FREE THINGS TO DO IN HONOLULU

  • 1. Manoa Falls – This scenic 150-foot-tall falls is only accessible via a hike through the rainforest. It’s a 1.5-mile round trip, which takes about an hour or two from the trailhead. Wear good shoes as the path can get muddy and slippery, and bring bug repellent and plenty of water. Manoa Falls is a great photography spot, and the location has featured in movies and television shows like Jurassic Park and Lost. Cool off in the pool at the base of the falls and grab a snack and a refreshing pineapple smoothie for your walk back to civilization.
  • 2. Waikiki Beach – This iconic landmark in Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, located on the south shore of Oahu. Waikiki Beach is the birthplace of modern surfing culture—look out for the statue of renowned waterman Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized the sport internationally. Once the playground of Hawaiian royals, today the beachfront is lined with resorts and some of Hawaii’s most historic hotels. Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers flock to this beach all day long. Boat tours in Waikiki are a great way for admiring the coast away from the crowds. Neighboring Kalākaua Avenue has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • 3. Koko Crater Arch Trail – Also known as the “Koko Head Stairs,” this abandoned WWII railway track is a steep and challenging hiking trail with over 1,000 steps (but worth it for the panoramic views).
  • 4. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail – Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu’s most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. You’ll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. There’s also the iconic red Makapuu Lighthouse built in 1909 which you can see along the way. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot seabirds and migrating humpback whales from November to May. This uphill trail is about two miles long and is well-paved throughout, making it a manageable trek for families with children.
  • 5. International Market Place – International Market Place is an open-air retail, dining and entertainment destination in the heart of Waikīkī offering a world-class lineup of restaurants and retailers. The center’s innovative design includes imaginative water features, an entertainment stage and Hawai‘i-inspired landscaping, and spotlights the International Market Place’s iconic 160-year-old banyan tree. Make sure to stop by on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:00pm on Level 1 in Queens Court for our Free Hula Show! Learn about the rich history and culture of International Market Place and the land on which it sits through our free cultural audio tour.
  • 6. Ala Moana Center – Ala Moana Center currently features more than 350 stores, including 70 dining options, one of the largest collections of luxury retailers in the world, four major department stores and several only-in-Hawai’i retailers featuring locally-made products and souvenirs.
  • 7. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – The resting place for more than 25,000 victims of three American Wars – World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War – this is truly the “Cemetery of Heroes.” Punchbowl was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs that, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range. Of special note is a monument honoring Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who perished aboard the Challenger space shuttle in 1986. Also noteworthy are the Courts of the Missing, white stone tablets bearing the names of those missing in action from World War II.
  • 8. US Army Museum of Hawaii – The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is open Tues – Sat from 10 AM – 5 PM. We are closed on Federal Holidays (if Holiday falls on a Monday then we are closed that Tuesday). The Museum is FREE to all with exhibits located on the first and second floor of the facility. Parking is available directly across the street from the museum in the Saratoga parking lot. Validation is available at the welcome desk. Constructed from 1909-11, the Coast Artillery Battery (known as Battery Randolph) protected Oahu with its two 14-inch disappearing guns. In the early 70’s, attempts were made to tear down Battery Randolph to make way for the Hale Koa Hotel, however, those attempts proved to be unsuccessful. In 1976, the structure was repurposed into a museum focusing on depicting early Hawaiian warfare and the military’s presence in the Pacific highlighting every major military encounter throughout the 20th Century.
  • 9. Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park – Drive up to this lookout point that offers panoramic views of Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, and is one of the city’s best sunset spots.
  • 10. Ala Moana Beach Park – This gentle, protected beach has coarse sand and is ideal for swimming and water play.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT