Are you thinking about visiting Honolulu, Hawaii? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Honolulu worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for five to seven days. Honolulu is the largest city and the capital of the state of Hawaii. Many visitors pass through enroute to other islands. Its most famous beach is Waikiki, which has a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Other highlights near the city include Diamond Head crater and the USS Arizona Memorial.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Reasons to Visit Honolulu
Museums
For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.
Resorts
The highest concentration of resorts are around Waikiki where you'll find all of the major names such as the Hilton, Marriott, and the Hyatt.
Beaches
Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.
Hiking
Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.
Food
The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.
Nightlife
The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.
Shopping
The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.
Is Honolulu worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Honolulu. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 27°C (81°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the hiking, and the museums and landmarks. Also, you can experience the resorts, the big city activities, and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Honolulu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
Is Honolulu worth visiting in the Autumn?
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (80°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Honolulu, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, wander through the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you can go hiking.
Autumn Weather in Honolulu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 26°C (80°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| November | 25°C (77°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| December | 23°C (74°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Honolulu worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Honolulu, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
The warm weather in winter is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Honolulu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 23°C (73°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 24°C (74°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Honolulu worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Honolulu. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (76°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the famous sights and museums, and the gorgeous scenery. Also, you'll be able to grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Honolulu
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (78°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| June | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Honolulu
Lots of Tourists
Honolulu sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Honolulu might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Honolulu here or see if Honolulu is expensive here.
Related
What is Honolulu most famous for?
Honolulu is most famous for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, resorts, beaches, and hiking. It is also known for its great food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. It is often described as energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural.
What is the most famous sight in Honolulu?
The most popular sight in Honolulu is Pearl Harbor. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Honolulu on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Pearl Harbor and other attractions here.
How touristy is Honolulu? Is it a popular city to visit?
Honolulu is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Complete Island Tour & Sunrise Photo Experience: $170
- ETOHI: Exclusive Island Tour - Oahu • Private • Custom • No Rush: $286
- Native Hawaiian Circle Island Tour: $130
- 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
- Full Day Private Customized Sightseeing Tour in Oahu Hawaii: $179
- Sunrise Plus Island Tour: $165
- Honolulu Content Creators Tour for Social Media: $95
- Private South Shore of Oahu Tour: $179
How long should I spend in Honolulu?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Honolulu is at least five or as many as seven days. Since Honolulu has a variety of activities such as hiking, museums, resorts, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Honolulu?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Honolulu?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Honolulu?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.