Honolulu County

Featured Lists

Victor-ny / CC BY-SA 3.0

Honolulu County's Absolute Essentials

Honolulu County offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, from the poignant solemnity of Pearl Harbor to the vibrant surf of Waikiki and the lush tropical landscapes. It's a place where significant historical events, royal heritage, and the breathtaking Pacific ocean converge, creating an unforgettable experience.

13 places

Dixi / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Hawaii's Best Beaches

Oahu’s coastline offers diverse marine environments, from the professional surf breaks of the North Shore at Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach to the sheltered snorkeling reefs of Hanauma Bay. The South Shore features the historic, calm waters of Waikiki, while the windward coast provides the turquoise shallows of Lanikai. For bodyboarding, Sandy Beach and Makapu'u offer powerful shorebreaks, while the man-made lagoons at Ko Olina provide protected swimming on the island's western side.

15 places

WPPilot / CC BY-SA 3.0

Pearl Harbor Heritage Sites

This collection spans Hawaii's complex history, from the 1941 attack at Pearl Harbor to the sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii. Key sites include the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri battleship, marking the start and end of American involvement in WWII. Beyond military history, the list features the ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil, and ancient religious sites like Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau. Visitors can explore maritime history at the Falls of Clyde or visit the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place of Hawaiian monarchs.

25 places

Napnet / Public domain

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks

This collection highlights the diverse geography of Oahu, from the volcanic rock formations of the south shore to the dramatic ridges of the Koʻolau and Waiʻanae mountain ranges. It features historic sites like the Nuʻuanu Pali cliffs and World War II observation posts in Lanikai, alongside natural landmarks such as the Hālona Blowhole and the 150-foot Mānoa Falls. These locations range from easily accessible roadside lookouts to challenging summit trails like the Koko Crater staircase and Kuliouou Ridge.

20 places

Fritz Whittemore / CC BY-SA 4.0

Authentic Hawaiian Cuisine

This collection features essential stops for experiencing Hawaii's diverse food culture, ranging from the ubiquitous plate lunch at L&L Drive-Inn to the historic Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop. It highlights local staples like Zippy’s famous chili and fresh seafood at Haleʻiwa Beach House. These eateries represent the fusion of Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences that define modern Hawaiian cuisine across Oahu.

11 places

Daniel Ramirez / CC BY 2.0

Notable Parks and Gardens

Explore Oahu's diverse outdoor spaces, ranging from the 13.5-acre historic Foster Botanical Garden to Kapiʻolani Regional Park, Hawaii's oldest and largest public park. This collection highlights unique locations such as the 'Pineapple Pentagon' at Palm Circle, the iconic monkeypod trees of Moanalua Gardens, and the waterfront paths of Kakaʻako. The list also includes specialized facilities like the 288-acre Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park and the USS Bowfin memorial grounds at Pearl Harbor.

20 places

Daniel Ramirez / CC BY 2.0

Waterfalls, Ponds, and Lagoons

This collection highlights the diverse aquatic landscapes of Oahu, ranging from the 150-foot drop of Manoa Falls to the ancient engineering of the Mōliʻi Fishpond. Explore inland cascades like the "upside-down" Waipuhia Falls and Waikahalulu Falls within Foster Botanical Garden. The list also includes vital ecological sites such as the Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and the wetlands of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, which provide sanctuary for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds like the ae‘o and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o.

24 places

Honolulu County — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September

Practical information

Tours & Activities