Honolulu Vacation Guide Things to Do and See Honolulu, Hawaii - Trip Advisor & Booking
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00:00Honolulu Vacation Guide
00:03Honolulu is surrounded by beautiful Hawaiian beaches and clear blue oceans,
00:08but it's also a thriving metropolitan center.
00:12Honolulu, the state capital and largest city in Hawaii, hosts a wide variety of attractions,
00:18from museums to award-winning restaurants to upscale boutiques.
00:22Honolulu is a popular destination for tourists,
00:26but the city is also home to authentic districts filled with locals,
00:30where you can discover artisanal food, craft beverages, and unique souvenirs.
00:36Today's guide will help you make the most out of any trip to Honolulu.
00:40Honolulu is the cosmopolitan capital of Hawaii.
00:44You'll find historical sites, a busy downtown, and beautiful beaches.
00:49Situated on the southern shore of the island of Oahu,
00:53Honolulu serves as the center of government and commerce for the state,
00:57the home of the largest airport in the Hawaiian Islands,
01:00and the site of the state's best-known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.
01:06Most visitors stay in Waikiki, a bustling neighborhood in Honolulu.
01:11This is the tourist center of Hawaii, boasting white sand beaches,
01:15crowds of surfers and sunbathers, and block after block of high-rise hotels.
01:21Whether you're looking for great shopping, delicious restaurants,
01:24a vibrant night scene, or relaxing beachside activities,
01:28you'll find them all in Honolulu.
01:30Honolulu is as fast-paced and dynamic as any large city,
01:34but still has the charm of the island's laid-back atmosphere and culture.
01:44Waikiki is a popular tourist destination in Honolulu,
01:48and it even has a rich history of being frequented by Hawaiian nobility in the 19th century.
01:55This famous beach is a popular destination due to its powdery,
01:59honey-colored sand and the powerful waves.
02:03Waikiki is popular with a wide crowd, as it's an excellent place for swimming,
02:08sunbathers, catamaran, and out-trigger canoes,
02:13as well as a great spot for beginner surfers and bodyboarders.
02:17You don't have to know how to surf to enjoy Waikiki Beach.
02:20Just lay back on a blanket and look up at the magnificent Diamond Heads State Monument.
02:26Waikiki Beach is visible from the windows of many of the best hotels in Oahu.
02:32There are several restaurants and businesses along Kalakaua Avenue
02:36if you want to take a break from the beach.
02:38Cartier, Coach, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton
02:42are just a few high-end fashion houses with stores on this boulevard.
02:46This beach's previous guests spoke about its convenient location,
02:50lack of fees, and high-quality pristine water and sand.
02:54Many visitors recommend seeing one of the free hula shows
02:57held at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 6.30 p.m.
03:05In addition, several people have suggested going snorkeling in the early evening.
03:10Expect to glimpse sea turtles and other magnificent marine life,
03:14but watch out for jellyfish.
03:16The beach officials will display warning signs whenever jellyfish are expected to arrive near the shore.
03:26Two of Oahu's most well-known beaches, Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach,
03:32may be found on the Windward Coast, roughly 15 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu.
03:38The Mokalua Islands, a sanctuary for kayaking and surfing, are visible from this family-friendly beach.
03:45Lanikai is the more peaceful option, with its mile-long stretch of white sand and generally calm waves.
03:52Visitors to Lanikai Beach gush about the beautiful scenery
03:57and note that the beach's position in a residential area of Kailua
04:01makes it a more tranquil and less hectic alternative to Waikiki.
04:06This is one of Hawaii's most picturesque beaches,
04:09with fine white sand, exceptionally clear and blue water.
04:13The restricted parking in this region is seen as the major downside to this beach,
04:18located in the popular tourist destination of Kailua.
04:21There aren't any on-site conveniences like bathrooms or food stands,
04:25but Kailua Beach Park is less than a mile away and has both.
04:29Bear in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty at this beach.
04:33You can stop by whenever you like and it won't cost you a dime.
04:37Although Lanikai Beach can be a hassle to get to,
04:40its local laid-back environment is worth the experience.
04:48It's common knowledge that Oahu has some of the best surfing in the world.
