Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Honolulu
From surfing waves to sunbathing, exploring volcanoes and visiting Pearl Harbour, Hawaii’s capital Honolulu has it all.

Located on Oahu Island, Honolulu is Hawaii’s state capital and its best-known resort destination. Blessed with long days of sunshine, it is a great place to go and while away the hours on the beach. Don your floral shirt, wrap a colourful lei around your neck, get yourself a cocktail and immerse yourself in the sunny, harmonious atmosphere.

As soon as you arrive and see the sunshine, you will definitely want to go straight to Waikiki Beach. One of the world’s most famous beaches, here you can join the surfers and swimmers in the turquoise waters. Or you can visit Kapiolani Park, home to the Honolulu Zoo as well as the extinct Diamond Head volcano. If you want to try your hand at snorkelling, pay a visit to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Halona Beach, known to visitors as Eternity Beach.

As well as being a paradise resort for visitors who flock here from all over the world, Honolulu is a key town where most of Hawaii’s citizens reside. This is predominantly an Asian town, and you’ll see this in the food on offer in the local restaurants. Try one of their traditional dishes such as “laulau”, pork wrapped in taro leaves, or “poke”, a raw fish salad.

In the downtown area, you’ll find temples, nightlife and plenty of charming shops. The Aloha Tower is a renowned icon of Honolulu, where you can sit in the cafes and enjoy the stunning views out across the bay. At the Ala Moana Centre, meanwhile, you’ll find some splendid outdoor market stalls to explore. The town is also home to a royal palace, where you can find out more about the island’s Polynesian heritage.

Make sure you visit Pearl Harbour, where you can still see the USS Arizona Memorial by the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and find out more about the history of one of the Second World War’s most pivotal moments.

Hawaii is the southernmost state in the U.S., and Honolulu is home to some of its most famous attractions. It’s a busy place, famous for its traffic jams, so getting around cheaply and quickly on buses and trolleys is a smart move. That way you can explore the culture, enjoy the natural beauty and make the most of the climate when you visit.

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
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ₹22,770 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹22,770
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, 9 restaurants and a beach locale. Popular attractions Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Hawaiian ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,188 reviews)
"Jacquzzi’s were to small. More than 15 people inside. Slides were always closed. Lagoon water smelt dirty."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹26,681 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
₹26,681
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,055 reviews)
"Walking distance to everything"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹26,597 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
₹26,597
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,296 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott 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.
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

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