Seven Things to do in Hawaii

Article

March 11 ,2022

There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Hawaii. This Pacific paradise is home to plenty of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and culinary delights — all wrapped up in a laid-back island atmosphere. In fact, it’s safe to say that there’s something for everybody here in Hawaii. And when you stay with us at Prince Waikiki, you’re conveniently located near it all.

For many, vacation is all about letting somebody else handle the details. That’s why we’ve put together this list of seven things you can do in Hawaii during your Prince Waikiki getaway.

Go Surfing on the North Shore

Surfing and Hawaii go together like peanut butter and jelly. In fact, modern surfing as we know it originated right here in Hawaii. So it makes sense that this is home to some of the best surfing on the planet. Whether you’ve ridden the waves before, or you’re here to watch some of the greats compete — the surf’s always up in Hawaii.

If you’re searching for the best waves, you’ll want to visit between November and March. This is our winter season and the best time to see huge swells along the north shore of Oahu. It’s also when the majority of our fantastic surfing competitions take place. Top-ranked surfers from all over the world make their way to Hawaii to compete in events, including the Billabong Pro Pipeline, the Haleiwa Challenger, the Eddie Big Wave Invitational, the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. These are only a few of the events along Oahu’s north shore.

If you’re thinking of taking to the waves yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to learn the basics of the sport. Ask staff at Prince Waikiki for more information, and they’ll happily point you in the direction of the best waves.

Hit the Golf Course

On an island so lush and green, it should be no surprise that we’re big fans of golf in Hawaii. And Honolulu is a perfect spot to tee off on an exciting golf vacation. Here at Prince Waikiki, guests can enjoy a golf experience unlike any other in Hawaii at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club. This 27-hole course was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. And yes, you read that correctly, there are 27 holes broken out into three interchangeable nines. This means no matter your skill level or playstyle, you’ll find the perfect combination for you. And the only thing that might be better than the golf at the Hawaii Prince is the views. Situated across 27 acres of the sunny Ewa Plain, you’ll enjoy incredible views as you play through, including some epic glimpses of the Waianae Mountains.

Learn more about the Hawaii Prince Golf Club (and book your tee time).

Relax in the Club Lounge

For some, a vacation is a perfect time to relax and do, well, nothing! Plenty of people who stay here at Prince Waikiki are quite content to spend their vacation by the water with a drink in their hand — and we totally get it! That’s why we love recommending the Club Lounge to those in search of total bliss. Available exclusively to guests staying in Club-level rooms, the Club Lounge offers beautiful ocean views from indoor and outdoor seating areas. There’s an on-the-spot personal concierge service, complimentary breakfast and dinner, as well as daily snacks and beer and wine on tap. Oh, and did we mention the infinity pool? There’s no doubt that the Prince Waikiki Club Lounge is perfect for travelers who take relaxing very seriously.

Visit a Local Art Gallery

If you ask us, Oahu is a work of art in itself. So it makes sense that it’s home to some truly captivating art museums — highlighted by the Honolulu Museum of Art. An incredible overview of centuries of significant art movements, the collection on display at the HoMA is nothing short of astounding. You’ll find works by Van Gogh and Monet, Pacific and Polynesian artifacts, and one of the finest Asian art collections in the United States when you visit. There’s also a collection of contemporary Hawaiian works here, including handcrafted surfboards and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Hawaii work.

Here at Prince Waikiki, we’ve commissioned a curated selection of artwork on display throughout our hotel for you to enjoy, including Hulali i ka lā by Kaili Chun and Nicholas Bright, Muliwai by John Koga, Lawrence Seward, Kaili Chun, and Nicholas Bright, and Naio, Limu’ Ele’ele, & Hinana by Solomon Enos. These works tell the story of our location right here on Oahu, and we could not be more proud to share them with you.

Lose Yourself in the History of Hawaii

History buffs and those simply interested in the interesting will find a wealth of history awaiting them here on Oahu — from the well-known to the unexpected! Of course, it’s nearly impossible to hear the words “Hawaii” and “history” in the same sentence and not immediately think of Pearl Harbor. You can learn all about one of the most pivotal moments in US history, as well as its wide-reaching ramifications, at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Here, you’ll learn all about “the day that will live in infamy” across two world-class museums before taking a US Navy vessel to the USS Arizona Memorial. This memorial is built directly overtop the USS Arizona and is a place to reflect on the past and feel inspired for a brighter future.

Did you know that Hawaii is home to America’s only official royal palace? It’s true! And you can learn all about it when you visit Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu. This palace, which traces its roots back to the early 19th century, was the home of the Hawaiian monarchy until 1893 when it was overthrown. Often referred to as “the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii”, this is a place where Kings were crowned, Queens were imprisoned, and history comes to life. It’s an absolute must-visit during your time here.

Sample Incredible Cuisine

Hawaii is home to some unique and seriously underrated cuisine, so during your stay at Prince Waikiki, you’ll want to make sure you pack your appetite. You’ll find four spots to wine and dine here in the hotel, including the award-winning 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar, where our Executive Chef’s innovative approach presents fresh Hawaiian cuisine in a whole new light. There’s also the Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo, an incredible experience where Japanese flavors meet Hawaiian traditions. This is the first Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo outside of Japan.

Beyond Prince Waikiki, foodies will love exploring the markets in Honolulu’s Chinatown. One of the oldest Chinatowns in the US, Honolulu’s Chinatown is renowned for its bustling markets. Here, you’ll find everything from noodle factories to pastry shops. So grab a bubble tea and stroll the stalls searching for everything you need to enjoy an authentic Chinese meal.

Nurture a Love of Natural Wonder

Everybody knows Hawaii is a stunner, with natural beauty around every corner. If you love getting out into nature, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Over at the Foster Botanical Garden, you can see some of the rarest specimens on the planet, including the Hawaiian loulu palm and the East African gigasiphon macrosiphon. Both of these plants are believed to be extinct in the wild. That means if you want to see them for yourself, your best option is at Foster Botanical Garden. Oh, and while you’re here, be on the lookout for the double coconut palm. No, seriously, this tree is capable of producing 50-pound nuts! You’ll also find cinnamon trees, spice and herb gardens, beautiful orchids, and more.

If you’re the type of person who loves a hike, hit the trail to Diamond Head. Part of the Ko’olau Range of volcanoes, the iconic volcanic cone at Diamond Head was caused by an eruption some 300,000 years ago. Diamond Head got its name from British soldiers visiting Oahu in the 19th century who thought they were looking at diamonds upon seeing the sparkling calcite crystals on a nearby beach. That said, Hawaiians call the volcanic cone Lēʻahi, which means brow of the tuna. This name comes from the formation’s ridgeline, which resembles the dorsal fin of a tuna fish. Diamond Head provides a rare opportunity to hike to the edge of a (long dormant, don’t worry!) volcano. Best of all, it’s not an overly challenging or lengthy hike (1.6 miles round trip), and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views when you reach the summit.

There’s So Much to See in Hawaii

We’ve only scratched the surface of all there is to see and do here on Oahu. When you stay with us, you’ll have quick access to the best of everything the island has to offer, whether that’s world-class surfing or world-class relaxing by the water! No matter what you want to do, Hawaii, and Prince Waikiki, are right for you. Check out our latest offers and start planning your upcoming Hawaii vacation today.

Stories from Oahu

Special Rates