Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Honolulu
Honolulu
Honolulu
Honolulu
Honolulu

Honolulu Travel Guide Video

The jewel in the crown of the tropical Hawaiian islands. Marvel at breathtaking bays and volcanoes and immerse yourself in the unique Polynesian culture.

Honolulu is the perfect destination for the tropical island getaway you’ve always dreamed of. Hawaii’s stunning state capital combines a delightful mix of culture, cuisine, language and history against the backdrop of one of the world’s most exquisite tropical islands. All of this topped off, of course, with the famous Hawaiian hospitality!You won’t have to wait long before you’re sporting a colourful lei around your neck and listening to strumming ukuleles with a cocktail in your hand. Honolulu is also the perfect base for visiting Hawaii’s world-famous beaches, with some of the Pacific’s most incredible coastlines within an easy ride of the city. Warm your bones on the beautiful white sands of Waikiki Beach, and take a dip in the cool, turquoise waters before dining out at one of the multitude of fine restaurants. If it’s great snorkelling you’re after then take a trip to Hanuama Bay Nature Reserve or Halona Beach, aptly known as Eternity Beach.Another unmissable outdoor highlight is a hike up the Diamond Head volcano. Don’t worry, it’s long extinct, and the views from the top will take your breath away! Honolulu may be a perfect holiday destination but it is also a thriving metropolis and home to over one million people of mostly Asian descent, making it a hotbed of culinary diversity. Foodies will find no shortage of deluxe fusion eateries and low-cost noodle joints but no trip to the city would be complete without sampling some of the local Polynesian delicacies. Laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves) and poke (a raw fish salad) are just two of the incredible taste experiences waiting to be discovered.Downtown Honolulu also plays host to some of Hawaii’s most historic sites and best-loved cultural attractions. A stroll around this compact area is a joy, with art galleries, temples, cafés and night spots around every corner. The Ala Moana Center is particularly popular for its open-air stalls, while a visit to Iolani Palace, the U.S.’s only royal palace, is an interesting glimpse into Polynesian culture. For many visitors, the highlight of their stay is a trip to Pearl Harbor, scene of one of the most famous battles of World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial offers a poignant reminder of the site’s significance as well as views of the sunken ship.This city’s mesmerising blend of history, culture and rare, natural splendour will make your holiday in Honolulu the tropical trip of a lifetime.

Where to stay in Honolulu

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Waikiki

4.5/5(1,448 area reviews)

Waikiki Beach and Waikiki Beach Walk 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 Ala Wai Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
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Manoa

You'll enjoy the mountain views and monuments in Manoa. You might want to make time for a stop at Manoa Valley Theatre or Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

Manoa
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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Kahala

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Kahala
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$1,105 per night from 13 Jan to 14 Jan
NZ$1,105
13 Jan - 14 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,797 reviews)
Staff was amazingly nice!! Our room was full Ocean view!! Breath taking!! Would recommend it to everyone.

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
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 NZ$667 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
NZ$667
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,671 reviews)
Great location. Awesome property

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$539 per night from 3 Jan to 4 Jan
NZ$539
3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,658 reviews)
Perfect location

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach 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.
Skyline Island Colony Hotel

Skyline Island Colony Hotel

3 out of 5
445 Seaside Avenue Honolulu HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,131 reviews)
Friendly & courteous staff. Prompt check in and check out. Clean, well equipped room. Fantastic pool and spa. Short distance to TheBus stops, International Market Place, ABC Stores, Kuhio Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue, and Waikiki Beach. I would certainly stay at Skyline Island Colony Hotel again.

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Aston Waikiki Sunset

Aston Waikiki Sunset

4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave Honolulu HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a fitness centre, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,071 reviews)
It is good

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan

3 out of 5
201 Ohua Ave Honolulu HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 hot tubs, a sauna and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,674 reviews)
My room faced the mountains, but the view was open enough to see both the hills and a bit of the Ala Wai canal, so I had no complaints. The room was clean and bright, the kitchen was easy to use, and plenty of bath towels were provided, which made my stay very comfortable. I stayed from Friday afternoon ...

Reviewed on 6 Nov 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

Activities

Reviews of Honolulu

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
607
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
385
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
69
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
13
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

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