Experience Honolulu
Hearing the name “Honolulu” awakens some amazing images of sandy beaches, palm trees and the colorful culture of Hawaii. Located on the Hawaiian Island Oahu, Honolulu is one of the most popular destinations for travellers in search of the Hawaii feeling.
Waikiki Beach is the most famous spot of Honolulu, but did you know that this unique destination has so much more to offer? Culture, the Diamond Head volcano, culinary highlights and all of that surrounded by the deep blue sea of the Pacific Ocean. Honolulu is THE hotspot for tourism in Hawaii! No matter if you’re into surfing, hiking or amazing food, you will be sure to find what you are looking for in Honolulu.
- Our favorite beach: Praia de Santa Eulália - Olhos de Água
- Our favorite restaurant: Hula Grill Waikiki
- Our favorite boat tours in Honolulu: Boat tour with snorkeling at Turtle Canyon
- Our favorite watersport in Honolulu: Honolulu snorkeling and kayak Tour to see turtles
Language and currency in Honolulu
In Honolulu there are two official languages - English and Hawaiian, the native Hawaiian language. But don’t worry, you get around with English everywhere. However, people will be happy if you learn some basic Hawaiian vocabulary, like Aloha (Hello and Goodbye) and Mahalo (Thank You).
The currency in Honolulu is the USD, and you can easily exchange your currency in the local banks. Credit Cards are also widely accepted in the tourism areas of Honolulu.
Getting around in Honolulu
If you plan on staying mostly in the tourist areas of and around Honolulu, you can easily get around by public transportation and taxis. Rideshare apps like Uber are also very popular in Honolulu and cover most areas. There is even a hop-on-hop-off bus called Trolleys around Waikiki, which takes you to the most popular spots around the city.
Do you want to explore the more remote beaches and untouched nature? In this case, the best way to get around in Honolulu is by car. There are plenty of car rental services all around, and you can compare and book them online.
Best things to do during your holidays in Honolulu
Nature, culture, culinary, history - Honolulu has it all! We have picked out a few of the best things to do in Honolulu!
Diamond Head
The Diamond Head is the volcanic cone that marks the landscape of Honolulu and Waikiki. The shear force of nature is impressive and rests in the skyline over the beaches and coastline of Honolulu. For those of you looking for an adventure in nature, the trail to explore the 300,000 year old crater is a must-do. It is one of the few trails to the edge of a volcanic crater, and on top of that, you get a unique view over the coast of Oahu!
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial you can learn a lot about the US history, and the attack on Pearl Harbor which lead to the involvement of the USA in World War II. The Memorial includes a Museum to educate people about the happenings, and a memorial for the US soldiers who died during the attack. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located close to Honolulu, and is definitely worth a visit to learn more about the history of the region.
Manoa Falls Trail
The hiking trail to visit the incredible Manoa Falls is definitely a highlight of things to do in Honolulu! The trail is quite easy and not too long, and leads through the beautiful nature of Oahu all the way to the 150 foot Manoa Falls. Along the Manoa Falls Trail, you can admire and explore a lot of spectacular flora and fauna, which was also the reason why some movies like Jurassic Park were shot in this incredible nature. Nature-lovers staying in Honolulu should not miss out on this beautiful scenery.
Bernice P. Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 and is one of the most important Museums of Hawaiian history today. In fact, the Bishop Museum holds the largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts. There are also a lot natural history specimens, which makes a visit to the Museum like an immersion into the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Its location in the historic centre of Honolulu makes it the perfect place for a little time travel during your stay in Honolulu.
The best boat tours in Honolulu
One of the most popular activities in Honolulu are of course boat tours! We at SeaBookings have the best boat tours in Honolulu for you of course!
Join us on the amazing boat tour with snorkeling at Turtle Canyon and explore a hidden spot around Honolulu, that is only reachable by boat. At Turtle Canyon you will have the amazing opportunity to snorkel with turtles and admire the colorful fish of the Pacific Ocean.
Looking for an even bigger adventure? We also have whale watching tours to take you to admire some of the most incredible animals from up close. On board of a Navy Seal boat, you will get to enjoy the view over the unique coastline, and also see some whales and dolphins from up close. Do you dare to join?
For those of you who prefer a more chill boat tour in Honolulu, we have a beautiful sunset cruise in Oahu. There are not many things that are more romantic than Hawaiian sunsets, so make sure to bring your camera on the sunset cruise to capture the fascinating light.
The best watersports in Honolulu
Honolulu is not only a hotspot for boat tours, but also for watersport activities. Did you know that it’s a mecca for surfers from all over the world? If you want to try out surfing yourself, or maybe improve your existing skills, join us on the private surf lesson in Honolulu! With the support of your private surf coach, you will be riding those Hawaiian waves in no time!
Do you prefer paddling in calmer waters? Our Honolulu snorkeling and kayak Tour to see turtles might be the perfect activity for you! This Kayak Tour is suitable for all levels, so it’s also suitable for beginners and children. Paddle along the beautiful coast of Honolulu and meet some friendly sea turtles and other marine life!
Or book the tour to go snorkeling with dolphins and sea turtles! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is only possible in a few places in the world! Snorkeling with dolphins is truly magical and will be the highlight of your stay in Honolulu!
Scuba divers can also enjoy a lot of fun experiences in Honolulu, from wreck diving, coral diving, and even night diving! You’ve never done scuba diving before but would like to try it out? Join us on the activity to discover scuba diving in Honolulu!
What and where to eat in Honolulu
When in Honolulu, there are a few local dishes you should definitely try! One of the most famous one is Poke! It’s typically a bowl with thin sliced fish, which comes as a given when you have so much fresh seafood like in Hawaii! For some delicious Poke in Honolulu, make sure to visit the Poke Bar!
Another typical food of Hawaii are Poi donuts. It’s a sweet dough made from taro, and there are a lot of different options for Poi donuts, from sugar-glazed classic donuts to more special flavours like mango. To try some typical Poi donuts in Honolulu, go visit Kamehameha Bakery.
If you’re looking for some comfort food after a night out in Waikiki, the best choice is the classic Loco Moco! It’s a beef patty on top of rice, with gravy and a fried egg on top! Yummy! At the Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu, you will find the best Loco Moco for sure!
Enjoy the beautiful beaches around Honolulu
Kahanamoku Beach
The western end of Waikiki beach is also known as Kahanamoku Beach and one of the most amazing beaches. The water quality and white sand of the beach makes it the perfect place to spend some time sunbathing, swimming in the waters and if the swell is right, catching some fun waves! You can also grab a SUP Board to paddle around the bay.
Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach is a sheltered beach with great conditions for families at the bottom of Diamond Head. In this scenic setting, the blue waters invite for a refreshing swim and the white sand is perfect for napping under the sky. If you get bored during your beach day, walk to the War Memorial to learn a bit about the history of this place. It’s a popular beach amongst locals, and surfers can paddle to the famous spot Old Man’s from Kaimana Beach!
Mākālei Beach Park
Are you looking for a more private beach? A 30-minute walk from Waikiki, you can enjoy this beautiful little spot for a less crowded beach day. Depending on the conditions, you can even enjoy the surf or paddle around the bay on a kayak or SUP Board. Behind the beach you can also have a little picnic at the designated picnic area with the most amazing view over the sea.
Whatever you decide to do during your holiday in Honolulu, we promise you will love the boat tours and watersports. Sunshine and a lot of fun are guaranteed! For any further tips or requests, feel free to contact us anytime.