Honolulu’s shoreline is more than a scenic backdrop—it is the cultural and recreational heart of the island. From the gentle waves of Waikiki to the rugged cliffs of the east shore, the city offers a remarkable variety of waterfront experiences. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, the ocean here invites you to slow down and explore.
The appeal of these attractions lies in their diversity. Some spots are perfect for high-energy water sports, while others offer quiet corners for reflection and photography. Because the coastline changes dramatically from one neighborhood to the next, you can find a completely different atmosphere just a short drive away.
Understanding the geography helps you plan a better trip. The south shore tends to be calmer and more developed, with easy access to dining, shopping, and equipment rentals. The north and east shores, by contrast, feel wilder and more scenic, often attracting surfers and nature lovers rather than large crowds.
Local culture is deeply connected to the water. Many of these waterfront destinations have historical significance, from ancient Hawaiian fishponds to royal surfing grounds. Respecting the land and the ocean—known locally as mālama ʻāina—is an essential part of experiencing Honolulu responsibly.
Practical details matter when visiting any coastal area. Parking, restrooms, shade, and lifeguard availability vary significantly by location. Checking conditions before you go, especially surf reports and weather patterns, can make the difference between a relaxing day and a difficult one.
Below, you will find a curated list of the most rewarding waterfront attractions in Honolulu. Each entry offers something unique, whether it is a family-friendly lagoon, a famous surf break, or a peaceful shoreline walk.
Kakaʻako Waterfront Park
| Address | 102 Ohe St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 768-9247 |
I remember as a kid the people were so happy to have turned a landfill into a beautiful park. It's amazing how great it is still today. It doesn't have the same luster as it had back in my small kid days but the memories of taking cardboard boxes and sliding down the hill still fills me with joy.
Beautiful park you can walk and rest. It was not crowded at all and I saw mostly locals.
Gorgeous view of the Diamond head and the city! We saw many surfers and some scuba divers. So peaceful and relaxing place!
My partner and I visited Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park yesterday. The presentation of the park is beautiful—the ocean view is absolutely stunning. This area isn’t exactly a “beach park” but more of a waterfront spot right by the ocean. We noticed that it’s especially popular with locals who come here to surf, boogie board, or even get towed on a board by a boat.
There were also many local families and groups celebrating along the shore with food, music, and gatherings, which gave the place a very community feel. We simply laid out a towel on the grass, sat down for about an hour, and just enjoyed the scenery and the sound of the waves. We didn’t swim, though we did see some people bathing near the breakwater area. Personally, the waves looked a bit too strong for me to go in.
On the positive side, there was plenty of parking available. However, one thing to be aware of is that the surrounding area felt a little rough, and we noticed some homeless individuals walking around.
Overall, it’s a nice spot to relax, enjoy the view, and connect with nature, especially if you’re looking for open space and ocean scenery.
nice waterfront park near Ala Moana. Lots of people use the Park for walking or jogging. Check on hours of operation. There is plenty of parking available. The Park closes during evening hours so check before going.
Really nice water side park! Not crowded. Easy parking. There are trees, tables, bathrooms. You can enjoy the ocean view here and watch the waves and sunset. There are also many cats here! There will be locals bring cats food here to feed them. So lovely.
Point panic
| Address | 1128 Clio Street, Honolulu, HI 96822 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 646-1211 |
Point Panic is a renowned, high-performance bodysurfing-only spot in Honolulu, Hawaii, located at the edge of Kakaako Waterfront Park. It is known for its fast, barreling right-hander wave that breaks against a shallow reef and near a rock seawall, historically causing "panic" for surfers in the pre-leash era.
I've been wanting to pop into this Beach Park for a decade but probably not for the same reason most people go there for. Yes, the view is gorgeous. Sun glitter, the crashing waves, blue skies and fluffy white clouds... We saw fishing boats, anglers, parasailers, and all the fun stuff.
But the reason why I wanted to go there is to see the departed "Mr. Aloha" cat's beach, AKA Fish Taco. I was expecting to see a dozen cats or so but I only saw one cat, less than a handful of chickens, and some great views. I can see why Mr. Aloha AKA Fish Taco enjoyed living here.
