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$612 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
NZ$612
1 Oct - 2 Oct
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 ...
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$658 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
NZ$658
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,426 reviews)
"I would give the property a better review if the mattress and pillows were updated. I could clearly see the mattress had 2 valleys. And pillows were small, flat and not comfortable. The service and the employees make the stay awesome. Special kudos to the bartender Shaun at the Swim bar. Scorpions ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2026

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
The price is NZ$620 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
NZ$620
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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. ...
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 free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,282 reviews)
"great view of i"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2026

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! (2,299 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2026

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

4 out of 5
2470 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
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.

Stay near popular Honolulu attractions

Activities

Cities near Honolulu

Explore a world of travel with Expedia