MOTHER'S
GUIDE TO Honolulu

Tucked along the southern shore of Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most iconic locales: Honolulu. Equal parts tropical paradise, cultural hub and urban city, Honolulu offers something for everyone, making it a long-standing destination for mainland-inhabitants in search of an equatorial escape. Within the island’s otherworldly landscape resides warm waters alive with exceptional surf, a variety of hikes with stunning viewpoints, marketplaces brimming with traditional food and goods, and national landmarks that honor history — all with the convenience of domestic travel. Honolulu is a near-perfect retreat — there’s no doubt about that — and MOTHER, of course, has some thoughts on the subject. 

SURFING & BEACHES

If you’ve never tried your hand at surfing, Hawaii is truly the place to start. Although the islands are often associated with fast, competitive breaks and massive waves, not every beach is created equally. With long, rolling waves and warm tropical waters, Waikiki is one of the best beginner beaches to hammer out the basics of wave riding — and it happens to be located right in the heart of Honolulu. For advice straight from the pros, head to Hans Hedemann’s Surf School for a private, semi-private or group lesson. You’ll paddle out at Publics, a left-hand break with a stunning view of Diamond Head, and learn everything from reading waves to popping up. Once you master these basics, get inspired for your next trip with Carolyn Murphy’s favorite surf spots around the world.

If surfing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Waikiki’s stunning array of beaches: snorkeling, body surfing or simply reading in the sun. Lanikai Beach is a short bus ride from downtown and is famous for its ultra soft sand, while the centrally located Waikiki Beach is perfect for people watching. If you’re hoping to catch an up-close-and-personal glimpse of Hawaii’s aquatic life, try snorkeling at the uninterrupted 3-mile stretch of Waimanalo Beach.


DINNER & DRINKS

For a quintessentially Hawaiian dining experience, live music is essential. Nestled under a 130-year old Kaiwe tree, House Without A Key — an iconic restaurant located at the Halekulani Hotel — is the perfect place to start an evening out. Sip on a mai tai while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean and Hawaiian music plays in the background. Next, head to Orchids (another restaurant in the Halekulani Hotel) for an oceanfront meal inspired by chef Christian Testa’s Italian roots and Hawaii’s local fare.

From poke bowls to shaved iced, manapua to malasadas, traditional Hawaiian cuisine is just as fun to explore as the islands are themselves. Honolulu’s Chinatown captures the essence of Old Honolulu and is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Whether you’re in the mood for dim sum, noodles or a fruity cocktail, Chinatown offers an authentic glimpse into Hawaii’s native cuisines. Try Senia for smoked ahi and craft cocktails, or Pig and the Lady for a Vietnamese meal of banh mi and fish curry.

DIAMOND HEAD CRATER

Honolulu’s tropical climate and forested landscape makes it a fantastic destination to explore on foot. For an early morning hike, head to Diamond Head Crater, a 300,000-year old, 275-acre marvel right on the coast of Honolulu. The hike to the summit is quick — just 0.8 miles each way — but the climb is steep with a 560-foot gain. The trails gets busy, so make sure you get an early start.

KUALOA RANCH

If you can manage the short 30-minute drive, Kualoa Ranch — the film site of Jurassic Park — is another stunning location to visit. Tour the property by horseback or an ATV, zipline through the jungle, and explore secret islands on a catamaran — this 4,000-acre private nature reserve is an incredible way to uncover Hawaii’s natural, untouched landscape.

MUSEUMS

For museums buffs, the Iolani Palace and Honolulu Museum of Art are a perfect way to learn more about Hawaii’s history and culture. The Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by the last king of Hawaii, King Kalakaua, and was the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy until it was overthrown in 1893. From there, it served as the capitol until 1969. Today, it’s been meticulously restored to its original grandeur, and is a celebrated National Historical Landmark. Tour the grounds with a 60-minute self-led audio guide, or reserve a docent-led tour online. After that, the Honolulu Museum of Art is just a short walk away. 

AQUARIUMS

Take a walk through Kapi’olani Park, historical land that once belonged to ​​King Kalakaua in the late 1800s, until you reach the University of Hawaii’s Waikiki Aquarium. Opened in 1904, the Waikiki aquarium is the second oldest aquarium in the United States. It features a variety of sea creatures, from mammals to invertebrates, and is landscaped with native trees and flowering shrubs that you can spot and admire as you move between exhibits.

Related Articles