04:52In fact, surfing literally began as the sport of kings in Hawaii,
04:56when ancient Hawaiian royalty would show off their stills on Waikiki Beach
05:01and other surf spots around Oahu.
05:03From the heavy-duty breaks located on the North Shore,
05:06which has even been given the flashy nickname of the Seven Mile Miracle,
05:10to the pristine, fun-sized surf on Oahu's southern shoreline,
05:14there's plenty of surf to go around.
05:16Professional surfers from all over the world go to Oahu's North Shore every winter
05:22to compete in the band's Triple Crown of Surfing.
05:25The Triple Crown of Surfing is the Super Bowl of Surfing,
05:28and it takes place in November and December,
05:31when huge swells sweep in from the stormy northern Pacific Ocean.
05:35If you're ready to learn, the calm waters of Waikiki Beach are a great place to get your feet wet.
05:41For lessons, Beach Boys give private surfing lessons daily at Waikiki Beach.
05:46A one-hour lesson includes dry land and in-the-water instruction.
05:50Instructors teach paddling, timing, and balance skills.
05:55No reservations required.
05:57Just sign up at the stand on the beach at Diamond Head of the Waikiki Police Station.
06:02Experienced surfers recommend the challenging waves in Waimea Bay on the North Shore,
06:08while first-timers enjoy the gentler waves near Waikiki Beach.
06:12Ohana Surf Project, Paul Lulani's Surf Lessons and Adventures,
06:17and Hans Hedeman Surf School are among the surf schools tourists highly recommend.
06:23Most teachers don't care about a student's age or experience level.
06:27They'll educate anyone who wants to learn.
06:30Long boards are used to make it even easier for first-timers,
06:34and a push from your instructor will help you get started.
06:37Lessons are highly recommended for your safety and the safety of your fellow beachgoers.
06:43Honolulu Museum of Art
06:46The Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Contemporary Museum merged in 2011 to form the Honolulu Museum of Art.
06:54The Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education that exists for the benefit of the entire community,
07:01presented in a setting that promotes beauty, harmony, learning, self-awareness, and connection.
07:08This museum and its adjacent sister property, the Spaulding Have,
07:12house a collection of artwork that crosses oceans, eras, and artistic movements.
07:18Adult tickets are only $20, while minors are admitted free.
07:22Admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art and Spaulding House,
07:26as well as the museum's cafe, gift shop, and art library, is included with the price of a single ticket.
07:33The museum's permanent collection has grown from approximately 875 works to more than 50,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years,
07:42with significant holdings in Asian art, American and European painting and decorative arts,
07:4819th and 20th century art, an extensive collection of works on paper, Asian textiles,
07:56and traditional works from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
08:02From January to October, the Honolulu Museum of Art even mixes a little nightlife with the arts at its monthly Art After Dark event.
08:10Guests dance and mingle with young professionals and art lovers on a night that looks like an art gallery opening but feels like a block party.
08:18Browse the extensive exhibitions, listen to live music, and grab food and drinks from vendors and stations throughout the museum.
08:31It's no surprise that snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular things to do on Oahu,
08:37given that the Hawaiian Islands have 1,200 miles of coral reef.
08:41Submerge yourself in the blue waters surrounding the island and you're sure to come across a wide variety of marine life,
08:48including everything from calm fish and anemones to dolphins and sea turtles.
08:53Visitors in the past have praised the abundant marine life and beautiful water
08:58in public beaches like San Susi Beach Park near Waikiki Beach and Makaha Beach Park on the Leeward Coast as reasons to return for more snorkeling.
09:09Don't let the name scare you away from Sharks Cove on the North Shore.
09:14This rocky bay with clear shallow waters is one of the top snorkeling and shore diving spots in the world, and no sharks aren't common here.
09:23Sharks Cove is best explored during the summer months, as winter brings massive swells for big wave season.
09:30Best Hotels in Honolulu
09:33Hale Kulani
09:35Hale Kulani is a cherished luxury Waikiki oceanfront hotel, offering a long tradition of excellence in hospitality, cuisine, and amenities.
09:45One of the first and finest hotels in Hawaii, Hale Kulani has welcomed guests to these tranquil beachfront grounds for more than a century.
