A popular Hawaiian destination, Honolulu boasts a year round temperate climate and is a melting pot of Asian cultures. Covered with beautiful beaches and within easy reach by rental car of the verdant wilderness areas of the rest of Oahu island, this town also has a fine assortment of sights, drawing in hordes of tourists
Getting there
Air is the only realistic means of reaching Hawaii, with Honolulu acting as a major Pacific hub and receiving numerous flights daily. Inter-island flights are plentiful between Honolulu (Oahu) and airports at Lihue (Kauai), Kahului (Maui), Kona and Hilo (Big Island). A shuttle service from Honolulu Airport to the city or Waikiki Beach is available and private shuttles run to other resorts around the island. Alternatively, a tiny ferry runs five times a day between Maui and Lanai. Cheaper and certainly more scenic than flying, it doesnеt take much longer. Save time and money on car rental at the airport by checking out national travel deals.
Key attractions
Waikiki Beach, southeast of the centre, is a hive of activity with its fancy high-rise hotels, gorgeous backdrop and unbeatable nightlife. Kahanamoku Beach is calmer and Kapahulu Groin is a world magnate for boogie boarders. Also of interest here is China town, featuring sights such as a Taoist temple and a Shinto shrine.
Itеs also worthwhile visiting Foster Botanical Garden to see the stunning Buddhist Kwan Yin Temple. Pearl Harbor, which attracts millions of American visitors every year, along with the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, serve as reminders of America’s entry into WWII. Scenic drives along the coast are breathtaking, and car rental is easy to arrange.
Out and about
Diamond Head is one of the highest points on the island and provides good views of the surrounding area. The best of Oahu’s beaches are Slaughterhouse Beach, for people watching; Honolua Bay for snorkelling; and Hookipa Beach for windsurfing. Just inland of Honolulu is a lush tropical wilderness with the Makiki Valley five kilometres from the city centre. A switchback road takes you up to Mt Tantalus where you can access the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve and Puu Ualakaa State Park. National travel deals get you the best priced rental car for your vacation.
Windward Oahu, on the island’s eastern side, is home to Hanauma Bay with its gorgeous turquoise waters and first class snorkelling. Kailua is the third-largest city on Oahu; while the town of Laie features a popular Polynesian Cultural Centre.
Leisure options
You can enjoy the glorious Hawaiian sunset from anywhere on the Honolulu side of the island. On Fridays and Saturdays at around 1830, head to Kuhio Beach to watch hula dancing and a torch-lighting ceremony. For family time, Kapiolani Park contains the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo. Visiting the rest of the island by self аdrive rather than on a tour gives you the freedom to plan your own route.
Safety
Participating in water sports could result in accidents. Beware of pickpockets in the larger cities. The cost of medical care in the US is high and you would not want to be without insurance if something were to occur. We highly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Honolulu.