Honolulu, USA

Aloha and Welcome to Honolulu!

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is a dream destination for travelers seeking sun-kissed beaches, lush mountains, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect Hawaiian getaway:

Table of Contents:

  • Getting There & Around
    • Flights
    • Transportation Options in Honolulu
  • Where to Stay
    • Waikiki: The Heart of the Action
    • Beyond Waikiki: Exploring Other Neighborhoods
  • Things To Do
    • Beaches & Water Activities
    • Historical & Cultural Sites
    • Nature & Adventure
    • Shopping & Entertainment
  • Where to Eat
    • Local Favorites & Must-Try Dishes
    • Fine Dining Experiences
    • Food Trucks & Casual Eateries
  • Tips & Tricks for Travelers
    • Best Time to Visit
    • Money Matters: Currency & Tipping
    • Safety & Health Precautions
    • Respecting Hawaiian Culture

Getting There & Around:

Flights: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main gateway to Oahu and offers numerous direct flights from major cities worldwide. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season.

Transportation Options in Honolulu:

  • TheBus: Honolulu’s public bus system is extensive and affordable, covering most of the island. https://www.thebus.org/
  • Car Rental: Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring Oahu at your own pace. Traffic can be congested in Waikiki and Honolulu.
  • Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Honolulu.
  • Taxis: Taxis are plentiful, but fares can add up quickly.
  • Bike Sharing: Biki, Honolulu’s bike-sharing program, provides a fun and healthy way to get around Waikiki and other areas. https://www.gobiki.org/

Where to Stay:

Waikiki: The Heart of the Action

  • Iconic Resorts: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Moana Surfrider, Halekulani Hotel
  • Mid-Range Options: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
  • Budget-Friendly Choices: Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, Aqua Palms Waikiki

Beyond Waikiki: Exploring Other Neighborhoods

  • North Shore: Famous for its world-class surfing beaches like Sunset Beach and Pipeline. Accommodations range from cozy bungalows to luxury resorts.
  • Kailua & Lanikai: Quaint beach towns with stunning turquoise waters, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the sand. Boutique hotels and vacation rentals abound.
  • Downtown Honolulu: Historic district with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.

Things To Do:

Beaches & Water Activities:

  • Waikiki Beach: Iconic beach known for surfing, sunbathing, and stunning sunsets.
  • Lanikai Beach: Pristine white sand beach with turquoise waters, consistently ranked among the world’s best.
  • North Shore Beaches: Home to legendary surf breaks like Pipeline and Sunset Beach, ideal for experienced surfers or spectators.
  • Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: Snorkel amongst colorful fish in this protected marine sanctuary. Reservations are required.
  • Sunset Cruise: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hawaiian sunset while sipping cocktails and listening to live music.

Historical & Cultural Sites:

  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial: A sobering reminder of World War II history, including the USS Arizona Memorial.
  • Iolani Palace: Former residence of Hawaiian royalty, now a museum showcasing Hawaiian history and culture.
  • Polynesian Cultural Center: Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Polynesia through traditional dances, music, food, and crafts.
  • Bishop Museum: Explore Hawaii’s natural history, art, and cultural heritage.

Nature & Adventure:

  • Diamond Head Crater Hike: Climb to the summit of this volcanic crater for panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
  • Manoa Falls Trail: Hike through a lush rainforest to a cascading waterfall.
  • Kualoa Ranch: Experience horseback riding, ATV tours, movie set tours, and ziplining adventures on this sprawling ranch.
  • Waimea Valley: Explore botanical gardens, waterfalls, and ancient Hawaiian sites.

Shopping & Entertainment:

  • Ala Moana Center: Hawaii’s largest open-air shopping mall with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.
  • International Market Place: Upscale shopping destination in Waikiki featuring designer boutiques, restaurants, and live entertainment.
  • Waikiki Beach Walk: Lively pedestrian promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Where to Eat:

Local Favorites & Must-Try Dishes:

  • Poke: Diced raw fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and other seasonings.
  • Kalua Pig: Slow-cooked pork traditionally roasted in an underground oven (imu).
  • Laulau: Taro leaves steamed with meat or fish.
  • Loco Moco: A hearty dish consisting of rice topped with a hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg.
  • Shave Ice: Refreshing shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and condensed milk.

Fine Dining Experiences:

  • Alan Wong’s: Award-winning restaurant serving innovative Hawaiian cuisine.
  • Chef Mavro: Elegant French-Hawaiian fusion restaurant.
  • La Mer: Upscale seafood restaurant at the Halekulani Hotel.

Food Trucks & Casual Eateries:

  • Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: North Shore institution famous for its garlic shrimp.
  • Leonard’s Bakery: Home of the original malasadas, Portuguese donuts.
  • Rainbow Drive-In: Local favorite serving classic Hawaiian comfort food.

Tips & Tricks for Travelers:

Best Time to Visit: Honolulu enjoys warm weather year-round. The driest months are April-October, while November-March tends to be wetter. Whale watching season peaks from December to May.

Money Matters: Currency & Tipping:

  • The US dollar is the official currency.
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants (15-20%), bars, and for services like taxis and tour guides.

Safety & Health Precautions:

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong sun.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Respecting Hawaiian Culture:

  • Learn a few basic Hawaiian words like “Aloha” (hello/goodbye) and “Mahalo” (thank you).
  • Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
  • Be mindful of sacred sites and ask permission before taking photographs.

Enjoy your unforgettable journey to Honolulu!