09:54The Hale Kulani continues to be a favorite among visitors thanks to its five-star amenities and stunning panoramas of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
10:03Hale Kulani's 453 rooms and suites offer a sense of spaciousness and contemporary conveniences, and most offer memory-making ocean views.
10:14All the rooms at Hale Kulani are tastefully furnished in the hotel's characteristic seven shades of white, and provide guests with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a welcome basket of fruit and chocolate.
10:28Visit the Spa Hale Kulani for a wide variety of therapeutic services derived from Polynesian healing traditions.
10:36With a reputation for providing world-class luxury and personalized service in a picturesque setting, Hale Kulani is pleased to introduce the Art of Well-Being,
10:46a new wellness concept that represents an evolution of their acclaimed spa program designed to expand intellect, incite wonder, and tap into emotions necessary for well-being.
10:59Enjoy casual al fresco fare at House Without a Key, take in the ocean view from the open-air dining room at Orchids,
11:07or indulge in fine dining at our AAA five-diamond and Forbes five-star restaurant La Mer.
11:14Savor bespoke craft cocktails and elevating wine at La Epanitie, Lewer's Lounge, and Catalia Wine Bar.
11:23For your convenience, Hale Kulani Bakery and Restaurant provides relaxed all-day dining and grab-and-go delicacies.
11:31If you're a Leaders Club member, you're in luck. As a member of the leading hotels of the world, this hotel offers exclusive benefits to its guests, including fantastic room upgrades.
11:45The Kahala Resort and Hotel
11:48The Kahala Hotel and Resort, found on the shore of the Kahala area about three miles southwest of Diamond Head, has continually hosted world leaders and Hollywood icons since its opening in 1964.
12:02With its legendary service, incredible amenities, and perfect location, the Kahala has picked up countless awards and accolades during its 50-year history.
12:12As you might expect, the rooms are luxurious. The Kahala's rooms offer pampering comfort, fine finishes, luxurious bathrooms, and of course a scenic overlook to either a dolphin lagoon or full ocean views.
12:28Indulge in five-star service and timeless Hawaiian hospitality at the Kahala.
12:33The Kahala boasts nine private spa treatment suites, each with personal relaxation area, changing area, shower, and bath.
12:42Qualified therapists are on hand to carry out dozens of superlative treatments, meet the dolphins in our private lagoon, relax by the white sand beach, learn to scuba, and take an exercise class overlooking the ocean.
12:57After that, pick from one of the hotel's many fine dining options.
13:01Choose Hoku's for contemporary island cuisine, Plumeria Beach House for open-air all-day dining, The Veranda for cocktails and evening appetizers, Seaside Grill for outdoor dining and ocean views, or Arancino for quality Italian fare.
13:18Disney Spa Resort at Alanda
13:23Discover a family paradise with a touch of magic. Alani, located on the southern shore of Oahu, is surrounded by white sand beaches of Ko'olina.
13:34Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand-in-hand with local artisans and cultural experts to create Alani, a Disney resort and spa.
13:43Inspired by the natural wonders and rich traditions of Hawaii, Alani Resort is the ultimate family getaway, celebrating the beauty, history, and welcoming spirit of the island.
13:55The Alani Resort offers family fun and surprises at every turn.
14:00Snorkel in private Rainbow Reef Lagoon, splash in the misty grotto, play in pools with special Disney touches, and dine at restaurants with menu choices for adults and children.
14:12At Alani Resort, there's something for everyone in the family.
14:16Make your own Mickey ears together or learn to play ukulele at the Pahana Room.
14:21Adventurous families can discover new water sports or just relax at the spa and salon.
14:27Mini fridges, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs are standard in all of the resort's lodges, which range from traditional guest rooms to three-bedroom villas.
14:37Each spacious Disney Vacation Club Villa features a kitchen, washer, dryer, and private bedrooms, ideal for larger parties and longer stays.
14:47Luxuriate in paradise as you soothe and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit at Lana Wai, Alani's resort's full-service spa, salon, and fitness center.
15:00If parents need some alone time, they can drop off the kids at Auntie's Beach House for supervised fun while they hit the spa or the links at Koalina Golf Club.
15:11Previous visitors have praised Disney's Alani, saying it's the perfect Disney resort to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
15:19That sums up our travel guide for your next adventure in the city of Honolulu.
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