The Hawaiian Islands are like nowhere else on earth, with their natural beauty, slower pace of life, and opportunities to connect with nature. As the capital of Hawaiʻi, Honolulu embodies this unique blend.
Despite its bustling metro area population of 920,000, Honolulu balances the dynamic feel of a big city with the laid-back ambiance of a tropical paradise. Here, you can stick your feet in the sand, dine under brilliant sunsets, snorkel with colorful fish, and fully embrace Hawaiʻi’s casual vibe.
Even when I’m headed to one of Hawaiʻi’s other islands, I like to spend a few days in Honolulu. Even 48 hours is enough to get a good taste of Hawaiʻi’s capital.
Exploring Honolulu
If it’s your first time in Honolulu, I recommend booking a ticket on the Waikīkī Trolley, a hop-on, hop-off bus that will allow you to explore the city at your own pace. It stops at many popular locations and will give you a good idea of what the city offers.
Waikīkī
Many visitors to Honolulu want to visit Waikīkī. This world-famous neighborhood, once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, is now the bustling heart of Honolulu. To make the most of our short time in Honolulu, my family and I like staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.
This resort has a wide, beautiful beach, which was a favorite with my kids when they were little, and a perfect location in the heart of Waikīkī. We can walk to many restaurants, shops, and activities, including the popular Duke’s Waikīkī, famous for its Hula Pie.
Yes, it may be a bit touristy, but the fun atmosphere and the delicious Hula Pie make it a popular stop.
Waikīkī Beach
Hawaiʻi is famous for its beaches, and Waikīkī Beach is the best-known in the state. Here, Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, learned and taught people how to surf.
I love walking the shoreline, soaking in views of the beach, the Honolulu skyline, and the striking Diamond Head, a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater. Waikīkī Beach is an excellent place to swim, picnic, or just relax with a good book.
It’s often bustling with activity, so if you’re in search of a quieter atmosphere, head to either end of this two-mile-long stretch of sand.
Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is not just a tourist spot but a place of great historical significance—and it’s a must-visit in Honolulu. The events that unfolded here in 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor marked the entry of the United States into World War II, changing our nation and the world.
The Memorial, with its respectful and honorable portrayal of the story, is a testament to the heroism that took place that day.
You’ll need several hours to visit since there is much to see. Book your tickets in advance if you can. It can be quite warm, so dress appropriately. Although you can’t bring backpacks (they can be stored at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum onsite), you can bring a water bottle.
There is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. One tip: there are limited parking spaces; we took an Uber the last time we visited to avoid the search for a parking space. You can also take the local bus, and many hotels offer shuttle bus services.
A Visit to the Chinatown Neighborhood
Like other cities, Honolulu has many unique neighborhoods. Chinatown is a favorite of mine. It’s close to the financial district and is a rich cultural hub featuring dim sum restaurants, tiny eateries, small stores, colorful temples, galleries, and farmers’ markets.
If you time it right, you can finish your day with dinner in Chinatown. Our favorite meal there was at a six-table Vietnamese restaurant.
Ocean Adventure with Outrigger Canoe Surfing
You don’t have to leave the city for outdoor adventure. Head out the next morning for some Outrigger canoe surfing with Waikīkī Beach Services. Though it sounds a little crazy, it’s an easy way to experience an authentic Hawaiian water activity without taking a surf lesson.
This adventure is just what it sounds like – you get to ride the waves on an outrigger canoe, a practice that is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Anyone aged five and up is welcome. Your skilled guides will take care of everything. It’s a perfect adventure for a whole family.
Learn About Hawaiian Culture at the Bishop Museum
Many visitors to Honolulu miss this museum, and that’s a shame. It’s one of the best places I’ve seen to learn about Hawaiian history and culture. The museum has millions of artifacts, documents, and photos about Hawaiʻi and other Polynesian cultures.
It was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, a local businessman and philanthropist, in memory of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last legal heir of the royal Kamehameha Dynasty. Today, the museum provides excellent insight into Hawaiian history, culture, and traditions.
Two days in Honolulu is enough to give you a taste of what this vibrant city offers – and chances are, you’ll want to come back for more.
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