Top 10 Things to Do in Honolulu

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the most significant and moving historic sites in America — the site of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack that brought the United States into World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken battleship where 900 crew remain entombed, is accessible only by NPS boat (free; timed passes required and sell out days ahead). The nearby Battleship Missouri Memorial ($40), where Japan's surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, completes the historical arc. Allow a full day; bring tissues.

Diamond Head is Honolulu's most recognisable natural landmark — a 232 m tuff cone formed in a single eruption 300,000 years ago, now a protected state monument with a 2.4 km trail to the summit. The hike involves tunnels, a spiral staircase, and steep switchbacks before emerging on the rim with a 360-degree view of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the deep blue Pacific. Entry is $5 for pedestrians (reserve timed tickets online). Start by 7am before the heat builds; the trail takes about 1.5 hours round trip.

The North Shore of Oahu is the surfing capital of the world — an 11 km stretch of beach breaks, reef breaks, and legendary surf spots including Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, where the biggest waves on earth break in winter. From November to February, professional surfers compete in the Triple Crown of Surfing; the Banzai Pipeline is the most technically demanding wave on the pro circuit. In summer the water flattens to swimming and snorkelling conditions. The drive from Honolulu through the pineapple fields and Haleiwa town takes about 75 minutes.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu's southeast tip is consistently rated among the top snorkelling sites in the world — a former volcanic crater partially open to the sea, creating a sheltered bay teeming with green sea turtles, reef fish, and hawksbill turtles. Entry requires advance online reservations ($25) and an educational video before entering the water. The reef is recovering beautifully following visitor number restrictions. Arrive at the 7am opening for the clearest water and best wildlife encounters. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it at the facility.

Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil — built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, it was the official residence of Hawaii's last monarchs until Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown in the American annexation of 1893. The building is a masterpiece of American Florentine architecture and its interior is one of the most lavishly restored historic rooms in the United States. The basement prison cells where Liliuokalani was held under house arrest are profoundly affecting. Guided tours are $28; audio tours $23. Book in advance — the palace has a limited daily capacity.

The Bishop Museum is the premier natural and cultural history museum in the Pacific, founded in 1889 and housing the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultural artefacts. The Hawaiian Hall with its three-storey Victorian interior and feathered capes, koa canoes, and royal regalia is extraordinary. The planetarium shows and Science Adventure Center are excellent for families. Admission is $30 for adults. The museum is in the Kalihi neighbourhood, about 15 minutes from Waikiki by car — essential context before exploring the rest of the islands.

Shave Ice is Hawaii's definitive dessert — not a snow cone, but ultra-fine shaved ice packed tightly, drenched in flavoured syrups, and often served with a base of sweet azuki beans or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa on the North Shore has been the most beloved institution since 1951, with lines stretching down the street on weekends. Island Snow in Kailua (where Barack Obama is a regular) and Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu are equally iconic. A large shave ice costs around $7 — the rainbow combination is obligatory on your first visit.

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout sits at 365 m on the sheer pali cliffs that divide Oahu's leeward and windward sides — one of the most dramatic natural viewpoints in Hawaii, with the Koolau Mountains rising behind and the windward coast of Kaneohe Bay spread below. The wind at the lookout can reach 50 km/h; hold your hat. This is also the site of the 1795 Battle of Nuuanu where King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands, driving hundreds of warriors over the cliff. Entry is $7 per car. The drive through the bamboo-lined Pali Highway is beautiful.

The Manoa Falls Trail is Honolulu's most accessible rainforest hike — a 2.5 km round trip through lush tropical forest in the Manoa Valley behind the University of Hawaii, ending at a 48 m waterfall cascading into a pool. The trail is muddy and requires shoes with grip; the vegetation overhead includes giant elephant ear plants, tree ferns, and the kind of green that only exists in tropical rainforest. Entry is $5 per car. The trail is entirely within city limits and takes about 90 minutes round trip. It connects to the longer Aihualama Trail for experienced hikers.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the most significant and moving historic sites in America — the site of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack that brought the United States into World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken battleship where 900 crew remain entombed, is accessible only by NPS boat (free; timed passes required and sell out days ahead). The nearby Battleship Missouri Memorial ($40), where Japan's surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, completes the historical arc. Allow a full day; bring tissues.

