What to do- in Honolulu?

We're planning a trip in early December this year and we've never been before.

Looking for suggestions or things/places to see. Food to try etc. Family friendly stuff would be preferable.

 

Thanks. Yup 7 days. Couldnt imagine being able to afford much more for the average person!

 

All the basics are mostly all covered in the thread above, but if u have young kids, maybe Disney Aulani resort, its good but pricey. Theres also a waterpark and fake wave place to surf if interested in water stuff.
Food is amazing everywhere.
Dont forget to chill and enjoy, we are on Hwn time here.

 

Fresh Catch, i went to one in Pearl City. But heard All good. Brah.

 

Glass Bottom boat was cool & went Night Snorkeling. I had Never been Snorkeling so that was crazy. Also did Sea Life Park.

 

Pearl Harbor Pacific aviation museum

 

December usually brings some of the best big wave surfing in the world to the North Shore, truly spectacular, with attendant spectacular traffic jams.

 

Get away from the traffic and concrete jungle. Experience the real Hawaii and take a short flight to Big Island, Maui, Kauai…mo bettah!

 

Place is called Wai Kai. Checked it out this week with the misses. It looked like fun but I prefer the ocean.


@stealthmode Another fairly easy hike with great views is Lanikai Pillboxes. Parking can be tricky but the view makes it worth it, especially for sunrise.
Also, Spitting Caves (don’t try to jump there) is beautiful and if you are lucky you’ll see some monk seals, turtles and whales (you are here during whale season).
North Shore is always great but like others have said… big(ger) waves in the winter time so I would not recommend swimming there at this time of the year.

 

These suggestions all sound amazing. I'm getting stoked. Unfortunately things like museum and memorium will probably be a no go with my kids, I'd like to but their ages make anything thats supposed to be formal and calm a fricking zoo! Lol.

Definitely gonna try to at least get one surf lesson or park in. Ive been to a fair amount of oceans and a great swimmer but surfing has always been something I want to try.

Also appreciate the chance to see the views and suggestions for hike. My family is from the Mediterranean so this type of plants and vegetation cant wait to see this part of the world.
@Bubble Wrap when you say big waves in north shore, like a good swimmer could handle or just dumb and avoid?


Unfortunately just 7 days total but grateful for it so gonna try to see alot.

 

I wish! Im spent already brah! No money left for extras lol.

 

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck on the North Shore. The one in Kahuku is the best.

 

Most of the hOOkers there are a 10.
Or Germaine’s Luau is fun. Star of Honolulu dinner cruise. The Dole plantation. Hit up Dukes for breakfast. Any of the shrimp shacks.

 

Off topic but I love a chance to swim in every ocean I get to. This pic is from this summers trip to Greece. Blue water caves of Zakynthos. Ive been a few times but was my kids first time.

Cant wait to see what Honolulu has!

 

Take a day trip to North Shore.

 

You will have to play it by ear but you will often know right away. Read the signs, talk to the lifeguards, and as they say here: if I’m doubt, don’t go out. Depending on the conditions, the lifeguards will not even let you get in or near the water.
That doesn’t mean you can’t go for a swim, it might just not be at Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay or North Shore all together. (Although there are also more protected spots like Three Tables or Sharks Cove that might be more suitable)
Otherwise, there is plenty of spots especially on the South Shore where waves are not as big. Ala Moana/Magic Island and the Ko'olina Resorts have lagoons that are very family friendly. Hanauma Bay is popular as well but can get crowded and you have to reserve your time slot which is almost like waiting for an SCS wheel drop.

 

Solid advice. Thank you.
And an SCS wheel or Meso part availability!?

Although havent followed for awhile. Seems like the hype is slowed.
Perhaps all about 4G soon....

 

I spent an hour trying to escape the parking garage at the Ala Moana Center.

 

Another tip, do not leave anything of value in plain site in your vehicle. Do not park at any tourist areas and proceed to place your personal belongings in the trunk. There are people that watch and will wait till you’re away from your vehicle and break in. Unfortunately Hawaii is not how it’s portrayed and would hate for you and your family to have a bad experience if you can avoid it.