Honolulu

Pacific beaches, volcanoes and island history

Recommended stay: 3–4 days
Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn are usually comfortable; check seasonal conditions.
Airports: HNL

Honolulu at a glance

Honolulu combines Waikiki’s beach energy with volcanic scenery, Pacific history, museums and neighbourhood food. Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, ʻIolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Hanauma Bay, Ala Moana, Kakaʻako, Honolulu Museum of Art and Manoa Falls sit in several areas rather than on one walking loop. The North Shore, Kailua, Kualoa, the Polynesian Cultural Center and Hanauma Bay work best as separate outings.

Quick information

Recommended stay3–4 days

Best time to visitSpring and early autumn are usually comfortable; check seasonal conditions.

AirportsHNL

Budget travelCheck current local costs / person / day

Walk Waikiki Beach early and follow current ocean safety advice. Keep indoor hours for Bishop Museum or Honolulu Museum of Art. Plan Diamond Head around conditions, reservations, water and sun protection.

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

TheBus W Line to Waikiki

A direct bus to Waikiki with stops on the way

Standard TheBus fare (HOLO card or cash)Transport

Must-see sights

Waikiki Beach

Diamond Head

Pearl Harbor

Sights

One-day itinerary

Morning: Walk Waikīkī Beach early, following current ocean safety advice.
Lunch: Have a plate lunch in Honolulu and take a break from the sun.
Afternoon: Visit ʻIolani Palace with entry arranged or explore its grounds respectfully.
Evening: Return to Waikīkī for a sunset walk and dinner.

Itineraries

Best areas to stay

Waikiki
Walk the beach early. ʻIolani Palace and Diamond Head still need a planned ride.
Best for
The beach, sunset walks and a first stay
Downtown Honolulu
Useful for the palace. Waikiki is a short ride back for sunset.
Best for
ʻIolani Palace and a civic stay
Kakaʻako
An easy neighbourhood walk after Pearl Harbor. Waikiki still needs a ride.
Best for
Public art and a neighbourhood stay
Ala Moana
A neighbourhood base. Waikiki Beach and the palace still need a short ride.
Best for
A practical neighbourhood stay
Manoa
A neighbourhood base. Most Waikiki and palace sights still need a ride.
Best for
A neighbourhood stay

Approximate budget

Mid-range
Check current local costs
per day, per person
Accommodation usually has the biggest effect on the daily budget.

Airports

HNL
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
25 km from city centre

Airport to city transport

OptionTimePrice

HNL

TheBus W Line to WaikikiHNLThe W Line runs between the airport and Waikiki via Downtown, Kakaako and Ala Moana. The stop is east of the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street, fronting Lelepaua Station. Luggage rules are strict: each passenger may carry one standard medium suitcase and one smaller bag. Check thebus.org for the current stop and timetable.
A direct bus to Waikiki with stops on the way
Standard TheBus fare (HOLO card or cash)
Details
The W Line runs between the airport and Waikiki via Downtown, Kakaako and Ala Moana. The stop is east of the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street, fronting Lelepaua Station. Luggage rules are strict: each passenger may carry one standard medium suitcase and one smaller bag. Check thebus.org for the current stop and timetable.
Skyline rail (Lelepaua Station)HNLThe station is between the International Parking Garage and the Terminal 2 Parking Garage. Skyline does not run to Waikiki, so most visitors staying there use the W Line or a road transfer; check the route map before relying on it.
Depends on your destination along the line
HOLO card required
Details
The station is between the International Parking Garage and the Terminal 2 Parking Garage. Skyline does not run to Waikiki, so most visitors staying there use the W Line or a road transfer; check the route map before relying on it.
Roberts Hawaii Express ShuttleHNLOn-demand shared shuttle with pick-up at designated points near the baggage claim areas. The transfer fare includes a set luggage allowance, so ask about extra bags when booking.
A shared ride to Waikiki; the time depends on the drop-offs before yours
Per-person fare
Details
On-demand shared shuttle with pick-up at designated points near the baggage claim areas. The transfer fare includes a set luggage allowance, so ask about extra bags when booking.
Taxi, limousine or rideshareHNLTaxis and chauffeured limousines are available on the baggage-claim (ground) level of each terminal. Rideshare and pre-arranged operators use designated pick-up areas, which have changed recently, so follow the airport signs.
A road journey to Waikiki, depending on traffic
Metered or app-quoted fare
Details
Taxis and chauffeured limousines are available on the baggage-claim (ground) level of each terminal. Rideshare and pre-arranged operators use designated pick-up areas, which have changed recently, so follow the airport signs.

Getting around

OptionTimePrice

WalkingWaikiki works on foot. ʻIolani Palace, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore need a separate ride.
Best around Waikiki Beach and a sunset walk
Free
Details
Waikiki works on foot. ʻIolani Palace, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore need a separate ride.
Bus, taxi and a reliable rideAllow time for traffic on a North Shore return. Recheck reservations for Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor before you go.
Useful for Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kakaʻako and the North Shore
Official fare
Details
Allow time for traffic on a North Shore return. Recheck reservations for Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor before you go.

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Honolulu at a glance

Quick information

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

Must-see sights

One-day itinerary

Best areas to stay

Waikiki

Downtown Honolulu

Kakaʻako

Ala Moana

Manoa

Approximate budget