Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city
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

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Honolulu

Waikiki featuring landscape views, a sunset and a city

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
Diamond Head which includes a city, landscape views and a sunset

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
Christmas Day afternoon at Magic Island, Honolulu.

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
Honolulu_WesternHonolulu_553248633938969470_06

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
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

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
Honolulu_Manoa_553248633938969549_02

Manoa

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 Na Ala Hele Manoa Falls Trailhead.

Manoa
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$527 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
NZ$527
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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! (8,801 reviews)
The village grounds have all amenities you may need. It did take a while to get my bearings. I appreciated having options of pools, lagoon and ocean. Many of the excursions offered stops at this hotel.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$569 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
NZ$569
6 Mar - 7 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort 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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,856 reviews)
Great staff, great room with a fantastic view. Walkable to so many things as well.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$629 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
NZ$629
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,694 reviews)
The room was spotless and beautiful! Great location and also smelled wonderful!

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
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.
Hawaiian Sun Holidays

Hawaiian Sun Holidays

3 out of 5
201 Ohua Ave.,Tower 1, Suite 402 Honolulu HI
Stay at this apartment in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Waikiki Beach and International Market Place are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (167 reviews)
Great spot to stay for the value! Close to the beach. Easy check in and a fully equipt kitchen. Free parking was a huge added bonus as well. We were even offered to borrow beach chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards. The rooms are a little dated, but for someone who doesn't spend much time in the room, ...

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Hawaiian Sun Holidays
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! (86 reviews)
Very new room

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre
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! (3,133 reviews)
Room clean, staff very pleasant and accommodating.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia