Hawaii offers some of the most gorgeous attractions in the U.S., including volcanoes, beaches, state parks, and beautiful trails that make getting in a workout easy, and beautiful. With a visit to Honolulu, you can find all these things and more, so that no matter what your plans for the day are–relaxing by the beach or checking out historic landmarks–you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Here are just a few of the best places to visit during a trip to Honolulu.
Ala Moana State Park
This beautiful beach is located between Waikiki and Honolulu’s downtown area and features a large shopping district and gorgeous trails for joggers and walkers. There’s also fine dining and seasonal events available, so do some research before you head down to the beach to find out what’s going on for the day.
Manoa Falls
This gorgeous rainforest features a long walking trail–about an hour–so make sure you have on sturdy, comfortable shoes. The walk is worth it, however, as you’ll be rewarded with a stunning waterfall and several places to take photo contest-worthy shots. You might even earn bragging rights; Manoa Falls was one of the filming locations on the television show Lost.
Diamond Head
Mt. Leahi–called Diamond Head by locals–is one of the most famous locations in the area, a volcanic crater that offers panoramic views of Waikiki and the South Shore. Although the hike to the top only takes about a half hour, it’s not recommended for those who are inexperienced with climbing unless they are with a hiking buddy. At 760 feet, you’ll be able to sit back, rest, and enjoy the view.
Lyon Arboretum
This gorgeous 194-acre botanical garden is set within a rainforest and boasts thousands of tropical plants and palms. A research facility also resides here, allowing workers to preserve the state’s tropical forests. The arboretum is actually close to Manoa Falls and can be accessed via a walking path.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
This beautiful, historic mansion was once a summer home for King Kamehameha and Queen Emma. Built in 1848, the white colonial mansion still holds authentic furniture, bedding, and even Queen Emma’s wedding dress. A gorgeous and educational place to visit during a trip to Honolulu.
Bishop Museum
Hawaii’s state museum shares colorful, historic flags representing the state’s history, as well as artifacts from all over the South Pacific. Included is a natural history museum which features whaling artifacts. This is a great place to take the kids for an afternoon.
Whether you’re traveling with family, traveling on your own, seeking self-discovery and healing, or just plain taking a break, Honolulu is a fantastic fit. In fact, Honolulu has so much to offer, you likely won’t be able to fit it all into one trip; just one more reason to make a second visit!
Photo via Pixabay