People love exotic tourist destinations for their holidays and vacations. There are many scenic and picturesque locations all over the world but few manage to grab the top spot when it comes to the overall traveling experience. Honolulu, the beautiful capital of Hawaii, has been listed as the top tourist destination of the world nearly every year due to its uniqueness and spectacular beauty.
There are so many things to see, experience, and do in Hawaii, which is nestled between rugged cliffs in the north and serene beaches in the south. Honolulu is located in the state of Hawaii which is in the middle of the big Pacific Ocean. Honolulu is probably the remotest city of its size in the world and serves as a gateway to Hawaii and also serve a port city of the United States. The famous attractions of Honolulu include Waikiki Beach, Downtown district, Dormant Head, and Pearl Harbor.
The Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is a big airport that welcomes both domestic and international flights carrying tourists and travelers. There are dozens of exotic hotels and resorts in Honolulu, particularly the Waikiki area as people can easily walk through the island and go on several city tours. Visiting Honolulu is a bucket list of many passionate tourists and the moment you step in the city, you will know why it is considered such a beautiful place. You can soak up the sun in the spectacular Oahu Island, take a stroll in a scenic park, go on an adventurous hike, or learn about the fascinating history of Pearl Harbor.
If you are traveling to Honolulu for the first time, then your focus should be on exploring the diversity of the attractions which include sightseeing, entertainment, history, history, cuisine, and cultural activities. The entire city is not large but there are numerous exciting and memorable things to do that you fell in love with this place. The best activities and attractions in the Honolulu City Tour include
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Waikiki
The crystal clear waters of Honolulu are simply breathtaking and serene. The long stretch of the south coast is known as Waikiki and one of the most popular tourist attractions. The area is filled up with extraordinary hotels and sea resorts that offer a world of luxury and comfort. The 2 mile Waikiki beach is an ideal place to try different thrilling activities such as swimming, snorkeling, canoe, surfing, or just relaxing in the sun. You can also find many fantastic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
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Pearl Harbor
One of the most iconic sites of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor which the natural harbor and home to numerous pearls that were once found on the island. Pearl Harbor is still an active naval base and a landmark site due to its role in World War II. The area has many attractions which include USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma. The start of your tour would be the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, and you would be amazed by seeing photographs, video presentations, and old hangars and warplanes.
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Diamond Head State Monument
One of the most scenic natural landmarks of Honolulu is Diamond Head which is a dormant volcano and just the ideal place to hike and get panoramic views of the Waikiki and the South Shore. Diamond Head was previously a military base on Oahu but is now opened for travelers. The trek is just under a mile and it will take you 20 – 25 minutes to reach the summit.
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Hanauma Bay
If you are looking for the best place for snorkeling, then you need to go to Hanauma Bay which is located on the east side of Honolulu in a town called Hawaii Kay. The place is a nature reserve and marine sanctuary and the bay is sunken in a crater with golden sand. You can not only snorkel but see wildlife such as turtles, tropical fishes, and octopuses.
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Honolulu Chinatown
Nearly all the Chinatowns of the world are a bustling place of shops, and Honolulu Chinatown is no different. Once you step in, you will be greeted with the aroma of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. Apart from grocery shops, you will find many amazing restaurants where you can feast on delicious Thai and Chinese foods.
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Honolulu Zoo/ Waikiki Aquarium
One of the favored activities among tourists is going to the Honolulu Zoo, which is located on the eastern side of Waikiki. The zoo is spread on an area over 42 acres and is home to more than 900 different animals and many are native animals that live in a tropical climate. The zoo is artistically developed with lush green gardens and native Hawaiian plants and flowers. You will be amazed to see the Waikiki Aquarium which is near the zoo. The aquarium is not too big but will learn about marine wildlife.
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Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace is a historic building and a neoclassical structure built in 1882 for King Kalakua. The palace was home to the royal family of Hawaii until there were dispossessed in 1893. The palace was redesigned and redecorated and opened for the public in 1978. The interior is elaborately designed with wood paneling and different rooms such as Grand Hall, Blue Room, and a Throne room that has an extravagant façade and chandelier.
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Manoa Falls
While two of the best hikes are Diamond Head and Koko Head but tourists love to visit the lush green Manoa Falls. It is not a length or tiring hike, but for 20 to 30 minutes, you will walk in a dense tropical forest and the trail will end at a wonderful waterfall. Hiking the Manoa Falls will help you stretch your legs and feel the tranquility of the place.
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Makani Catamaran Sail
If you want to venture in the calm waters of the Pacific, then the best option is to go on a Makani Catamaran Sail for a delightful evening experience. You will get a magnificent view of the sunset and treated to a buffet styled dinner with sumptuous food and meals. On your ride, you can also get a chance to see dolphins, humpbacks, and turtles.
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Honolulu Museum of Arts
There are close to around 50,000 Asian artifacts and pieces in the Honolulu Museum of Arts, which is influenced by Asian culture. There are over 23,000 objects that represent Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Art. There are also many decorative arts and sculptures that are reminiscent of American and European art.
