Your guide to Honolulu
Honolulu highlights
Natural adventures
Sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a volcanic crater — Honolulu is a natural paradise. The Diamond Head Crater Trailhead is popular with hikers for its ocean panoramas. And Waikiki Beach’s waves are the stuff of surfer dreams. If you're keen to snorkel while visiting Honolulu, drive 20 minutes to Hanauma Bay for its rich marine life and well-preserved corals.
Hawaiian history
The Mission Houses Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaiian culture in the 1800s. And the huge King Kamehameha Statue outside Aliʻiolani Hale pays tribute to the monarch who founded the Kingdom of Hawaii. If you’re interested in World War II history, a day trip to Pearl Harbor is a must. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Honolulu.
Cultural festivals
Honolulu is a city that celebrates year-round. The Honolulu Festival in March and Aloha Festivals in September are annual celebrations of Hawaiian culture. In May, there’s the Lei Day Celebration with a parade, hula performances and concerts. For nine days of water sports, come for Duke’s Oceanfest in August. Love music? Time your stay in Honolulu with the Ukulele Festival in July.
Honolulu: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-10 (HST) |
| High season | July and December |
| Low season | February and September |
Find the best time to go to Honolulu
Weather in Honolulu
May – October: Throngs of beach lovers come to the island throughout the summer. They’re greeted with balmy temperatures peaking around 30°C, clear skies and tempting surf breaks. Though this is the ‘dry season’, don’t be surprised if you experience a rain shower or two during your stay. Book accommodation well in advance, and expect more people on the trails taking advantage of the near-perfect weather.
November– April: Daytime temperatures dip into the 20s°C during Honolulu’s version of winter. While you can expect downpours and storms during the wet season, they’re often sprinkled between mild, sunny days perfect for the beach. This is also prime time for whale watching as humpbacks migrate off the coast.
Events in Honolulu
Honolulu Festival (March): Performers and artists from Japan, Australia and other Pacific Rim nations come to celebrate the unique cultures of the region. Attend film screenings, sake tastings and a grand parade down Kalakaua Avenue.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration (June): Honolulu honours the legacy of the leader who unified the Hawaiian islands in 1810 with a lei draping ceremony and a floral parade.
Honolulu Marathon (December): Runners from around the world surge past ocean scenery as they race to complete one of the most popular marathons in the US. Cheer on the athletes or sign up for the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, a mile-long run that ends in a beach party.
The best neighbourhoods in Honolulu
Waikiki
Once a small community of artists and surfers, Waikiki has become one of Honolulu’s most desirable locations. The area’s famous shoreline sparkles with soft sands and gentle surf. And history fans won’t want to miss the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. Waikiki is also the city’s most walkable neighbourhood with plenty of outdoor malls, oceanfront restaurants and tiki bars to explore.
Good for: Sandy beaches, oceanfront restaurants, nightlife
Downtown Honolulu
Home to Honolulu Harbor and the Iolani Palace — the only royal palace in the USA — this is one of the best areas to stay in Honolulu for sightseeing. Take a self-guided tour of the Hawaii State Capitol’s grounds and stop by the Kawaiahao Church. Feeling hungry? You’ll find casual local eateries, farm-to-table restaurants and craft cocktail bars.
Good for: History, restaurants, cocktail bars
Ala Moana
This is where to stay in Honolulu if you want to be centrally located. With the Ala Moana Center — the world’s largest open-air mall — it’s a great area for shopping too. Need a day at the beach? Head to Ala Moana Regional Park’s beach. Or find a quiet spot for a swim and views of the Diamond Head volcano at Magic Island Lagoon.
Good for: Oceanfront parks, shopping, beaches
Things to do in Honolulu
Places to eat
Foodie neighbourhoods like Kakaʻako, Kaimuki and Chinatown are known for their trendy and family-owned restaurants. Try ‘poke’ (marinated raw tuna) and ‘loco moco’ (white rice, hamburger and brown gravy). Many hotels offer their take on a traditional ‘luau’ — a Hawaiian feast with entertainment. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, explore the Ward Farmers Market’s local food vendors.
Shopping
One of the best places to pick up souvenirs, art and novelty goods is the tri-weekly Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. You’ll also find international brands at Waikiki Shopping Plaza on bustling Kalakaua Avenue. For locally made goods, the historical neighbourhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu have plenty of independent boutiques and speciality stores.
Beaches
Expect a crowd at Waikiki Beach, the city’s most iconic stretch of sand, loved by surfers for its easy-riding waves. If you’re travelling with family, the man-made lagoon of Magic Island tends to be calmer. To escape the crowds, head to Kahala Beach, a secluded spot within easy reach of central Honolulu.
Free things to do
You can ride the Aloha Tower’s free elevator to its observation deck for panoramic views of downtown and the harbour. And most Fridays at noon the Royal Hawaiian Band plays free concerts at the Iolani Palace. Love architecture? Stop by the 1867 Cathedral of St Andrew and the Aliʻiolani Hale building, known as the ‘House of Heavenly Kings’.
Take in the culture
Honolulu is home to some of Hawaii's best museums, from art galleries to palaces and historical landmarks. The Honolulu Museum of Art has a vast collection of international and Hawaiian art. And the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum should be a priority for history lovers. To delve deeper into Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, visit the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.
Nightlife
With the largest concentration of nightlife in Hawaii, you can expect a good time in Honolulu. Chinatown and Waikiki are hot spots for late-night bars and clubs. Kalakaua Avenue comes alive after dark with street performers and musicians. If sampling a Hawaiian mai tai cocktail is on your to-do list, make a beeline for Waikiki Bay’s tiki bars.
Get ready for Honolulu
Budget
This island paradise attracts travellers year-round. But for an inexpensive visit to Honolulu, aim for the start of winter, when crowds are a bit thinner. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 20 US dollars ($). You can enjoy a domestic beer for around $8 and a cappuccino for about $6. A short taxi ride costs around $13.
Day trips from Honolulu
There are many gorgeous beaches within driving distance of Honolulu. On the island’s North Shore, Waimea Bay is a vision of golden sand and crystal-clear surf located across the street from a botanical garden and waterfall hike. Nearby, visit the bohemian town of Haleiwa for shaved ice. Or drive just 30 minutes to Lanikai Beach, where you can gaze at the Mokulua Islands from the shoreline.
Getting around Honolulu
If you plan to explore Oahu beyond the capital, you’ll need to hire a car. The city can get busy during rush hour. To avoid traffic jams, explore the main attractions on foot — many of the top sights are within strolling distance of one another. There’s also a reliable bus service. If you plan on using public transport, consider picking up a rechargeable Holo card.
