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Top 10 Things to Do in Honolulu (Including Free Activities!)
- Alyssa
- Dec 16, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island and home to Honolulu, the capital city, and a hub of beaches, history, and adventure. Whether you're planning your first trip or a return visit, we've put together a list of the top things to do in Honolulu and across Oahu, including can’t-miss attractions, hidden gems, and free experiences. From Pearl Harbor to botanical gardens, here’s how to make your time on the island unforgettable.
Top Paid Activities in Honolulu & Oahu
Visit Pearl Harbor:
Pearl Harbor is one of the top three most-visited attractions in Hawaii, drawing up to 4,000 visitors per day. The memorial site offers a powerful look into the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States' entry into World War II. Managed by the National Park Service, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and museums are free to visit, making it a must-see stop for budget-conscious travelers and history lovers alike. To see the USS Arizona Memorial, you'll need to make a reservation online. Tickets are free, but there is a $1 per person reservation fee. A limited number of standby tickets are also available first-come, first-served served.
Link for Pearl Harbor: Click here to reserve tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial.
Tours of Pearl Harbor:
If you'd prefer a more structured experience, paid guided tours of Pearl Harbor are available through various third-party providers and often include round-trip transportation, audio guides, and multiple site visits.
Link for Pearl Harbor Tours: Explore available Pearl Harbor guided tours here.
Visiting USS Oklahoma & USS Utah on Ford Island
The only way to visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials on Ford Island is through the Ford Island Bus Tour, operated by the National Park Service. These memorials are located on an active-duty military base and are not accessible by private vehicle (unless you have a military ID). Tickets are also free, with a $1 reservation fee per person, and reservations are required in advance.
Link for Ford Island: Reserve a spot on the Ford Island Bus Tour here.
Snorkel Hanauma Bay:
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most famous and scenic snorkeling destinations in all of Hawaii. With its protected marine life and curved volcanic bay, it’s a favorite among travelers hoping to see tropical fish and coral reefs up close.
To protect the ecosystem, the park limits entry to 1,400 guests per day. You’ll need to make a reservation online, and spots fill quickly. The bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and reservations open two days in advance. For example, starting at 7:00 AM HST on Monday, you can reserve a time slot for Wednesday. Reservations close either when full or at midnight the day before your visit.
Once you secure a reservation, there’s a $25 per person entry fee (children under 12 are free). Be sure to arrive early and watch the mandatory orientation video before entering the water.
Submarine Scooters with Island Water Sports Hawaii:
Looking for a one-of-a-kind underwater adventure in Oahu? Island Water Sports Hawaii offers a submarine scooter tour where you ride your underwater scooter, surrounded by vibrant sea life. It’s not quite scuba diving and not quite snorkeling — it's a fun and beginner-friendly way to explore Hawaii’s marine world.
Each ride costs $180 per person and includes a guided boat tour, safety briefing, and plenty of time underwater. You’ll sit comfortably inside a dome-like helmet as you glide past tropical fish and coral formations.
We had a blast doing this, but fair warning, if you're prone to motion sickness, you may want to skip it. Our tour took place on a rough day, and most of the guests (ourselves included) felt a little queasy. That said, if you don’t get seasick easily, this could easily be one of your most memorable experiences on the island.
Take Surf Lessons in Waikiki:
If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf, Waikiki Beach is one of the best places in the world to try. Surfing holds deep roots in Hawaiian culture, where it has long symbolized a connection to the ocean and a celebration of island identity. With warm waters, long rolling waves, and expert instructors, there’s no better place to ride your first wave.
We booked a lesson with Big Wave Dave, located right near Waikiki Beach, and had an amazing experience. They offer group, semi-private, and private lessons, and the instructors were enthusiastic, encouraging, and great at breaking down the basics. By the end, we were both able to stand up and ride a wave, and they genuinely cheered us on the whole time!
Price: Group lessons are $129 per person. We also opted for the photo package, which was worth it for all the fun action shots (and wipeouts!). Heads-up: The area we surfed had some reef and rocks — we walked away with a few scrapes, but nothing major. If you want to surf in Waikiki, click here!
Explore the ocean in a submarine:
Looking for a unique way to explore the ocean without getting wet? Atlantis Submarines offers an unforgettable underwater adventure that takes you up to 100 feet below the surface, where you’ll spot vibrant marine life through large porthole windows.