Pretty cool hawaii designates this as the only bodysurifng area on the island. Nice walkway/jogging path along the waterfront, and to walk dogs, or site and relax to watch the boats go in and out and surfers at Kakaako Park. Nice views of diamond head and alamoana also.
Respect the place, Respect the Locals! 🤙🏾
Every bodysurfer in the world probably dream about surf that wave.
Since I started on bodysurfing I have a dream to come here and slide through that wave.
Amazing place, amazing vibe.
Keep it clean! 🙏🏻
Gorgeous, underrated spot for taking in the unobstructed ocean views, view of Diamond Head, fresh air, and watching surfers and boats coming and going. There’s a lot of space so even when it’s busy, it’s not crowded. You’ll catch musicians, dancers, etc. practicing or playing here. It’s a great place to hang out. It’s also good entertainment.
Just as a safety thing, if you’re a mama with kids or female…always make sure there are other people around and that you’re not just out here walking solo. You never know these days. Also a note for photographers with all the valuable equipment—same thing. Be careful. I wouldn’t want to be out here alone with any of my camera gear, unfortunately.
There’s also a staircase leading down to the ocean for people to go for a swim or snorkeling. It’s located west of the eastern most parking lot. Looked like good fun.
Easy parking, friendly people hanging out, happy surfers, nice wide paved "sidewalk" large enough for walkers, joggers, runners, bikes, etc..
Ala Moana Regional Park
| Address | 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 768-4611 |
Its close to home and the water is calm. Great place to BBQ swim and watch the fireworks on Friday at 7:45 pm. There's bathrooms there and 2 L&L restaurants to get something to eat. Exercise bars and plenty of room there grass for days. I love it there.
Great walking paths, free parking, restrooms, and tons of outdoor shower stands. Beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Gentle waves before the break, great for kids. Can be rocky in certain areas so watch your feet or wear swim shoes. Great surfing waves past the break. Good for stand up paddleboarding!
The only thing to watch out for is sometimes there are homeless on the beach, but they generally they won’t bother you.
Very nice walk around the perimeter of the water with views of the ocean, city, and marina.
There was one large public restroom. One walk up, "take out" food place with the basics to hold you over.
A large park with lots of room. The lagoon at the end makes for a pleasant swim, skin dive, even beginning scuba.
Great place to picnic make sure you checkout the botanical gardens and eves apple tree point panics is beautiful as well watch for satellite dishes wired in the women’s restroom ie scrambler internment
Kewalo Basin Park
| Address | 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Free parking with great views of Honolulu, surfing and the water. The bathrooms were clean and there is a nice pergola with tropical plants for shade and tables. Fun to watch the boats traveling in and out of the marina, too.
A part of the Lei of Parks collection, this is a relatively small, beautiful, get-a-way green oasis. It is a strategically located landscape from which surfers depart into surf, fishermen (and women) cast their fishing lines, while still others relax and visit. A nice gentle tradewind breezes usually blow across the premises with views of the Ala Moana as well as Waikiki skylines and Diamond Head in the distance. The park is adjacent to a boat harbor from which deep sea fishing, whalewatching, and scuba diving catamaran and single hull vessels depart to and return from the open sea.
Great place for a hammock hang or a picnic. There is no beach. I think parking is free, but you have to stay in the park. I read a bunch of reviews to see about this and all I could find is that if you leave the park you will get towed. There is no beach, but its a great drop in spot for surfing and body boarding. Was a nice quiet spot, not a lot of people, and a great view of diamond and downtown Honolulu.
Beautiful place to relax. There isn't a whole lot of parking and it is all paid but there are lots of great views and there is no beach here. But there are bathhouses and rinse off water. Most of the dive trips and snorkel trips leave from this dock.
Nice place to sit by the ocean and watch the boats and surfers. Lots of free parking, restrooms and benches to sit. Clean and safe for the family to walk along the water and awesome views of Diamond Head.
