20 Exciting Things to Do in Honolulu for All Ages
“Honolulu is the most beautiful city in the world…” Mark Twain said in 1866. And it’s still true today. This city is a place where everyone can have fun together.
From hiking Diamond Head at sunrise to enjoying a lūʻau by the ocean, Honolulu is special. It makes every trip unforgettable. You can see royal palaces and swim with rainbow fish all in one day.
Planning a trip to Honolulu means choosing between exciting adventures and relaxing activities. You can eat fresh poke bowls in the morning and watch kids learn to surf in the afternoon. It’s the perfect mix for families.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite island spots. There are secret beaches for little ones, cultural sites for history lovers, and amazing sunset spots for everyone. Whether you want sweet shave ice or thrilling hikes, Honolulu has something for everyone.
1. Discover 20 Exciting Things to Do in Honolulu for All Ages
Planning a trip to Honolulu for everyone? I’ve found a mix of famous spots and hidden treasures after exploring the island. Start with the big honolulu sightseeing places early. Then, add in secret spots when it gets busy.
Begin your day at Pearl Harbor. It’s less crowded before 9 AM. It’s a mix of learning and feeling.
My trick is to mix serious places with fun ones. Last trip, we went from the USS Arizona Memorial to shave ice in Haleʻiwa. It’s all about balance.
Want to see more adventures? Here’s a peek at what’s coming:
- Snorkeling with sea turtles at Laniakea Beach
- Exploring the interactive Bishop Museum
- Sunset catamaran tours off Waikiki
- Hidden tide pools near Hanauma Bay
- DIY lei-making workshops
Honolulu tours can be fun without big crowds. Try a small-group food tour in Chinatown. Kids love the mango sticky rice, and adults enjoy the history.
Pro tip: Use the Waikiki Trolley to get around. Its colorful buses are part of the fun. You’ll also avoid parking problems. Save big days for hikes and beaches. I’ll share my tips later.
2. Beach Adventures the Whole Family Will Love
Best Family-Friendly Spots
Waikiki Beach is great for families. It has lots of energy and is easy to get to. But, I like Lanikai Beach for its calm waters and fewer people.
Pro tip: Get to Lanikai early to park and see the sunrise on the Mokulua Islands.
Safety Tips for Swimming
Hawaii’s waves are strong. Always check the lifeguard flags first. Red means stay out of the water!
In summer, jellyfish might show up. Carry vinegar wipes and use reef-safe sunscreen. My kids like Banana Boat’s tropical scents.
Reservation Requirements
Want to snorkel at Hanauma Bay? Book tickets 48 hours early at 7 AM HST sharp. They sell out fast. I got tickets online while in my PJs with Kona coffee.
What Marine Life You’ll See
Last June, my daughter saw a parrotfish at Hanauma Bay. Green sea turtles swim near Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Keep 10 feet away from all sea creatures.
Best Schools for Beginners
Hans Hedemann Surf School is great for beginners. They teach on sand and in gentle waves. My 7-year-old learned to surf here.
Ohana Surf Project uses foam boards for kids under 5. They float like rubber ducks.
What to Wear and Bring
Wear rash guards and board shorts, not denim shorts. Bring water shoes, collapsible shade tents, and waterproof phone cases. Don’t forget cash for shave ice at Waiola Store.
3. Historic Sites That Bring History to Life
Walking through Honolulu’s historic sites feels like stepping into a living storybook. Places like Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace offer unforgettable connections to Hawaii’s past. Even kids pause at the USS Arizona Memorial to absorb history.
Planning your visit
Start your journey at Pearl Harbor early. Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial sell out fast. I booked my 7:30 AM slot online weeks ahead.
Pro tip: Pack tissues. Reading sailors’ final letters in the exhibits hit me harder than I expected.
Age-appropriate tours
At Iolani Palace, docents from Hawaiian Royal History Tours made it magical for my 8-year-old. Our guide used replica crowns and thrones to explain royal traditions.
My kid still talks about “King Kalakaua’s secret gadgets” in the palace bathrooms!
Royal history highlights
Don’t miss the palace’s crown jewels exhibit. Glittering orders spark curiosity about Hawaii’s monarchy. The audio tour’s “keiki mode” lets children hear stories of royal pets and palace parties.
My favorite detail? The original 1880s dumbwaiter that once delivered feasts upstairs – a hit with tech-loving tweens.
