Honolulu, gateway to Hawaii
A city with a surf beach at the foot of a volcanic crater, where breakfast in Waikiki can turn into a reef snorkel before noon.
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Hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu
Oceanfront towers, boutique hotels a few blocks from the sand and family-friendly picks, with live rates.
Honolulu essentials
Beach, volcano, reef and history, all within an hour's drive of Waikiki.
- Apr–MayGreat weather, smaller crowds
- ≈ 24–30 °CYear-round temperature
- ≈ 5 h 45 minNonstop flight from Los Angeles
- Dec–AprHumpback whale season
Honolulu from the air and the sand
Diamond Head crater, the Waikiki skyline and the reef at Hanauma Bay.
- Diamond Head from the plane · Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA (CC BY 2.0)
- Waikiki from above · Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA (CC BY 2.0)
- Diamond Head from the sea · Ossewa (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Kalākaua Avenue, Waikiki · Peaceray (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Inside Diamond Head crater · Matt Kieffer (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Hanauma Bay · Akos Kokai (CC BY 2.0)
Honolulu travel FAQ
What to sort out before you travel to Honolulu and the island of O'ahu.
What documents do I need to travel to Honolulu?
Hawaii is a US state. US citizens only need a valid ID for domestic flights. Mexican travelers need a valid passport and a US visa; there are no nonstop flights from Mexico, so you usually connect through a West Coast city such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, where you clear immigration.
When is the best time to go?
Honolulu is warm all year. April, May, September and October tend to pair good weather with smaller crowds. December to March brings more rain in the mountains, more visitors and humpback whales offshore. The central Pacific hurricane season runs June to November, though direct hits on O'ahu are rare.
How do I get from the airport to Waikiki?
Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) is about 15 km from Waikiki; a taxi or rideshare takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Shared shuttles and TheBus also run the route. If you are staying in Waikiki, you will not need a rental car every day.
How many days do I need on O'ahu?
Five to seven days covers Waikiki, the Diamond Head hike, a morning at Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor and a full day on the North Shore. To add another island such as Maui or Kauaʻi, plan at least four more days.
Where should I stay?
Waikiki has most of the hotels and restaurants, with the beach on foot, so it is the easiest choice for a first trip. Ko Olina on the west side has resorts with calm lagoons for families. Kailua on the windward side offers rentals and a local feel, and the North Shore suits surfers and anyone after quiet.
Do any attractions need reservations?
Yes. Hanauma Bay requires an online reservation released a few days ahead and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Diamond Head requires non-residents to reserve entry or parking. At Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial program is free, but book a time slot early because they run out.
Is the North Shore worth the trip?
Yes. It is about an hour from Honolulu, and in winter beaches like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach get giant waves, perfect for watching pro surfers from the sand. In summer the ocean usually calms down for swimming and snorkeling. Haleʻiwa is the town to stop for lunch and shave ice.
What should I eat in Honolulu?
Fresh ahi poke, plate lunch with rice and mac salad, spam musubi, loco moco and shave ice. Look for traditional Hawaiian food like kalua pork and laulau, and the garlic shrimp from the North Shore food trucks.
What should I know about the ocean on O'ahu?
Swim at lifeguarded beaches and respect warning flags and signs, especially on the North Shore in winter. Use reef-safe sunscreen: Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Never touch or chase sea turtles or monk seals.
How will I receive my trip confirmation?
Your flight and hotel confirmation arrives by email when you complete your purchase. Change and cancellation conditions depend on each fare and each hotel, and they are shown before you pay.
Keep your boarding passes and Waikiki hotel in the app, handy when you connect on the West Coast.
