Honolulu Hawaii Travel Guide & Vacation Information | Go Hawaii

Honolulu

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Honolulu

If Oʻahu is the heart of Hawaiʻi, then Honolulu is its racing pulse. In this cosmopolitan capital city, you’ll find everything from historic landmarks to fine dining to world-class shopping. Home to the majority of Oʻahu’s population, Honolulu stretches across the southeastern shores of the island, from Pearl Harbor to Makapuʻu Point, encompassing world-famous Waikīkī Beach along the way.

Video: Day With a Local on Southern Oʻahu

Video: Honolulu and South Oahu
Follow along for a day filled with food, art and fun in Honolulu and along the South Shore of Oʻahu

Regions of Oʻahu

Kaena Point
Kaʻena Point is a scenic and sacred spot where, legend says, the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.
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Makaha Beach
The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.
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Haleiwa Town
This laid-back surfer town offers beautiful beaches, tasty local restaurants and food trucks, cool shops and plenty of shave ice.
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Waimea Bay
This beloved beach is popular with locals and visitors alike, and was an influential surf spot during the dawn of big wave surfing in the 1950s.
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Makapuu Point Lighthouse
Hike to this scenic point on Oʻahu’s easternmost tip for incredible views and whale watching during the winter.
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Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is one of Oʻahu’s most popular scenic spots, with panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Koʻolau Mountains.
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Byodo-In Temple
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park houses Byodo-in, a stunning replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple set in a lush forest.
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Honolulu
Statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of modern surfing, on Kuhio Beach, Waikiki
The state capital and largest city in Hawaiʻi, Honolulu is a unique combination of tropical glamour and buzzing international metropolis, where sandy shores meet city streets.
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Central Oʻahu
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites on Oahu
Gain a unique perspective on World War II with a visit to Pearl Harbor, or explore the island's agricultural traditions at the Dole pineapple plantation.
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Leeward Coast
Leeward Coast of Oahu
This area on Oʻahu's west side is home to rural towns, off-the-beaten-path beaches and one luxurious resort area, Kō Olina.
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North Shore
Oahu's North Shore is a popular surf destination
Rub shoulders with champion surfers and laid-back locals on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the big wave surfing capital of the world.
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Windward Coast
Windward Coast of Oahu
It’s only a short drive from Honolulu to enjoy the highlights of Oʻahu’s lush Windward Coast, including the peaceful Byodo-in Temple and adventurous Kuaola Ranch.
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Food & Dining in Honolulu

Food & Dining in Honolulu
Beet poke dish at Mud Hen Water in the Kaimukī neighborhood Daeja Fallas

From barefoot fish tacos at Duke’s Beach House in Waikīkī to the eclectic food scene in trendy Chinatown, Honolulu has something for every taste. Sample fine Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine at local institutions like Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Roy’s Waikīkī or Chef Mavro. Explore Honolulu’s residential neighborhoods and eat like a local with plate lunches, poke and fresh produce from the city’s many fantastic farmers markets.

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Attractions

Landmarks & Attractions

Waikiki

Waikīkī

One of the most recognizable beaches in the world, Waikīkī was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, millions of visitors visit these shores every year.

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Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head)

Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head)

Take an easy hike to the top for panoramic views of Waikīkī, Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

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Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown are Oʻahu’s centers for government, business and arts,with dining and nightlife around every corner.

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Kapahulu

Kapahulu

Kapahulu is a small neighborhood next to Waikīkī where you find eclectic shops and some of Honolulu’s best local food.

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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific honors sacrifices of America’s Armed Forces.

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Kapi‘olani Park

Kapi‘olani Park

Walk, run, cycle, do yoga, or attend a concert in this 160-acre oasis named after Queen Kapi‘olani that sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean just below iconic Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head).

King Kamehameha I Statue

King Kamehameha I Statue

Just across from ‘Iolani Palace, the bronze statue honors the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands. On the Friday closest to Kamehameha Day (June 11), the statue is draped with dozens of handmade 30-foot fresh flower lei (flower garlands).

Hanaiakamalama (Queen Emma Summer Palace)

Hanaiakamalama (Queen Emma Summer Palace)

n the Nu‘uanu Valley north of Downtown Honolulu, discover the mid-19th century summer retreat of Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert. This charming Greek revival home is filled with family possessions, memorabilia, and family portraits, enabling visitors to feel an intimate connection to the former inhabitants.

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View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide

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