Eric Tessmer, Honolulu Hawaii, CC BY 2.0

Honolulu

Aloha Vibes and Ocean Adventures

Honolulu on Oahu welcomes visitors with warm weather and wide open skies. The city stretches along a coastline where turquoise water meets volcanic hills. Streets hum with local markets, coffee shops and music from nearby venues. Residents value community and tradition, sharing meals of fresh fish and tropical fruits at neighborhood gatherings. Public spaces like parks provide quiet spots to watch sunsets over the Pacific. The mix of modern life and natural beauty makes Honolulu a place where daily routines feel balanced with adventure.

Add to list Map view

City in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is widely spoken, and all tourist services, signs, and information are available in English. You’ll have no trouble communicating, even in smaller shops and restaurants.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 21 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Honolulu Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great for beaches and island city life. Surf Waikiki waves, visit historic sites, hike volcanic craters and enjoy tropical sunsets.

Place score

8.1

Best at:

Sea

Natural sites

Luxury shopping

Large cities

Islands

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

❤️ 9

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Honolulu, United States

☀️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌤️

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	Jan. - March, June - Aug., Dec.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Sep. - Nov.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Winter surf on the North Shore is largest November to February, with strong currents making swimming dangerous

Humpback whales visit from about December to April

Hotel prices peak from mid December to early January and in summer school holidays

Don't miss

🌄 Hike to Diamond Head crater for stunning sunrise views
⚓ Explore the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial
🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and watch surfers
🏰 Tour the opulent Iolani Palace, Hawaii’s royal residence
🤿 Snorkel or dive at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
📸 Capture photos at scenic Halona Beach Cove

You've been here?

Why travel to Honolulu?

Honolulu offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. You can spend the morning hiking to the top of Diamond Head Crater and the afternoon lounging on Waikiki Beach. The city's fusion cuisine is a treat, with fresh seafood and a mix of Hawaiian, Asian and American flavors. However, it’s worth noting that Honolulu can get quite crowded, especially in peak season. Some beaches and attractions might be bustling, so planning ahead can help make the most of your visit.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Waikiki Beach
Vibrant beachfront lined with palm trees and historic hotels, Waikiki offers surf lessons, sunset strolls and a lively promenade filled with shops, restaurants and cultural performances and a nearby beachside market today.
2 Iolani Palace
A historic royal residence in Honolulu, featuring lush gardens and elegant architecture. The palace showcases Hawaiian monarchy heritage with opulent interiors and sweeping views of Iolani Bay, standing as a cultural landmark on Oahu's southern coast.
3 Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
This Honolulu museum honors Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a Hawaiian queen and philanthropist. Its collection features Native Hawaiian artifacts, historical documents and art that celebrate the islands' rich cultural heritage and royal legacy.
4 The Honolulu Museum of Art
5 Pearl Harbor National Memorial

🎡Places for activities

1 Aloha Tower
2 Ala Moana Beach Park
3 Mānoa Falls Trail
4 Kualoa Ranch
5 Honolulu Zoo

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Diamond Head
Iconic volcanic cone overlooking Waikiki, Diamond Head offers panoramic views and a challenging trail that rewards hikers with sunrise vistas over the Pacific. The summit features historic military bunkers and lush tropical vegetation.
2 Hanauma Bay
Famous for its clear waters and diverse marine life, this volcanic bay offers excellent snorkeling. The protected reef attracts turtles, colorful fish and coral formations, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration.
3 Manoa Falls
4 Koko Head
5 Kapiolani Regional Park
6 Makapu'u Point Lighthouse
7 Tantalus Lookout
8 Waimea Valley

🛍️Shopping

1 Ala Moana Center
2 Chinatown
3 Kahala Mall
4 Royal Hawaiian Center
5 Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
6 Kaimuki District Park
7 Hawaii Kai Towne Center
8 Anaha Condominium at Ward Village
9 Tesla Honolulu-International Market Place
10 Waikiki Beach Walk

🎈Events

Honolulu Festival
King Kamehameha Celebration
Aloha Festivals
Honolulu Marathon
Lantern Floating Hawaii
Pan-Pacific Festival
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Duke's OceanFest
Mele Kalikimaka Market
Hawaii International Film Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Book Pearl Harbor tickets early. High demand, limited daily entry.
Hike Diamond Head crater trail early morning to beat heat and crowds.
Reserve Hanauma Bay snorkeling spot in advance; daily visitor cap enforced.
Explore KCC Farmers Market Saturday mornings for fresh poke, poi and local crafts.

How to travel to Honolulu

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is well-connected to mainland U.S. cities and international destinations. Cruise ships also dock at Honolulu Harbor. Domestic flights connect Honolulu to other Hawaiian islands easily.

