Things To Do
in East Honolulu
East Honolulu is a district on the eastern side of the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, and upscale residential neighborhoods. The area offers a mix of outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and snorkeling, making it popular among nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
East Honolulu also boasts a variety of dining options, shopping centers, and cultural attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2.50 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the shores of Hanauma Bay. Enjoy the stunning views and the calm waves to energize your morning.
Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs of Hanauma Bay. Explore the rich marine life and soak up the sun.
End your day with a relaxing beachside dinner at a local restaurant. Savor fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the ocean.
Wake up early and hike the scenic trails of Koko Crater. The panoramic views from the summit are worth the effort.
Have a picnic lunch at the base and enjoy the surrounding gardens. Spend some time exploring the flora and fauna of the area.
Visit a local café for a light dinner and a delicious dessert. Reflect on your day’s adventure under the fading light.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning ocean views and beautiful beaches
- Warm climate year-round
- Access to outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling
- Family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant community events
- Higher cost of living compared to the mainland
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Traffic congestion can be a challenge
- Potential for natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding
- Less access to large urban amenities compared to other city areas
Best Activities in East Honolulu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a challenging hike up old railway ties to reach the summit and take in panoramic views of East Honolulu and the surrounding areas.
Explore the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, a protected nature preserve known for its snorkeling opportunities.
Experience the thrill of surfing or bodyboarding at Sandy Beach, a popular spot known for its powerful shore break and consistent waves.
Relax and enjoy a picnic at Lanai Lookout, a scenic coastal area with stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Tours
Uncover the best of East Honolulu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in East Honolulu
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for whale watching during the winter months.
Provides stunning views of the ocean and lava rock formations, with the opportunity to watch experienced surfers tackle powerful waves.
Features a beautiful beach and a protected marine life conservation area, offering picturesque views for photography and snorkeling opportunities.
Food in East Honolulu
East Honolulu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple of Hawaiian cuisine, poke consists of marinated chunks of fresh, raw fish (often tuna) mixed with various seasonings such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Notable places to try poke include Ono Seafood and Alicia's Market.
Must-Try!
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by slow-cooking a whole pig in an underground oven called an imu. This cooking method imparts a smoky flavor to the tender, shredded pork. It can be savored at places like Highway Inn and Helena's Hawaiian Food.
Loco Moco is a hearty dish featuring a bed of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and smothered in rich gravy. For an authentic taste, visit Rainbow Drive-In or Liliha Bakery.
Unique Experiences
Get to know East Honolulu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
KCC Farmers' Market offers a delightful array of fresh produce, prepared foods, and local snacks. Visitors can relish diverse cuisines from the food vendors, and the market is well-known for its excellent ahi poke and refreshing tropical fruit smoothies.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is an iconic stop for garlic shrimp lovers. Located on the North Shore, it serves up succulent shrimp plates adorned with a generous portion of flavorful garlic sauce amidst a laid-back, al fresco ambiance.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In East Honolulu, it's important to maintain appropriate physical distance when interacting with others to show respect for personal space.
Embrace the aloha spirit, which encompasses compassion, patience, and goodwill towards others, to establish positive interactions and relationships in East Honolulu.
Be mindful of local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering homes, to demonstrate respect for the cultural norms in East Honolulu.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of East Honolulu with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in East Honolulu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in East Honolulu, with a standard tip of 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for services such as hairdressing and taxis.
Payment in East Honolulu is primarily done through credit or debit cards, with cash also being widely accepted. Mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly being adopted by businesses.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into East Honolulu.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Fall is a great time to visit East Honolulu as the weather begins to cool down, the summer crowds start to dissipate, and the city is vibrant with fall foliage. It's a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and exploring the beautiful beaches.
Winter is a popular time to visit East Honolulu as the weather is milder, and it's a great time for whale watching. The city is less crowded, making it easier to explore the local attractions and enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit East Honolulu as the flowers bloom and the weather starts to warm up. It's a great time for outdoor adventures, water sports, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
Summer is peak tourist season in East Honolulu, with warm weather, clear skies, and long sunny days. It's a great time for beach activities, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. However, it can be crowded, so be prepared for more tourists and higher prices.
East Honolulu at Night
Hiking in East Honolulu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging hike that leads to the summit of Koko Crater with stunning panoramic views of the east coast of Oahu.
A scenic hiking area with trails along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and marine life.
An easy to moderate hike that leads to a historic lighthouse with incredible views of the coastline and, during the right season, whale watching opportunities.
One of Hawaii's most famous hikes, leading to the crater's summit with spectacular views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.
A lush, tropical hike leading to a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by rich vegetation and diverse wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into East Honolulu through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach East Honolulu by plane.
The primary airport serving Honolulu and the surrounding areas, providing both domestic and international flights.
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this airport serves numerous international destinations and is a major hub for tourism in the region.
Also on the Big Island, this airport offers domestic and limited international flights, primarily connecting to the mainland U.S.
The primary airport for the island of Maui, serving international and domestic flights, and a key gateway for travel to Hawaii.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant demographic group in East Honolulu, with a diverse mix including individuals of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Filipino descent.
This demographic group includes a range of individuals primarily of European descent, contributing to the cultural fabric of the region.
A smaller but notable group, featuring individuals with roots from Latin America and Spain.
Includes individuals who identify as Native Hawaiian or from other Pacific Islander communities, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
This group comprises a minority within the East Honolulu demographic landscape, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.
Individuals identifying with two or more races are increasingly common, reflecting the growing diversity in East Honolulu.
The Soul of East Honolulu
Discover the essence of East Honolulu through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
East Honolulu is renowned for its beautiful beaches, making surfing a popular activity among locals and tourists alike.
Soccer is widely played and loved in East Honolulu, with various local leagues and youth programs available.
With many beach areas, beach volleyball is a favorite pastime for residents, offering casual games and organized tournaments.
The warm waters and scenic coastline make swimming a favored activity in East Honolulu for fitness and leisure.
East Honolulu features trails that provide hiking opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty.
Biking along the coastal paths and roads is popular in East Honolulu, offering both leisure and exercise options.
Tennis clubs and public courts in East Honolulu provide residents with facilities to play and enjoy the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting East Honolulu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
East Honolulu caters well to vegetarian and vegan preferences, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes creatively crafted from locally sourced produce. Notable eateries for these options include Greens & Vines and Vegan Hills.
For those seeking gluten-free options, many establishments in East Honolulu provide menus with clearly marked gluten-free choices. Places such as Town and Heavenly Island Lifestyle specialize in accommodating gluten-free diners with delectable offerings.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of East Honolulu with these cultural adventures.