Welcome to Honolulu
Landing at Honolulu's airport may plunge you into the Hawaiian-style urban jungle, but relax, it's still Polynesia. Even among downtown high-rises, you'll find capital city power brokers in breezy aloha shirts. By day, inspect royal feathered capes or hang out at the beach, then swizzle mai tais while slack key guitars play at Waikiki Beach after dark.
Waikiki Beach DHOXAX/SHUTTERSTOCK
HonoluluTop Sights
Kuhio Beach
Kuhio Beach in Waikiki has everything on offer from protected swimming to surfing lessons, outrigger-canoe rides to catamaran trips, and even a free sunset-hula and Hawaiian music show.
Kuhio Beach ROSAIRENEBETANCOURT 5 / ALAMY
Honolulu Top Sights
'Iolani Palace
'Iolani Palace, the USA's only royal palace, has been lovingly and painstakingly renovated. No other place evokes a more poignant sense of Hawaii's history.
Iolani Palace GREGORY OLSEN/GETTY IMAGES
Honolulu Top Sights
Hanauma Bay
This wide, curved bay of sapphire and turquoise waters protected by a coral reef is a gem, especially for snorkelers. Head here to eyeball technicolor tropical fish through your mask.
Hanauma Bay DAVID WALL PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Honolulu Top Sights
Pearl Harbor
One of the USA's most significant WWII sites, the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor narrates the history of the attack and commemorates fallen service members.
Pearl Harbor DOUGLAS PEEBLES/ALAMY
Honolulu Top Sights
Diamond Head
A dramatic backdrop for Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head is one of the best-known landmarks in Hawaii. It was named in 1825 when British sailors thought they'd found diamonds and struck it rich.
Diamond Head VITO PALMISANO/GETTY IMAGES
Honolulu Top Sights
Honolulu Museum of Art
This exceptional fine arts museum may be the most pleasant surprise of your trip to Hawaii. Inviting and airy with stunning exhibitions and collections.
Honolulu Museum of Art JAMES NESTERWITZ/ALAMY
Honolulu Top Sights
Bishop Museum
One of the finest Polynesian anthropological museums in the world, Bishop Museum is considered to be Honolulu's version of the Smithsonian Institute. An attraction for the whole family.
Bishop Museum ANN CECIL / GETTY IMAGES
Honolulu Top Sights
Shangri La
Celebrity Doris Duke's passion for both Hawaii and Islamic art is encapsulated at Shangri La, her seasonal residence on Black Point, in the shadow of Diamond Head.
Shangri La ALVIS UPITIS/ALAMY
Honolulu Top Sights
Lyon Arboretum & Upper Manoa Valley
Oahu is not all surf and sand. Inland are lush, verdant mountains and valleys, hiking trails and botanical gardens. Make the most of the green and explore the Upper Manoa Valley.
Upper Manoa Valley MARK A. JOHNSON/ALAMY
HonoluluLocal Life
Insider tips to help you find the real Honolulu
After checking off Honolulus top sights, heres how you can experience what makes the city tick hip local hangouts, neighborhood favorites, family hotspots and quirky shops that make up multiethnic Honolulu.
Historic Chinatown Walk
Multiethnic hotspots
Honolulu history
Though most Chinese entrepreneurs have long since moved out and been replaced by newer immigrants, the scent of burning incense still wafts through Chinatowns buzzing markets, fire-breathing dragons spiral up the columns of buildings and steaming dim sum awakens even the sleepiest of appetites.
Hang Out in Ala Moana
Beach options
Shopping spots
Locals know that Ala Moana offers more than just a shopping center. Ward Center and Ward Warehouse offer excellent eating and browsing options, while the beach park and Magic Island are stunners that many staying in Waikiki don't even realize are there.
Volleyball players, Ala Moana Beach Park JEFFG / ALAMY