Honolulu Travel Guide 2025

Looking for a tropical paradise destination with more to offer than beaches? As Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu is a cultural center and thriving town with nightlife, dining — and much more! Located on O'ahu, Honolulu has plenty of shores to explore for swimming and other water activities, but you’ll also find historical attractions, exciting entertainment and lots of places to shop!

At AAA, we provide exceptional travel planning assistance to Honolulu and other top travel destinations around the U.S. We know how hard it can be to choose where to stay in Hawaii, what to do and even where to eat — with so many great options! That’s why we’re offering this Honolulu travel guide. You’ll find info on getting around the most-visited city in Hawaii, including day trips to consider, photo ops and other details to help you plan your trip!

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Like most visitors, you’ll probably be flying into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for your trip to Honolulu. But once you’re here, should you rent a car to get around — or rely on other modes of transportation? That depends on your budget, itinerary, accommodations and other factors. We’ll go over your options for getting where you need to go during your stay!

Prefer to have your own set of wheels to get around town? Honolulu has several car rental places available, with special AAA savings from Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty. Renting a car means you can drive around the city and the rest of the island at your leisure. Just note that parking costs can add up! You might even have to pay to park at your hotel, so plan accordingly in terms of your budget.

Honolulu’s public bus transportation is known as TheBus. You’ll find plenty of routes available to get around the lower part of O'ahu, including downtown Honolulu and the Waikiki Beach area. But it’s not the most practical solution for traveling longer distances, such as up to the North Shore area.

If you’re planning to use TheBus, check the latest routes, fares, and schedules before you go! One-way rides are a few dollars — or you can get an unlimited day pass for a little more.

Waikiki Trolleys give you a fun way to get around and see what Honolulu has to offer! These open-air trolleys have four routes, with some taking you to popular attractions. Others bring you to areas filled with dining places and similar amenities. Each of the four trolley lines includes featured stops, such as Sea Life Park on the Blue Line and Iolani Palace on the Red Line.

You can purchase single-line day passes and enjoy hop-on, hop-off riding all day! Or you can save money with multi-line passes, 4-day passes or full-week passes.

Walking is an option in downtown, Waikiki Beach, and other areas of Honolulu. But if you want a quicker way to get around, consider renting a bike or scooter! The Biki Bike Program has stations around the city to rent a bicycle. Since the streets can be pretty busy, ensure you have a helmet, too!

Scooters may be even faster than bikes, depending on how fast you go. They do tend to have higher rates compared to bike rentals.

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So, when should you plan on traveling to Honolulu? First, get to know the state in general because discovering the best time to visit Hawaii is key! It all hinges on the island you're exploring (O’ahu) and which side you find yourself on — windward or leeward. The windward side often greets you with lush showers due to the trade winds, while the leeward side allows for drier, sunnier weather. And don't forget about your itinerary! Do you prefer to avoid crowds during the height of tourist season? Or do you want to ensure you’re there during the best weather — or for certain festivities? Let’s take a closer look at the best time to go to Honolulu based on different preferences and priorities!

Are you looking for lower rates and fewer crowds to deal with? Visiting Honolulu in late December and early January — just after the Christmas season — is usually when it’s quieter and calmer. You’ll typically get lower rates than normal at this time, too! Having fewer tourists around means that things to do in Honolulu are easier to get into, including major attractions and restaurants.

Do you want great weather and lower rates? That means planning a visit in late summer or early fall. Temperatures aren’t quite as hot as they are during summer’s peak, making it more pleasant to explore the city on foot. This is also just after the main tourist season in Honolulu — so rates tend to be lower for a more budget-friendly visit!

Do you want to enjoy plenty of fun festivals and events? Visiting Honolulu in spring or early to mid-summer is the best time to go! There’s the Honolulu Festival in March to keep you busy for a few days. Or make plans to attend the King Kamehameha Festival in June to celebrate Hawaiian heritage and culture!

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Looking for fun activities to do while you’re in town? Honolulu might be known for its beaches. But there’s much more to do than sunbathing and swimming! We’ll explore some of the top attractions in Honolulu for those who want to experience all that the city has to offer!

Enjoy cocktails and breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean with a sunset cruise! Set sail off the Waikiki coast on a catamaran while sipping a cocktail and taking in your surroundings. You’ll get to have a memorable and relaxing evening before heading out for more sightseeing — and adventures — the next day!

