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 Honolulu Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
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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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 Stan Sheriff Center.

Manoa
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Downtown Honolulu

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Honolulu
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$800 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$800
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,210 reviews)
"Hotel needs entertainment. Location was convenient"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$650 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$650
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,994 reviews)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 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
The price is NZ$905 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$905
11 July - 12 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (8,202 reviews)
"First off this place is huge with multiple towers. I have been to Hawaii many times but never stayed at this particular location. They first put me in a room in the rainbow tower over looking the pool when I paid for an ocean view room. I went back to the front desk and they moved me to a different ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village 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.
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
3 out of 5
445 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,012 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Convenient. Close to everything I like; food, shopping, entertainment. Definitely coming back. Staff took really good care of me."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 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 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 hot tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,595 reviews)
"Daily parking charges were on the high side.parking charges should be reduced for guests"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,934 reviews)
"Parking was sucked 😖 there was a very rude lady she even want to call the police on us .. She wanted to over charge us for parking 😩 No house keeping x11 days 🙁 Air conditioning was in issue 😨 Evething else was ok 👍"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

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