Kapiʻolani Regional Park
| Address | 3840 Paki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (808) 768-4623 |
Nice place to relax. Lots of grass. Two main ponds and the bandstand is next to it. Went for a crafts fair- kind of small but nice to see the park. Right next to the ocean. Named after the Hawaiian queen. Lots of banyan trees there
Well taken care of park, went for the annual lei day festival. Super fun and interactive to learn about the culture of Hawaii and the artisans that create awesome work!
Nice consistent waves but a ton of coral in the wash it’s pretty rough on the feet
A large open park with a lava rock beach. The sound of the wind through the Ironwood trees is one of a kind.
Stopped in to watch a sunset. Nice big Park. Very clean, everybody seemed friendly. People running, working out, doing yoga, walking their dogs and kids.
Waikiki Beach Magic island Viewpoint
| Address | 1365 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Lovely spot in Honolulu to sit and relax at Magic Island. I went early morning one Saturday when it was warm but dull and overcast but it was still a gem of a place to relax. The beach has wave breakers so it is very nice to swim there. It was not busy and this is where locals come away from Wakiki beach that is often very busy with tourists. I was also visiting but a local said to come here and walk further along for Ala Moana Beach for a quiet spot. I would highly recommended but please turn your phone off and take it easy.
My favorite beach and view spot of the island! Good to watch the friday fireworks
Stunning spot to feel the ocean breeze, gaze at boats coming in and out of the marina and enjoy a picnic in the park. The waves can come crashing up here so watch yourself when the tide is high. A beautiful beach is close by for swimming as well. It's a wonderful spot for pictures and to see the sunrise and set.
Such a great vantage point of the waterline of Honolulu. Visiting here during sunrise would be amazing! Lots of benches to sit on and enjoy the beauty around you. Lots of free parking at the park too so getting here is not challenging. Bring your camera and enjoy this beautiful area of Oahu!
A fantastic scenery could not be recorded by cameras. It is sad that it is impossible to enjoy the sunrise here since the sun comes out at the other side of the island, however, it is still attractive at dawn. Enjoy the scenery and watch lovely street cats. But Do not touch them.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
| Address | 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 422-3399 |
It was quite a somber experience once you take the ferry boat out to the actual "grave". We said a prayer for all. The memorial wall is beautifully carved. The boat fits a few people and runs all day. I recommend watching the movie. On our way out of the gift shop I spotted a puffin!! It snuck into one of the open pipes by the museum. It was so pretty! The gift shop is a great size and easy to maneuver around. Prices were reasonable. PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR LICENSE PLATE NUMBER TO PAY FOR PARKING. ALSO....IT IS A CLEAR BAG OR COIN PURSE ONLY FACILITY. Bag storage is available, but if you're reading this review, you will be prepared.
Absolutely the most incredible and moving monument. What an honor to be able to visit and pay respects to our brave servicemen list that fateful day. Above all be respectful and you will move on and of the memorial quickly. There's a boat on boat off procedure. You will not be allowed unlimited time to visit.
If you can't get the tickets online, I suggest you get the self-guided audio tour which is very good and get on the standby list for the boat ride to the memorial. We got on the boat ride before we could do the second stop of the self-guided tour. Parking was easy and you don't have to buy an advanced you just click the QR code. After the self-guided tour which was about an hour and a half we went to the Missouri on a separate ticket that we bought there.
My only problem was with the visit to the Arizona you are reminded by navel personnel before you board the memorial that it is a cemetery and to remain quiet. Then as you are quietly experiencing the emotional impact of what you are standing over another member of the navel personnel yells the same reminder and sort ruins the moment. Maybe I missed someone misbehaving? Outside of that a very nice memorial with great exhibits and educational information.
Our family had an incredible experience visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The exhibits and short introductory film provide excellent historical context, making the visit both educational and deeply moving. The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial was peaceful and unforgettable, offering a powerful opportunity to reflect on the events of December 7, 1941, and honor those who lost their lives.
For USS Arizona Memorial boat tickets - we signed up for Standby wherein they send text msgs when there’s slots available ~ wait time for us was about 20mins.
