Pearl Harbor is a significant location in the US. It memorializes the events of World War II and honors those who lost their lives in a tragic attack. For many visitors to O’ahu, it’s a must-see historical site.
Many visitors spend at least a week in Hawai’i, and Pearl Harbor is usually a day trip. What are you supposed to do with your time? Honolulu and the surrounding areas offer an incredible variety of attractions that have a rich history, natural wonders, and vibrant culture. This guide will take you through some top sights to tour in O’ahu beyond Pearl Harbor, giving you the full experience of Hawai’i’s diversity and beauty.
Pearl Harbor is a popular historical sight, but it’s not the only one on O’ahu. As Hawai’i’s capital, Honolulu is rich in the history of the Hawaiian monarchy that ruled before it became a state. Best of all, you can visit three of the top historical sites—the King Kamehameha statue, the Bishop Museum, and Iolani Palace—all in one day since they’re close together!
Standing proud outside Ali’iolani Hale in downtown Honolulu, the King Kamehameha Statue represents one of Hawai’i’s greatest leaders. This king helped to unify the Hawaiian Islands during his rule in the late 1700s and early 1800s. People love to take photos of the gold-leaf-clad statue, especially during King Kamehameha Day in June, when leis adorn it.
Located in the Kalihi district of Honolulu, the Bishop Museum is Hawai’i’s largest museum dedicated to preserving and sharing Hawai’ian history and culture. Before Hawai’i became a state, it was a kingdom with its own language, traditions, and rich heritage. Learning about these aspects of Hawai’ian life keeps the culture alive.
The museum’s collection includes over 25 million artifacts and specimens, including cultural, scientific, and historical objects. Roughly 2 million of those artifacts are cultural, 22 million are natural history specimens, and the remaining are historical publications and other collections. These include traditional Hawai’ian clothing, tools, weaponry, and contemporary items, such as ukuleles and surfboards.
Iolani Palace is another top sight to tour beyond Pearl Harbor. Construction of the massive home finished in 1882, and it was home to the final monarchs of Hawai’i; this is one of the only palaces in the US!
While here, you may tour the palace and its gardens, gaining insight into life in Hawai’i during that time. Additionally, you can take a guided tour through the grand throne room, dining hall, and private quarters. The intricate architecture reflects a mix of Western opulence and Hawaiian artistry, surrounded by manicured grounds that offer a serene setting for reflection.
Hawai’i is also a haven for nature lovers. The islands have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and waterfalls. From the famous Waikiki Beach to the stunning Windward Coast, endless opportunities exist to immerse yourself in nature.
Hawai’i is a chain of islands formed by volcanoes and is home to both active and dormant ones. Diamond Head formed around 300,000 years ago and is dormant, making it a perfect hiking spot. The distance from the hiking trail to the summit is around 1.6 miles with slightly steep sections, and it’s at a higher elevation; it’s a moderate difficulty level and usually takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll see bunkers that the US military used during World War II. Additionally, on a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and other Hawaiian Islands!
It’s hard to beat a day of lounging in the sand as the sun warms your skin and the sound of gentle waves lulls you into relaxation. Waikiki Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals due to its soft white sand and crystal blue waters.
Plus, the beach is close to numerous restaurants, bars, and boutiques, giving you plenty of fun things to do once you’ve recharged. You can also spend the day at the beach and watch the sun dip below the horizon at sunset.
If you’ve ever wanted to surf, now’s your time! Many businesses offer surfing lessons to people of all skill levels at Waikiki Beach.
If going to the beach doesn’t sound ideal for you but you still want to enjoy the beautiful waters of Hawai’i, consider snorkeling. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on the southeast coast of O’ahu has crystal clear waters that make it easy to view the diverse marine life.
Since this is a nature preserve, visitors must make a reservation, pay a small entrance fee, and watch a short orientation video before entering the water. This encourages everyone to care for the environment while snorkeling.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen, as alternative options can harm the marine life and coral reefs in the bay.
The Windward Coast has O’ahu’s most picturesque landscapes. A scenic drive toward this side of the island includes stops at the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of lush valleys and ridges. As you look out, you may also see landmarks such as the Byodo-In Temple, a Japanese-style Buddhist temple, and the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, a beautiful park with over 400 acres of tropical plants and scenic trails.
After taking in the stunning views from the Pali Lookout, continue your drive to Kailua, a beach town famous for its white sandy beaches and laid-back vibe. Spend some time relaxing or visiting the local restaurants for delicious Hawaiian cuisine.
Culinary delights reflect culture; there is no better way to explore the local culture than indulging in its cuisine! Hawai’i is known for its unique food culture, blending flavors from Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Polynesian ethnicities. Treat your tastebuds to tasty poke bowls, spam musubi, and shaved ice during your Hawaiian adventure.
Go to a lū’au (traditional Hawai’ian feast) to blend cultural experiences with tasty food. At this event, you can try traditional dishes, such as kalua pig (smoked pork), laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), and poi (mashed taro root). You’ll also watch incredible hula performances and learn about Hawaiian history and culture!
Chances are, visiting Pearl Harbor is a part of your itinerary alongside several other activities. Set up the perfect trip by booking a guided tour with pearlharbortour.org. Our team can walk you through the USS Arizona, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and more. Plan the perfect trip to O’ahu, and immerse yourself in its history and beauty!