Offbeat Honolulu, Hawaii Sights and Activities

Millions visit Hawaii every year for the beaches and volcanoes, however there is much more to the islands than that! Even in the capital city there is fun to be had. There are tons unique, offbeat Honolulu sights and activities scattered around town or just a short distance away — if you know where to look. 😉

Pinterest much?

Unique and offbeat sights and activities in Honolulu, Hawaii #travel #traveltips #travelguide #honolulu #hawaii #budgettravel #holidaze #guide

Experience Honolulu Off The Beaten Path

The next time you find yourself on a crowded Waikiki Beach and want to break free of the masses and do something uniquely Hawaiian, here’s where to start:

Hike To A Deserted Waterfall

Likeke Falls outside of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Likeke Falls outside of Honolulu

Places like Manoa Falls and the Maunawili Trail are beautiful, however they are also overcrowded. To find somewhere less touristy but still beautiful, head on out to Likeke Falls just a few miles northeast of Honolulu. Although the falls are not as big as Manoa Falls, the view along the hike more than makes up for it! Just bring shoes because it is always muddy.

Get Lost In The A-Maze-ing Dole Plantation

The world's largest maze is the Dole Pineapple Maze on Oahu, Hawaii

Located about thirty minutes outside of Honolulu on their original fields, the Dole Pineapple Plantation includes a museum housed in a replica of the old Dole plantation home, as well as The Pineapple Express, a train tour through the fields. Dole’s claim to fame is the world’s largest maze, built entirely out of Hawaiian pineapple plants and certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Although popular with tourists and not even remotely off the beaten path, Dole’s sprawling maze is definitely the most quirky and offbeat Honolulu activity.

Hidden within the 137,000-square-foot maze are six stations with uniquely shaped hole punches. Each maze-goer is given a card with which to collect these punch marks. However, if one should get frustrated or give up, the card can be torn open to reveal a map of the maze. Those who complete the maze with all of the punch marks on an unopened card win a prize if their time is one of the daily or weekly tops.

The Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu, Hawaii
The Dole Pineapple Plantation is both offbeat and one-of-a-kind. I conquered it as a kid and highly recommend it 😀

The plantation is located on the Kamehameha Highway and reachable by bus if traveling on a budget.

Explore Hawaii Plantation Village

Hawaii Plantation Village on Oahu
Hawaii Plantation Village

Lesser-known than the Dole Plantation is the re-creation of a 1900s sugar plantation, Hawaii Plantation Village. Think of it like an outdoor museum. This sprawling plantation is a detailed look at the history and development of Hawaiian plantations, crops, immigrant workers, and the modern economy. Several different tours are offered, all under $10.00 per person, with the longest lasting over two hours. The museum is nonprofit and sorely in need of extra funding, so make sure to buy your bottled water there, instead of bringing it with you.

Visit Jurassic Park

Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, home of Jurassic Park, one of the offbeat things to do in Hawaii
Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, the home of Jurassic Park

Since the 1960s, more than 50 Hollywood blockbusters have been filmed on the Kualoa Ranch, including “Godzilla” and “Jurassic Park,” as well as TV shows like “Lost.” Production gear and props still exist, providing ample selfie opportunities as you get a guided tour through the exciting and beautiful history of this corner of The Big Island. And because Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot” is still used every year, there is always a chance of encountering a shoot in progress.

Get Your Shrimp On

The famous Giovanni's shrimp truck can be found on the North Short of Oahu, Hawaii
The famous Giovanni’s shrimp truck

The food truck trend has caught on in Hawaii, and scattered throughout the city are a variety of shrimp trucks, all of which serve succulent, mouth-watering shrimp. However it’s the shrimp trucks on the North Shore that are the most famous — particularly Giovanni’s — which brings me to my next suggestion…

Escape To The North Shore

The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
The North Shore is famous with surfers because of its large waves, even on “calm” days

To truly break free of the Waikiki crowds, head up to the North Shore for a night or two. There are still plenty of hotels, resorts and beaches, but fewer people. However, keep in mind that the North Shore is a surfers’ paradise famous for its waves, which can be several feet even on a calm day. Not ideal for young children or a relaxing float, but definitely my favorite part on the entire island. Love me some good wave action!

Surfing on the North Shore near Sunset Beach

Any other offbeat Honolulu suggestions?

danramarch 3cl nostri-imago
beautifulcataya danramarch 4nitsirk

See More Offbeat Travel Guides Adventures Around America Island Destinations
Enjoy it? Tell a friend
About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

Leave a Comment