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

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

Penny's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Monoa Falls, Pearl Harbor

Visited Honolulu in May

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Nanette's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Side Street Inn- large portions and very flavorful!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Polynesian Cultural Center- lots of activities, music/dance and learning!! Very enjoyable!

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Honolulu?

Drinks at the beach with live music never fails!

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Mokuleia Beach (North Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Darcy's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Roy's was incredible food and the atmosphere was amazing!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Pearl Harbor was hands down the most moving experience!

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

Enjoy it all, spend some time relaxing and enjoying each other too!

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Suzana's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We loved visiting Duke's, Uncle Bobo's, Mokeypod and Island Vintage Shaved Ice. All the places were wonderful, service was top notch and we will be back for sure!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We had the experience of a lifetime with Hawaiian Parasail! The entire trip, with photos from the boat, was something we would have done everyday we were there.

What is your best travel tip for Honolulu?

Spend time exploring all over the island; go to the North Shore and eat lunch, hike Diamond Head, paddleboard on the beach!

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Katie's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We loved Bali Oceanfront! Incredible view at sunset, amazing service, delicious food. We also really liked Pau Hana Place, Leonard’s for malasadas, and the fresh fruit stands.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved the hike at Waimea Falls, the UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch, Kailua beach is gorgeous, and we snorkeled with turtles at Paradise Cove. Diamondhead Hike was beautiful but more difficult than we expected.

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

We traveled from CST, so were five hours ahead of Honolulu time. Plan your days starting early, because it likely won’t feel as early, and you will be able to see and do so much more!

Visited Honolulu in March

Photo Shoot Location: Paradise Cove

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Terah's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Nalu cafe is the place we went back to over and over! Fresh, delicious, healthy food/juices/smoothies and bowls

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Snorkeling with turtles at paradise cove in Ko’Olina

Visited Honolulu in February

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Cheryl's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We loved the bar at the Rumfire at the Sheraton Waikiki and the Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider for drinks. The Hula Grill was our favorite restaurant - great food and gorgeous view.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, riding mountain bikes through Kualoa Ranch, hiking Diamond Head, and visiting Pearl Harbour were just a few of our favorite experiences.

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Honolulu?

Hop on a catamaran for a sunset cruise off Waikiki Beach, and be sure to rent a car to get out and explore the North Shore and other parts of Oahu.

Visited Honolulu in February

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Sheralyn's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Ted’s bakery. Such delicious food and desserts!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Kualoa ranch and Polynesian cultural center

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

If you have a picky eater definitely stop at local store or target to get some of their favorite snacks/foods. Although you can find similar quick bites in Honolulu, it’s not always at every corner like it is on the mainland (states). Definitely pack a light jacket if going during rainy season, the high winds can make it feel a few degrees colder however will not always last all day. Pack some good grip sneakers if planning on sight seeing, not every location is paved and some can be easy to fall for younger kids.

Visited Honolulu in February

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Summer's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

53 by the sea. View was amazing from the 2nd floor

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Aiea loop, Diamond head hike before the sun rises

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

Book with Flytographer to capture the beauty of the island

Visited Honolulu in January

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Rawan's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Cinnamon’s at Ilikai for breakfast- delicious pancakes (guava chiffon was a group fave)

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Snorkeling in Turtle Canyon was an amazing experience. The island circle tour through E Noa Tours was beautiful- Momi our tour guide was hilarious and so pleasant!

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

Kids love the beach- get some water shoes for the rocks in the water to protect their feet. Go to Walmart and stock up on snacks and beach toys/ floaters. You can go to the ABC markets but they’re almost double in cost.

Visited Honolulu in December

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Cherise's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We really enjoyed, Momosan Restaurant. We loved their sushi and the Ramen! For coffee and breakfast we loved Vintage Island Coffee!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved sitting in the garden at the Royal Hawaiian Center while drinking our morning coffee--it was also beautifully decorated for Christmas.

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

Have breakfast at the Kahala Hotel and Resort and enjoy looking at the ocean while you eat, then you can go see dolphins up close or reserve a time to swim with them which is on the grounds of the resort.

Visited Honolulu in December

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Lisa's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Dukes

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Snorkeling with turtles and fish, walking the shops, renting a car to drive around the island and see the surfers & North shore! Fun exploring along the way!

Visited Honolulu in November

Photo Shoot Location: Paradise Cove

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Sarah's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We loved Noe at the Four Seasons. Phenomenal food, amazing service.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We loved walking around the North Shore and snorkeling.

Visited Honolulu in November

Photo Shoot Location: Paradise Cove

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer