Honolulu's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks & Beaches
Places: 17 POIsDistance: 16.98 miDuration: 57m
Tour #2607
About this English self-guided 57m driving tour in Honolulu
Aloha, and welcome to Honolulu! I’m so glad you’ve joined us for this self-guided driving tour of Hawai‘i’s capital city and its spectacular surroundings. Over the next couple of hours, we’ll explore a place that blends royal history, military landmarks, cultural diversity, and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world.
We’ll begin right here in Waikīkī, the legendary beach where Hawaiian royalty once surfed and where Duke Kahanamoku introduced the sport to the world. From there, we’ll circle Diamond Head Crater, drive out along O‘ahu’s scenic southeastern shoreline, and stop at lookouts like Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole, and Makapu‘u Point. These places show off the volcanic origins of the islands and offer views that stretch all the way to the horizon.
The route will also take us through sites tied to Hawai‘i’s monarchy and government. You’ll see ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, along with Kawaiaha‘o Church, King Kamehameha the First’s statue, and the Hawai‘i State Capitol. Each of these tells part of the story of how Hawai‘i transformed from an independent kingdom to an American state.
Along the way we’ll share stories about Honolulu’s diverse neighborhoods — from historic Chinatown, shaped by waves of immigrants, to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, which today is a center for Hawaiian culture and world-class research.
Our drive forms a loop, beginning here in Waikīkī and ending at Ala Moana Beach Park. That’s where we’ll wrap up with a recommendation to stretch your legs and walk out to Magic Island Lagoon, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
As you follow this tour, remember to drive slow and safe. For the best experience, take your time, enjoy the ride, and follow the driving instructions carefully so you don’t miss a turn or a story.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get started exploring Honolulu — a city where history, culture, and stunning landscapes all come together.
Welcome to Waikīkī, one of the most famous beaches in the world, and the starting point of our Honolulu driving tour.
The name Waikīkī means “spouting fresh water” in Hawaiian, referring to the network of streams and springs that once flowed from the valleys into the marshlands here. In ancient times, Waikīkī was highly valued for its fertile wetlands, taro fields, and fishponds. It wasn’t just a beach — it was a thriving agricultural and community center.
By the 15th century, Waikīkī had become the preferred retreat of Hawaiian chiefs and royals. They built summer residences here and surfed the long, gentle waves. In fact, Waikīkī is where surfing evolved into a royal pastime, practiced by ali‘i (Hawaiian nobility) on large wooden boards. King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands, established his residence in Waikīkī after his victory at the Battle of Nu‘uanu in 1795.
Later, in the 19th century, Waikīkī hosted Hawaiian monarchs such as King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani. Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch,” encouraged Hawaiian cultural revival and often entertained foreign dignitaries here.
Waikīkī’s transformation into a modern resort began in the early 20th century. In 1901, the iconic Moana Hotel — nicknamed the “First Lady of Waikīkī” — opened its doors. The famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel, or “Pink Palace,” followed in 1927. These hotels attracted wealthy travelers from the mainland, many arriving by steamship, and Waikīkī quickly became synonymous with Hawaiian tourism.
As you look toward the shore, you’ll see the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. Born in 1890, Duke grew up surfing these very waves. He went on to win multiple Olympic medals in swimming and is credited with spreading surfing to California, Australia, and beyond. He’s not just a sports figure — he’s a cultural icon who introduced Hawaiian traditions to the world.
Today, Waikīkī is a blend of history and modern tourism: ancient surfing grounds turned into a bustling hub of hotels, shops, and nightlife. But if you strip it back, you’re standing on the very sands where chiefs ruled, kings resided, and Hawai‘i’s global image was shaped.
From here, we’ll head east toward Diamond Head, another symbol of Oʻahu that holds its own fascinating history.
Distance: 1.78mi
, Attraction : State Park, Landmark, Hiking
7672+W6 Honolulu, HI, USA
Kahala Lookout
On your left is the Kahala Lookout, perched just above Diamond Head. From here, you get one of the best panoramic views on Oʻahu — the turquoise waters of Maunalua Bay stretching toward Hawai‘i Kai, the upscale neighborhood of Kahala below, and, on a clear day, even the outlines of Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi across the channel.
This lookout sits on the rim of Diamond Head, which Hawaiians call Lēʻahi, meaning “brow of the tuna,” because its profile resembles the dorsal fin of a tuna fish. Diamond Head was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, brief volcanic eruption. What you see today is the remains of that crater, weathered and shaped by time.
In the early 1900s, the U.S. military recognized this ridge as a strategic defense site. Look closely and you’ll notice remnants of old bunkers and artillery stations built to watch over the approaches to Pearl Harbor. Diamond Head’s tunnels and lookout posts are still visible for hikers who climb to the summit.
The view from this Kahala Lookout highlights the contrast that defines Honolulu — natural volcanic cliffs, sparkling coastline, and some of the most exclusive real estate in the islands, all in one sweeping scene.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Waikiki Beach
Place 2Kahala Lookout
Place 3Diamon Head Crater
Place 4Diamond Head Memorial Park
Place 5University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Place 6Fun Facts About Honolulu
Place 7National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – Punchbowl Crater
Place 8Punchball Crater Loop
Place 9Hawai‘i State Capitol
Place 10Kawaiahaʻo Church & King Lunalilo’s Tomb
Place 11King Kamehameha the First Statue
Place 12ʻIolani Palace
Place 13ʻIolani Barracks
Place 14Honolulu Chinatown
Place 15Aloha Tower
Place 16Ala Moana Beach Park
Place 17Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon
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UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).