Quick Facts

Honolulu is the southern-most major U.S. city and is the capital of the state of Hawaii. ‘Honolulu’ refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu. On the island, tourists flock to enjoy its immaculate beaches, to hike its lush trails, snorkel in volcanic crater and to visit the historic site of Pearl Harbor. Its most popular beach, Waikiki Beach (with Honolulu skyscrapers and Diamond Head Mountain as its backdrop), is famous for surfing and its glamour.

Getting There & Other Transportation

Honolulu International Airport is 5km northwest of Oahu’s center. Before arriving from you flight, check with your hotel to see if they include transportation to and from the airport. Car rentals are available as well as taxis. Airport shuttle vans operate 24 hours a day and will cut the cost of a taxi by more than half. The bus is the cheapest way to get to Waikiki (the most popular destination
from the airport). If you are traveling with more than one bag, it is recommended to use a taxi or a shuttle bus. Bus numbers 19 and 20 run from the airport to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The bus takes roughly and hour.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Different areas of the island offer something for every type of traveler. Waikiki offers more glitz and glamour, the North Shore offers rolling surf and a quieter atmosphere, Kahala offers beachside resorts and other hotel accommodations far from the crowds of Waikiki.

Waikiki:

Aloha Punawai

Aqua Bamboo & Spa

Aqua Waikiki Wave

Aqua Island Colony

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

Double Tree Alana Hotel Waikiki

Embassy Suites Hotel-Waikiki Beach Walk

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa

Royal Hawaiian

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel

Sheraton Waikiki

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Downtown Honolulu:

W Honolulu

Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel

Kahala:

Kahala Hotel & Resort

Aston Waikiki Sunset

Ocean Resort Hotel

Aqua Lotus Honolulu

The North Shore:

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Laie Inn

Santa’s by the Sea

Turtle Bay Resort

Dining & Nightlife

The culinary scene is Honolulu is vibrant. There is a wide range of restaurant options including chef-owned glamour restaurants, ethnic restaurants, chain restaurants, and neighborhood eateries. Hawaii has been known to put an emphasis on locally grown produce.

If you are dining in Waikiki, you will never go hungry. Not only is there an extremely wide variety of cuisine options, there are many places open 24/7.  Here are some restaurant options in Waikiki:

Arancino (Italian)

Bali by the Sea (Continental)

Cha Cha Cha (Mexican)

Ciao Mein (Italian)

Diamond Head Grill (American)

Duke’s Waikiki (Steak House)

Eggs n Things (Buffet/Lunch)

Hau Tree Lanai (Asian/Pac. Rim)

Hula Grill Waikiki (Hawaiian)

If you are planning to eat downtown Honolulu, there are many cafes in Bishop Square in the business district. Also, ‘Restaurant Row’ is known to feature hot new establishments. Here are some downtown restaurants:

Duc’s Bistro (French)

Don Ho’s Island Grill (Hawaiian)

Indigo Eurasian Cuisine (Asian/Pac. Rim)

Legend Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum)

Little Village Noodle House (Chinese)

Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar (Italian)

Yanagi Sushi (Japanese)

In the North Shore, you have to try their famous sweet and juicy shrimp right off the back of a shrimp truck. Some great trucks to buy from are:

Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck

Holy Smokes: Hawaiian Meats and Seafood

Luaus are also famous in the North Shore (along with many resort hotels). Tiki torches are lit, a pig is roasted in the earth amongst a pile of hot rocks, and drummers and local indigenous dancers entertain while those eating the Luau buffet experience the ‘taste of the islands’ and overlook the ocean.

As far as nightlife goes, there are endless possibilities on Oahu. Waikiki is lined with too many beach bars and nightclubs to mention. Also, Luaus are a popular nighttime activity as you watch local entertainer and fire dancers amaze you into the wee hours. Talk to you hotel concierge or even other tourists and locals about where the best place to go that particular night would be.

Attractions

Beaches:

Waikiki Beach

Lanikai Beach

Ala Moana Beach Park

Bellows Beach Park

Makapuu Beach Park

Halona Beach Cove

Sandy Beach

Kuhio Beach

Outdoor Activities:

Surfing

Kayaking

Body Boarding

Deep Sea Fishing

Hiking

Waikiki & Honolulu Walking Tours

Oahu Nature Tours

Historical Sites:

Pearl Harbor

Puu o Mahuka Heiau

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Aliiolani Hale

Waikiki Historical Trail

Bishops Museum

Natural Attractions:

Diamond Head Mountain

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language in Hawaii is English.

The official currency in Hawaii is the United States Dollar (USD).