Honolulu, HI

Travel Guide

Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city
Waikiki Beach showing general coastal views, surfing and a sunset
Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park showing tropical scenes, landscape views and a beach
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus which includes a garden, landscape views and a sunset
Tantalus which includes night scenes, a city and landscape views

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

Waikiki featuring landscape views, a sunset and a city

Waikiki

4.5/5(10,927 area reviews)

Famous for Waikiki Beach, this district boasts six beaches and a skyline filled with high-rises and resort hotels. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy the ideal surf break, while Kalākaua Avenue offers luxury shopping and Kūhiō Avenue features diverse dining and nightlife options.

Waikiki
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, tropical scenes and swimming

Ala Moana

4/5(233 area reviews)

Situated along Oʻahu's southern shores, this district boasts a vast stretch of reef-protected white sandy beaches and the world's largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana Center. Enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Ala Moana
Diamond Head which includes a city, landscape views and a sunset

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

While visiting Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, you might make a stop by sights like Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo.

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

Western Honolulu

3/5(706 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. 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
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city

Manoa

4/5(29 area reviews)

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
Downtown Honolulu which includes heritage architecture and a city

Downtown Honolulu

3.5/5(43 area reviews)

This area is a center for local government since 1845, this district boasts diverse architectural styles and historic landmarks, including ʻIolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Downtown Honolulu
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is NT$10,389 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
NT$10,389
NT$14,030 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,212 reviews)
"Hotel needs entertainment. Location was convenient"

Reviewed on 2025/7/3

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is NT$8,043 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
NT$8,043
NT$11,389 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,991 reviews)
"i did not like the hidden resort fee. the hotel was reluctant to honour our good status for room upgrade"

Reviewed on 2025/7/3

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$11,813 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$11,813
NT$15,805 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (8,219 reviews)
"Everything was perfect. The hotel room was a little dated, but paradise made up for it."

Reviewed on 2025/7/5

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
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! (2,012 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Convenient. Close to everything I like; food, shopping, entertainment. Definitely coming back. Staff took really good care of me."

Reviewed on 2025/7/2

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
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! (2,595 reviews)
"Daily parking charges were on the high side.parking charges should be reduced for guests"

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
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 2025/6/29

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4854
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
2995
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
682
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
117
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
40
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It’s a fun fast past vacation for us since we are from Maui!! Definitely a home away from home

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Need repair. Needs a master plan. Needs to have roads repaved, and buildings remolded. Needs better signs, and more law enforcement. Needs to address the homeless population, these women and men need care. They need mental health services.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

A bit loud for my taste. It needs to be remodeled and rebuilt. Too many old buildings and "brown fields" too many homeless who need care.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I’m saddened that every time I come over to Honolulu it seems more & more run down. There are many poor areas and homeless people that should have better options. I hope that post Covid19 we learn to really care for one another.

5/5 - Excellent

QH

It was so fun

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved the Island for first time visitor. Idk if it was safe around Waikiki area but definitely a tourist site.

Cities near Honolulu