Best Things to Do in Honolulu on Vacation | Travel Tips by Flytographer

Maritel's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Helena's is hands down our favorite local spot in Honolulu! We make sure to get in a few meals there every time we visit. Best Hawaiian food and customer service on Oahu!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Lanikai Pillbox hike was a favorite activity for our family. Our two boys enjoyed the trek up the mountain and enjoyed the views from the pillbox! Waimea Valley was another amazing destination. We enjoyed the short hike to the waterfall and swimming in the waterfall is a MUST! So refreshing and exciting! They also have the BEST Spicy Bloody Mary's at the bar!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Bring lots of snacks and sunblock to the beach! Take the kids hiking too! It's a great way to get their energy out and be with nature.

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Tara in Honolulu for Flytographer

Heather's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Seven Brother's @ Shark's Cove - such great hamburgers! Leonard's Malasadas - get the cinnamon malasada!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Hiking Waimea Falls (make sure you wear your swim suit to go swimming in the falls at the end), Polynesian Cultural Center (so many activities to let you understand the different cultures of the Polynesian Islands), Kualoa Ranch (we did UTV Raptor tour and the scenery was amazing, but they have so many other activities to do), and pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial

Visited Honolulu in October

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Natalie's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved Wimea Falls! Easy hike up with our 1 year old and then we rode the bus down.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

We loved the Aulani resort! But plan to spend your time outside! That was the best experience for our son.

Visited Honolulu in October

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Crystal's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Our favorite restaurants are Monkeypod, try the pizzas and wings during happy hour and Shore Fyre for their Blackened Fish Tacos and Poke Nachos. We also love Island Vintage Coffee for both the Açaí Bowls and their Shaved Ice, I also loved getting the Matcha Tea with Lavender.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Favorite thing hands down is just swimming in the water, we literally did it every day. We also enjoyed the Zoo and in times past have really enjoyed hiking Diamond Head.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Keep it simple with mostly beach activities, use a makeup brush to apply sunscreen and bring snacks everywhere so you spend less money.

Visited Honolulu in September

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Jessica's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck for a heavenly garlic shrimp experience!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Swimming at Lanikai Beach

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Polynesian Culture Center for interactive activities, learning, and cultural entertainment.

Visited Honolulu in September

Photo Shoot Location: Paradise Cove

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Kim's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We loved our dinner and service at Goofy Cafe and Dine in Waikiki! https://www.goofy-honolulu.com/

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved hiking up to Manoa falls!

Visited Honolulu in September

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Emma's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Kickin kajun kapolei was the best seafood restaurant we ate at!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

The diving we did there with ocean therapy charters was amazing!! all the beaches there are so beautiful

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Amanda's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

The Fia Fia luau was my favorite food experience because it was full of a lot of local recipes and got to try many things at once at a fun filled evening!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved visiting the Dole Plantation and the local beach where our photographer recommended doing our photos. We went back the next day to explore!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Get out early in the day and do your activity and then chill at the beach/resort the rest of the day so the kids have time to chill, relax, let go and be a kid. Trying to do too much in one day where they have to stand in lines or be quiet or be too composed makes for a rough time and stresses everyone out.

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Paradise Cove

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Margaret's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We loved Monkeypod Kitchen in the Outrigger.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must.

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Aquilina's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We loved Aloha Cafe! Has the best breakfast on the island.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Parasailing, snorkeling with the turtles, and the ATV's at Kulua Ranch. The Paradise Cove luau was fantastic.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Always have snacks

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Mokuleia Beach (North Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Danielle's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Dole Plantation, Pearl Harbor, Lanikai Beach

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Bring a spray bottle to keep you and the kids cool while out, a good stroller, sun protection and bring your own crib sheet from home!

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Sue's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We ate several meals at Lulu's which was near our hotel but also Yard House, The Deck and the Cheesecake Factory. We had to go to places that had good gluten free selections.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Nuttridge Luau was terrific! We also enjoyed visiting Pearl Harbor, taking a circle island tour, and going to the zoo (daytime and twilight tour).

Visited Honolulu in July

Photo Shoot Location: Ala Moana Beach Park (South Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Brandon's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Lucky belly Good and service was amazing

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Surfing in wakiki

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Don’t over book

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Nicole in Honolulu for Flytographer

Ashley's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We loved Doraku Sushi in Waikiki!! It was so good and you can dine in or order for pickup!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved Lanikai beach! So fun for snorkeling and playing with our kids. The sand was white and the water was crystal clear.

