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Honolulu travel guide

United States

Basics

CountryUnited States

Time zonePacific/Honolulu

CurrencyUSD

Official language(s)English

Using flights for intercity travel is efficient, and local tourist passes can provide affordable access to multiple attractions.

Places to visit

Foster Botanical Garden

A classic Honolulu botanical garden with tropical plants and impressive mature trees.

Location180 N Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA

HoursDaily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipThere is plenty of shade, but the air is humid, so bring water and mosquito protection.

Kaimana Beach

A calmer beach on the east end of Waikiki, good for swimming and sunset views.

LocationKaimana Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThe water is often gentler, but always check local conditions before entering.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

An important historic site that explores U.S. naval history and a turning point of World War II.

Location1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA

HoursDaily 7:00-4:00 PM

AdmissionSome areas free, some programs paid

Travel tipSome programs require advance reservations, so check the official site before going.

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

A popular viewpoint with sweeping scenery of Oʻahu’s windward cliffs and valleys.

LocationNuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt can be very windy, so keep hats and loose items secure.

Kapiolani Regional Park

A large urban park east of Waikiki, ideal for walks, picnics, and jogging.

Location3902 Paki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipLocal events are sometimes held on weekends, so it is a nice place for a relaxed stroll.

Diamond Head State Monument

One of Honolulu’s most famous hikes, overlooking Waikiki and the city below.

Location18th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

HoursDaily 6:00-6:00 PM

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipGo early in the morning for cooler temperatures and better views. Check whether reservations are required.

Honolulu Museum of Art

A place to admire a variety of art pieces, entrance is free.

HoursEvery day 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipCheck out the regularly held special exhibitions.

Bishop Museum

Features an extensive collection on Hawaiian history, culture, and natural history.

HoursMon-Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Weekends 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission$10-$25

Travel tipDon’t miss the various exhibits to learn about Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A premier national park in Hawaii, where you can observe volcanic activity.

HoursEvery day 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission$25

Travel tipCheck the weather before your visit and bring plenty of water.

Food to try

L&L Hawaiian BBQ

A popular chain known for Hawaiian-style plate lunches and casual comfort food.

Location909 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA

HoursDaily 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

AdmissionAbout $10–20 per item

Travel tipGood for a filling meal, and convenient because there are multiple locations.

Zippy’s

A long-loved local chain for Hawaiian comfort food, great for a casual meal.

Location1001 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

HoursOpen 24 hours (varies by location)

AdmissionPrice range: Budget

Travel tipTry local favorites like chili, nori chicken, and macaroni salad.

Events

Honolulu City Lights

A major holiday illumination and parade event that captures the year-end festive mood.

WhenAround December to January each year

LocationHonolulu Hale, 530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

HoursPrimarily evening hours during the event period

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt gets crowded at night, so plan your transit or walking route in advance.

Pearl Harbor Commemoration Events

Annual memorial events honoring the victims of the Pearl Harbor attack and wartime history.

WhenAround December each year

LocationPearl Harbor, Honolulu, HI, USA

HoursDuring the event period

AdmissionFree or some paid programs

Travel tipThese are solemn events, so attend respectfully and keep noise to a minimum.

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

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