- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Honolulu
Honolulu's identity is rooted in the Hawaiian monarchy. 'Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the U.S., had electricity before the White House. Nearby, Kawaiaha'o Church, built from 14,000 coral slabs, reflects missionary influence.
The city is defined by volcanic geology. Hike the 0.8-mile trail to the summit of Diamond Head (Lē'ahi) for panoramic views. When visiting Honolulu, explore the marine life at Hanauma Bay or the lush rainforest trails leading to Mānoa Falls.
Experience the island's multicultural palate, a key part of what is Honolulu famous for. The plate lunch, with two scoops of rice and mac salad, is a local staple. Sample fresh poke from a fish market or try saimin, a noodle soup born on plantations.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octpleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, tourist peak
- Wintermild, some rain
- #LightClothing
- #SwimGear
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableSandals
- #HikingShoes
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #WaikikiBeach
- #DiamondHead
- #PearlHarbor
- #HanaumaBay
- #IolaniPalace
- #NorthShore
- Surfing at Waikiki
- Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
- Visiting Pearl Harbor
- Hiking Diamond Head
- Exploring local cuisine
Recommended Hotels in Honolulu by Experience
Things to do in Honolulu
Discover
Exploring Honolulu reveals a mix of history and nature, from Pearl Harbor's memorials to the views from Diamond Head crater. Discover royal history at Iolani Palace and cultural artifacts at the Bishop Museum.
Experience
Hike the Mānoa Falls Trail, surf at Waikiki Beach, or taste local produce at the KCC Farmers' Market. Experience authentic culture with a traditional luau, hula performances, and lei-making workshops for a deep dive into Hawaiian life.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Historic site honoring the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Diamond Head State Monument
Volcanic crater hike with panoramic views of Waikiki.
Waikiki Beach
Iconic beach for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Iolani Palace
Official residence of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs.
Bishop Museum
Premier museum of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.
Mānoa Falls Trail
Rainforest hike leading to a stunning 150-foot waterfall.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Marine embayment perfect for snorkeling and marine life.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) for how to get to Honolulu. To get from Honolulu airport to city center, take TheBus ($3, ~60 min), a Honolulu shuttle bus (~$20, 45 min), or a taxi/rideshare (~$40, 30 min).
Getting Around
TheBus is the primary public transport in Honolulu; get a HOLO card for easy fares. The new Skyline offers a train option outside Waikiki. A car rental in Honolulu offers freedom, but Waikiki parking is scarce. Trolleys offer themed routes.
Local Essentials
While driving in Honolulu, expect heavy traffic and always yield to pedestrians. Use the "shaka" sign as a thank you. When you plan a trip to Honolulu, book popular tours ahead. This is one of the best Honolulu travel tips for first-timers.
Where to Stay in Honolulu
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Honolulu by tasting fresh poke bowls and sweet malasadas. The local culture embraces the casual 'plate lunch', a hearty meal often enjoyed outdoors. It's the best way to eat like a local on your island adventure.
Enjoy
Dine at Duke's Waikiki for its lively beachfront vibe, reserve early. Sip cocktails at House Without a Key's serene setting, dress smart. Grab fresh malasadas at Leonard's Bakery's iconic busy counter, expect lines.
Roy's Waikiki Beach
One of the best restaurants in Honolulu for fusion.
Duke's Waikiki
Iconic beachfront spot serving Hawaiian-inspired fare.
Marukame Udon Waikiki
Fresh handmade udon noodles. Cafeteria-style, expect a queue.
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Classic American steakhouse with an elegant vibe.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore authentic Honolulu cultural activities through its heritage events. Must-see celebrations include the King Kamehameha Celebration with its floral parade and the Aloha Festivals, a statewide showcase of Hawaiian music, dance, and history.
Enjoy
Discover Honolulu's creative pulse through contemporary things to do. The city hosts the POW! WOW! Hawaii festival, transforming neighborhoods with murals by global artists, and the Hawaii International Film Festival, spotlighting Pacific Rim cinema.
Aloha Festivals
September festival with parades, block parties, and hula.
Honolulu Festival
A March celebration of Pacific Rim cultures with a parade.
King Kamehameha Celebration
June event honoring the first Hawaiian king with floral parades.
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
October/November culinary event with world-renowned chefs.
POW! WOW! Hawaii
February mural arts festival with live painting and music.
Hawaii International Film Festival
October/November festival for new Asian-Pacific cinema.
Honolulu Marathon
A popular 26.2-mile race through Honolulu held in December.
Perfect getaway
Honolulu is a fantastic place to just unwind. The combination of city life and beach relaxation is perfect. Waikiki Beach is iconic for a reason, great for people-watching and soaking up the sun. The whole area is just beautiful.
Incredible scenery everywhere
So much more to do than just lie on a beach. The hike up Diamond Head gives you incredible views of the coast. It's a good workout but totally manageable. The city is full of green spaces and beautiful scenery everywhere you look. It's really special.
Great for shopping and food
Honolulu has some of the best shopping! Kalakaua Avenue is lined with great stores. After walking all day, finding a place for some fresh poke was easy and so delicious. Everything is very clean and safe.
A wonderfully laid-back holiday
A wonderfully relaxed holiday spot. We loved the slow pace and friendly people. Kapiolani Park was a highlight for a quiet afternoon stroll away from the main crowds. It's just a great place to recharge your batteries.
Awesome beach scene
The surf culture is awesome. Spent most of my time near Ala Moana Beach Park where the waves were good. Lots of locals and visitors out enjoying the water. The whole area just feels dedicated to enjoying the ocean and outdoors.
Fun city to explore
What a great city for walking and eating! We found so many cool little shops just by exploring different neighborhoods. Definitely track down some hot malasadas from a local bakery. They are an absolute must-try.