Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Honolulu

Honolulu Travel Guide Video

One of the few places in the world where iconic historical sites sit side-by-side with surfing paradise the tropical destination of Honolulu has it all.

Nestled on the diamond-shaped island of Oahu, Honolulu is home to the bulk of Hawaii's laidback populace. A hub of Polynesian culture and mouthwatering Asian cuisine, most visitors to the area divide their time between the beach and the barbecue, with a few detours along the way to scale volcanoes and take in the area's fascinating history. So, kick back, relax and soak it all in, because there's more to this Hawaiian capital than leis and cocktails.The first stop on most tourist trails of Honolulu is Waikiki Beach. Home to a variety of surfing competitions and outdoor events throughout the year, the area also boasts a host of designer clothing stores and impressive eateries.If you're more into snorkelling than surfing, head for Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Halona Beach, nicknamed Eternity Beach following Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster's roll around in the surf here in "From Here to Eternity".For those who prefer their feet on dry land, Honolulu Zoo in Kapiolani Park is well worth a visit and, from there, it isn’t far to Diamond Head , an extinct volcano that offers an easy climb for one of the best views on the island.Downtown Honolulu also has plenty to offer. Skip the city's notorious traffic by hopping on some local transport, and make your way to the iconic Aloha Tower. After lunch here, take the time for a casual stroll around the market at the Ala Moana Center and pick up some souvenirs. Of course, no trip to Ouahu can be considered complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor, scene of one of the most significant military attacks in US history. The exhibitions housed in the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum offer a sobering contrast to Honolulu's otherwise sunny exterior.So, whether you're a history buff, a budding geologist, a shopper or a surfer, indeed whatever your particular passion may be, Honolulu has just the thing for you. There's a reason why 7 million people visit Hawaii each year why not take a trip to tropical paradise yourself, and see what all the fuss is about?

Where to stay in Honolulu

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Waikiki

4.5/5(1,448 area reviews)

Waikiki Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Waikiki. Travellers also love the stunning beaches, island views and popular shops.

Waikiki
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Ala Moana

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
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Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

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

Western Honolulu

3/5(72 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. 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
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Downtown Honolulu

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Honolulu include the shopping and beaches. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or King Kamehameha Statue while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Honolulu
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve showing landscape views and general coastal views

Eastern Honolulu

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Eastern Honolulu. A stop by Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Kahala Beach might round out your trip.

Eastern 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 AU$461 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
AU$461
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
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! (7,636 reviews)
"Location! Is the best."

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$621 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$621
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,332 reviews)
"Not worth bringing a rental everything is with in walking distance. Very nice hotel in a convenient spot."

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$515 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$515
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,839 reviews)
"The Marriot itself is a wonderfully large hotel, just steps away from Waikiki Beach. The staff was wonderful from helping me renew my bonvoy membership to get early check in, to the general service, everyone was friendly. I would definitely recommend. They also have wonderful meeting spaces for large ..."

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
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! (2,813 reviews)
"Everything from checkin to checkout was amazing 👌"

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Aston Waikiki Sunset
Kuhio Banyan Club
Kuhio Banyan Club
2 out of 5
2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 140, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 restaurants, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (1,712 reviews)
"Nice easy check in and out."

Reviewed on 22 Sep. 2024

Kuhio Banyan Club
Aqua Skyline at Island Colony
Aqua Skyline at Island Colony
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! (1,934 reviews)
"It was budget friendly, the room look like it could use alittle vacuuming but good enough for a 1 night sleep"

Reviewed on 5 Oct. 2024

Aqua Skyline at Island Colony
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

Activities

Reviews of Honolulu

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
607
" "5 - Excellent 56.41263940520446%
4 - Good
385
" "4 - Good 35.78066914498141%
3 - Okay
69
" "3 - Okay 6.412639405204461%
2 - Disappointing
13
" "2 - Disappointing 1.20817843866171%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.18587360594795538%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Over rated

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place for a holiday.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great holiday destination

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love how vibrant and relaxing it is to stay there with loads to see and do or just do nothing but swim and relax

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

This time we found it has become very upmarket, very expensive and it has lost a lot of its character.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it amazing place will return for sure

Cities near Honolulu