Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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 Harbor.

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
Ala Moana Beach Park which includes a coastal town, tropical scenes and surfing

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)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Western Honolulu. Top attractions like Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Harbor are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station or Pouhala / Waipahu Transit Center Station to see more of the city.

Western Honolulu
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve showing landscape views and general coastal views

Eastern Honolulu

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Eastern Honolulu. A stop by Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Kahala Beach might round out your trip.

Eastern Honolulu
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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
Kuhio Banyan Club
Kuhio Banyan Club
2 out of 5
2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 140, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 restaurants, daily housekeeping and a library. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
6.8/10 (1,652 reviews)
"Third x to this smaller hotel for my stay in a very desirable location of Wakikee. Easy direct bus rte to/ from airport with small(enjoyable) kitchenette in room. Nothing fancy about hotel but very courteous employees. My only complaint would be the placement of tv. Hard to watch while in bed because ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Kuhio Banyan Club
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness centre and on-site parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,678 reviews)
"The property is located at a very convenient place with walking distance to beach, shops and restaurants. Staff was very helpful and provided excellent customer service. This was our second time stay at this place in April 2023 and March 2024. If we travel to Honolulu we will again stay at Waikiki ..."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

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 aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a sauna, on-site parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,335 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Wish id stayed longer"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

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 62.19512195121951%
4 - Good
24
" "4 - Good 29.26829268292683%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 4.878048780487805%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 3.658536585365854%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Mar 2020

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
20 Nov 2019

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
2 Nov 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Warm weather, clean and lovely views

4/5 - Good

henry
23 Oct 2019

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
23 Oct 2019

We love honolulu easy bus go everywhere

Cities near Honolulu