Are you craving a tropical getaway this year? Honolulu, Hawaii is an amazing travel destination with beautiful sights and sounds around every corner. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, there’s a lot to do on the islands of Hawaii. Even during these pandemic times, it’s still possible to have an amazing time while staying safe. I hope this post helps give you a little insight into what it’s like to travel to Honolulu. For more information on any travel requirements to Hawaii, check out the Hawaiian Island’s website.
Recently, we got the chance to spend a weekend in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, where we relaxed on the beach, enjoyed the tropical weather, and devoured fresh seafood. Although we didn’t have enough time to experience the other islands, if you have the chance, definitely stretch your travels around the area. However, if you only have a weekend to spend in Honolulu, I compiled a list of some of the best things to do. This list includes places, food, and transportation, as well as tips that I hope will make your visit a little smoother. That said, just keep reading to find out more about the things you can experience when you travel to Honolulu in 2021:
1. Waikiki Beach
If you only have a few days to spend in Honolulu, then make your way over to Waikiki Beach and take a dip in the ocean. Waikiki is located on the south shore of Honolulu surrounded by hotels and resorts which attract a ton of tourists every year. This wouldn’t be the best place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere more secluded; however, it’s still a beautiful beach filled with picturesque views. Just remember to help keep the beaches clean during your visit. 🥰
Ever tried surfboarding before? While in Honolulu, it’s the perfect time to test your strength and battle the waves. If surfing the waves isn’t your thing, there’s shopping, walking, restaurants, and much more near Waikiki Beach that’ll occupy your time. For more information about what you’ll find at Waikiki, check out the Hawaiian Islands website here.
2. Diamond Head Crater Trail
During our visit, we decided to walk from Waikiki Beach to the Diamond Head Crater Trail, which was about a 30-minute walk. Once you arrive, it’s $5 a person to hike the trail and there’s additional costs depending on if you need to park a vehicle. The Diamond Head Crater Trail was formed from a volcanic explosion that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago. I would say this hike is pretty easy, as you can stop along the way at any point you’re tired. Don’t forget a water bottle, hiking shoes, and sunscreen. Even though they have water and drinks for purchase, I would always suggest bringing your own water, as there’s also refilling fountains. Once you reach the top, you’ll see amazing views of the island, so it’s definitely worth the climb. For the most updated information, be sure to check out their website here before you go.
3. Poke and spam musubi
Wondering what food you should eat while you’re in Honolulu? I would recommend trying poke and spam musubi. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with diced pieces of raw fish on a bed of rice. This dish has gained a lot of popularity in North America; however, if you’ve never tried poke, then for sure give it a try during your time in Hawaii. A lot of the places in Honolulu didn’t serve Poke with any toppings, but they were still delicious and fresh nonetheless.
Spam musubi is another suggestion to tingle your taste buds. This common snack is made of a block of rice, spam, and wrapped in nori (edible seaweed). It’s a great grab-and-go item if you’re in a rush. Spam musubi is often found at convenience stores, which is where we had our first taste. You can find many stores around Honolulu, such as Musubi Café Iyasume, which has a few locations on the island. All that said, it’s definitely worth the time to try these mouth-watering foods while you’re in Honolulu.
4. Malasadas
When you travel to Honolulu in 2021, you’re in for a treat (literally) when you taste the malasadas. These sweet, doughy Portuguese-inspired donuts are commonly found on the island and quite popular with the locals. There’s a place called Liliha Bakery which sells a plethora of baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth, including malasadas, so check them out if you have a chance.
5. Public transportation
If you’re looking to spend a little less money on car rentals and rideshare, then opt to take the bus while you’re visiting Honolulu. On our trip, we weren’t planning on traveling all over the island, so taking the public transportation was great for getting around. The cost per ride is $2.50 per person and the bus doesn’t take exact change, so be ready to have some cash on you. The bus driver’s were so friendly though, when we didn’t have exact change, they still let us ride. Of course, we paid extra on the next ride to compensate. That said, I’ll never forget the hospitality of the bus drivers. It sure made me feel the warmth and kindness of the people of the island.
6. Surf the North Shore
If you’re an avid surfer or just love to watch surfing, head over to the North Shore on Oahu to catch the waves. We were told by locals that this area is where you’ll want to go for surfing due to the quality of the waves. Check out more about the North Shore of Oahu here. Surfs up!
7. Beach sunset
Don’t forget to catch the beautiful sunset from the beach. Waves of red, orange, and yellow cover the sky above thousands of sparkles across the water. Grab a malasada or your favorite drink and take in the view after a long day of sightseeing. This can also be a great time to reflect and be grateful to be alive.
Whether you travel to Honolulu in 2021 or in the coming years, I hope you’ll get to experience the unique beauty found on Oahu. There’s so much to do and see, you’ll be planning your next trip in no time. Let me know in the comments what you loved most about Honolulu or any of the other islands you visited. I can’t wait to hear! And if you’re searching for more travel inspiration, check out my destinations page. Happy wandering! 😎