Discover Honolulu: Top 10 Attractions & Must-See Places

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, make sure to include Honolulu on your itinerary. This vibrant city offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a lively urban atmosphere. From pristine beaches to cultural landmarks, Honolulu has something for everyone. Honolulu truly offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all interests. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, history, or natural beauty, this city has it all. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore the enchanting paradise of Honolulu. Here are some must-visit places in this tropical paradise:

1. Diamond Head State Monument

 

 

This dormant volcano crater is one of Honolulu’s major natural landmarks, known for its history, amazing hikes, and stunning coastal views. The way to the summit is an easy-to-moderate hike up—though there’s a steep flight of steps—and you’ll be treated to some of the best views on the island. There are also many lookouts surrounding the crater. If you have limited mobility, don’t worry, multiple other hikes within the park are accessibility friendly.

2. USS Arizona Memorial

 

 

The most visited spot in Hawaii, this majestic floating memorial honors those who died during the WWII Pearl Harbor attack.

The USS Arizona Memorial, at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and commemorates the events of that day.

3. Iolani Palace

 

 

Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue.

you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage. E komo mai! Welcome!

4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

 

 

Hanauma is a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oʻahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island and has suffered somewhat from overtourism.

5. Manoa Falls

 

 

Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall along the Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii. Manoa Falls is a great photography spot, and the location has featured in movies and television shows like Jurassic Park and Lost. Cool off in the pool at the base of the falls and grab a snack.

 

6. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

 

 

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu’s most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. You’ll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. There’s also the iconic red Makapuu Lighthouse built in 1909 which you can see along the way. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot seabirds and migrating humpback whales from November to May. This uphill trail is about two miles long and is well-paved throughout, making it a manageable trek for families with children.

7. Bishop Museum

 

 

Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum.

8. Ala Moana Center

 

 

Ala Moana Center currently features more than 290 stores, including 70 dining options, one of the largest collections of luxury retailers in the world, four major department stores and several only-in-Hawai’i retailers featuring locally-made products and souvenirs.

9. US Army Museum of Hawaii

 

 

The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is open Tues – Sat from 10 AM – 5 PM. The Museum is FREE to all with exhibits located on the first and second floor of the facility. Parking is available directly across the street from the museum in the Saratoga parking lot. Validation is available at the welcome desk.

10. Ala Moana Beach Park

 

 

Ala Moana Beach Park is a free public park on the island of Oahu, U.S. state of Hawaii, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. This 100-acre park has a wide gold-sand beach that is over a half-mile long.

 

 

Content & Image Courtesy:

tripadvisor.in