During our tour, we saw stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and schools of colorful fish — all from the comfort of a climate-controlled submarine. The staff was welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable about both the vessel and the marine environment, making the experience both fun and educational.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: $148
Children (12 and under): $66
The tour begins with a shuttle boat ride to the submarine’s location, where you’ll board through a top hatch. You do need to be physically able to climb a steep 11-step vertical ladder to enter and exit the sub, but once inside, there's plenty of bench seating and great views from every seat. If you want to explore under the sea, click here for tickets to the Atlantis submarine!
Visit Byodo-in Temple:
Byodo-in Temple is a peaceful Japanese-style sanctuary located inside the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Modeled after a 950-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, it’s one of the most serene and culturally unique sites on Oahu.
Visitors can explore the temple grounds, light incense in front of a towering golden Buddha statue, and strike the large sacred bon-sho (temple bell) for good luck. The sound of the bell and the surrounding koi ponds create a calm and meditative atmosphere that feels worlds away from Waikiki.
Admission is affordable—$5 for adults and $2 for children ages 2–12—but note that cash is not accepted at the gate. The entire visit usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, making it a great short detour if you're exploring the windward side of the island.
You can book your tickets to the Byodo-in Temple here!
Free Things to Do in Honolulu & Oahu
Nuuanu Pali Lookout (FREE):
For panoramic views and a dose of Hawaiian history, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is one of Oahu’s most striking and meaningful stops. Set nearly 1,200 feet above the Oʻahu coastline, this cliffside lookout offers sweeping views of the lush windward side, including Kāneʻohe Bay, Koʻolau Mountain Range, and the Pacific Ocean.
More than just a scenic stop, it’s also the site of the historic Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795, where King Kamehameha I secured a pivotal victory that helped unite the Hawaiian Islands. Informational plaques around the lookout provide context and background on this important moment in Hawaiian history.
There’s a parking lot on-site and a short paved path to the viewpoint. Be prepared for strong winds, and don’t forget your camera!
Visit the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden:
The Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is located about 15 miles (45 minutes) from Waikiki, and offers free admission and parking to guests! The park is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day. It is a huge park with abundant lush greenery, walking trails, and a lake. We enjoyed our time walking around and taking in the gorgeous views. It is a great place to take pictures, you are surrounded by green hilltops and lush plants. There are multiple parking lots near the various trails, and public bathrooms/porta-potties throughout the park. It is worth a visit, especially since it is free!!! Find it on Google Maps!
See the city skyline from Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park:
Tucked away in the lush Kāneʻohe area, the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is a peaceful escape from the city and one of the most picturesque spots on Oʻahu. Located about 15 miles (roughly 45 minutes) from Waikiki, this sprawling 400-acre garden is completely free to visit, including free parking.
The garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and offers a network of walking trails, tranquil lakes, and panoramic mountain views. It's especially popular with photographers thanks to the dramatic backdrops of the Koʻolau Mountains and endless greenery. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a scenic drive, or a place to picnic, this garden delivers.
There are multiple parking lots, restrooms, and picnic areas throughout the grounds. While drones and commercial photography require permits, casual photo-taking is more than welcome! Find the Tantalus Lookout on Google Maps here!
Have a beach day:
No trip to Oʻahu is complete without spending time on one of its world-famous beaches. Whether you're looking to relax in the sun, swim in calm waters, or take postcard-worthy photos, Oʻahu has a beach for you.
Here are a few of our favorite beaches on the island:
Waikiki beach – One of the most iconic beaches in the world, perfect for first-time visitors. Expect lively crowds, a great view of Diamond Head, and lots of nearby restaurants and shops.
Lanikai Beach – Frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., Thanks to its soft white sand and turquoise waters, it’s a favorite for sunrise strolls and kayaking.
Kailua Beach – Just a short drive from Lanikai, Kailua is a laid-back beach with great swimming, picnic areas, and fewer crowds than Waikīkī.
Summary:
Oahu has so much to offer, from breathtaking viewpoints, sandy white beaches, to a rich cultural and historical background. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or wanting to learn about Hawaiian history, Oahu provides endless opportunities to explore and enjoy. We hope this list of our ten favorite things to do on Oahu can help you experience a range of what the island has to offer!
Let us know below if you have seen or done any of these things on the island! We would love to hear your experiences!
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