Hawaii: Best Things to Do in Honolulu

With its cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes, the third largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago is a true paradise for travelers looking for a change of scenery and adventure. From the bustling capital Honolulu to the legendary north coast, popular with surfers, O'ahu offers a diversity of attractions that are sure to seduce you. Here are the must-sees to discover if you have the chance to fly to this pearl of the Pacific Ocean this winter.

1. Visit the royal palace

ʻIolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. Surprisingly, this magnificent building, completed in 1882, was the first government building to benefit from electricity, four years before the White House. Located in the heart of Honolulu, in a splendid park, it was the residence of the sovereigns who reigned over Hawaii. It is within its walls that the last queen of the archipelago, Liliʻuokalani, was placed under house arrest for nine months, after her overthrow in 1893. A visit to the ʻIolani Palace is a true immersion in the history of Hawaii, offering the opportunity to discover striking reproductions of period costumes. Among the most impressive pieces are Queen Kapiʻolani's peacock feather gown and Queen Liliʻuokalani's sumptuous ostrich feather and lilac gown, a testament to the pomp and elegance of the Hawaiian monarchy. iolanipalace.org

2. Taste artisanal chocolate

Based in O'ahu, family-owned Lonohana grows 14 acres of cocoa trees on the North Shore and operates a processing plant in Honolulu. She is one of the rare local producers to offer 100% Hawaiian chocolate, made from tree to bar. Lonohana offers free tastings at the SALT at Our Kaka'ako resort, in a former industrial district of Honolulu that has become one of the city's hottest spots. It is also possible to visit their chocolate factory, located just three blocks away, to discover the secrets of cocoa processing and learn more about their artisanal process. lonohana.com

3. Escape to the museum

If you only have to visit one museum in Honolulu, this is it! The Bishop Museum is home to the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific crafts. Among its treasures, you can discover a fascinating collection of miniature canoes that tell the history and maritime traditions of Polynesian ancestors, those daring navigators who traveled the ocean using the stars as guides. If you're traveling with children, don't miss the museum's Science Adventure Center, an interactive space offering a multitude of fun and educational activities. You can even venture inside a recreated erupting volcano, for an immersive and spectacular experience! bishopmuseum.org

4. Surf with Cirque du Soleil

For its first permanent production in Hawaii, Cirque du Soleil has chosen to settle in the idyllic setting of the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu. Titled He's herethis new show, which took off on December 17, spectacularly highlights the richness of Hawaiian culture and history. Among the highlights of this performance, an acrobatic balancing act, typical of the unique know-how of Cirque du Soleil, pays homage to the birthplace of surfing. To accommodate this grandiose spectacle, the hotel theater has been completely renovated, with a state-of-the-art audiovisual system. The hall, which can now accommodate up to 800 spectators, offers performances from Wednesday to Sunday, at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. cirquedusoleil.com

5. Take a bath in greenery

Head to the north coast of the island of O'ahu for a hike in the heart of the Waimea Valley. Located 60 km from Honolulu, this authentic Garden of Eden is teeming with more than 5,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including plants endemic to Hawaii. Walking under majestic trees, while admiring the vibrant flowers and listening to the melodious songs of the birds, offers an almost mystical experience. The Waimea Valley, formerly occupied by priests, is a place imbued with sacredness and spirituality. Several Hawaiian legends are linked to it, notably that of the goddess Hi'iaka, protector of nature and plants, who is said to have crossed the valley during her journey to save her sister, Pele. At the end of your adventure, don't forget to cool off in the waters of the Waimea waterfall where swimming is allowed and supervised. waimeavalley.net

6. Ride a horse

The north coast of O'ahu is not only the sanctuary of surfers, it is also the territory of paniolos, these local cowboys who saw the light of day with the introduction of the first cattle to Hawaii in the early 19th century.^e century. To discover this little-known facet of Hawaiian history, what could be better than a horseback ride along preserved landscapes? Gunstock Ranch offers horseback trails ideal for observing herds of cattle grazing peacefully in immense pastures. Along the way, you will also have access to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, overlooking the northern coast, with the turquoise waters of the ocean and lush green mountains in the backdrop. The ideal place to take souvenir photos in a beautiful setting. gunstockranch.com

7. Explore a mini-world

Halfway between an amusement park and an open-air museum, the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie is a must-see on the North Shore of O'ahu. Extending over 16 hectares, this unique site brings together small villages representing the different islands that make up Polynesia. From Fiji to New Zealand, via Hawaii, French Polynesia, Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga, the center invites you to discover this “mini-world” with deeply rooted traditions. In each village, various activities allow you to learn about traditional arts such as tattooing, rush weaving or playing the ukulele. The Huki ceremony, where members of Polynesian communities parade to music on rafts, is a particularly striking moment. But the highlight of the visit remains the night show Ha: Breath of Lifewhich features haka performances and impressive fire dancing numbers. Be sure to visit the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame on your way out, where you can admire the jersey worn by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during his years at the University of Miami. polynesia.com

Good addresses to know

In Honolulu, the Kaimana Beach Hotel stands out for its idyllic setting, between the famous volcanic crater of Diamond Head and the waters of the Pacific. This hotel is a great option for those who want to stay close to the legendary Waikīkī Beach and downtown shopping. Kaimana Beach Hotel also has a restaurant, Hau Tree, popular for its rainbow caviar and tables with stunning views of O'ahu's spectacular sunsets. kaimana.com

On O'ahu's North Shore, the charming village of Haleʻiwa perfectly embodies the laid-back, authentic spirit of Hawaii. There are artisan boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and, of course, surf shops. Just steps away, the iconic beaches of Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, famous for their impressive waves, attract surfers from around the world. But Haleʻiwa is also the ideal place to enjoy a shaved ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice, a local institution whose reputation has extended well beyond the borders of the Pacific! matsumotoshaveice.com

• The food trucks du Kahuku Sugar Mill

The best food on the North Coast isn't always found in restaurants. Stop at the Kahuku Sugar Mill, where several food trucks have taken up residence. This casual spot is the perfect place to enjoy local specialties, like the delicious garlic shrimp from the famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck or the must-try poke bowls. You will also discover the Hawaiian family brand Seven Brothers Burgers, which has opened one of its stands there, offering generous burgers in an authentically Hawaiian atmosphere. sevenbrothersburgers.com

• L’hôtel Courtyard by Marriott

If your budget doesn't allow you to stay at the ultra-luxurious Turtle Bay Resort, owned by the Ritz-Carlton family, the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Laie is a more affordable option for a stay on the North Shore. In addition to its ideal location, providing access to a superb, uncrowded beach offering a magical spectacle at sunrise and sunset, the establishment is only a few minutes' walk from the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center. marriott.com