Recently we enjoyed a few days in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The weather was sunny and warm and we had lots of fun being a tourist!

There are plenty of things to do in Honolulu but these 6 things you must not miss.

1. Pearl Harbor

We spent a morning at Pearl Harbor and it was one of our highlights of Honolulu. It is a short bus ride out of the city. It opens at 7 and you must get there early to get free tickets for the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. There are 1300 free tickets given each day. There are also several free museums that you can tour. If you want to stay longer then a few hours, you can visit some other ships, subs, etc. for a fee.

2. Diamond Head 

Make sure you don’t miss hiking up Diamond Head. It opens at 6 am. so it is a good idea to go early. We went late afternoon and it was quite warm. There are not lots of parking so that is another reason to go early. We took the bus which leaves you off at the entrance of the park so we had to walk at least a half mile til we ever arrived inside the park. Walking in costs 1.00 a person or to drive in it is 5.00 a car. The hike up takes only about 40 minutes. Make sure you wear good sneakers and not just flip flops as it is a good hike. Be prepared for stairs just at the end when you are getting tired! But stop and rest and make sure you get to the top as the view is beautiful. You get to look down on Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

3. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is a famous Beach and it can be very crowded during the day. Visit the beach early in the morning or just before sunset to get lovely pictures and there will be fewer people.

4. Dole Plantation

I know that Dole Plantation is a big tourist trap but we still enjoyed it. From Honolulu it is a 40 minute drive or if you ride the bus it will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. At the plantation there is the world’s largest maze. Or take a train ride and see the pineapple fields, cocoa bean trees, orange trees, and so much more. There also is a beautiful garden you can visit. And of course you can buy lots of souvenirs or the famous Dole Whip.

5. Atlantis Submarine    

If you enjoy seeing fish under water but do not like snorkeling, then this is the adventure for you. You get a lovely boat ride out in the ocean to the submarine. You go over 100 feet down and you get to see lots of fish, turtles, and sharks etc. Check the prices online and if you book at 8 or 9 in the morning then you may get 15.00 off a ticket. We went at 8 am. and it was very nice as the sub was not even half full.

6. Ali Wai Harbor

If you want a good place to get some good photos then take a walk down to the Ali Wai Harbor at sunset. It is just on the edge of Waikiki right by the canal. One of my favorite photo spots.

Now that I have shared what my favorite spots are in Honolulu maybe you can tell me what your favorite places are.