Honolulu

Travel Guide

Honolulu
Honolulu
Honolulu
Honolulu
Honolulu

Honolulu Travel Guide Video

At the heart of Hawaii is the true island paradise of Honolulu. Say ‘aloha’, surf the waves, enjoy Waikiki’s famous beach, climb a volcano and visit Pearl Harbour.

The state capital of Hawaii on Oahu Island is a breathtaking place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Before you know it, you’ll have a colorful lei around your neck and a cocktail in your hand, while you listen to the sound of ukuleles and admire the surfers braving the chill of the Pacific Ocean. Everything you’ve heard about Hawaii is true, so you may as well pack that floral shirt! Honolulu is the only U.S. city to have a royal palace and it proudly celebrates its unique Polynesian cultural heritage.

Most visitors head straight to popular Waikiki Beach. Watch the skilled surfers, jump in the blue waters or enjoy fine dining. Visit nearby Kapiolani Park, with its Honolulu Zoo, or climb the extinct Diamond Head volcano. For great snorkeling, head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Kailua Beach Park, or Halona Beach, better known as Eternity Beach. For some stunning scenery away from the coast, visit the spectacular Manoa Falls.

Most Hawaiian residents live in the economic hub of Honolulu. Hawaii’s Asian influence is reflected in its food, but you can also try traditional island dishes such as “laulau” (pork wrapped in taro leaves) and “poke” (a raw fish salad). The compact downtown area offers art, temples, nightlife and designer shops. Visit Iolani Palace to learn about Hawaii’s royal past.

Sights in Pearl Harbor, such as the Battleship Missouri Memorial, remind visitors of one of the most famous attacks of World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial straddles the remains of the sunken American war ship, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum displays the vessel used in the counterattacks.

The capital of the Hawaiian island group has some of the worst traffic jams in the U.S., so it’s best to get around using the inexpensive buses and trolleys.

Hawaii is America’s southernmost state, and is made up entirely of islands. Some of the state’s most historic sites and major cultural attractions are in Honolulu. Enjoy this city’s distinct culture, abundance of natural beauty and year-round warm climate, and treat yourself to a tropical island stay.

Where to stay in Honolulu

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Waikiki

4.5/5(105 area reviews)

Waikiki Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Waikiki. Travellers also love the stunning beaches, island views and popular shops.

Waikiki
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Ala Moana

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
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Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
USS Arizona Memorial showing a memorial

Western Honolulu

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or Navy Exchange Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station to get around town.

Western Honolulu
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Manoa

You'll enjoy the mountain views and monuments in Manoa. You might want to make time for a stop at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex or Stan Sheriff Center.

Manoa
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Downtown Honolulu

Unique features of Downtown Honolulu include the shopping and beaches. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or King Kamehameha Statue while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Honolulu
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is HK$2,395 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
HK$2,395
HK$3,334 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (8,183 reviews)
"Loved the location. Convenient to everything"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Wayfinder Waikiki
Wayfinder Waikiki
4 out of 5
2375 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$955 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
HK$955
HK$1,451 total
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,501 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Wayfinder Waikiki
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is HK$2,033 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
HK$2,033
HK$2,879 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,245 reviews)
"It was wonderful. All the staff was friendly and helpful is helping us explore different things in the area, even sending us to another hotel to see some artifacts. Would stay again and recommend to anyone wishing to travel to the area."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
3 out of 5
445 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,011 reviews)
"The room is acceptable clean. A/C is somewhat loud but bearable. Kitchen is functional."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,933 reviews)
"Parking was sucked 😖 there was a very rude lady she even want to call the police on us .. She wanted to over charge us for parking 😩 No house keeping x11 days 🙁 Air conditioning was in issue 😨 Evething else was ok 👍"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
3 out of 5
201 Ohua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 hot tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,594 reviews)
"Great location, clean beds, property is a little outdated"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Honolulu

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
51
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
24
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is the second time I have been to Honolulu and am in the process of saving up to go again. It is such a magical place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Honolulu in O’ahu Island was far to travel to from London. It was worth the journey as indeed a paradise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Luau was brilliant! And worth booking a car for a day or two to visit North Shore.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Warm weather, clean and lovely views

4/5 - Good

henry

It was our third and final time in Oahu as we are finding long haul flights affect us and jet lag is harder the older you get. But I would say to anyone it’s a beautiful place you have to see it to believe it is beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We love honolulu easy bus go everywhere