Zoo, you can also take part in a variety of interactive activities. You can feed the giraffes, watch the sea lions play, and even pet some of the animals. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s residents.

The Honolulu Zoo is also a great spot for photography. The grounds are filled with lush gardens and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

Koko Head Crater

The Koko Head Crater is another must-see place in Honolulu. This stunning crater is the result of a volcanic eruption and is now home to a variety of wildlife and plants. You can explore the crater by taking a guided tour or by hiking its trails.

The hike itself is fairly easy, but it’s still a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to take photos and just enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a zipline tour of the crater. You’ll soar over the crater and get a bird’s eye view of the entire area. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art is another must-see place in Honolulu. This museum is home to a variety of artworks from around the world. You can explore the museum grounds and admire the artwork on display.

At the Honolulu Museum of Art, you can also take part in a variety of interactive activities. You can attend a lecture, take a painting class, or even watch a movie. It’s a great way to explore the world of art and culture.

The Honolulu Museum of Art is also a great spot for photography. The grounds are filled with lush gardens and stunning views of the city. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

Haleakala National Park

The Haleakala National Park is another must-see place in Honolulu. This park is home to a variety of wildlife and plants, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can explore the park by taking a guided tour or by hiking its trails.

At Haleakala National Park, you can also take part in a variety of interactive activities. You can go bird watching, explore the park’s many caves, or even take a sunrise or sunset hike. It’s a great way to explore the beauty of nature.

The Haleakala National Park is also a great spot for photography. The scenery is filled with lush greenery and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to capture some amazing shots.

Conclusion

Honolulu is an amazing city with a lot to offer. From stunning beaches to breathtaking mountain ranges, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ve covered some of the must-see places in Honolulu. From Waikiki Beach to the Haleakala National Park, there’s a lot to explore and experience. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Honolulu today!