Eager to explore the waters? Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve gives you an incredible place to go snorkeling! The bay’s location in a volcanic cone lined with crater walls provides an ideal location for seeing all kinds of marine species — including tons of fish and coral! Snorkel your way through lagoons and other areas of the bay to get up close to sea turtles and other aquatic critters!

For a cultural experience you won’t forget, make plans to attend a luau! Watch fire knife dancers perform and enjoy other entertainment while taking in the surrounding ocean views. Sip a drink or two, snap photos and take part in interactive activities. Whether it’s a date night or a family outing, a luau is the perfect way to spend an evening in Honolulu!

Honolulu’s historic attractions are a great way to learn more about the city’s past. Visiting Pearl Harbor gives you a chance to explore a battleship and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during World War II. Walk aboard the USS Missouri. Reflect on the past while visiting the USS Arizona Memorial. While you’re in town, check out other historic sites, too, like the Punchbowl Cemetery.

Take to the air for breathtaking views of Honolulu’s mountains! Enjoy a helicopter tour that takes you over the peaks of Mount Olomana, Diamond Head, and Nu’uanu Pali. Taking this route also means you’ll get to see other points of interest in the area from way up above — including Makeup’u Point’s lighthouse!

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Do you prefer being as close to the water as possible for each beach access? Or would you rather stay in the downtown area and enjoy nightlife, dining, shopping and live entertainment? No matter what your preferences are in the Hawaiian islands, you can find accommodations that fit your needs! To give you an idea of what’s available, these are some of the best places to stay in Honolulu!

Looking for a home away from home in Honolulu? ESPACIO offers luxury condos to stay in during your vacation! These oceanfront condos put you right by the beach and water, but you can also enjoy lounging in your condo, complete with its private lanai, full kitchen, hot tub and sauna! The building also has a rooftop pool, full bar — and much more!

Trying to save money without having to give up comfort or amenities? The Courtyard offers a great location in the Waikiki area! You’ll be minutes from the beach and close to tons of restaurants and attractions! Enjoy some mini golf, get a massage and take advantage of the hotel’s many other amenities for a relaxing stay!

Stay right across from Waikiki Beach in a hotel that’s part of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program! The Hyatt Regency makes it easy to dine and shop with two entire floors filled with restaurants and stores. Take in ocean views from a private balcony and unwind in an on-site hot tub after a long day of sightseeing!

Admire hand-painted murals in this beautifully decorated hotel that’s close to the beach and many other area attractions. You’ll be conveniently near the International Marketplace, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and tons of other things to do! OUTRIGGER also has on-site restaurants, so you don’t have to go far for great dining experiences!

Get plenty of fresh air and fun without the crowds at Waikiki Beach! The Kahala Hotel and Resort provides a bit more seclusion at Kahala Beach — along with easy access to golf and other activities at the neighboring country club. Enjoy staying near a dolphin lagoon with snorkeling and other water adventures during your stay!

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You’ll find plenty of dining establishments in Honolulu — from restaurants near the shores of Waikiki Beach to the heart of the downtown area. And you have even more options if you venture outside of town. Which AAA Diamond restaurants should you put on your to-do list while you’re here? We recommend the following as some of the best places to eat in Honolulu!

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hawaii without Hawaiian cuisine! That’s what you’ll get at the Hideout, located close to Waikiki Beach. Try Kalua egg rolls for a smaller bite to eat. Or enjoy something more filling, like a seared ahi sandwich, while dining out on the patio! The Hideout offers Sunday brunch and happy hour, along with regular meals!

Looking for fine dining overlooking the ocean? La Mer has an open-air dining room that’s perfect for Pacific views while enjoying your meal! Savor French fare prepared with ingredients that are fresh from the island! Dine on caviar while sipping a cocktail. Or order roast duck filet or poached lobster as a main meal!

For a more casual dining establishment, head to Hula Grill for pupu platters, coconut seafood chowder, and other Hawaiian fare. Or go with an American dish featuring beef or chicken, like filet steak Kiana. Leave room for dessert, so you can try a hula pie — or enjoy some pineapple upside-down cake!

For another restaurant with wonderful ocean views, check out Bali Oceanfront! Order s hearty steak dinner, like beef tenderloin or Washugyu ribeye (aka Japanese-American beef). Or choose from seafood or chicken dishes, like Jidori chicken breast. Bali also has delicious breakfast items, such as Brux berries-and-cream waffles, smoked salmon plates — and much more!

