The largest city in the Hawaiian islands by a long shot boasts the highest tourism figures in the US. Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach, rated as one of the world’s most beautiful, stretches for two miles and is lined with tourist attractions and amenities. Lots of dazzling beaches surround the city, as do natural attractions including the world-famous Diamond Head.
What it is: The capital and largest city of Hawaii, a tropical paradise where volcanic landscapes, white-sand beaches, and Polynesian culture come together.
Affordability: Mid-to-high range, with expensive beachfront hotels and dining, but budget-friendly food trucks and public transport.
Safety: Generally safe, though petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, and strong ocean currents can be hazardous.
Popularity: One of the most-visited cities in the U.S., drawing millions for its beaches, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage.
Tourist Infrastructure: Excellent, with plenty of resorts, guided tours, and easy transport options.
Accommodation Options: Budget hostels, mid-range hotels, beachfront resorts, and luxury stays with ocean views.
Dining Scene: A mix of Hawaiian seafood, food trucks, traditional luau feasts, and Asian fusion cuisine.
Nightlife: Relaxed but lively, with beachfront bars, rooftop lounges, live Hawaiian music, and luaus.
Weather: Warm and sunny year-round, with occasional rain showers and a hurricane season from June to November.
Best Time to Go: April to June and September to November, when crowds are smaller and the weather is ideal.
Known For: Waikiki Beach, surfing, volcanoes, Pearl Harbor, tropical landscapes, Hawaiian culture, luaus, snorkeling.
Top Attractions: Waikiki Beach • Diamond Head • Pearl Harbor National Memorial • Hanauma Bay • Iolani Palace • Bishop Museum • Manoa Falls • North Shore Oahu.
- Population: Approximately 345,000 in the city; around 1 million on the island of Oʻahu.
- Emergency Numbers: 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST), UTC -10 (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: U.S. Dollar ($ USD); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language: English and Hawaiian are official languages; English is universally spoken.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 120V; plugs are type A and B (North American standard two- and three-pin plugs).
- Internet: Excellent coverage; free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and public spaces.
- Convenience stores: Found everywhere, ABC Stores, 7-Eleven, and Lawson are common in tourist areas.
- Nearest International Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (about 6 miles / 10 km west of downtown Honolulu).
- Trivia: Honolulu is the westernmost and southernmost major city in the United States and is the only U.S. city with a royal palace.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try eats include poke, loco moco, kalua pig, and shave ice.
- Fun Fact: Waikiki Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches, was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty.
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a tropical gateway where golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, and Polynesian culture come together. Most tourists head to Waikiki Beach for sun and surf, visit Pearl Harbor for history, and hike Diamond Head for panoramic views. But Honolulu also offers lush parks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a food scene that reflects its diverse island heritage.
What makes Honolulu special is its perfect mix of city convenience and natural beauty. You’ll find high-rises and shopping malls just steps from surf spots and hiking trails, blending urban life with a relaxed island pace.
Top attractions include Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, Iolani Palace, and Hanauma Bay for snorkeling. Don’t miss a stroll through Chinatown or a sunset from Magic Island Lagoon.
Waikiki Beach is the star of the show, and hardly a tourist visits Hawaii without stopping here for at least a short time. The surfing and swimming are superb, as are the restaurants and entertainment options at night. Closer to the center of the city you’ll come across some interesting attractions, such as the Aloha Tower, Chinatown and Iolani Palace.
The island of Oahu is rich in natural attractions, with Diamond Head point, located south of Waikiki, one of the most popular. Other world-class beaches are scattered along the island’s coast, just a short drive from Honolulu. Try Hookipa Beach, ideal for windsurfing, or the well-known Slaughterhouse Beach. Inland, you’ll find other natural wonders such as Makiki Valley and Mount Tantalus, providing some of the finest views you’ll experience anywhere on the island.
For lodging, Waikiki is the main hub, offering everything from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Downtown and Ala Moana are options for a more local feel, while Kahala offers a quieter, upscale stay. Vacation rentals are also popular.
Getting around is easiest by car if you want to explore beyond Waikiki, though TheBus (public transit) covers most areas well. Walking works great in Waikiki, and bike rentals are available. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
Dining highlights include poke bowls, plate lunches, fresh seafood, and fusion cuisine blending Hawaiian, Japanese, and Filipino flavors. Nightlife centers around Waikiki’s beachfront bars, lounges, and live music spots. Shopping is big too, from luxury boutiques to local crafts at markets.
Honolulu is generally safe, but as with any major tourist spot, petty theft can happen, stay aware on beaches and in busy areas. Ocean safety is also important: respect warning signs and know your swimming limits, especially during high surf.