Tip if you got a child: Ask at the Visitor Center for the free Junior Ranger activity booklet. It kept our child engaged with fun, age-appropriate activities while helping them understand the history in a meaningful way. After completing the booklet, kid earned a free Junior Ranger badge, which made the experience even more memorable.
Overall, Pearl Harbor is a must-visit destination in Honolulu—beautifully maintained, well organized, and an unforgettable place to learn, reflect, and remember.
Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park
| Address | Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM |
| Phone | (808) 587-0300 |
Tantalus Lookout is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Honolulu. I visited at sunset and it became one of the most memorable moments of my trip. Watching the city, the ocean, and the mountains bathed in golden light was simply unforgettable. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular, offering a unique perspective of Honolulu as the sun slowly disappears on the horizon. If you're looking for the perfect place to enjoy a Hawaiian sunset, this is it. A truly magical experience that should not be missed!
Just look at my photos.in the review to love the place!
This viewpoint is about a 15 km (9 miles?) round trip from the Holiday Inn Express. The views are great, and reward you for the 440 meters elevation gain during the hike. Price of admission: free.
Be careful when the trails are wet - the roots and some of the rocks can be slippery.
The drive up here was an experience in itself, truly unforgettable! The views of downtown Honolulu were magnificent from the top! Parking was only $7 per vehicle! You must visit this lookout spot as it cannot be missed! Go and enjoy the serene vibes of the busy city below! You can even see all of Diamondhead from up here!
Excellent high overview of Honolulu and Waikiki… Diamond head, great ocean view… beautiful mountains. Wasn’t busy on a Thursday early afternoon…
You can park at the very top, but only about 8 spots… there’s a parking lot just a couple of hundred yards from the top with bathrooms (flushing toilets not vault toilets) that has maybe 20-25 spots and teo covered picnic gazebos.
Don’t bring valuables… apparently high theft area.
Great Hike! We got lost, don't be like us. Stay on the trail and do not abandon the established trails for the road. Other than getting lost and spending $60 on Uber, great hike. If you finish at the Arboretum, you can take advantage of the serene landscaping and water pool. There are 17 hikes in this area, so I suggest picking two well-established trails if it's your first time.
Pro-tip: if you have a garmin, set the GPS to your parking location, so that you can just use Garmin's way points to get you back.
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
| Address | 2055 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
The park is truly a magnificent and captivating place, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you stroll through its winding paths, you are greeted by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The air feels fresher here, and the sunlight filters softly through the trees, creating a patchwork of light and shadow on the ground.
Birds sing melodious tunes from the branches above, while squirrels playfully dart across the grassy fields. The park provides ample space for picnics, family gatherings, and leisurely afternoons spent lounging by tranquil ponds, where ducks glide effortlessly over the water.
Whether you are jogging along the well-maintained trails, sitting on a bench to read a book, or simply breathing in the peace and beauty around you, the park is a reminder of nature's ability to restore and inspire. It is not just beautiful; it is a sanctuary that fills the heart with joy and gratitude every time you visit.
I absolutely love this place! Pickleball with an ocean view what more could you ask for? The community is amazing, with people from all over the world coming together to play. After the games, many head to the beach, and some even bring food to BBQ. The atmosphere is so welcoming and fun. Definitely one of my favorite places!
This is a nice beach. A lot going on, not a quiet beach. There are wash off locations along the way and even grassy areas away from the sand for those who would rather lie on the grass. We had a seal and a sea turtle swim right past us, pretty cool. And it is fun watching the surfers. I did not appreciate the random catamaran that would just decide to pull up and clear the beach like they owned it, but they were soon gone again.
Fantastic beach and park! There are grills and picnic tables...perfect for gatherings! Great pickle ball courts with a nice mix of regular players and visitors. Perfect place for sunset and Friday Night Fireworks. Also, great bar on the beach!
It was very peaceful quiet place to unwind, if you like nature you'll love this park
Waikīkī Beach
| Address | Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Was gorgeous beach and I feel like it’s very kid friendly as it doesn’t get too deep and the waves heart aggressive at least during our stay in the water temperature was great and clear. The only downside I would say is that it gets a bit crowded, but it is to be expected because of the location.
