Honolulu and Oahu travel guide
Honolulu on Oahu combines Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and the history of Pearl Harbor with lush mountains and the big-wave beaches of the North Shore.
Best time to visit Honolulu
Hawaii is warm all year. April to May and September to October are quieter and often good-value periods.
Winter (November to March) brings big surf on the North Shore and humpback whales offshore; summer brings calmer north-shore waters.
Getting to Honolulu
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) has direct flights from many US mainland cities. Waikiki is about 20 to 30 minutes away by car, shuttle or bus.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Rental car
A car is the easiest way to explore beyond Honolulu, though parking in Waikiki can be expensive.
TheBus and Skyline
TheBus covers the whole island, and the Skyline rail line serves west Oahu, using a HOLO card.
Top things to do in Honolulu
1. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial and museums. Tickets for the memorial program are free but should be reserved in advance on recreation.gov.
See tours & prices ›2. Diamond Head
A short, steep hike to the crater rim above Waikiki. Out-of-state visitors need an advance reservation.
See tours & prices ›3. North Shore
Surf beaches like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, sea turtles and the town of Haleiwa.
See tours & prices ›4. Hanauma Bay snorkeling
A protected marine bay; reservations are required and it is closed on some weekdays.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; Hawaii restricts certain chemical sunscreens.
- Respect warning signs and lifeguard advice; ocean conditions change quickly.
- Reserve Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay ahead.
Honolulu travel FAQ
Do US citizens need a passport for Hawaii?
No, Hawaii is a US state; a valid government ID is enough for domestic flights.
How many days do you need on Oahu?
Five to seven days covers Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore and some beach time.
When is the best time to visit Honolulu?
Any time; April to May and September to October tend to be quieter.