Top places to visit in Honolulu

• Waikiki Beach

  city-beach · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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)

  war-memorial · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · free entry

  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

  volcanic-crater-hike · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  snorkeling-preserve · 4.6 rating · about 3.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  shopping-mall · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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)

  windward-beach · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  mountain-lookout · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  rainforest-trail · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  urban-beach-park · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  shopping-center · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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

  royal-palace · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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)

  protected-swim · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  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 to Honolulu

Airport: Honolulu (HNL)

How visitors arrive in Honolulu

• Fly into Daniel K. Inouye (HNL) By air from US mainland / Pacific · common

  Described as the main aviation gateway for the Hawaiian Islands. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Cruise ship By ferry from US mainland · possible

  Cruises sail from the mainland but are rarely used for one-way travel. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

• Airport Waikiki Express shuttle

  A shuttle runs from the airport to Waikiki hotels. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• TheBus Route W

  Route W stops on the upper level outside Terminals 1 and 2 and goes through downtown to Waikiki. Exact change is needed and large luggage is not permitted. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Taxi or Uber and Lyft

  Taxi rates are regulated and the same across companies. Uber and Lyft also serve the airport. Source: gohawaii.com

• The Skyline rail does not yet reach the airport-to-Waikiki route; use bus, shuttle or taxi. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Bus useful for some trips

  TheBus is the public bus service on Oahu, and routes such as the W link the airport, downtown and Waikiki.

  Honolulu DTS (TheBus) · Get or load HOLO card

• Car Rental Self

  Major rental car companies operate from a consolidated rental car facility within walking distance of Terminal 2 at the airport.

• Ride Hail useful for some trips

  Uber and Lyft are available in Honolulu, including pick-ups at the airport.

• Walking

Paying

• TheBus Route W takes exact change only. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

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.

Best time to visit Honolulu

• Jan 24°C
• Feb 24°C
• Mar 24°C
• Apr 25°C
• May 26°C
• Jun 27°C
• Jul 27°C
• Aug 28°C
• Sep 28°C
• Oct 27°C
• Nov 26°C
• Dec 25°C

More in United States

• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Las Vegas
• San Francisco
• Orlando
• Miami

Frequently asked questions about Honolulu

What are the top-rated places to visit in Honolulu?

The highest-rated places in our Honolulu guide are Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona), Lanikai & Kailua Beach (Windward note), Diamond Head State Monument, Iolani Palace, Waikiki Beach.

Where should I stay in Honolulu?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Honolulu: Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kahala, Downtown & Chinatown.

How do I get around Honolulu?

Ways to get around Honolulu covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Ride-hailing app, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Honolulu?

Scams reported to us for Honolulu include Illegal timeshare and "activity desk" pitches; Fake lei greeters demanding tips; Beach-parking and break-in opportunism. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Honolulu?

Average daytime highs in Honolulu run from 24°C in Feb to 28°C in Sep.

Which airport is nearest to Honolulu?

The nearest airport to Honolulu has the code HNL.