The HAWAI'I ADAPTIVE SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS is an event of incredible scale and deep soul! Seeing the strength, resilience, and spirit of the participants today was truly inspiring. May God bless every single organizer of this action for their hard work and for creating something so full of light, hope, and humanity for everyone.
Today has been an absolutely breathtaking day in Honolulu, and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. We feel so deeply blessed that God gave us the opportunity to enjoy this stunning beach, the vastness of the ocean, and the healing power of the water. It is a true miracle to experience such beauty and peace during our time here.
One of the most iconic beaches in the world and sits right in the heart of Honolulu. It is a long, curved stretch of shoreline framed by hotels, restaurants, and city energy, with the backdrop of Diamond Head making it instantly recognizable.
The beach itself is known for its calm, warm waters, which make it especially popular for beginner surfers, paddleboarding, and relaxed swimming. Even though it is busy most of the time, the ocean stays inviting and easy to access, and you can usually find a spot to settle in and enjoy the view.
What makes Waikiki stand out is the balance between urban life and beach relaxation. You can walk from high-rise hotels straight onto the sand, grab food nearby, or watch surfers as the sun sets over the water. It is lively, tourist focused, and always active, but still delivers that classic Hawaiian beach experience.
If you go, early morning and sunset are the best times for a calmer, more scenic feel before the beach fully fills up.
The beach is AMAZING and that is why I'm giving it 5 stars otherwise it would have been 4 starts. Gets very noisy with construction and somewhat limited beach space.
Just awesome to be there, its happening and on the other side calming too. It will change your bad mood and many restaurants are also nearby with the beach view. Water is crystal clear and the weather was not too hot.
Waikiki Aquarium
| Address | 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 923-9741 |
Really nice Aquarium! We were hesitant at first just because of the size. But were glad we ended up going! Don't let hesitation keep you from checking it out 🙂 It was really nice for families, young kids, or even individuals. I wouldnt get season passes or anything... but would for sure go again if the opportunity presented itself.
All the staff was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Aquarium, local wildlife, and sealife. There was also some hands on stations and crafts the day we went! They consistently clean the tanks to keep a crisp view of the exhibits. We were very impressed by the cleanliness!
This was my second visit to the Waikiki Aquarium. I love visiting aquariums and this aquarium though small it is very unique compared to other aquariums I have visited.
The Waikiki Aquarium - is affordable, and focuses on local sea life. I have been to many aquariums with all the same fish. Most of the sea life here are smaller such as fish, jellies, sea horses but they do have a rescue Hawaiian Monk Seal in a large outdoor area.
I was 13 the first time I went to this aquarium with my grandparents and I was so captivated by the sea dragons - this was the first place I ever saw them. I still have the stuffed one they bought me on that visit.
My boyfriend also commented that he enjoyed this aquarium because it is focused on the local sea life.
They are currently having some construction to expand and add some additional exhibits but overall it was one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend especially if you have younger children as it isn't a huge aquarium but alot of local sea life.
It is one of the oldest and smallest public aquariums. Well set up for their small size, but if you like big aquariums like Atlanta or Monterey Bay this is equivalent to part of a single hall.
There is a lot of construction happening which is great as I do hope this place expands as it should. Enclosure for the Monk Seal and Sharks were a little small, so I do hope you guys expand those as time goes. But cute for the price and great way to kill some time if you have little ones.
If you blink, you might accidentally finish the entire Waikiki Aquarium before your kids even ask for snacks.
There is no dedicated parking lot which can be a hassle. You can try the nearby Shell parking lot for free or find street meter parking if you are lucky.
The aquarium itself is very small. With two kids we were in and out in about 45 minutes. There are a couple of outdoor exhibits with some fish and coral and a single seal who looked like he might also be wondering where everyone else went.
Inside there are a few good exhibits that are interesting and well done, but overall it does not take long to see everything. It is the kind of place where you start reading every sign just to stretch the visit a little longer.
