Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A panoramic view of a city with a prominent mountain in the background.
A beach with people paddling and surfing, a sunset, and a distant city skyline.
A beach with clear turquoise water, people swimming and sunbathing, and palm trees lining the shore.
A grassy hill with a cityscape in the background.
A cityscape at dusk with a mountain in the background.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Honolulu

Find the best Honolulu areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Honolulu
Learn more about Honolulu

Waikiki

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.

Downtown Honolulu

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.

Ala Moana

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

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

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

Kaimuki

If you're spending some time in Kaimuki, Diamond Head State Monument and Kapi'olani Community College Farmers' Market are top sights worth seeing.

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$628 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
NZ$628
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (9,469 reviews)
"We stayed in the Tapa Tower and it was amazing! The entire staff from check in to check out, cleaning staff and activities staff were amazing! Would definitely recommend staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village!"

Reviewed on 31 July 2026

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$1,087 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$1,087
30 Aug - 31 Aug
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,308 reviews)
"Recomendado"

Reviewed on 30 July 2026

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
The Twin Fin Hotel

The Twin Fin Hotel

4 out of 5
2570 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$467 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
NZ$467
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (5,525 reviews)
"Needs a good updating forsure. Prime location and amazing views but the rooms feel like they could be cleaned and bit run down. Still would come here again, comfortable and amazing view 10 min walk to the busier end of waikiki which I liked that it was a bit off and right in front of rock wall. King ..."

Reviewed on 31 July 2026

The Twin Fin Hotel
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
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,241 reviews)
"Ocean view was a little distracted cause of other tall buildings or else everything was perfect"

Reviewed on 29 July 2026

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 3 hot tubs, a sauna and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,744 reviews)
"Room 3312 was infested with roaches. We told the front desk and they offered no solution. I had to ask for something to kill them myself. Desk clerk offered to comp our parking although we had no car. Had to suggest my own compensation. I am very disappointed in this property. It should be ..."

Reviewed on 27 July 2026

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre

Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre

4 out of 5
1088 Bishop St Honolulu HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Honolulu Harbor and Ala Moana Center are ...
7.6/10 Good! (137 reviews)
"Hidden fees for “amenities “ for $185 I got an extra roll of toilet paper. Parking is super expensive on site but you won’t find it anywhere else so there’s another $280 (5 days) to tag onto what you paid for the room."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre
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.

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