Honolulu is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want a taste of Hawaii’s nightlife and urban culture. From Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head, there are countless iconic Hawaiian sites located in the capital city, and a walking tour of Honolulu can take you to all of them. The city is also home to some of Hawaii’s best resorts, although we wouldn’t recommend spending your whole trip surrounded by other tourists. With plenty of restaurants, shopping districts, and cultural destinations, Honolulu has everything you need for a perfect island vacation.
Of course, you don’t have to just stay in Honolulu, either. The city can also act as your home base and gateway to the rest of Oahu, perhaps the most vibrant island in Hawaii. Oahu is often nicknamed “The Gathering Place,” and for good reason—about 70% of Hawaii’s population lives on this one island, almost entirely in Honolulu. That makes Oahu the beating heart of contemporary Hawaiian culture, a unique mix of past and present that contains both towering skyscrapers and charming seaside villages.
There are way too many things to do on Oahu, so you’ll have to visit more than once if you want the full experience. However, there are a few spots that every tourist should see on their first trip. We already mentioned Waikiki, Honolulu’s most iconic neighborhood and beach, and Diamond Head, the enormous volcanic cone that rises above the city. We also highly recommend getting a classic Hawaiian dessert from Matsumoto Shaved Ice or Island Vintage Shaved Ice. Get a taste of nature by visiting Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden and make sure you catch a luau before you leave!
To make the most of your trip, check out our Self-Guided Honolulu Walking Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