Waikiki Aquarium is fine if you are already in the area and want a short activity, especially with kids. Just do not expect a full day experience. Think of it more like a quick ocean themed pit stop than a full adventure.
Iolani Palace
| Address | 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 522-0822 |
I visited ʻIolani Palace on Kamaʻāina Sunday and had such a wonderful experience.
The event had so many special cultural activities, including lauhala weaving, poi making, hula performances, and a performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band. There was also a food truck, and I tried the spring rolls — they were good.
I really enjoyed learning more about the history and culture of Hawaiʻi. The basement area was under renovation during my visit, so I wasn’t able to see the kitchen area, but that just gives me another reason to come back next time. Mahalo for preserving and sharing such an important part of Hawaiʻi’s history!
The Iolani palace is a historic attraction located in central Honolulu. The palace visit is well managed with specific entry time, informative guides and a helpful audio narration for each section of the palace. The adjacent gift shop and a visual history of the palace adds to the experience. Highly recommended!
Good place to learn Hawaiian history. We didn’t buy tickets in advance. We explore the State Capital building while we waited for the tour.
Iolani Palace was an incredible experience! This is the only official royal residence in the United States, which served as the home of Hawai’i’s last monarchs. We enjoyed learning about its deep culture and rich history. We bought tickets in advance, but you may also be able to purchase them onsite from the ticket office. The tour is about an hour long and self-guided. Prior to the tour, they provide you with a headset to listen to the stories of each room. Before entering, you must wear shoe covers. The palace is very strict about preserving its original furnishings, decor, architecture, and artifacts. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through each room and learning about its fascinating history. The palace’s beautiful views, both inside and outside, added to our overall experience. I highly recommend visiting this historical landmark while visiting Hawai’i!
This was our fourth trip to Hawaii and we had already done all of the U.S. Memorial/History stops. We are not into crowds or shopping or such, so opted for an eBike tour in the morning and this Hawaiian Monarchy tour in the afternoon. I loved it!!
It was an audio tour that was so well-organized! The historical information was presented in a thoughtful, thorough and engaging way. The Iolani Palace is gorgeous and learning more about this piece of Hawaiian history was special.
Highly recommend!!
Tips for Visiting Honolulu’s Waterfront Attractions
A little preparation goes a long way when exploring Honolulu’s coast. The following tips will help you stay safe, save money, and enjoy each location with the respect it deserves.
First, always check ocean conditions before entering the water. South shore beaches are generally calm in summer but can produce powerful shore breaks in winter. Conversely, north shore waves are biggest during the winter months and often too dangerous for casual swimmers. Use local surf reports and pay attention to posted warning signs.
Second, protect yourself from the tropical sun. The Hawaiian sun reflects off both sand and water, increasing your risk of sunburn even on cloudy days. Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a rash guard or hat, and seek shade during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Third, arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Popular waterfront areas like Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, and Kailua fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. An early start also gives you calmer winds and better visibility for snorkeling or photography.
Fourth, respect marine life and coral reefs. Never stand on or touch coral, keep a safe distance from sea turtles and monk seals, and avoid feeding fish. These animals are protected by law, and disturbing them can result in heavy fines.
Fifth, support local businesses and minimize waste. Bring a reusable water bottle, pack out all trash, and consider grabbing food from a nearby café or food truck instead of relying on single-use packaging. Many waterfront parks have limited trash facilities, so leaving no trace is essential.
Finally, be flexible with your itinerary. Weather, surf, and parking availability can change quickly on Oahu. Having a backup plan—such as a nearby beach or scenic lookout—allows you to enjoy the day even if your first choice is crowded or unsafe.
Honolulu’s waterfront attractions offer something for every type of traveler. You can spend a morning snorkeling in a protected bay, an afternoon walking a historic pier, and an evening watching the sunset from a quiet stretch of sand. The key is to match each location to your comfort level and interests.
By planning ahead and treating the coastline with care, you will experience the best of what Honolulu has to offer. The ocean here is not just a place to visit—it is a living part of the community, and the most memorable days are often the ones spent simply watching the water meet the shore.
