We won’t blame you if you want to spend your entire stay in Honolulu, Hawaii, relaxing at the beach and sipping on some cocktails. However, if you are looking to throw in some other activities in the mix or just run away from the crowds, then we recommend checking out some of the city’s hidden gems.
Shangri La
The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, better known as just Shangri La, houses a collection of 4,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and furniture, from the Islamic world. It is situated in the former residence of Doris Duke, an American billionaire philanthropist and art collector. The reason why most tourists miss out on visiting this unique museum is that it doesn’t accept individual visitors, and you can only enter if you book a tour from the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Halona Cove
It is debatable if Halona Cove is a hidden gem anymore, but its secluded location makes it less crowded than most other spots in Honolulu. Despite requiring a short hike, Halona Cove is worth visiting for its clear waters and sandy beaches surrounded by steep cliffs. Also, it was the place where some scenes from 1953’s drama From Here to Eternity, which starred legendary singer Frank Sinatra, were shot.
Kaka’ako Farmers Market
Don’t sleep in on Saturdays in Honolulu. Instead, make your way to Ward village to take part in Kaka’ako Farmers Market. Beloved by locals, this market features stalls selling everything from fresh locally sourced fruit and veggies to crafts and antiques.