Best times: April–early June or September–early December for value. Avoid Christmas/New Year (most expensive week). Fly into HNL. Rent a car if you plan to leave Waikiki.
At a Glance
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Main airport | HNL |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English (some Hawaiian) |
| Best time to visit | April–early June, September–early December (cheaper, less crowded) |
| Visa for US citizens | No visa needed for US citizens (it's a US state). For international: standard US entry rules apply (ESTA for visa-waiver countries). |
Top Things to Do in Honolulu
- Snorkel at Hanauma Bay (reservation required)
- Pearl Harbor + USS Arizona Memorial (free, reserve)
- Diamond Head sunrise hike (reservation required)
- North Shore — Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, surfing
- Polynesian Cultural Center day trip
- Lanikai Beach (best beach on Oʻahu, per locals)
- Walking tour of Chinatown for food
- Watch sunset at Waikiki with mai tais
- Drive the Windward Coast and Kualoa Ranch
- Bishop Museum — Pacific cultural history
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Waikiki — beach, shopping, tourist hotels
- Ala Moana — biggest mall, Honolulu Harbor
- Kakaʻako — arts district, breweries
- Manoa — university, valley hikes
- Kailua/Lanikai — Windward beaches
- North Shore — surf towns, country feel
Our recommendation: Waikiki for first-timers (beach + walkable), Kakaʻako for hipster scene, Kailua for upscale beach houses.
What to Eat
- Poke bowls (the original — try Ono Seafood)
- Loco moco (rice + hamburger + egg + gravy)
- Plate lunch (kalua pork, lau lau, mac salad)
- Shave ice with azuki and condensed milk
- Spam musubi
- Fresh sashimi at Tamashiro Market
- Garlic shrimp from a North Shore food truck (Giovanni's)
- Malasadas (Portuguese donuts at Leonard's)
How to Get Around
TheBus is reliable and cheap ($3) but slow. Renting a car for at least part of the trip is recommended — driving to North Shore or Pearl Harbor is essential for many highlights. Waikiki itself is walkable.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is HNL. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our Los Angeles flight page or Los Angeles To Honolulu route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
No visa needed for US citizens (it's a US state). For international: standard US entry rules apply (ESTA for visa-waiver countries).
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Honolulu?
April–early June, September–early December (cheaper, less crowded).
Do US citizens need a visa for United States?
No visa needed for US citizens (it's a US state). For international: standard US entry rules apply (ESTA for visa-waiver countries).
Where should I stay in Honolulu?
Waikiki for first-timers (beach + walkable), Kakaʻako for hipster scene, Kailua for upscale beach houses.
How do I book cheap flights to Honolulu?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to HNL including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.