Honolulu · Honolulu County, HI
Arts & Culture in Honolulu
Scout analyzed 131 Honolulu places and surfaced the ones that actually fit arts & culture.
Places analyzed
131
Matches
24
Typical spend
$40
Typical visit
3.2 hr
Complete outings
Date Night Arts and Dinner in Kaka'ako
Begin the evening sharing handcrafted Anatolian mezze in a vibrant dining room before taking your seats for live performing arts. After the final curtain call, cross the avenue for celebrated local desserts to end the night gracefully.
Downtown Honolulu Royal History & Arts
Dive into Hawaii's rich royal past at the magnificent Iolani Palace, where you can tour the grounds and imagine life as a monarch. Afterward, head to the Kaka'ako Arts District for a contemporary take on Hawaiian cuisine, enjoying the creative atmosphere and delicious, locally sourced dishes.
Theater & Rooftop Romance in Arts District
Begin your date with a captivating performance at the historic Hawaii Theatre. Afterwards, indulge in an exquisite New American dinner in the Arts District, concluding with an optional, stylish rooftop nightcap in Waikiki.
Pearl Harbor & Kaka'ako Reflection
Dive into history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, honoring the events of 1941. Afterwards, head to Kaka'ako for a thoughtfully prepared Hawaiian meal, letting the day's experiences settle in a vibrant setting.
Bishop Museum & Kaka'ako Play Day
Kick off your day with an immersive experience at the Bishop Museum, exploring Hawaiian culture and natural history. Recharge with a casual, family-friendly lunch nearby before letting the kids burn off some energy at the interactive Children's Discovery Center. It's a day packed with learning and fun for the whole family.
Historic Palace Tour & Kaka'ako Flavors
Dive into the rich history of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs with an afternoon tour of the grand 'Iolani Palace. Afterward, head to Kaka'ako for a late lunch featuring innovative local cuisine. Conclude your afternoon with a stroll along the scenic waterfront, soaking in the views.
Best neighborhoods for arts & culture
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Waialae - Kahala
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
Visit Shangri La for a curated experience of Islamic art and architecture, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Expect a moderate per-person cost for admission and plan to make reservations well in advance.
Arts District
Hawaii Theatre
This historic theater is ideal for an evening out to see a performance, often pairing well with dinner beforehand. Expect ticket prices from $30-$100 per person for a 2-3 hour show.
Diamond Head / Kapahulu / St. Louis Heights
Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell
The Waikiki Shell is an outdoor music venue, best for catching a concert in the evening. Spend for tickets and concessions usually ranges from $30 to $150 per person, and events typically last 3 hours.
Diamond Head / Kapahulu / St. Louis Heights
Diamond Head State Monument
This is a 1.5-hour outdoor hike to a summit with panoramic views, ideal for active visitors. Expect to pay around $5-10 per person for entrance/parking, often paired with a beach visit or breakfast afterward.
Kaka'ako
Blaisdell Concert Hall
This concert hall is a good option for an evening of symphony or opera. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $50 to $150 per person.
Arts & Culture
Leonardo Dale Photography
This art gallery is a short stop for viewing local photography, ideal as a quiet solo adventure or a brief addition to a casual date. Expect to spend about 30 minutes with no entry fee.
Downtown
Capitol Modern: the Hawaii State Art Museum
This art museum offers a free, indoor cultural experience, perfect for a solo visit, family outing, or for those new to the area. Expect to spend 1-2 hours exploring the galleries, ideally in the afternoon.
Makiki/Lower/ Punchbowl/Tantalus
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
The Honolulu Museum of Art offers a few hours of cultural exploration, suitable for a relaxed midday outing. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for admission and a cafe stop.
Kalihi - Palama
Bishop Museum
Spend 3-5 hours exploring Hawaiian and Pacific Island culture and the planetarium. Expect to pay around $25-30 per person for entry, with parking available on site. It pairs well with a morning or afternoon slot on a relaxed day.
Kaka'ako
Neal S. Blaisdell Center
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center is ideal for attending concerts, plays, or sports events, often as a standalone evening or afternoon outing. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $30-$150 per person on tickets and concessions.
Waikiki
Rock-A-Hula
Rock-A-Hula is an evening dinner theater experience with Hawaiian food, music, and impersonators, typically lasting around 3 hours. Expect to spend $100-200 per person.
Waikiki
The Magical Mystery Show!
This magic show is a good evening activity for a date or a small group, likely lasting about 90 minutes. Expect to spend $55-80 per person on tickets, not including drinks. Reservations are recommended.
Waikiki
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
This is a resort stay itself, suitable for a multi-day vacation or as a base for exploring Waikiki. Expect to spend several hundred dollars per night for lodging, plus additional costs for dining and activities.
Nuuanu - Punchbowl
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Visit Queen Emma Summer Palace for an hour-long historical tour, costing around $10-15 per person. This museum pairs well with other historical sites or a scenic drive on the Pali Highway.
Downtown
Iolani Palace
Visit Iolani Palace for a 1.5-hour tour exploring Hawaiian history and royal artifacts, costing around $25-30 per person. It's a good standalone activity or can be paired with exploring downtown Honolulu.
Kaka'ako
Children's Discovery Center
The Children's Discovery Center is good for a 2-3 hour family outing, especially with younger children, offering interactive exhibits. Expect to spend about $10-15 per person for admission.
Naval Station Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
This museum is good for a half-day outing, especially if paired with other Pearl Harbor sites. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $25-40 per person, offering an educational experience with historical aircraft and exhibits.
Arts & Culture
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial for a solemn historical experience. Plan 3 hours to explore the museum, exhibits, and USS Arizona Memorial. Entry is free, but guided tours or audio guides may cost up to $20 per person.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 18 of the 131 analyzed Honolulu places fit arts & culture.
- 17% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 17% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Educational, Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Playful, Quiet.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Honolulu
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Honolulu.
See what's bookable in Honolulu(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Honolulu?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Honolulu — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Honolulu(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.