Do Hawaii the way locals do: start slow at Koko Head District Park, eat where the regulars do at Leonard's Bakery, let the evening run long at Tikis Grill & Bar.
Top things to do in Hawaii
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries.
Check tours & tickets2
Polynesian Cultural Center
Center highlighting various enduring Pacific island cultures with luaus, live shows & tours.
Check tours & tickets3
Kualoa Ranch
4,000-acre nature retreat offering ATVs, a zip-line, beaches & tours of Hollywood film locations.
Check tours & tickets4
Halona Blowhole Lookout
From this lookout, visitors can see ocean water shoot 30 feet into the air from a lava tube.
Check tours & tickets5
Waimea Valley
This large parkland offers a botanical garden, a waterfall area & info on Native Hawaiian history.
Check tours & tickets6
USS Arizona Memorial
Check tours & tickets7
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
WWII-focused museum presenting historical aircraft, exhibits & even a simulated flight experience.
Check tours & tickets8
Iolani Palace
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
Check tours & tickets9
Bishop Museum
A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.
Check tours & tickets10
Lānaʻi Lookout
Popular lookout point featuring panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs & neighboring islands.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Leonard's Bakery
Local fixture since 1952 for malasadas (Portuguese donuts), breads, pastries & other sweets.
Website12
Duke's Waikiki
Popular option known for its beachfront location, surf 'n' turf, tiki vibe & umbrella drinks.
Website13
Marugame Udon
Guests order at the counter at this casual Japanese restaurant specializing in noodle soup.
Website14
Lulu's Waikiki
The breezy open-air vibe at this eatery creates a welcoming scene for American grub & drinks.
Website15
Rainbow Drive-In
Iconic counter-serve spot for Hawaiian plate lunches features BBQ, mahi mahi, chili dogs & more.
Website16
Hula Grill Waikiki
Relaxed beachside venue serving pupu, fish tacos & tropical drinks, plus weekend brunch.
Website17
Maguro Spot
Website18
Waiahole Poi Factory
Humble, long-standing joint for traditional Hawaiian comfort foods & ice cream with outdoor seats.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Hawaii
Advertisement
Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats
Check tours & tickets20
Go Tours Hawaii
Check tours & tickets21
Pink Sails Waikiki
Check tours & tickets22
Ocean Joy Cruises
Check tours & tickets23
HawaiiTours.com
Check tours & tickets24
Ko Olina Ocean Adventures
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Koko Head District Park
Sprawling collection of sports fields, gardens, picnic areas & stairs climbing a volcanic crater.
Website26
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Natural hiking area with paved trail & overlook, ocean views, lighthouse & whale-watching potential.
Website27
Mānoa Falls Trail
This picturesque rainforest trail leading to Mānoa Falls has appeared in several movies.
28
Kaʻena Point State Park
Remote coastal area with a lava shoreline known for scenic, rugged hiking trails & surfing.
Website29
Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve
Tropical rainforest featuring hiking trails & access to the famous Manoa Falls waterfall.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Tikis Grill & Bar
Lively oceanfront restaurant featuring signature tiki cocktails along with live music.
Website31
Surf Bar Waikiki
Website32
Mai Tai Bar
Royal Hawaiian's beachfront bar is a festive, slick spot for umbrella cocktails, appetizers & music.
Website33
RumFire
The Sheraton's posh, beachside lounge known for unique cocktails, comfort food & coveted fire pits.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
SightsFoodToursOutdoorsAfter dark
Tips from travelers
No tips yet. Been to Hawaii? Yours goes first.
Roam planner Turn this into your personalized Hawaii itinerary Build my Hawaii dayMore guides
Some links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.