Destination guide

Honolulu

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Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It combines a busy city with world-famous beaches, a volcanic crater, rainforest hikes and a rich Hawaiian culture. It is warm all year, and easy to enjoy.

Waikiki is the main tourist area, but the island has quiet beaches and small towns beyond.

How many days: 5

Five days gives time for the city, the beaches and a drive around the island. Three is enough for a quick stay.

Plan your days by area, and use mornings for hikes and afternoons for the beach.

What to do in Honolulu

Relax on Waikiki beach
A long, popular beach with gentle waves, ideal for beginners learning to surf.
Hike Diamond Head
A short but steep trail to the rim of an extinct volcano crater, with views over the coast. Go early.
Visit Pearl Harbor
A moving memorial to the attack and the lives lost. Book ahead on the official site.
Drive around the island
The north shore has big surf, small towns and food trucks. Take your time.
Snorkel in a calm bay
Hanauma Bay and other spots have clear water and fish. Follow the local rules to protect the reef.
Visit a cultural centre or museum
Several places share Hawaiian history, music and crafts. A good way to learn about the islands.
Watch the sunset
Sunsets over the Pacific are spectacular from the beach or a boat.
Visit a local market
Farmers' markets sell tropical fruit, crafts and snacks.
Visit the Iolani Palace
The only royal palace in the United States, with guided tours of the interior.
Hike to a waterfall or ridge trail
Short trails lead to waterfalls and ridge views. Check the conditions and closures first.
Learn to surf or paddle
Lessons are available on gentle waves in Waikiki. A good first try.
Watch hula or a ukulele show
Free shows are held in parks and hotels, a good introduction to local culture.
Visit a lookout over the coast
Several lookouts show the cliffs and turquoise sea. A good stop on a drive.
Walk through Chinatown
Small markets, lei shops and cafes in a historic district.
Take a sunrise walk on a quiet beach
Early mornings are calm and cool, and the light is lovely.

What to eat and drink

Poke
Cubes of raw fish with soy, onion and seaweed. A local staple.
Plate lunch
A hearty meal of rice, macaroni salad and meat. A local favourite.
Shave ice
Fine shaved ice with sweet syrups. A cooling treat.
Fresh tropical fruit
Pineapple, papaya and mango are sweet and cheap.
Spam musubi
A popular snack of rice, spam and seaweed.
Kona coffee
Coffee grown on the islands, sold in cafes and shops.
Loco moco
A local dish of rice, a burger, egg and gravy.
Fresh fish from a market or food truck
Grilled ahi and mahi-mahi are common.
Malasadas
Sweet fried doughnuts of Portuguese origin, a local favourite.
Acai bowls
Fruit bowls with granola, a common breakfast.

Getting around

Buses cover the main routes, and ride-hailing apps are common. A car is useful for exploring the island.

Waikiki is walkable.

Bikes and scooters are available for hire.

Good to know

  • The sun is strong. Use reef-safe sun cream, and drink plenty of water.
  • Ocean conditions can be dangerous. Swim at beaches with lifeguards, and obey warning signs.
  • Do not take lava rocks or sand as souvenirs. Respect sacred sites.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars.
  • Visitors from many countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official site.
  • Leave nothing visible in a parked car, as break-ins happen at beaches and trailheads.
  • Hawaii is far from everywhere. Allow time for jet lag, and a slow first day.
  • Parking at beaches fills early, so go in the morning.
  • The island has a strong tradition of respect. Greet people warmly, and be patient on the roads.

Where to stay in Honolulu

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Waikiki

Waikiki Beach, Kalakaua Avenue and views towards Diamond Head place resorts, surfing, restaurants and nightlife in Honolulu's main visitor district. It suits first-time and beach-focused stays; crowds, resort pricing and constant activity make genuine quiet difficult.

Ala Moana

Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island and the huge open-air shopping centre sit between Waikiki and Downtown. It suits families, shopping and practical longer stays; the atmosphere is more urban and commercial than classic beachfront Waikiki.

Kakaako

Murals, SALT at Our Kakaako, breweries and modern restaurants give this redeveloped waterfront district a creative urban identity. It suits food, art and repeat visitors; hotel choice is thinner than Waikiki and the immediate shoreline is not primarily a swimming-beach destination.

Downtown & Chinatown

Iolani Palace, historic government buildings, markets, galleries and Chinatown restaurants make central Honolulu the strongest culture-led alternative to the resorts. It suits history, business and food trips; accommodation is limited and some streets become subdued after business hours.

Diamond Head & Kapahulu

Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, quieter eastern Waikiki beaches and Kapahulu's local food scene create a calmer base close to major sights. It suits couples and active families; hotel choice and nightlife are thinner than central Waikiki.

Kahala

Quiet residential streets and a sheltered beachfront east of Diamond Head give Kahala Honolulu's most exclusive resort atmosphere. It suits couples and families prioritising privacy and relaxation; prices are high and nightlife, sightseeing density and airport transport are weaker.

What it costs

A typical day in Honolulu, per person, in pounds.

£94

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£249

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£700

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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