Interactive exhibits for kids
The Bishop Museum’s Science Adventure Center makes history tangible. My family spent hours triggering volcano eruptions in the interactive geology lab.
We also “sailed” ancient Polynesian canoes in the digital navigation simulator. Check their schedule for live lei-making demos – we left wearing our fragrant creations!
These sites prove history doesn’t have to mean dusty displays. Watching my daughter bow instinctively at King Kamehameha’s statue showed me how well Honolulu’s landmarks spark real connections across generations.
4. Scenic Hikes With Breathtaking Views
Trail Difficulty Overview
Let’s find the right trail for you. The hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater is a bit hard. It has steep stairs and tunnels. Make sure to wear good shoes.
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is easier. It has paved paths that are great for casual walks. Tantalus Lookout is for those who love a good challenge. It has winding forest routes.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds
Going to Diamond Head at sunrise is best. It’s less crowded than sunset. Arrive before 7 AM to get a good spot.
Midweek mornings at Makapuʻu are quiet. You’ll see seabirds, not many people. Tantalus is peaceful before 9 AM, when it’s cooler.
Stroller-Friendly Sections
I took my nephew’s stroller on Makapuʻu’s smooth inclines. It’s really good for families. The whole trail is wheelchair-accessible, with places to rest and see tide pools.
Diamond Head’s upper parts are rocky. But the start is paved and good for short walks.
Whale Watching Opportunities
From December to March, Makapuʻu is great for free whale watching. You can see humpbacks breaching from many spots. Bring binoculars!
While hiking Diamond Head in January, I saw whales near the ocean. Tantalus has great ocean views, but spotting whales is harder.
Pro tip: Hike Makapuʻu and visit the Halona Blowhole for more coastal beauty. Don’t forget water shoes for the tide pools!
5. Immersive Cultural Experiences
Best Family-Oriented Shows
Watching a traditional Hawaiian luau is a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture. The Toa Luau at Waimea Valley is authentic and fun for kids. It has fire knife dancing that kids love.
The Chief’s Luau at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is also great. It has games that even little kids can play.
Typical Menu Items
Try a poke bowl in Honolulu. Ono Seafood has the best ahi tuna. It’s tossed in shoyu sauce.
For dessert, get malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery. Their haupia-filled ones are yummy. Many luaus also serve kalua pig that’s slow-cooked underground.
Must-See Exhibits
The Honolulu Museum of Art has cool Asian art. Kids like the samurai armor and ceramic horses. It’s near Waikīkī.
The Byodo-In Temple is peaceful. It’s in the mountains. Let kids ring the sacred bell. It’s magical.
Hands-On Activities
At the Bishop Museum, make lei po’o with fresh orchids. Free ukulele lessons are at the Royal Hawaiian Center. My 7-year-old learned “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by sunset.
For more, try the lauhala weaving workshop at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao.
6. Family-Friendly Nature Attractions
Exploring Honolulu’s wild side is fun for everyone. I found hidden gems that are great for families. They offer outdoor fun without the crowds.
Kid’s Scavenger Hunt
Foster Botanical Garden makes nature fun with a free scavenger hunt. Kids can find cool things like rainbow eucalyptus bark. Visit early to stay cool and enjoy the garden.
Shadiest Picnic Spots
The bamboo grove at Foster Botanical Garden is perfect for picnics. It’s cool and shaded, great for snacks. Enjoy local treats and watch the leaves sway.
Touch Pool Hours
Visit the Waikiki Aquarium from 10:30-11:30 AM for fun. Kids can touch sea creatures and learn about them. Don’t miss the monk seal feedings at 1 PM.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Join the “Coral Caretaker” tour at the aquarium on Thursdays. It’s a special experience for families. Afterward, build sandcastles at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Need to run off energy? Go to Magic Island’s lagoon. It’s a great place to swim after learning at the aquarium. It makes learning fun and memorable.
7. Scenic Drives and Lookouts
Want to see Oʻahu’s most jaw-dropping views without breaking a sweat? My favorite way to experience Honolulu’s beauty is behind the wheel. Let me walk you through my go-to coastal drive itinerary – complete with pineapple pit stops and sunset secrets.
Best Photo Opportunities
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park tops my list for panoramic shots. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to watch the sky turn cotton-candy pink over Diamond Head. For hidden gems, pull over at Makapuʻu Lookout along the windward coast drive – the turquoise waves below look unreal!
