As your plane touches down get ready, get excited about a trip of a lifetime. Your walk on the tarmac will ease you into the soft sweet flowery air of Honolulu. The city sits on Oahu Island and is the capital of the US state of Hawaii.
The city’s settlement history begins with Polynesian migrants and it is their culture that you will be enveloped by once you get into the city.
Visit the Waterfalls
The city is beautiful for many reasons, but one of the most lovely ones is the magical waterfalls that dot Oahu. A waterfall visit is a must-do on any Hawaii trip (and the photography possibilities are supreme. Take a hike up to Manoa Falls, you will not believe your eyes as you make your way through the soft velvet greenery dotted with the vibrant pinks and reds of delicate rainforest flowers. The falls are located behind the University of Hawaii campus, where you can stop off and pick up a snack to enjoy at the top of the falls.
Go to a Luau
Attend a traditional luau, sure it is geared to tourists which makes attending one even more fun since it’s luau on a grand scale. You will feast on Kahlua pig, which is pork roasted to succulence in a traditional pit fire among numerous other dishes. As the warm day turns to a soft evening the hula dancers will bring their rhythmic sway and even if you think you can’t dance or don’t dance, you will be inspired to join your fellow travelers in a breakout hula-ing Honolulu moment. You won’t regret it or forget it.
Honolulu will have you loving your first time and loving your second time even more, it is the perfect vacation destination.
Fun Things to Do in Honolulu
- The “Pink Palace” is a Honolulu icon of sorts. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city and retains its grand appeal. If you’re not staying there, it is worth a visit. Have dinner or a drink and enjoy old Honolulu opulence.
- Head to the old Hawaii Theatre, which has been restored to its 1922 lushness and gives you a chance to walk into Hawaii’s history. The theatre still puts on shows and taking one is definitely recommended.
- Visit Hanauma Bay Nature Park which is located inside a volcano crater – yes it is pretty cool – for a truly sublime site of ultra-blue waters that will take your breath away. In addition, it’s a great place to get away to almost private beaches and the silence of being inside a volcano crater.
- The beaches flank the city and there are numerous things to do from giving yourself some sun-and-me time to surfing and sailing. Hawaii is the home of the grandpa of surfing so even if you haven’t ever tried, Honolulu is the perfect place to catch your first waves.
- Here is a suggestion that is sheerly for the experience. You may never try it anywhere else but try SPAM in Hawaii, the locals have perfected it. One of the most common quick meals is SPAM musubi which is a sort of sushi spam. It is fried SPAM over rice and wrapped in seaweed. Give it a try for traveling’s sake.
Culture
Honolulu may be pretty as a picture but it also has a serious side which you can see in the city’s downtown where the city’s city hall and state library sits. Nearby is the arts district that houses several galleries.
Shopping
Visit Ala Moana, which is a massive open-air shopping center, and pick up a funky Hawaiian shirt that will come to good use during those warm days back home when you want to channel a little bit of Honolulu. You can pick up various handmade goods or cheeky souvenirs as keepsakes.
Where to Stay
Waikiki may be where you are staying as this is filled with hotels and is home to numerous big restaurants and Honolulu nightlife. The beaches flank the city and there are numerous things to do from giving yourself some sun-and-me time to surfing and sailing. Hawaii is the home of the grandpa of surfing so even if you haven’t ever tried, Honolulu is the perfect place to catch your first waves.
Culture
Honolulu may be pretty as a picture but it also has a serious side which you can see in the city’s downtown where the city’s city hall and state library sits. Nearby is the arts district that houses several galleries.
Shopping
Visit Ala Moana, which is a massive open-air shopping center, and pick up a funky Hawaiian shirt that will come to good use during those warm days back home when you want to channel a little bit of Honolulu. You can pick up various handmade goods or cheeky souvenirs as keepsakes.
What’s the Weather Like In Honolulu?
Honolulu temperatures are pleasant and warm throughout the year. The summers see highs in the low 30s with no rainfall to speak of. The winter temperatures dip into the still quite nice high teens and low 20s.
Peak Season
Honolulu is especially busy in the winter months when those living in colder climates head to the city to warm up and wind down. This means flight prices from December through to March are high. You could snag a flight deal in the first few weeks of January if you plan early enough.
Off Season
Visitor numbers tend to decline in the fall months which means it’s a great time to find yourself some flight deals. The city does experience rainfall in the autumn months, however, the amount is not significant. Booking a trip from September to early December is a wallet-friendly idea and temperatures are quite balmy.
How to Get in and around Honolulu
Your gateway to Honolulu will have you landing at Honolulu International Airport, which is located about 10 minutes north of Oahu’s business area. From the airport, you can use the public bus service, shuttle, or taxi to get to your destination (some hotels also provide pick-up so check on that ahead of time and you could save yourself a few bucks).
The city has a limited public transportation system. You can use the public buses to get around the city. The Waikiki Trolley is a fun touristy way to see downtown Honolulu or head into Waikiki. You can also rent a car or hire a taxi.
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