Visited Honolulu in July

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Donelle's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Loved Monkeypod! Good food drinks and vibe!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Green World coffee farm is a gem

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Waimea Falls hike is perfect for littles!

Visited Honolulu in July

Photo Shoot Location: Paradise Cove

Amari in Honolulu for Flytographer

Ashley's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Kualoa Ranch UTV tour was even a blast in a sun shower.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Your first night will be wonky. We woke up at 4am from the time change and adjusted only 30 mins per day.

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Zachary's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Goofy Cafe! Tiny organic cafe with no frills but very fresh and delicious food!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Kualoa Ranch!

Visited Honolulu in July

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

stacey's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Favorite restaurant was Seven Brother's Burgers!!!! Outstanding hospitality, food was fresh and delicious. We loved it so much, we went twice while there.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

The Poli lookout!! I loved how windy it was and the history behind it.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

You have to use the app GuidAlong. This all serves as a travel guide and will provide you with all the information, the history you need to know about every important spot on Hawaii.

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Mokuleia Beach (North Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Christine's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Alani cafe, which is a food truck situated with a couple others, had the best breakfast, coffee and my favorite açaí bowl hands down!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Lanikai beach was the best beach we found! Great for families!

Visited Honolulu in July

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Mallory's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Pearl Harbor and Manoa Falls

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Hilton Hawaiian Village is extremely kid friendly

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Rachel's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Duke’s in Waikiki for the beach view

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Snorkeling in Shark’s cove and picnic in Kualoa Beach

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Bring rain coat and water shoes!

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Alma's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Morimoto Asia - great food and amazing customer service Tikis - great cocktails

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

At Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, we enjoyed a variety of activities such as horseback rides, a ride all set amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the island. At the Polynesian Cultural Center we immersed and learned about the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands through engaging performances, interactive exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations. At Germaine's Luau in Hawaii we enjoyed an authentic taste of Hawaiian hospitality and culture, featuring traditional hula performances, a delicious feast, and a warm aloha spirit that makes for a memorable evening. At the Sunset Dinner Cruise in Hawaii we enjoyed the beauty of the Hawaiian coastline, complete with a gourmet meal, live entertainment, and stunning views of the sunset over the ocean, creating a magical experience for guests.

What is the best tip for celebrating your birthday in Honolulu?

Order a cake at a local bakery. We ordered from Cake Works https://cakeworkshi.com/

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Nikki's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

Leonards Bakery (food truck) near Hawaii Kai for malasadas . The Deck near Diamond Head - delicious patio dinner with a view. Aloha Pineapple Cafe - cute breakfast place Kawaii Ice Wave - for shave ice

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Koko Head stairs hike, Waimea falls for a hike and swim, Hanauma Bay for snorkeling

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Shelly's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We loved Longboards Bar & Grill at Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. The food was phenomenal for the price, and the staff was super friendly.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved Diamond head, Pearl Harbor, snorkeling with turtles, Waimea falls, zip lining, riding UTVs through Kualoa Valley and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Honolulu?

Get them involved in the planning! They will be more excited if they help plan the activities.

Visited Honolulu in May

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Heather's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We are Food Network junkies and try to hit FN chef's restaurants when we can. Lee Anne Wong's Koko Head Cafe did not disappoint! And it was by far our best meal of our 3 days in Honolulu. The brunch was so flavorful! We all tried something different and loved everything we got. The 'Dumplings All Day Wong' were delish! It's just a short drive after hiking Diamond Head and a great way to replenish after the hike!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

My dad was stationed in Honolulu as a young Navy medic and we tried to visit various places he talked about from his time there. My favorite was Waimea Falls and botanical garden. It's a beautiful walk to the falls and you can take a dip in the falls pool once you arrive. We happened to be there on the farmer's market day and enjoyed shopping local. Diamond Head was a challenging hike and I'm glad our time was early in the day. The view from the top was spectacular and worth it!

Visited Honolulu in June

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Liz's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best places to eat and drink in Honolulu?

We love Duke's in Waikiki! The food never disappoints and the view of the water is great! We love all the drinks, especially the mai tais and you must get the Hula pie for dessert!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Our favorite experience was touring Manoa Chocolate Factory in Kailua. It's an amazing bean-to-bar, craft chocolate company specializing in Hawaiian grown cacao. We got to see the facility up close and taste so many great chocolates.

What is your best travel tip for Honolulu?

Rent a car and tour around the whole island!

Visited Honolulu in May

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer