Best Honolulu Day Trips & Things to Do

On the land – Day and night-time fun await

• The pristine crescent-shaped beach of Waikiki is a great place to mingle with locals and tourists during the day.

• At night, become a part of Waikiki's pumping nightlife at various hula shows, concerts, luaus and clubs.

• Join a trip up to volcanic Diamond Head Crater for breathtaking views of Oahu.

• Travel to Pearl Harbor and be a part of those who come to pay to their respects to the brave souls who lost their lives in one of the most infamous attacks of the Second World War.

• Honolulu tours and sightseeing excursions are sure to include a visit to ʻIolani Palace, where Hawaiian royalty once lived. The site is now a National Historic Landmark and open to visitors who wish to tour its many exhibits.

In the Water

There are a variety of Honolulu water activities to choose from.

• Surfing – Surfing and Hawaii go hand-in-hand and there's no better place to grab your board and hit the waves than on the awesome surfing beaches of Waikiki. Sign up with the beach boys for a surfing lesson if you are a beginner or just in need of some pointers to perfect your technique!

• Snorkeling and Submarine Tours – There are many areas of clear and calm waters around Oahu which are full of sea turtles, tropical fish and numerous other exotic species of flora and fauna. If you are already an expert snorkeler, then jump right in! If you need a few lessons – don't worry, there are patient and friendly local experts on hand to show you the ropes.

• Sometimes you would like to journey under the water without getting wet. In that case, many visitors go on the Atlantis Honolulu submarine tours is well known for. Explore the coral reefs 100 feet underwater as you visit sunken shipwrecks and planewrecks. If you are travelling with children, this is an absolutely "fun-tastic" family adventure!

• Kayaking, Canoeing and Stand-up Paddle Boarding – These water activities are deeply rooted in the Hawaiian heritage. Let local crews fill you in on the traditions that surround them as you venture out on an authentic hand-built canoe. You can also learn how to stand-up paddle board or go kayaking in the beautiful protected waters of Kaneohe Bay.

• Seawalking and Swimming with dolphins – Don a state-of-the-art divers' helmet to walk among the teeming sealife in the Hawaiian waters. Take the chance to go swimming with dolphins in their natural ocean habitat or at specially designated animal parks and programs.

In The Air – Hop aboard an exhilarating helicopter tour of Oahu

See Honolulu's amazing attractions and incredible coastline from the air. The helicopter tours Honolulu visitors have to choose from can take you soaring over

• Hanauma Bay's volcanic crater

• the historic monuments and memorials of Pearl Harbor

• the remarkably beautiful Ali'i Sacred Falls on Oahu's North Shore

• dazzling Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay

You can also take an aerial tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see features of the park not visible from the ground such as active lava flows. A great option is to combine your helicopter tour of the park with a ground tour so you can experience its natural wonders from both levels.