Must-Do Activities in Honolulu

1. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
   This historic site honors the December 7, 1941, attack. Tour the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin, and Aviation Museum. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The experience includes a documentary, exhibits, and ranger-led programs. Located near Waikiki, it offers a meaningful half-day experience honoring the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives.
2. Diamond Head State Monument
   This famous 760-foot volcanic crater offers breathtaking panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. The moderately challenging 1.6-mile roundtrip hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, passing historical military fortifications and informative exhibits. Early morning visits are recommended for cooler temperatures, better photos, and fewer crowds. Conveniently located near hotels, it’s an affordable, flexible opportunity for outdoor exercise.
3. Waikiki Beach & Beach Walk
   Honolulu’s world-famous crescent beach boasts golden sands and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and surfing near Diamond Head. The Waikiki Beach Walk offers upscale shopping, diverse dining, and entertainment. Enjoy water activities like outrigger canoe rides and snorkeling. With convenient access to hotels, it provides an iconic Hawaiian experience, a lively atmosphere, and great dining options.

Top Hotels in Honolulu for Conference Attendees

1. The Kahala Hotel & Resort
   This Five-Star oceanfront resort in Kahala offers 338 luxurious rooms, a private beach, a dolphin lagoon, a spa, and a championship golf course. It provides a peaceful, upscale alternative to Waikiki, featuring spacious accommodations, elegant Hawaiian décor, and top-notch service. A complimentary shuttle connects guests to Waikiki shopping and the convention center.
2. Ala Moana Hotel
   Located across from the convention center and linked to Oahu’s largest mall, this 1,152-room property offers unmatched convenience. Condo-style rooms include kitchenettes and private lanais. Dining options range from the city-view Signature Prime Steak to Pint + Jigger. Guests appreciate the pool deck, fitness center, and easy, all-weather walk to conference venues, Ala Moana Beach Park, and Waikiki.
3. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
   Located right on Waikiki Beach, this resort offers a contemporary Hawaiian design and full-service amenities near the convention center. It features 635 rooms, multiple pools, a spa, and beachside dining with live Hawaiian music. Guests enjoy the authentic beach experience, the Blue Note Hawaii live music venue, and easy access to shopping, balancing relaxation with business convenience.

Top Restaurants in Honolulu for Convention Attendees

1. Roy’s Waikiki
   Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s flagship Waikiki restaurant is renowned for Hawaiian Fusion cuisine, blending European techniques with Asian flavors and local ingredients. Situated near the convention center, it offers an exhibition kitchen and signature dishes like misoyaki butterfish. With consistent quality since 1988, it’s an ideal, sophisticated choice for business travelers seeking authentic island fine dining.
2. La Mer
   This Oahu AAA Five-Diamond, Forbes Five-Star restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine with Hawaiian flair, all against a stunning oceanfront backdrop. Enjoy prix-fixe tasting menus featuring seasonal ingredients, expertly selected wine pairings, and breathtaking sunset views over Waikiki Beach. A jacket is required for gentlemen. It’s the perfect, sophisticated setting for celebrating conference success or entertaining clients.
3. Hy’s Steak House
   This classic Waikiki steakhouse, established in 1976, offers prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and tableside preparations in an Old English setting. Known for its Kiawe-broiled New York strip and tableside bananas foster, it features an extensive wine cellar and attentive service. Its traditional, elegant ambiance makes it Honolulu’s top chophouse for important client dinners and business functions.

Closest Airport to Honolulu

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
This gateway to the Pacific connects Hawaii’s capital to global destinations. It features unique open-air terminals and tranquil cultural gardens with koi ponds, offering a serene start or end to an island visit. The airport is a major hub and provides convenient access to all of O’ahu’s attractions.