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
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
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
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
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥47,129 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥47,129
¥65,062 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
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! (8,172 reviews)
"It’s a big property with a lot to do! I loved getting up early in the morning, grabbing my Starbucks coffee, and relaxing on the beach—it was the perfect start to the day. The people were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Just a heads-up: be wary of the timeshare pitches—they’ll definitely ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥66,389 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥66,389
¥87,264 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
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! (2,188 reviews)
"Room was lovely Very busy hotel and crowded. Can never get pool chairs as always full."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Wayfinder Waikiki
Wayfinder Waikiki
4 out of 5
2375 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥20,048 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥20,048
¥29,674 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,486 reviews)
"Windows didn't unlock and open in room 204, traffic noise and lower level noise from street was loud even with all windows shut etc."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Wayfinder Waikiki
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.
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! (2,927 reviews)
"Check-in was super fast. Room was very spacious for my little ones. I will recommend and will surely be back in the near future."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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! (2,010 reviews)
"The room is acceptable clean. A/C is somewhat loud but bearable. Kitchen is functional."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

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! (2,591 reviews)
"Other than swimming pool area and deck under reconstruction and upcomg water flushing shut off for Tuesday, everything's ok."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

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

4.4
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