Diamond Head is Honolulu's most recognisable natural landmark — a 232 m tuff cone formed in a single eruption 300,000 years ago, now a protected state monument with a 2.4 km trail to the summit. The hike involves tunnels, a spiral staircase, and steep switchbacks before emerging on the rim with a 360-degree view of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the deep blue Pacific. Entry is $5 for pedestrians (reserve timed tickets online). Start by 7am before the heat builds; the trail takes about 1.5 hours round trip.

The North Shore of Oahu is the surfing capital of the world — an 11 km stretch of beach breaks, reef breaks, and legendary surf spots including Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, where the biggest waves on earth break in winter. From November to February, professional surfers compete in the Triple Crown of Surfing; the Banzai Pipeline is the most technically demanding wave on the pro circuit. In summer the water flattens to swimming and snorkelling conditions. The drive from Honolulu through the pineapple fields and Haleiwa town takes about 75 minutes.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu's southeast tip is consistently rated among the top snorkelling sites in the world — a former volcanic crater partially open to the sea, creating a sheltered bay teeming with green sea turtles, reef fish, and hawksbill turtles. Entry requires advance online reservations ($25) and an educational video before entering the water. The reef is recovering beautifully following visitor number restrictions. Arrive at the 7am opening for the clearest water and best wildlife encounters. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it at the facility.

Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil — built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, it was the official residence of Hawaii's last monarchs until Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown in the American annexation of 1893. The building is a masterpiece of American Florentine architecture and its interior is one of the most lavishly restored historic rooms in the United States. The basement prison cells where Liliuokalani was held under house arrest are profoundly affecting. Guided tours are $28; audio tours $23. Book in advance — the palace has a limited daily capacity.

The Bishop Museum is the premier natural and cultural history museum in the Pacific, founded in 1889 and housing the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultural artefacts. The Hawaiian Hall with its three-storey Victorian interior and feathered capes, koa canoes, and royal regalia is extraordinary. The planetarium shows and Science Adventure Center are excellent for families. Admission is $30 for adults. The museum is in the Kalihi neighbourhood, about 15 minutes from Waikiki by car — essential context before exploring the rest of the islands.

Shave Ice is Hawaii's definitive dessert — not a snow cone, but ultra-fine shaved ice packed tightly, drenched in flavoured syrups, and often served with a base of sweet azuki beans or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa on the North Shore has been the most beloved institution since 1951, with lines stretching down the street on weekends. Island Snow in Kailua (where Barack Obama is a regular) and Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu are equally iconic. A large shave ice costs around $7 — the rainbow combination is obligatory on your first visit.

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout sits at 365 m on the sheer pali cliffs that divide Oahu's leeward and windward sides — one of the most dramatic natural viewpoints in Hawaii, with the Koolau Mountains rising behind and the windward coast of Kaneohe Bay spread below. The wind at the lookout can reach 50 km/h; hold your hat. This is also the site of the 1795 Battle of Nuuanu where King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands, driving hundreds of warriors over the cliff. Entry is $7 per car. The drive through the bamboo-lined Pali Highway is beautiful.

The Manoa Falls Trail is Honolulu's most accessible rainforest hike — a 2.5 km round trip through lush tropical forest in the Manoa Valley behind the University of Hawaii, ending at a 48 m waterfall cascading into a pool. The trail is muddy and requires shoes with grip; the vegetation overhead includes giant elephant ear plants, tree ferns, and the kind of green that only exists in tropical rainforest. Entry is $5 per car. The trail is entirely within city limits and takes about 90 minutes round trip. It connects to the longer Aihualama Trail for experienced hikers.