7 Must-Do Activities in Honolulu

As one of the quintessential cruise destinations, Hawaii embodies the ultimate vacation experience: soft sand underfoot, rolling turquoise waves, and refreshing tropical drinks adorned with little umbrellas. Yet, its capital city, Honolulu, offers a cosmopolitan vibe with an amazing culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. If you're pondering what to do in Honolulu, be sure to enjoy these seven essential experiences on Oahu.

1. Modern Honolulu

Every cruise to Honolulu should kick off with the essentials: Discover contemporary Hawaii on the Honolulu City Tour. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the historic Civic Center, you’ll explore the most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks you've likely seen on screen (including the famous King Kamehameha statue). Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific located in Punchbowl Crater and the Kawaiahao Hawaiian Church.

Complete your adventure with Germaine’s Luau, a beachside barbecue offering a feast of traditional Hawaiian dishes alongside captivating Polynesian performances. Get ready to be dazzled by the Samoan Fire Knife Dancer!

2. Embracing Hawaiian Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region during your cruise getaway by visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, recognized as Hawaii’s top paid visitor attraction. Ideal for families, this site features six interactive exhibits showcasing different Pacific Island villages, each offering insights into its unique culture.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the Kingdom of Hawaii, consider the Monarchs & Missionaries: Hawaii’s Royal History tour. This journey takes you through lush rainforests in the beautiful Nu’uanu Valley, offers stunning vistas at Pali Lookout—the site where King Kamehameha I claimed the island—and leads you through a scenic tunnel of trees to the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place of six of Hawaii’s last monarchs. You’ll also enjoy a guided exploration of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., and visit the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site, where you can discover the significant impact of Christian missionaries in Hawaii.

3. Contemporary History

A paradise for history enthusiasts, Oahu is rich in historical significance. Before becoming the 50th state in 1959, Hawaii—especially Oahu—was crucial during World War II. The Stars & Stripes tour guides visitors to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, where you’ll uncover the events that led to the Japanese attack and the sinking of the USS Arizona, which remains submerged in the harbor. A Navy shuttle will take you to the memorial, an impressive 184-foot-long structure that honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on board.

Just a short distance away, Ford Island serves as the entrance to the USS Missouri battleship, affectionately known as Mighty Mo. Explore below deck for an insight into the operations of this colossal vessel. For a comprehensive experience, consider the Call to Duty: Pearl Harbor Museums & Memorials tour. In addition to the aforementioned sites, you’ll also visit the well-preserved USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, a National Historic Landmark, along with the hangars at the Pacific Aviation Museum.

4. Surfing

During any cruise in Hawaii, spending time at the beach is essential. And what better spot than Waikiki Beach, the birthplace of surfing? The Waikiki Beach Break excursion provides you with surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and boogie boards. For those who prefer a more relaxed vacation, there’s plenty of space to lounge on prime Waikiki Beach real estate, right in the heart of the action by the water.

5. Embracing Nature

No visit to Honolulu is complete without experiencing Diamond Head, a majestic volcanic crater that towers over the city. The Iconic Diamond Head Adventure Hike offers a 45-minute trek, where you’ll discover the history of this geological wonder as you climb to its 763-foot peak. After conquering the stairs (including a spiral staircase!) and a 200-foot lighted tunnel, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of lively Waikiki Beach, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and the island's lush greenery.

6. Thrill-Seeking Adventures

Looking to soar even higher? Experience Oahu from above on the 50-minute Honolulu Island Tour by Helicopter. Alternatively, dive deep with an Atlantis Submarine, part of the world's largest fleet of advanced passenger submarines! At the Atlantis dive site, you'll plunge 100 feet beneath the surface (in air-conditioned comfort, of course) through large viewing windows that offer spectacular glimpses of marine life, including fish, coral, and turtles. The knowledgeable crew is eager to share insights as you explore sunken shipwrecks, an airplane, and other fascinating artificial reefs.

7. Discovering the North Shore

Venture further afield with the North Shore Adventure excursion, which provides cruisers with an insider’s look at the northern side of Oahu. Travel along the scenic highway to the Valley of the Temples, where you'll visit the stunning Buddhist Byodo-In Temple, nestled beneath the towering 2,000-foot Koolau Mountains. As you continue north, you'll pass the picturesque Mokolii islet and Kahana Bay, both perfect spots for photos. Enjoy a plate lunch from one of the local shrimp trucks before heading to Sunset Beach, renowned for its massive winter waves. Your itinerary also includes the stunning Waimea Valley, Turtle Beach, historic Haleiwa Town, and views of some of Hawaii’s last pineapple fields.

It's easy to see why Honolulu is a must-visit spot when cruising to Hawaii. With its pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant cultural history, this island paradise stands out as one of the top cruise destinations. So, what are you waiting for?

Note: Activities onboard, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.