United States

Honolulu

Waikiki, volcanic ridges and warm Pacific water.

Why Honolulu

Hawaii's capital, with Waikiki's beaches and the rest of Oahu close at hand.

Honolulu is the gateway to Hawaii and the base for most visits to the island of Oahu. Waikiki's beaches and hotels sit a short distance from the city's historic centre, and the island's quieter north shore and windward coast are within a day's drive.

Waikiki: A long, calm beach backed by hotels, with Diamond Head at the end.
Pearl Harbor: The memorial and museums on the harbour west of the city.
Hikes and views: Diamond Head and coastal trails with views over the Pacific.
The North Shore: Surf beaches and small towns on the far side of the island.

What travellers often plan

Getting to Honolulu, staying and getting around.

Ask about one of these or all of them together in a single request.

Planning your trip

The practical bits.

Best time to visit: Warm year round; April to May and September to October are quieter.
Getting around: Buses and walking in Waikiki; a car for the rest of the island.
Suggested length: Five to seven days.

Sun loungers on a timber deck beside an infinity pool looking out over a calm tropical sea.

Where to stay

Choosing an area in Honolulu.

Waikiki: Beachfront hotels, restaurants and shopping in one walkable area.
Ala Moana: Beside a large beach park and shopping centre, just west of Waikiki.
Downtown and Chinatown: The historic centre, closer to the harbour and the airport.
Ko Olina: A resort area with calm lagoons on the island's west coast.

A general overview of areas, not a list of available hotels.

Request Hotel Options

A green volcanic headland above a curving bay and coral reef on the coast of Oahu.

Getting around

Arriving in Honolulu.

Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) is west of downtown Honolulu. Waikiki is a drive further east, so most visitors take a taxi, shuttle or pre-arranged transfer from the airport.

Buses and walking in Waikiki; a car for the rest of the island.

Request an Airport Transfer Flights to Honolulu

When planning matters

Worth sorting out before you go.

A traveller standing at a doorway with two hard-shell suitcases, ready to leave.

Check entry requirements early: Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change over time. Please confirm with the official guidance for your route.
Travel dates make a difference: School holidays, festivals and peak seasons affect what's available. If your dates are flexible, tell us — it gives us more to work with.
Plan the arrival, not just the flight: Late-night and early-morning arrivals are much easier with a transfer arranged in advance.
Match the stay to the plan: Choose the area around what you'll actually do each day, not only the hotel itself.