Honolulu

Hawaii

Honolulu Waikiki & Oahu Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Why visit Honolulu

Here in Honolulu, away from the crowded haunts of Waikiki, you get to shake hands with the real Hawaii. A boisterous Polynesian capital, Honolulu delivers an island-style mixed plate of experiences.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Honolulu? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Alsaska: Glimmering Glaciers, Brown Bears, and Fantastic Fjords

10 days / 9 nights

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • Lei'd Back Hawaii: Maui and Kauai
    The USA

    8 days / 7 nights

    Lei'd Back Hawaii: Maui and Kauai

    FROM $5,090

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Easing up East: New York, Cape Cod, and Boston in 11 Days
    The USA

    11 days / 10 nights

    Easing up East: New York, Cape Cod, and Boston in 11 Days

    FROM $5,395

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Road Trippin' USA: San Francisco, National Parks & Las Vegas
    The USA

    11 days / 10 nights

    Road Trippin' USA: San Francisco, National Parks & Las Vegas

    FROM $5,780

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

    FROM $4,940

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

    FROM $3,795

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Honolulu

Discover the best attractions in Honolulu from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Honolulu travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city, packed with culture, fine-dining options and enough shopping to keep you busy for an entire vacation.

Read full article

Transportation

As Hawaii's favorite beach hub, Honolulu can get busy. Here are our tips for getting around, to help you explore the sights and find a calm stretch of sand.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

Honolulu is full of free things to do, from markets and museums to beaches and stunning scenic drives.

Read full article

Best Neighborhoods

One of Honolulu’s oldest neighborhoods, Chinatown is a must-see. Get to know it with our guide.

Read full article

Day Trips

Thanks to Hawaii's geography and quick, reliable flights, Honolulu's neighboring islands and the Ko’olau Mountains make for easy day trip destinations.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Honolulu