This Hawaii City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Just under 10 million people visited Hawaii last year, most coming from cruise ships or heading to the beach in search of sun, sand, and relaxation. The tropical climate and sunny shoreline aren’t Honolulu’s only natural attractions, however. This underrated gem on Hawaii’s Oahu Island is a nature lover’s paradise with incredible volcanic mountains, sweeping bays, and lush green spaces. Hike the tropical trails, go whale-watching to see playful Humpbacks, surf the waves, or just sit in the serenity of this magical island oasis and let your worries fall away.

Natural Attractions in Honolulu

Parks and Green Spaces

Honolulu is a busy place that is bustling with arts, entertainment, shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some nature amid the noise. If you’re seeking serenity in the city, look no further than Foster Botanical Garden in downtown Honolulu. This 14-acre preserve contains some of Hawaii’s most eye-catching flora, including trees that were planted in the 1800s. The garden contains a Conservatory, Outdoor Butterfly Garden, Palm Garden, Prehistoric Glen Cycad Collection, and a gift shop.

See the Honolulu skyline at its dazzling best from the Tantalus Lookout in Puu Ualakaa State Park. This forested park close to downtown contains picnic shelters and the start of the trailhead for the mile-long ‘Ualaka’a Loop Trail.'

Hiking/Biking Trails

There are so many scenic trails around Honolulu that you could easily spend your entire trip hiking the many meandering paths. One of the most popular is the Diamond Head State Monument hike, which climbs 560 ft to the top of Diamond Head Crater and offers unforgettable views of the city and Waikiki Bay. You’ll find the trailhead at Diamond Head State Monument. It’s a moderate climb that takes around 2 hours, and the trail can be uneven and steep in some areas.

Another must-hike trail is the Koko Crater Arch Trail, a 1.25 mile wander across lava rock to a natural arch on Oahu’s southern shore. The trail begins at Halona Blowhole. This is a prime spot for whale watching in the winter, thanks to its expansive views over the ocean. The terrain can get rocky so it’s important to wear good shoes.

To slow things down a bit, enjoy a gentle hike that starts in the city and includes some Honolulu history. The Makapu‘u Point trail, accessible from the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, is a 2-mile coastal route that follows the southern shore to the historic 1909 Makapu’u Lighthouse. Bring your binoculars to look for whales offshore and tropical seabirds wheeling overhead.

Water-Based Recreation

The southern shore of Honolulu is home to one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii, Waikiki Beach. The calm waters of Waikiki are at the heart of Hawaii’s surf culture and the best place to test your skills or take lessons if you’re a beginner.

If you’re not a surfing fan, there are lots of other ways to enjoy Waikiki’s brilliant blue waters and white sand beaches. Book a catamaran tour, go swimming, rent a kayak or a paddleboard, or go snorkeling to meet the colorful marine wildlife.

If you’re really keen to see the teeming life under the Hawaiian waves, head for Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The reef here is bustling with over 450 species of tropical fish, as well as sea turtles, octopuses, and crabs.

Wildlife Watching

Visit Honolulu between May and December, and you can see one of the giants of the seas in its natural habitat. Humpback whales come to O’ahu’s southern waters at this time of year to breed and give birth. There are several charters available, offering full or half-day whale watching tours, but you could also get lucky and catch a glimpse of these gentle giants from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or the popular overlook spots of Makapuʻu Lighthouse and Lēʻahi Head.

Go inland to find more unique wildlife, heading for Kapi’olani Park to enjoy some urban birdwatching. The park is known as a good spot to see Manu-o-Kū (white tern) and rose-ringed parakeets.

Learn all about Hawaii’s wildlife, on and off land, with trips to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium, both of which are located near Kapi’olani Park and boast interactive displays, educational exhibits, and a wide variety of fascinating native species.

Honolulu's Unique Landscape

The islands of Hawaii aren’t really islands at all; they’re volcanoes. The state’s eight main islands are composed of 15 volcanoes, which form part of a larger volcanic chain that stretches across the North Pacific.

This unique volcanic landscape gives Honolulu some of its most breathtaking natural attractions, from the dramatic lava rock formations at Makapuʻu Point to the rugged volcanic tuff cone of Diamond Head. At Diamond Head, you’ll find a saucer-shaped crater that was formed around 300,000 years ago.

Just east of the city lies a more remote crater that’s well worth the hike. The Ka‘au Crater Loop is known as one of the best trails on the island of Oahu. It’s a tough but rewarding full day hike that winds past three large waterfalls, climbing 2,100 ft to a secluded volcanic crater that showcases the best of Hawaii’s distinctive topography and geology.

A Nature-Loving Community

You can get a sense of how Hawaiians appreciate their environment just by walking through the streets of Honolulu. This may be the country’s capital and a busy urban hub, but nature is never far away thanks to the easily accessible beaches, parks, gardens, and other green spaces dotted around downtown.

Given Hawaii’s unique geology, gorgeous tropical climate, flora, and fauna, it’s no wonder its people are protective of the natural environment. Honolulu doesn’t take its ecological wonders for granted. The city places a heavy emphasis on conservation and preservation while encouraging visitors to interact with and enjoy everything nature has to offer. This is evident in the growth of the city’s eco-tourism product, which includes whale-watching tours that educate visitors about marine mammals, botanical gardens that teach visitors about the colorful native flora, and farm-to-table culinary tours to show sustainable agriculture in practice.

Holidaying in Honolulu

Hike a volcano, learn how to surf at some of the world’s best beaches, and say hi to a playful humpback whale — Honolulu is where outdoor adventurers go when they want to tick a few items off their bucket list.

The city’s name means ‘sheltered bay’ in Hawaiian, and that doesn’t just describe its location but also gives a glimpse into its laidback and peaceful vibe. This is a tranquil city with a timeless beauty formed thousands of years ago when volcanic activity created the islands. A vacation to Honolulu allows you to tap into that centuries-old serenity, connecting with nature in a way you’ll never forget.