Enjoy fine dining at Kahala Beach! Hoku’s provides ocean views from a dining room with multiple levels. Dine on ahi poke carpaccio or choose from other dishes from a menu filled with Asian and European cuisine. Stop by for brunch on a Sunday for smoked salmon eggs, pancakes with coconut syrup — or other tasty dishes!

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Honolulu really has no shortage of sites that make for the most stunning photos. But you may not have time to visit all of them! We recommend including the following photo spots in your trip for the most beautiful vacation photos you can treasure for years to come!

Want scenic photo spots with wide open skies, towering palm trees, and vivid green grass in the background? The gardens provide that kind of setting for Honolulu photos! Head to the Hitachi Tree, a huge monkeypod tree, to take even more memorable pics from your trip. You might also want to snap some photos with the historic Kamehameha V Cottage!

Staying near the shores of Honolulu’s most famous beach? Head towards the water for gorgeous scenery — and backdrops! Waikiki Beach’s beauty makes it a perfect spot to take photos with the blue Pacific waters in the background! Or snap pics along the beach on a moonlit night for a romantic photo op!

Looking for somewhere that gives you a panoramic shot of the area for picturesque photos? Visit this park to take pics with the ocean, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and other incredible views as your backdrop! Just note that the park is only open from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. each day, so plan ahead!

Ever thought you would have the chance to take a photo with a volcano looming in the background? During your stay in Honolulu, visit Diamond Head Lookout to take amazing pics with this volcanic cone as a dramatic backdrop! You can also take selfies with the volcano behind you from Waikiki Beach!

Stunning photos of the great outdoors aren’t the only photo spots in Honolulu. For a more artsy, cultural spot, head over to Kakaako — about a mile south of downtown. The Kakaako wall murals are a great way to capture the artistic talent found in this capital city! After snapping pics in front of street art, grab a drink and bite to eat at one of the area’s microbreweries.

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You might not tire of soaking up the sun on Waikiki Beach’s shores or wandering through the downtown area for shopping, dining, and other activities. But you could be missing out on O’ahu’s other places to see and things to do! Our guide to Honolulu includes the following day trips to consider making room for in your itinerary.

You can see Diamond Head’s volcanic cone from Honolulu — but what if you could explore a park with an active volcano? Take a quick flightseeing trip over the Big Island of Hawai’i to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for this experience! You can also check out the town of Kona during this exciting day trip!

Your trip to Honolulu doesn’t have to only include the city. In fact, O’ahu has a lot more to explore and enjoy, including the North Shore area! This is where you’ll find the stunning Waimea Waterfalls. You can also take a stroll through Waimea Botanical Gardens, featuring over 50 themed gardens!

Pineapples are the main draw at this day-trip destination! Dole Plantation — once a simple fruit stand — offers train tours, a garden maze, garden tours and a chance to stock up on fresh pineapples! Afterward, you can spend time exploring the charming town of Haleiwa, filled with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and other amenities!

Hawaii Tourism Authority / Heather Goodman

Traveling to Honolulu isn’t the cheapest vacation destination! While the city — and O’ahu in general — is well worth the cost, finding ways to save money is a smart move. We’ve put a list of cost-saving tips together to help you visit this beautiful island destination on a budget!

Is your vacation flexible in terms of when you go? Consider booking flights during the city’s off-season for better deals on airfare, especially during January and February. Book flights during the middle of the week if possible, rather than on Mondays, Fridays, or the weekend — when fares tend to be higher!

Check for discounts and other savings on hotels, tickets, and vehicles. As a AAA member, you can enjoy a trip to Honolulu without breaking the bank!

Spending most of your vacation budget on luxury accommodations? Or are you trying to make the most of your vacation while staying within your budget? Honolulu has plenty of free activities and places to explore! Hike to Manoa Falls, stroll along Kailua Beach or visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Instead of purchasing separate tickets for each attraction or a bunch of one-way tickets for the bus, look for bundling options. Purchase full-day or multi-day passes for public transportation. Check out tours that include multiple attractions and activities in one package deal. This is a great way to cut down on your vacation expenses in Honolulu!

Booking a hotel or resort room in Honolulu may give you access to both practical and exciting amenities at no cost. Explore accommodations that include free valet parking, valet laundry, pools, spas, transportation around the area and other amenities that you would normally have to pay for on your own.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Honolulu trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.