Honolulu, United States: travel guide
Hawaii's capital on Oʻahu's southeast shore — Waikiki's surf below Diamond Head, the Pearl Harbor memorials, and a downtown built around ʻIolani Palace and the Kamehameha I statue.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.
- Country
- United States
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- Pacific/Honolulu
- Nearest airport
- HNL
Top places to visit in Honolulu
Waikiki Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h
Oahu's most famous stretch of sand, a two-mile crescent of beaches backed by hotels with calm, swimmable water ideal for first-time surfers and sunset views toward Diamond Head.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona)
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
National memorial commemorating the December 7, 1941 attack. The USS Arizona Memorial sits over the sunken battleship; the program (boat shuttle) is free but timed tickets are required.
Diamond Head State Monument
Viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · entry USD 5
Iconic volcanic tuff cone (Leahi) with a 1.6-mile round-trip trail to a summit overlooking Waikiki and the coast. Out-of-state visitors must reserve entry in advance.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 3.5 h · entry USD 25
A protected marine-life conservation area in a volcanic crater, Oahu's premier snorkeling spot with reef fish in a sheltered bay. Reservations are required and entry is capped daily.
Ala Moana Center
Market · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h
One of the world's largest open-air shopping malls with 350+ stores, a food court and free hula performances at center stage.
Lanikai & Kailua Beach (Windward note)
Beach · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
Two of Oahu's most beautiful beaches on the windward side near Kailua town (about 30-40 min from Waikiki). Powdery sand and turquoise water; Lanikai parking is residential and very limited.
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · entry USD 3
A dramatic cliffside lookout in the Koolau mountains with sweeping views of windward Oahu and famously powerful trade winds. Site of a pivotal 1795 battle.
Manoa Falls Trail
Waterfall · 4.4 rating · about 2 h
A lush 1.6-mile round-trip rainforest trail through Manoa Valley to a 150-foot waterfall, often muddy but shaded and scenic.
Ala Moana Beach Park
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h
A long, calm urban beach park protected by a reef, popular with locals for swimming, picnics and sunset. Quieter alternative to Waikiki.
International Market Place
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h
An open-air shopping and dining center in the heart of Waikiki built around a historic banyan tree, with a popular food hall and brand stores.
Iolani Palace
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · entry USD 20
The only official royal palace in the United States, residence of Hawaii's last monarchs. Guided and self-led tours show restored throne and state rooms.
Kuhio Beach (Waikiki)
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h
A protected swimming area on Waikiki Beach with calm pools behind a seawall, the Duke Kahanamoku statue and free hula shows on some evenings.
Things to do
- Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial Tour History Tour · 5 h · from USD 90 per person
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure Snorkeling · 5 h · from USD 80 per person
- Waikiki Beginner Surf Lesson Surfing · 2 h · from USD 90 per person
- Traditional Hawaiian Luau Experience Luau · 3 h · from USD 150 per person
- Diamond Head Sunrise Hike Hiking · 3 h · from USD 65 per person
- Waikiki Sunset Catamaran Sail Boat · 1.5 h · from USD 60 per person
- Oahu Circle Island Tour Sightseeing Tour · 9 h · from USD 130 per person
- North Shore Food & Beaches Day Tour Sightseeing Tour · 8 h · from USD 120 per person
Day trips and tours
- Oahu Circle Island Full-Day Tour 9 h · from USD 130
- North Shore & Turtle Beach Day Trip 8 h · from USD 120
- Polynesian Cultural Center Experience 8 h · from USD 180
- Kualoa Ranch Adventure Day 7 h · from USD 160
Where to stay in Honolulu
- Waikiki about USD 300 per night
The classic Honolulu base: beachfront resorts, restaurants, shopping and nightlife all walkable. Most tourist hotels and resort fees are here. Can be crowded and busy.
- Ala Moana about USD 230 per night
Just west of Waikiki, anchored by the huge Ala Moana Center mall and a calm beach park. Quieter and slightly better value than Waikiki, still close to the action.
- Kahala about USD 450 per night
Upscale residential enclave east of Diamond Head with one luxury resort. Calm, exclusive and away from the crowds, but you need a car for most activities.
- Downtown & Chinatown about USD 180 per night
Honolulu's historic and business core with Iolani Palace, art galleries, craft cocktail bars and Chinatown eateries. Few hotels; lively by day, mixed at night.
Hotels
- Halekulani 5-star · USD 600 to USD 1,200 per night
- The Kahala Hotel & Resort 5-star · USD 500 to USD 1,000 per night
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort 5-star · USD 550 to USD 1,100 per night
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa 4.5-star · USD 400 to USD 800 per night
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort 4-star · USD 300 to USD 650 per night
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort 4-star · USD 350 to USD 700 per night
Where to eat
- Duke's Waikiki Hawaiian, Seafood, American · about USD 45 per person
- Marukame Udon Waikiki Japanese, Udon, Noodles · about USD 12 per person
- Leonard's Bakery Bakery, Portuguese, Dessert · about USD 8 per person
- Rainbow Drive-In Plate Lunch, Local, American · about USD 13 per person
- Roy's Waikiki Hawaiian Fusion, Seafood · about USD 75 per person
- The Pig and the Lady Vietnamese, Contemporary · about USD 45 per person
- Helena's Hawaiian Food Hawaiian, Local · about USD 20 per person
- Side Street Inn Local, Hawaiian, American · about USD 35 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Car Rental Self main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Illegal timeshare and "activity desk" pitches
Waikiki sidewalks, Kalakaua Ave, hotel lobbies
Friendly "activity booth" or street agents offer deeply discounted luaus or tours, but the price is contingent on attending a high-pressure timeshare or vacation-club presentation that eats half your day.
How to avoid it: Book activities through your hotel concierge or a reputable operator. If a deal requires a "90-minute presentation," walk away.
Fake lei greeters demanding tips
Airport arrivals, Waikiki beachfront
Someone drapes a lei or shell necklace on you "for free, aloha!" then aggressively demands cash, or poses for a photo and insists on a large tip.
How to avoid it: Decline politely before anything is placed on you. Real lei greetings are pre-arranged and paid for in advance.
Beach-parking and break-in opportunism
Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, North Shore and trailhead lots
Unofficial "attendants" may demand a parking fee at free lots, and thieves target rental cars at beach and trailhead parking, smashing windows for bags left in view.
How to avoid it: Pay only at official machines/booths. Never leave valuables in the car - take everything or leave the trunk empty and visible.
Unlicensed tour and water-activity operators
Waikiki beach, online ads
Cut-rate "guides" offer snorkel, hike or boat trips without permits, insurance or safety gear; some take payment and no-show or run unsafe trips.
How to avoid it: Verify the operator is licensed and insured, has real reviews, and provides safety equipment. Pay by card, not cash.
Street vendor and "free" wildlife photo charges
Waikiki promenade
Vendors with parrots, monkeys or props invite a "free" photo, then demand $20+ per person afterward.
How to avoid it: Agree on a price in writing first or simply decline. Free does not mean free here.