Quieter Shores & Scenic Detours
Honolulu has no shortage of iconic beaches, but if you’re hoping for a quieter stretch of sand, you don’t need to venture far. Just an eight-minute drive from Prince Waikiki, Kaimana Beach is a local favorite. It’s wider than most beaches on Oʻahu (meaning more space just for you) and a fantastic spot to go snorkeling. You might just catch a glimpse of the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (reef triggerfish), Hawaii’s state fish.
Another favorite lesser-known beach is Halona Beach Cove, tucked between lava rock cliffs and glowing turquoise water. It’s a small, scenic cove that feels worlds away from the busy shorelines.
Looking for a bit of an adventure? The Koko Crater Railway Trailhead is one of the island’s most memorable and challenging hikes. Originally built as a military railway during World War II, the wooden steps now invite hikers willing to take on the challenge. For a less intense climb, the short trail to Manoa Falls leads through a lush rainforest that’s played backdrop to Jurassic Park and LOST, among other productions. It ends at a tall, misty waterfall surrounded by greenery.
If you’re chasing a great view without the climb, head to PuʻuʻUalakaʻa State Wayside. Nestled in the hills above Honolulu, it’s a quiet place to take a walk or have a picnic.
Culture in the City
If you’ve already checked off the big-ticket sights or want to avoid the crowds altogether, Honolulu has plenty to offer. Some of the city’s best cultural gems are hiding in plain sight, tucked away in small museums, galleries, and neighborhoods.
Start in Kakaʻako, where colorful murals wrap around speakeasies, cafés, and marketplaces. This former industrial district has evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant creative hubs. Many of the murals are part of POW! WOW! Hawai‘i, an annual festival that brings artists from around the world to paint the town.
For a deeper look into local history, Bishop Museum offers a thoughtful look at Hawaiian culture, science, and storytelling. It’s home to a vast collection of artifacts, plus interactive exhibits that kids tend to love, and a planetarium with daytime and evening programming. Pick up your complimentary tickets for two adults and two children when you stay at Prince Waikiki.
A little farther inland, visit Queen Emma Summer Palace. Once the secluded mountain home and summer retreat of Queen Emma of Hawai‘i and her family, the home now serves as a museum filled with antiques, furnishings, and royal regalia.
The best-kept secret for art lovers? The original works by Hawaii-based artists displayed throughout the Prince Waikiki lobby — each one inspired by the natural elements that once thrived where the hotel now stands.
Dine Like a Local
One of the best ways to get to know a place is through its food. In Honolulu, that means getting acquainted with everything from fresh farmers’ market finds to fine-dining favorites and legendary spots that haven’t changed their menu in decades.
For a taste of tradition, head to Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving classic Hawaiian dishes since 1946. In 2000, the James Beard Foundation awarded this local gem the Regional Classic Award, one of only a handful of restaurants in Hawaii to receive this distinction. Today, it’s as unpretentious and delicious as ever.
Over in the heart of Honolulu’s Chinatown, Lam’s Kitchen is beloved for its authentic handmade noodles and huge bowls of rich, steaming soup. For more contemporary tastes, reserve a table at MW Restaurant. This sleek spot is known for its creative takes on Hawaiian specialties. Think mochi-crusted fish, Kona lobster carbonara, and playfully presented desserts that highlight tropical ingredients. The cocktails are a must-try, too.
Some of Honolulu’s best flavors are just moments from your room. At 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, our team puts a fresh spin on local favorites. Imagine poke made with house-marinated tuna, Maui onions, and chili — a perfect blend of Japan’s sashimi and Peru’s ceviche. Or, try our Wagyu burger with caramelized onions and brie for a plate of elevated comfort fare.
Under-The-Radar Adventures
If you’re seeking an adventure beyond the standard sand and surf, these unique experiences might make their way onto your itinerary.
Seeking an adventure for the bold? Get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most intimidating and misunderstood creatures by swimming with sharks. Whether you choose to dive in without a cage or stick to the safety of one, it’s an unforgettable way to see these apex predators up close.
How about an air-bound adventure? A helicopter tour offers an entirely new perspective on Honolulu’s beauty, from hidden rainforests, lush valleys, and remote beaches you’d never see from the road. Ask our concierge team to help you find the right flight.
Not all adventures need to be high-adrenaline. For travelers hoping to connect more deeply with the land, there are meaningful ways to give back while you explore. Plant a legacy tree with Hawaiian Legacy Tours, or join a volunteer day at Loko Ea Fishpond, where you’ll learn about traditional aquaculture. For something hands-on, try the Mālama Experience at Kualoa Ranch, where visitors can participate in cleaning, planting, and harvesting kalo (taro).
One-of-a-Kind Finds
Love a good browse? For souvenirs and gifts that feel a little more personal, Honolulu’s independent shops and local makers offer a thoughtful array of goods you’ll be glad you saved space in your luggage for.
Waikīkī Beach Walk is a popular destination — it’s the hidden gems that are scattered throughout. Just minutes from Prince Waikiki, this open-air promenade is home to a variety of locally owned boutiques. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to home goods, plus cafés, restaurants, and lively entertainment along the way.
Beyond markets and malls, Honolulu is home to plenty of unique independent boutiques. Magnolia Boutique & Gallery showcases over 100 artists and makers from across the Hawaiian Islands. It’s part boutique, part gallery, and full of ceramics, prints, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Kealopiko Shop, beloved for its bold prints and deep roots in Hawaiian culture, started with a focus on women’s and men’s clothing and now offers everything from pareos to alphabet cards for kids. And for those drawn to surf-inspired style, Salvage Public is a standout. This Honolulu-based brand is all about modern sportswear designed by Hawaiians.
Explore Honolulu’s Hidden Gems
As you map out your visit, make space in your itinerary for the places many visitors miss out on: the quiet beaches, tucked-away artwork, and local favorites that make Honolulu so special. With Prince Waikiki as your home base, you’ll be free to explore the island’s hidden gems at your own pace. Explore our latest offers and book your getaway today.