Parking Tips
Popular spots like Tantalus Lookout fill up fast. I always park at the upper lot near the restrooms – it’s less crowded than the main entrance. Weekday mornings before 10 AM guarantee space at Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa. Pro tip: Keep $3 cash for unexpected parking meters.
Must-Stop Beaches
No windward coast drive is complete without these two stops:
1. Waimānalo Beach Park: Powder-soft sand perfect for family picnics
2. Sherwood Forest: Secluded cove with great snorkeling at high tide
Local Fruit Stands
Follow your nose to roadside vendors along Kamehameha Highway. My must-tries:
• Heeia Pier General Store: Ice-cold coconuts hacked open while you wait
• Kahuku Fruit Trucks: Sweetest pineapples on the island (ask for the “golden backs”)
• Bonus stop: Chinatown local eats like Mauna Kea Marketplace for lychee shave ice after your drive
8. Unique Local Flavors and Shopping
Kid-Friendly Dishes
Watching my kids love Leonard’s Bakery malasadas is amazing. These warm, sweet doughnuts are a Honolulu favorite since 1952. For something savory, try Kakaʻako food trucks for colorful shave ice and tasty teriyaki chicken bowls.
Don’t miss the loco moco at Rainbow Drive-In. It’s messy but so good and very local.
Best Markets for Souvenirs
Don’t get generic gifts! Honolulu Chinatown’s Maunakea Marketplace has cool stuff like koa wood bracelets and tropical fabrics. ABC Stores are good for macadamia nut gifts, but for real finds, go to Aliʻi Coffee Company for Kona coffee.
For more, check out the Saturday Farmers’ Market at Kapiolani Community College. Many vendors give free samples!
Family Rest Areas
Ala Moana Center is great when it’s hot. The mall has shaded spots near koi ponds. Macy’s has clean, cool bathrooms.
For beach breaks, Magic Island Lagoon near Waikiki has picnic spots with Diamond Head views.
Local Brands to Try
Take home a taste of Hawaii with Maui Gold Pineapple jams from Aloha Swap Meet. Paiko’s candles smell amazing. My teen loves Manaola’s aloha shirts – they’re worth the price.
Try Hawaiian Host chocolates with li hing mui. They’re sweet, salty, and irresistible.
9. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Exploring hidden spots in Honolulu is fun. You can rent gear, find secret art, and try food truck treats. These make your trip special.
Recommended Rental Companies
Hawaiian Watersports is great for honolulu kayak rentals. Their double kayaks are perfect for families. Island Paddle Co. has magic island paddleboarding with glow-in-the-dark boards for kids.
Both places give safety briefings and dry bags for free.
What to Pack
My adventure kit has reef-safe sunscreen, a collapsible water bottle, and water shoes. Don’t forget a waterproof phone case for Waimea Falls photos. Pack snacks to keep everyone happy during mural hunts!
Best Murals for Photos
The kakaʻako street art scene is amazing. Look for the mermaid mural on Cooke Street and the big ‘Ohana’ piece near South Street Gallery. My favorite is a rainbow sea turtle mural on Auahi Street – it’s perfect for photos.
Food Truck Hotspots
Visit Kakaʻako Farmers Market on Saturdays for food trucks. Try Mondo’s Mobile Kitchen for garlic shrimp tacos. Magic Island has sunset trucks with shave ice and lilikoi syrup – my kids love it.
10. Conclusion: Making Memories in Honolulu
Exploring Honolulu shows how the island mixes fun with learning. You can snorkel at Hanauma Bay or visit Pearl Harbor’s memorials. Each activity helps families connect.
Adding fun to learning is key. Climbing Diamond Head and then enjoying shave ice is a great way to keep everyone happy. It also starts important talks.
It’s important to have quiet time too. Relaxing on Waikiki Beach or watching the sunset from Tantalus Lookout is great. These moments help families feel refreshed and enjoy Oahu’s beauty.
Many places in Honolulu are perfect for families. The Honolulu Zoo and Bishop Museum have cool exhibits and shady spots. They’re great for exploring when it’s hot outside.
Honolulu has lots of fun activities. You might go to the KCC Farmers Market in the morning. Then, spend the afternoon surfing at Waikiki.
Discovering new things is exciting. Like finding a hidden waterfall on the Pali Highway. These surprises make your trip unforgettable.
What you remember most are the laughs and the amazing sights. Seeing sea turtles or visiting Iolani Palace creates special memories. These moments make you want to come back and explore more.
