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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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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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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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 Hawaii Nature Center.

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
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$542 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$542
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,400 reviews)
Friendliness of staff. Clean room and bathroom. Hotel modern and spacious. Proximity of beach, restaurants and shopping. Breakfast choices. Hotel gym.

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd Honolulu HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$505 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
NZ$505
15 Dec - 16 Dec
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! (8,612 reviews)
This place was Amazing. Super Fast check-in. Friendly Staff. Corner Suite at the Ali Tower had the best view ever. Access to the Beach & Swimming Pool within 1-2 minutes from our room. Also the Ali Tower has it own exclusive swimming pool. Great food all around. What else can I say. We’ll be back ...

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

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$1,074 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$1,074
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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! (2,754 reviews)
Good location and beach front

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
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 a fitness centre, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,041 reviews)

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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! (2,112 reviews)
918 offered view of Ali Wai. Would have loved to be higher up and facing Diamond head. But you get what’s available.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
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! (2,669 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