Honolulu

Introduction

You will find Honolulu situated along the southeast coast of the island of Oʻahu in the Pacific Ocean. As the capital and most populous city of the state of Hawaii, it serves as the county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu.

Before you go

Prepare for a warm climate where temperatures remain consistent throughout the year. While you can expect sunny conditions in areas like Waikiki and downtown, the eastern side of the city and the hills may experience passing clouds and brief rainfall. Because your safety is paramount, be mindful of property crime; keep all valuables out of sight when visiting popular spots and ensure your vehicle is locked at all times.

• Observe local laws regarding mobile devices by avoiding looking at your cell phone while crossing the street.
• Take extra caution when walking through certain areas like Chinatown after dark.

Getting there

You will arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the primary aviation gateway for the Hawaiian Islands. If you are flying from the mainland U.S., you will likely land in Terminal 2, while Terminal 1 serves as the base for local flights to other islands. Because the walk between these terminals is long, you can use the Wiki-Wiki Shuttle to move between them. For those heading to Waikiki, you can choose between a dedicated shuttle service or "The Bus," which runs frequently from the upper level of the airport access road. If you prefer to drive, rental cars are available at a consolidated facility accessible via a shuttle system from Terminals 1 and 3.

If you choose to navigate by car, follow signs for H-1 east toward the Waikiki/Nimitz Highway route, which takes you through the industrial district and past the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Alternatively, you can take H-1 east into downtown Honolulu and follow signs toward Waikiki from Kinau Street or Punahou Street. For those arriving by sea, cruise ships frequently visit the port from the U.S. mainland.

Getting around

Navigating the city requires adjusting to a layout that follows the natural geography of shorelines, valleys, and ridges rather than a strict grid. Because it can be difficult to distinguish north from south on an island, you will frequently encounter local terms for directions: "mauka" means toward the mountain (roughly north) and "makai" means toward the sea (roughly south). You may also hear "Ewa-bound" (west) and "Koko Head-bound" (east), while residents of western suburbs may refer to the area toward Honolulu as "town." While local directions use these landmarks, highway signs will still utilize standard compass points.

If you choose to drive, prepare for narrow streets and lower speed limits compared to the mainland. Many busy intersections prohibit left turns, and during peak hours, certain streets may feature contra-flow lanes or restricted parking zones. You must adhere to local ordinances that prohibit holding electronic devices while driving; only mounted GPS or hands-free systems are permitted. On narrower roads where cars park on one side, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the parked cars have the right of way. Key thoroughfares include Nimitz Highway, Interstate H-1, and Kapiolani Boulevard, which connects Waikiki to downtown Honolulu.

• King Street and Beretania Street are primary parallel streets through downtown.
• Ala Moana Boulevard serves as a key route from Waikiki to downtown.
• McCully Street provides an easy route from Waikiki to the H-1 freeway.
• Kalakaua Avenue, Kuhio Avenue, and Ala Wai Boulevard are the main streets in Waikiki.

Where to stay

You will find that most hotels in Honolulu are located within Waikiki or its surrounding areas. While you may hear locals refer to various neighborhoods like Manoa, Kahala, and Hawaii Kai as distinct entities, they all form part of the same city.

Depending on your preference for crowds and availability, you can choose to visit during different seasons. The high season occurs from mid-December to March and again from June to September, while the low season spans from spring through fall, offering more favorable rates.

Food & drink

You can find a vast array of dining options throughout Honolulu and Waikiki. Explore local farmers markets to source fresh and local food, or visit various locations of the Zippy's chain scattered across Oahu. This popular local staple serves a wide variety of dishes, including plate lunches and their signature chili, which you can enjoy over rice, in a burrito, or over french fries. For a different experience, Genki Sushi offers a variety of sushi on a conveyor belt in an atmosphere where employees greet you with "irrashaimase!"

If you are looking for late-night drinks, several establishments remain open into the early morning hours. You can find many bars and nightclubs concentrated along Kuhio Avenue.

What to see and do

Explore the diverse coastal landscapes of Honolulu, from the bustling white sands of Waikiki to more tranquil spots. While Waikiki serves as a popular hub for swimming, sunbathing, and surf schools, you can find quieter shores at Ala Moana Park near Downtown or at the rocky Halona Beach Cove. For those seeking vibrant marine life, Hanauma Bay offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving within an extinct volcanic crater. Further along the coast, Makapu'u Beach provides a scenic spot for surfing large waves, while the nearby Makapu'u Point State Wayside offers views of offshore islets and the historic red-roofed lighthouse.

Immerse yourself in local history and culture through various landmarks and museums. Visit the Bishop Museum in Western Honolulu to explore extensive Hawaiian artifacts and natural history exhibits, or tour the Iolani Palace on the state capitol grounds. In Makiki, you can view a vast collection of Asian and Western art at the Honolulu Museum of Art. For those interested in military history, Pearl Harbor offers several memorials including the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. If you prefer nature and scenery, hike up to Diamond Head for expansive views over the city or visit the botanical gardens near Downtown, where you can see rare tropical plants or species native only to Hawaii.

Day one, you can begin your journey in Waikiki to experience the local atmosphere and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean. You can explore the nearby area or take a stroll along the coast to settle into the island's rhythm.

Day two, you can travel toward Chinatown to see the distinct character of this neighborhood. Alternatively, you can head toward the Ala Moana Shopping Center for an afternoon of browsing and exploring the local sights.

Day three, you can navigate toward Koko Head to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding landscape. You can spend your final day taking in the coastal views and experiencing more of what the island has to offer.