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Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu

No. 65 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Honolulu

United States

Hawaii's capital on Oʻahu: Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head, a royal palace and surf all year.

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Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Honolulu is No. 65 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of Hawaii lies on the south shore of the island of Oʻahu.

Most visitors stay in Waikīkī, a strip of hotels along a famous beach, with the volcanic crater of Diamond Head at its eastern end. Hawaiian culture, surfing and island food are part of everyday life.

ʻIolani Palace, Honolulu
ʻIolani Palace, Honolulu. Photo: Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

Honolulu is warm all year. April to May and September to October are usually quieter, with good weather.

December to March is a little wetter and brings big waves to the North Shore, which are best watched from the beach. Summer is the calmest time to swim on the North Shore.

Top sights

  • 1

    Waikīkī Beach

    A long sandy beach with gentle waves, ideal for a first surf lesson or an outrigger canoe ride.

  • 2

    Diamond Head (Lēʻahi)

    A short, steep hike up a volcanic crater for views over Waikīkī. Out-of-state visitors must book an entry in advance.

  • 3

    ʻIolani Palace

    The 19th-century palace of Hawaii's last monarchs, King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, with guided and self-guided tours.

  • 4

    Bishop Museum

    The leading museum of Hawaiian and Pacific culture and natural history.

  • 5

    Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    A sheltered bay in a volcanic crater for snorkelling among reef fish. Reservations are required.

  • 6

    Honolulu Museum of Art

    Asian, Hawaiian, European and American art in a building with tranquil courtyards.

  • 7

    North Shore

    About an hour's drive north, with famous surf beaches such as Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, and the town of Haleʻiwa.

Getting there

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is about 15 km west of Waikīkī. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, shuttles and TheBus serve the airport, and the Skyline rail line now has an airport station.

There are direct flights from many US mainland cities, Canada, Asia and Australia, and inter-island flights to Maui, Kauaʻi and the Big Island.

Getting around

TheBus covers the whole island; pay with a HOLO card. Biki bike-share stations are found around Waikīkī and downtown.

Hire a car to explore beyond the city, such as the North Shore and the windward coast.

Practical tips

Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars.
Language
English. Hawaiian is also an official language, and you will hear words such as aloha and mahalo everywhere.
Safety
Swim at lifeguarded beaches and heed warning signs, as currents and waves can be strong. Don't leave valuables in parked cars. The emergency number is 911.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.
Power
120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B.

Official information: Go Hawaii (official Hawaiʻi tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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