Honolulu is Hawaii's only big city with everything an urban environment has to offer. But more than that, Honolulu is home to beautiful beaches and mountains for sports activities.

View the 10 best hotels in Honolulu

Beaches and swimming

Honolulu is a symbol for tropical paradise, led by the famous Waikiki Beach. There are many more beautiful beaches in Hawaii in the countryside, but it must be admitted that even the beaches right in town are exemplary, clean, with facilities and, if you don't need to lie on a sun lounger with an erary umbrella, free.

Ideal for a day's relaxation after a long trip before travelling to other islands.

If you get tired of the often-crowded Waikiki, just walk a few hundred metres to the much more laid-back Ala Moana beach, which is particularly popular with locals.

The ocean water is pleasant year-round with temperatures around 25-27°C.

Surfing

Waikiki beach is a mecca for surfers from all over the world, and while there are certainly better conditions elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, surfers simply belong in Honolulu, and have since the sport's beginnings. Those interested in beginner lessons can choose from many surf schools, just take a stroll along the beach and pick the one you like best. Expect to pay around 125 usd and 170 usd dollars per person for a two-hour private lesson.

Examples of surf schools in Honolulu:

• Ty Gurney Surf School (Honolulu, Waikiki)
• Kahu Surf School (Honolulu, Waikiki)
• Ohana Surf Project (Honolulu, Waikiki)

Hiking

For shorter hikes, you don't have to venture far outside the city; even right in Honolulu, you can hike up several hills with breathtaking views of the ocean, downtown skyscrapers, and the mountains in the middle of the island. Some of the most popular walks include hiking up Diamond Hill, Tantalus Lookout, Koko Crater, and Manoa Falls.

In Honolulu, however, you can also go on more difficult day treks into the nearby hills. Among the most popular are the 9km hike up Mount Olympus and to Ka'au Crater, which offers incredible views of Oahu's mountain ranges.

Remember that flip-flops or other beach footwear are highly inappropriate for hiking up the hills, and there is a risk of unpleasant injuries.

Following in the footsteps of history

Although Honolulu is a modern city where you won't encounter many landmarks, there is still a nearby site that draws crowds from all over the world. That's because on the western edge of the city lies Pearl Harbor, the infamous Japanese attack that dragged the US into World War II.

Today, the site is home to a sprawling memorial, a museum and many other attractions, more of which are discussed in the What to See section below.

Snorkelling and diving

The diverse waters of the Pacific Ocean beckon you to journey into the mysterious depths to discover the strange and colourful creatures that abound off the coast of Hawaii. You don't have to venture anywhere particularly far from Honolulu; Hanauma Bay, for example, accessible by bus, is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots on Oahu.

Equipment rental and full-service agencies are again on every corner in downtown Honolulu and right on the beaches.

Sunsets

Honolulu's entire coastline faces west, which, along with the photogenic mountainous surroundings, the requisite tropical palm trees on the beaches, and almost always ideal weather, mixes a cocktail of kitschy sunset photos.

The best views are enjoyed from the Nuunalu and Tantalus lookouts high in the hills, or from the beach on Magic Island right in the center of town.

Fun at the aquariums

Oceanfront tourist destinations inherently include entertainment attractions in the form of large aquariums and various water rides.

A classic center with many giant aquariums full of colorful sea creatures is the Waikiki Aquarium on the southern end of Waikiki Beach. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and admission is $12, or $5 for children (official website: waikikiaquarium.org).

For more interactive fun, swimming with dolphins and similar shows, visit Sea Life Park on the easternmost tip of Oahu. Basic admission is $25, and a schedule of specific programs and tickets can be found on the official website.

Shopping

Honolulu is the largest shopping town in the Hawaiian Islands, with plenty of typical American giant department stores and smaller shops along the beachfront boardwalk.

The largest shopping district is called Ala Moana Center and you'll find luxury boutiques, jewelry stores, as well as huge stores selling cheap fashion. Of course there are many restaurants, fast-food places or cafes.

Ala Moana Center is located right in the heart of Honolulu and you can find a list of all the shops on the official website: alamoanacenter.com.