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

Maria's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

For a family of 6, we frequented the food court at the Ala Moana mall - great options and great for kids who love to move!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Driving through the scenic route Food trucks Polynesian cultural center where we had out luau and watched Ha the breath of life

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

Hotel with kid friendly pools and activities

Visited Honolulu in May

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Riann's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

DECK. Phenomenal cocktails, stellar ambiance and our favorite meal so far!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Food trucks! So much great local flavor you would only find exploring on foot. Do not miss lemonade at Hula Dog!

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

Walk the beachfront at night. Less people, gorgeous lights, perfect for sneaking a kiss or two!

Visited Honolulu in May

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Angela's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

The Aulani character breakfast was a hit with the kids. Get there early on a non-rainy day!

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Linda's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Marugame udon. Quick, delicious, good for kids, and easy on the wallet.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Beach and kids loved the double decker bus

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

Bring a pop up tent for some shade. Stay close to the beach so there’s less walking

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Nicole in Honolulu for Flytographer

Julie's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We only ate at the Tiki's Grill and Bar. My favorite spot was the Surf and Salsa Food truck on the North shore, Haleiwa. The best tacos I've ever had.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Cage swimming with sharks in Haleiwa was amazing as was our Raptor tour at the Kualoa Ranch.

What is your best travel tip for Honolulu?

I prefer the North shore area. Its much quieter and way less people. Its a more chill vibe. The beaches were beautiful.

Visited Honolulu in April

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Maria's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Ziplining with Climb Works!

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Shannon's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Doraku Waikiki

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Snorkling

Visited Honolulu in March

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Becky's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Cheeseburger in Paradise for breakfast Special and the View. Aloha Melt- best grilled cheese sandwich and it’s a cute local spot.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Diamond head hike- must experience early morning.

What is your best travel tip for Honolulu?

Take an Uber from the airport.

Visited Honolulu in March

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Rowena's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Nico’s was wonderful, fresh food, super tasty. Halekulani Bakery was an amazing breakfast spot for a pastry and latte or a slice of their coconut cake!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Renting a car and exploring the island to get away from the crowds for the day is always a must for us.

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

Staying at the Hokulani was great for our family due to their kitchenette and spacious rooms. It was a great home away from home for a couple of weeks.

Visited Honolulu in March

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Melissa's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Leonards for the malasadas.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Surfing

Visited Honolulu in March

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Barbara's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Arvo cafe was outside the beaten “tourist” path but it was so fun! We also loved the food trucks in North Vancouver at the Sugar Mill!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Hanauma Bay and Sharks Cove! We also loved shopping in Kailua and Wamanalo beach that was recommended to us by a local.

Visited Honolulu in March

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Alyssa's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We really enjoyed Deck. at sunset. The view was unbelievable, food was great and the drinks were yummy!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

A must see is the Pearl Harbour Memorial for so many obvious reasons.

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

It’s important not to have any expectations when travelling (anywhere) with littles. It’s a lot for them to take in. We always have a lot of healthy snacks everywhere we go, give him some freedom to explore his surroundings safely and still try to stick to our routine as much as possible. It won’t be perfect all the time but it really is worth it!

Visited Honolulu in February

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Mini's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Barefoot Beach Cafe in Waikiki

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Polynesian Cultural Center (don’t miss the Breath of Life (Ha) show) Na Pali lookout Ko olina lagoons

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

Plan “driving” around nap time and google for nearby parks—plenty around—so can take 30 minute break for them to get their “squirmies” out

Visited Honolulu in January

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Francesca's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Adela's Country Eatery in Kaneohe! The dishes are so delicious and unique and are made with amazingly fresh ingredients. The staff is incredibly warm and friendly.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Waimanalo Beach

Visited Honolulu in November

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Edna Elisabeth's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Duke's Waikiki is a great place to grab a bite to eat and dance to live music on a Sunday afternoon.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Hiking up Koko Head.

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

Book a photoshoot to record your memories at a place that holds special meaning for you.

Visited Honolulu in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Laura's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

We enjoyed so much great food in Honolulu - it is hard to pick a favorite! We went to Roy's for a nice anniversary dinner and everyone really loved the Misoyaki fish (which we ordered again at the Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi in Turtle Bay) and would highly recommend that! The chocolate soufflé was also amazing!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

We had an active vacation and really enjoyed hiking (Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise and the Kuilua Ridge Trail), kayaking to the Kaneohe sandbar, and snorkeling off several beaches. We loved exploring all different parts of the island and recommend staying more than one place if time allows (we stayed both close to Waikiki and up on the North Shore).

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

We loved celebrating this milestone anniversary as a bigger family - mom, dad, two daughters and two son-in-laws. As a fun and silly detail, we ordered custom Hawaiian shirts with faces of the bride and groom at their wedding 40 years ago. Our shirts got lots of attention, which was fun, and gave us the chance to share with others why we were visiting. We even were able to incorporate them into a few of our flytographer photos!

Visited Honolulu in October

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Stephanie's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Bar Leather Apron has the best cocktails! Be sure to make a reservation. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming office building.

Visited Honolulu in October

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Laura in Honolulu for Flytographer

Stephanie's Travel Tips for Honolulu

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Horseback riding at Gunstock Ranch

Visited Honolulu in October

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Kimberley's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

House Without a Key for amazing sunset views, Marukame Udon for the most refreshing cold udon noodles on a hot day!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Since we have young kids, beach and pool days are our favourite. Lots of acai bowls, shopping on the Waikiki strip!

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

Make sure you stay at a place with easy access to laundry!

Visited Honolulu in September

Photo Shoot Location: Waialae Beach Park (South Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Minnie's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Sushi Ginza Onodera - a must go restaurant for sushi lovers. Hands down one of the best sushi omakase experience we've had.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Check out the Faith Surf School if you're interested in taking up surfing. Loren, my surf instructor was awesome in helping me not only read the waves and was great in helping me navigate around the many other surfers we shared the waves with along Waikiki beach.

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

We loved celebrating our anniversary with a nice brunch at Hau Tree, a casual restaurant right by the beach covered in shade where we could simply enjoy watching the world go by.

Visited Honolulu in September

Photo Shoot Location: Waikiki Beach (South Shore)

Daniella in Honolulu for Flytographer

Tiffany's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Waiahole Poi Factory was great, as it was right by Kualoa Park. Their food was quick (as long as you don't arrive there when there's a tour bus) and yummy. Their dessert was just right after hitting the beach.

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Diamond Head has great views, but hiking Manoa Falls was by far the best to hike through. We went right before sunset so it was nice & cool.

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

Ko'olina Beach! The lagoons are like huge kiddie pools. And just pay for the public parking, it's worth it and cheaper than parking at the resorts, especially if you brought food so you can hang out all day. The takeout food options in Hawaii are excellent and are best enjoyed at the beach :)

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Kimberley's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Ted's bakwry was the best! North shore!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Daniel's private tours with Evan was amazing!

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

The heat gets to the Littles so give them grace! Makapuu lighthouse trail is considered a moderate hike but it's still challenging for 4 year olds!

Visited Honolulu in September

Photo Shoot Location: Sandy Beach (East Shore)

Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer

Priscilla's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Monkeypods Kitchen

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

The views at Kualoa were so beautiful

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

Pack snacks!!!

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer

Megan's Travel Tips for Honolulu

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

Anything local!

What are the best things to do in Honolulu?

Kualoa Ranch

What is your best travel tip for Honolulu?

Definitely go to a local luau

Visited Honolulu in August

Photo Shoot Location: Kualoa Beach (Northeast Shore)

Tara in Honolulu for Flytographer