Why Go to Honolulu?
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Famous Beaches: Relax on Waikiki and explore other gorgeous Oahu beaches.
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Natural Wonders: Hike Diamond Head, snorkel Hanauma Bay, and enjoy island landscapes.
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Cultural Sites: Visit Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and experience Hawaiian traditions.
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Island Cuisine: Feast on poke, fresh seafood, and Hawaiian fusion dishes.
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Easy City-Island Mix: Enjoy urban comforts alongside tropical adventure.
Who Might Not Enjoy Honolulu?
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Travelers Seeking Seclusion: Waikiki is bustling and busy; quieter islands may suit better.
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Budget-Conscious Visitors: Hawaii is expensive, especially for lodging and dining.
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Those Wanting Mainland-Style Nightlife: While lively, Honolulu’s nightlife is relaxed and winds down earlier than in big mainland cities.
What’s Cool
Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head hikes, Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial, surfing and water sports, vibrant food scene (poke bowls, shaved ice), Hanauma Bay snorkeling, Iolani Palace, sunsets over the Pacific, Ala Moana shopping, film spots (Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-0), year-round tropical weather, hula and Hawaiian culture.
What’s Not
High cost of hotels and dining, crowded beaches and attractions, traffic congestion, expensive parking, strong sun and occasional jellyfish warnings, limited nightlife variety, tourist traps in Waikiki, long flights from mainland US, occasional rain showers, high resort fees, pricey tours and activities.
Honolulu is located on the south shore of Oahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, about 4,000 km (2,500 miles) west of Los Angeles. It’s the capital of Hawaii and the main gateway for international and domestic visitors. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport serves as the primary entry point, and the city is connected by buses, shuttles, and rideshares, though many tourists rent cars for flexibility.
Covering about 177 km² (68 mi²), Honolulu is framed by ocean and mountains, blending urban life with beach culture. Key areas include Waikiki, Downtown, Ala Moana, Kakaʻako, and Manoa.
Most tourists stay in Waikiki for its beach access and proximity to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Waikiki
Waikiki is Honolulu’s main tourist zone, famous for its sandy beaches, resorts, and lively atmosphere. It’s the hub for first-time visitors.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Resorts, hotels, and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Waikiki Beach • Diamond Head • Honolulu Zoo • International Market Place
- Dining: (Diverse) – International fare, seafood, and casual spots.
- Nightlife: (Lively) – Bars, lounges, and beach clubs.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Malls, boutiques, and souvenir shops.
Downtown & Chinatown
Downtown and Chinatown form the city’s historic and business heart, offering a mix of culture, history, and government buildings.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Business hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Iolani Palace • Hawaii State Capitol • Chinatown
- Dining: (Eclectic) – Asian cuisine, seafood, and food courts.
- Nightlife: (Trendy) – Cocktail bars and live music.
- Shopping: (Good) – Local markets and specialty shops.
Ala Moana
Ala Moana is a commercial and residential area known for its huge shopping mall and beach park. It’s convenient for shoppers and beach lovers alike.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Ala Moana Center • Ala Moana Beach Park
- Dining: (Mixed) – Food courts, restaurants, and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Bars and karaoke spots.
- Shopping: (Top-Tier) – Hawaii’s largest mall and designer stores.
Kakaʻako
Kakaʻako is an up-and-coming urban district with a creative vibe, featuring street art, breweries, and new developments.
- Accommodations: (Limited) – Boutique hotels and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Salt at Our Kakaʻako • Kakaʻako Waterfront Park
- Dining: (Trendy) – Breweries, food halls, and fusion eateries.
- Nightlife: (Hip) – Breweries, rooftop bars, and music venues.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Artisan shops and small boutiques.
Manoa
Manoa is a lush, residential valley known for its greenery, university campus, and quieter atmosphere. It appeals to nature lovers and those seeking calm.
- Accommodations: (Limited) – Small guesthouses and B&Bs.
- Nearby Attractions: Manoa Falls • University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Dining: (Casual) – Local cafés and family restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Quiet neighborhood spots.
- Shopping: (Local) – Small stores and markets.
Kahala
Kahala is an upscale residential neighborhood east of Waikiki, known for luxury homes and a peaceful beach.
- Accommodations: (High-End) – Luxury resorts and villas.
- Nearby Attractions: Kahala Beach • Waialae Country Club
- Dining: (Upscale) – Fine dining and resort restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Resort lounges and bars.
- Shopping: (Luxury) – High-end boutiques and resort shops.