Access summary

From Honolulu Airport (HNL): Shuttle, taxi or rideshare to Waikiki, about 20–30 minutes.
From U.S. West Coast cities (LA, SF, Seattle): Direct flights usually 5–6 hours.
From neighbor islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island): Frequent interisland flights around 30–50 minutes.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Honolulu

Most visitors stay in Waikiki, where a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, are available. For a quieter vibe, look into the North Shore or East Honolulu accommodations.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

8.3

Halekulani - NO RESORT FEE

9.5

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

8.2

Ka La‘i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts

9.2

Prince Waikiki

8.9

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

9.0

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani - NO RESORT FEE

9.1

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa

8.7

Waikiki Malia

8.4

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

8.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Honolulu

Public buses (TheBus) are convenient and cover most attractions. Taxis, ride-sharing services and bike rentals are also available. The Waikiki Trolley is a fun way to see tourist spots. Parking can be pricey in busy areas.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+36 %

Daily expenses in Honolulu are around 36% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£93	£212	£616
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£41	£105	£285
🍝 Food per day	£42	£97	£292
🚕 Transportation per day	£9	£10	£38

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£39
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£11
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£15
☕ Cappuccino	£6
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£7

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2.30
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£22
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.90

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£15
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£130
🤧 Cold medication	£9.50
💇 Basic haircut	£19

Safety information overview

General safety

Honolulu is generally safe, but watch out for petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas. Avoid leaving valuables in cars and stay cautious at night in less busy areas.

Health & Medical

Honolulu offers excellent medical facilities, including world-class hospitals. Pharmacies are easy to find and emergency services are reliable. Travel insurance with health coverage is recommended.

Accessibility

Many attractions, hotels and public transport options in Honolulu are accessible. However, some hiking trails and natural areas may present challenges for those with mobility issues.

Tap water

Tap water is safe to drink and refill stations are common. Bring a reusable water bottle, especially when exploring outdoor attractions to stay hydrated.

Packing recommendations for Honolulu

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

👕

Light, breathable clothing

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Nearby recommended places

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Oahu

Lānaʻi

Pearl Harbor

Looking for inspiration?

Discover

For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…

Discover

North America has seen one of the fastest growing vegan food scenes anywhere, with plant based options now common well beyond the handful of cities that started the trend. Major…

Discover

The best street food destinations treat the cart, stall or hawker counter as a serious culinary format rather than a budget substitute for a real meal. In cities with strong street…

Discover

North America gives remote workers a strong mix of reliable infrastructure and genuine variety, from busy coastal cities to small mountain towns. Some remote workers want a big…

Discover

Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…

Discover

North America might not trade on romance the way some continents do, but couples who look past the clichés will find an almost unfair amount of variety waiting for them here.…

Discover

North America offers a comfortable starting point for many first-time travelers, particularly those already familiar with English speaking countries. The United States and…

Discover

North America is an ideal continent for family travel, with theme parks, national parks, beach coastlines and lively cities covering just about every age, interest and budget.…

Discover

North America's shopping destinations are anchored by the fashion and luxury retail districts of the major coastal cities and the outlet and wholesale centres that draw dedicated…

Discover

Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…

Discover

North America's island destinations range from the tropical Caribbean archipelagos and the volcanic Hawaiian chain to the temperate coastal islands of the Pacific northwest and the…

Discover

North America's luxury island scene splits between two very different settings, the Caribbean's turquoise coastline and Hawaii's volcanic islands out in the Pacific. The…

Discover

Shopping travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's great fashion capitals, design districts and specialist retail environments that offer depth and…

Discover

North America offers older travelers a strong mix of accessible infrastructure and destinations built specifically with comfort in mind. National parks across the continent have…

Discover

North America is home to some of the world's most iconic LGBTQ+ destinations, built up over decades of visible community and culture. Major cities across the United States and…

Was this page helpful?

Summary:	Warm, wetter, big surf on the North Shore
Temperature:	21 – 24 °C
Water temp.:	25 °C
Rain:	25 mm (Frequent light drizzle)
Crowdedness:	Very crowded

Summary:	Warm and showery, big surf, whales offshore
Temperature:	21 – 24 °C
Water temp.:	24 °C
Rain:	36 mm (Frequent light drizzle)
Crowdedness:	Very crowded

Summary:	Warm, showers easing, whales offshore
Temperature:	21 – 24 °C
Water temp.:	24 °C
Rain:	46 mm (Steady, gentle rain)
Crowdedness:	Very crowded

Summary:	Warm and sunny, calmer seas
Temperature:	22 – 25 °C
Water temp.:	25 °C
Rain:	26 mm (Frequent light drizzle)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Warm and sunny, comfortable trade winds
Temperature:	23 – 26 °C
Water temp.:	26 °C
Rain:	30 mm (Frequent light drizzle)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists