Honolulu

Tropical paradise famous for Waikiki Beach, the Pearl Harbor memorial, lush volcanic nature and surf culture.

UseHawaii
5 days

About Honolulu

About Honolulu - Culture, History & Character

City Description

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a unique tropical metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet white sand beaches and extinct volcanoes. It is the gateway to the Pacific Islands, offering a fascinating mix of Polynesian culture, American history and a vibrant Asian influence, all in the spirit of 'Aloha'.
Country
Use
Region
Hawaii
Highlights
12+ Attractions

Population

Approximately 350,000 (city), 1 million (Honolulu/Oahu County)

Languages

Englishhawaiian

English is the main language. Hawaiian is co-official and is frequently used in street names and greetings. Hawaiian 'Pidgin' is common among locals.

History of Honolulu

Explore the fascinating past of Honolulu and discover how it has developed over the centuries.

Historical Journey

Ancient Period

Originally a small Polynesian settlement, Honolulu (meaning 'sheltered bay') became the center of the Kingdom of Hawaii under King Kamehameha III in 1845, attracting traders and whalers from around the world.

Development Period

In the late 19th century, the influence of American sugar planters led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the US, transforming Honolulu into a key military and commercial strategic point.

Modern Period

The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 marked the US entry into World War II. After becoming the 50th state in 1959, Honolulu experienced a tourism and economic boom that turned it into the cosmopolitan Pacific center it is today.

Historical Timeline

The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Honolulu through the centuries.

City Scores

City Scores

Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system

Safety

Good
68100

Very safe in terms of violent crimes, but with a high incidence of car thefts.

Click to view analysis
About:

Very safe in terms of violent crimes, but with a high incidence of car thefts.

Advantages:
  • Safe to walk in tourist areas at night.
  • Strong community atmosphere.
Challenges:
  • Thefts from rental cars at viewpoints and beaches are very frequent.

Walkability

Excellent
82100

Waikiki and downtown are very walkable, but the city in general is sprawling.

Click to view analysis
About:

Waikiki and downtown are very walkable, but the city in general is sprawling.

Advantages:
  • Walking around Waikiki at sunset is a pleasure.
  • Areas like Kaka'ako are ideal for exploring on foot.
Challenges:
  • The heat and humidity can make walking long distances exhausting.

Public Transport

Good
75100

The 'TheBus' system is surprisingly good for an island, although a car is necessary to fully explore.

Click to view analysis
About:

The 'TheBus' system is surprisingly good for an island, although a car is necessary to fully explore.

Advantages:
  • TheBus covers almost the entire island of Oahu.
  • The new light rail system (Skyline) is expanding.
Challenges:
  • Traffic in Honolulu is some of the worst in the US.
  • Getting to the North Shore by bus takes a long time.

Affordability

Fair
48100

An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.

Click to view analysis
About:

An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.

Advantages:
  • Free public beaches.
  • Cheap food at local markets and plate lunch.
Challenges:
  • Resort fees on hotels.
  • Very high supermarket prices.

Nightlife

Good
78100

Mainly focused on Waikiki, with beach bars, live music and some clubs.

Click to view analysis
About:

Mainly focused on Waikiki, with beach bars, live music and some clubs.

Advantages:
  • Live Hawaiian music at sunset.
  • High quality Tiki cocktail bars.
Challenges:
  • Nightlife ends relatively early compared to other cities.

Art & Culture

Excellent
88100

An epicenter of Polynesian culture with a very strong emerging street art scene.

Click to view analysis
About:

An epicenter of Polynesian culture with a very strong emerging street art scene.

Advantages:
  • Bishop Museum is essential to understanding the Pacific.
  • World class murals in the Kaka'ako district.
Challenges:
  • Traditional culture sometimes feels commercialized in tourist spectacles.

Food Scene

Excellent
94100

An explosion of flavors that mixes Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino and American.

Click to view analysis
About:

An explosion of flavors that mixes Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino and American.

Advantages:
  • The best Poke in the world.
  • Farmers markets with exotic tropical fruits.
Challenges:
  • Dining out in tourist areas is extremely expensive.

Shopping

Excellent
95100

A shopping paradise, from the world's largest open-air shopping center to local markets.

Click to view analysis
About:

A shopping paradise, from the world's largest open-air shopping center to local markets.

Advantages:
  • Ala Moana Center is spectacular.
  • Luxury shops and quality local crafts.
Challenges:
  • The prices of international brands are higher than on the continent.

Weather

Excellent
98100

Perfect tropical weather almost every day of the year.

Click to view analysis
About:

Perfect tropical weather almost every day of the year.

Advantages:
  • It's never cold.
  • Constant sea breeze that refreshes the city.
Challenges:
  • Risk of hurricanes (although rare) and high humidity in summer.

Tourist Friendly

Excellent
98100

One of the cities most prepared in the world to receive visitors.

Click to view analysis
About:

One of the cities most prepared in the world to receive visitors.

Advantages:
  • Impeccable tourist infrastructure.
  • Large number of tours and organized activities.
Challenges:
  • Waikiki can feel too artificial and crowded.

Family Friendly

Excellent
95100

A dream destination for families with children of all ages.

Click to view analysis
About:

A dream destination for families with children of all ages.

Advantages:
  • Beaches with calm waters like Hanauma Bay.
  • Many educational and outdoor activities.
Challenges:
  • Long and expensive flights for large families.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Excellent
90100

Very open and welcoming, with a long tradition of cultural acceptance ('Mahu' concept).

Click to view analysis
About:

Very open and welcoming, with a long tradition of cultural acceptance ('Mahu' concept).

Advantages:
  • Waikiki has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
  • Safe and respectful environment.

Local Friendly

Excellent
88100

The 'Aloha' spirit is real, although there is legitimate concern about the impact of mass tourism.

Click to view analysis
About:

The 'Aloha' spirit is real, although there is legitimate concern about the impact of mass tourism.

Advantages:
  • Friendly people willing to share their culture.
  • Relaxed pace of life.
Challenges:
  • Locals greatly appreciate respect for the land ('Aina') and get upset with disrespectful tourists.

Natural Beauty

Excellent
100100

Unsurpassed natural beauty that combines sea, mountains and jungle.

Click to view analysis
About:

Unsurpassed natural beauty that combines sea, mountains and jungle.

Advantages:
  • Iconic views from Diamond Head.
  • Turquoise waters and coral reefs.
Challenges:
  • Beach erosion is a visible problem in some areas.

Architecture

Good
70100

Mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial mission architecture and the only royal palace on American soil.

Click to view analysis
About:

Mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial mission architecture and the only royal palace on American soil.

Advantages:
  • Iolani Palace is a unique gem.
  • Modern buildings overlooking the sea in Kaka'ako.
Challenges:
  • Many Waikiki hotels have a somewhat dated 1970s design.

Historical Significance

Excellent
92100

Site of crucial events, from the Hawaiian monarchy to the beginning of US involvement in World War II.

Click to view analysis
About:

Site of crucial events, from the Hawaiian monarchy to the beginning of US involvement in World War II.

Advantages:
  • Pearl Harbor is a historic site of global significance.
  • Preservation of the history of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Challenges:
  • Some historic sites are very congested.

Green Spaces

Excellent
100100

The city is integrated into exuberant nature; The green mountains are the constant backdrop.

Click to view analysis
About:

The city is integrated into exuberant nature; The green mountains are the constant backdrop.

Advantages:
  • Immediate access to jungle hiking trails.
  • Stunning tropical botanical gardens.
Challenges:
  • Some popular trails require advance reservation due to overcrowding.

Cleanliness

Excellent
85100

Generally very clean, with pure air thanks to the trade winds.

Click to view analysis
About:

Generally very clean, with pure air thanks to the trade winds.

Advantages:
  • Well-kept beaches.
  • Few industrial pollution problems.
Challenges:
  • Downtown areas have visible homeless problems.

Startup Scene

Good
65100

Small but growing, focused on sustainability, clean energy and marine technology.

Click to view analysis
About:

Small but growing, focused on sustainability, clean energy and marine technology.

Advantages:
  • Natural hub for ocean research.
  • Government support for the green economy.
Challenges:
  • Geographic isolation and high operation cost.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Good
75100

Attractive because of the lifestyle, but difficult because of the high cost and the time difference with the continent.

Click to view analysis
About:

Attractive because of the lifestyle, but difficult because of the high cost and the time difference with the continent.

Advantages:
  • Unbeatable quality of life.
  • Good internet connection in urban areas.
Challenges:
  • Extreme time difference with Europe and the US East Coast
  • Lack of affordable coworking spaces.

Overall City Score

Comprehensive assessment of this destination

86/ 100

Weather & Climate

Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Honolulu y qué esperar durante todo el año.

Monthly Temperatures

January

Max27°
Min19°

February

Max27°
Min19°

March

Max27°
Min20°

April

Max28°
Min21°

May

Max29°
Min22°

June

Max31°
Min23°

July

Max31°
Min24°

August

Max32°
Min24°

September

Max31°
Min24°

October

Max30°
Min23°

November

Max29°
Min22°

December

Max27°
Min20°

Legend

Best Months
Hot Months
Cold Months
Rainy Periods

Weather Summary

Perfect tropical weather almost every day of the year.

Weather Tips

It's never cold.

Constant sea breeze that refreshes the city.

Risk of hurricanes (although rare) and high humidity in summer.

Temperatures are constant all year round. The rainy season (winter) usually consists of brief, refreshing showers.

The climate can vary drastically from one side of the island to the other (windward vs. leeward).

Overview

Spring

Ideal climate, less rain and cultural festivals like Lei Day.

More Information

Summer

Hot and humid, perfect for water activities and very popular for families.

More Information

Autumn

Warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Excellent to enjoy gastronomy.

More Information

Winter

Light but warm rainy season. It's the season for big waves on the North Shore and whale watching.

More Information

Presupuesto y Compras

Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas

Budget Planning

Daily spending per person

One of the most expensive cities in the US because most products are imported. Accommodation in Waikiki is the main expense.

Budget Travel

100-130

per day

Mid-Range Travel

250−400

per day

Luxury Travel

$600+

per day

Guía de Compras

Best Areas

Luxury & International

2 areas

Ala Moana Center

Clic para ver detalles

Luxury Row (Waikiki)

Clic para ver detalles

Local Design & Boutiques

2 areas

SALT at Our Kaka'ako

Clic para ver detalles

Monsarrat Avenue

Clic para ver detalles

Souvenirs & Crafts

2 areas

ABC Stores (on every corner)

Clic para ver detalles

International Market Place

Clic para ver detalles

Markets

1 area

KCC Farmers Market (Saturdays)

Clic para ver detalles

Points of Interest

Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer

Waikiki Beach

The most famous beach in the world, ideal for learning to surf and enjoying the city skyline.

Landmark

Diamond Head State Monument

An iconic volcanic crater that offers the most famous panoramic view of Honolulu after a moderate hike.

Viewpoint

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Historic site including the USS Arizona Memorial, commemorating the 1941 attack.

Landmark

Iolani Palace

The only official royal residence in the United States, home to Hawaii's last monarchs.

Architecture

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

A flooded volcanic cone that forms a marine ecosystem perfect for snorkeling.

Park

Ala Moana Center

The largest open-air shopping center in the world, with more than 350 stores and restaurants.

Market

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

Hawaii's most important cultural institution, dedicated to the history and science of the Pacific.

Museum

Manoah Falls

A hike through a lush jungle that ends at an impressive 45-meter waterfall.

Park

Kaka'ako Murals

An industrial district transformed into an open-air urban art gallery with giant murals.

Landmark

Tantalus Lookout

It offers spectacular views of Honolulu, Diamond Head and the ocean, especially at sunset.

Viewpoint

Chinatown Honolulu

One of the oldest Chinatowns in the US, today a mix of traditional markets and modern art galleries.

Landmark

Foster Botanical Garden

An oasis of calm in the center with ancient tropical trees and a collection of orchids.

Park

Discover every corner of Honolulu!

Sponsored links by GetYourGuide for your convenience

Day Trips

Discover fascinating destinations near Honolulu perfect for day getaways

Approx. 1 hour by car.

North Shore

Surf, wild beaches, local food.

The mecca of world surfing. In winter you will see giant waves and in summer calm waters for snorkeling. Don't miss the 'shrimp trucks'.

Approx. 30-40 minutes by car.

Kailua & Lanikai

Beach, kayak, relax.

Considered the best beaches on the island for its fine sand and turquoise waters. Ideal for kayaking to the Mokulua Islands.

Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Culture, families, shows.

A cultural theme park representing 6 Pacific nations with shows, canoes and a large Luau.

Approx. 45 minutes by car.

Kualoa Ranch

Adventure, cinema, landscapes.

Famous setting for movies like Jurassic Park. Offers ATV and horseback riding tours and visits to film sets.

Explore Neighborhoods

Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.

Waikiki

Tourist, vibrant, full of hotels, shops and nightlife.

Kaka'ako

Modern, artsy, with craft breweries and luxury condos.

Manoah

Residential, lush and rainy, home to the University of Hawaii.

Downtown/Chinatown

Historic by day, eclectic and artistic by night.

Ala Moana

The center of shopping and a beach park much loved by locals.

Seasonal Experiences

Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year

Humpback Whale Watching

December - May

Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii to give birth. They can be seen from the coast or on specialized tours.

Lei Day

May 1

Celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring leis, music and Hula dance contests at Kapiolani Park.

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

November - December

The most prestigious surf competition in the world on the beaches of the North Shore. An incredible spectacle of skill and nature.

Festivals & Local Celebrations

Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals

September

Aloha Festivals

Hawaii's largest cultural celebration with flower parades and traditional music events.

June 11

King Kamehameha Day

Tribute to the king who unified the islands, with a parade of horsemen decorated with flowers.

December

Honolulu Marathon

One of the largest marathons in the world, with no time limit to finish.

Traveler Tips

Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe

Safety Tips

  1. Don't leave anything in the car

    Rental car thefts are the most common crime. Don't leave even a towel in sight.

  2. Safety at sea

    The currents can be treacherous. 'If in doubt, don't go out'. Always respect the instructions of the lifeguards.

  3. Sun Protection

    The tropical sun is very strong. Use reef-safe sunscreen (required by law in Hawaii) to protect the corals.

Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

About 5 days covers the essentials. Add 1–2 days for neighborhoods or day trips.
Mid-range is around 250−400 per person per day (stay, food, local transport). See the budget section for ranges.
A solid starting area is Waikiki. Compare neighborhoods and hotels on this page.
Reserve well in advance. It's the only way to see the most beautiful corners of Oahu at your own pace.
Family-friendliness rated 95/100. It usually works well for family trips.
Safety rated 68/100. Rental car thefts are the most common crime. Don't leave even a towel in sight.

Ready to visit Honolulu?

Plan your perfect trip with our personalized recommendations and local insights.

Plan my trip