Honolulu, HI

Best time to visit Honolulu

• Winter (December to February): During winter, Oahu attracts the world’s best pro surfers, making it a great time to visit for surfing fans.
• