Honolulu: The Best Food, Activities, and Social Scene on Oahu
Honolulu is one of the most popular places to stay on Oahu, and for good reason! With stunning beaches, lively shop-lined streets, cultural activities, and good food all within walking distance, it is easy to see why visitors love Honolulu! In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Honolulu, including our favorite activities and tips and tricks to make your experience hassle-free and unforgettable.
Best Affordable Places to Park
Affordable parking spots in Honolulu include the Waikiki Shell, Honolulu Zoo, and Ala Moana Parking Garage. Both of these convenient parking locations are just steps away from the best beaches, shopping centers, and foodie spots in Honolulu. Parking at the Waikiki Shell is free, but it does fill up fast. There is additional street parking nearby on Kalakaua Avenue and Monsarrat Avenue, but be sure to check street signs for restrictions. Alternatively, you can park across the street at the Honolulu Zoo, which offers parking for $1.50 per hour with a maximum stay of four hours. The Ala Moana Parking Garages offer free parking right across from Magic Island where you can spend time at the beach and spend the day soaking in the sunshine before exploring more of Honolulu.
Places to Explore in Town
- Waikiki Beach: World Famous and easily accessible, this family friendly beach offers mild rolling waves, amazing views, and a fun social atmosphere. This beach is very popular among tourists and a great place for hanging out in the water and soaking up the sun on the sand with a cooler full of drinks and snacks.
- Bodyboard at Waikiki Walls: Try your hand with a boogie board at this popular beginner bodyboarding location in Honolulu. Only boogie boards are allowed at Waikiki Walls which means you won’t have to compete with surfers for waves and the reef break makes it a safe spot for those who are new to bodyboarding.
- Stroll through the International Marketplace: A popular street lined with some of the best shopping and food on the island, visiting the marketplace makes for a lively and exciting evening as you take in the sights and smells of the nightlife in Honolulu.
- If you are looking for more of an off the beaten path adventure, take a 30 minute drive through rideshare services or rental car services to Kailua, escape from the crowd and go kayaking to Popoia or the Mokulua Islands where you can become immersed in Hawaii’s natural beauty and if you’re lucky spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
Off the Charts Food Places
Honolulu is a foodie’s dream- with just about any type of cuisine you can imagine, the food is incredible. Here are some of our favorites in Honolulu:
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food: Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Helena’s is the place to go to get authentic Hawaiian food on your trip to the island.
- Ono Seafood: A must-try food when visiting Honolulu is a Poke Bowl from Ono Seafood.
- Duke’s Waikiki: Known for its beachfront views and mouth watering surf ‘n’ turf, this is a food stop you won’t want to miss.
Unique Experiences
- Learn to Surf: Surf HNL offers beginner surf lessons at Ala Moana Beach. With a lifeguard certified guide specialized in beginner lessons and ideal conditions, this is not an experience to miss on your trip to the island! Visit their page to learn more and make a booking: Surf HNL
- Check out Cultural Events at Royal Hawaiian Center: From free hula and ukulele lessons to native Hawaiian song and dance performances, the Royal Hawaiian Center events give you the opportunity to become immersed in Hawaiian culture. Check out their schedule of events here: Royal Hawaiian Center Events
Make a Booking
Wherever you stay on Oahu, at Active Oahu we offer premium beach gear rentals at a great value and with free delivery! Rent gear for all your beach day needs including beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and even kayak or paddleboard rentals that include everything you need to transport it on top of your own vehicle. Our multi-day rates provide the best value. Make your booking today!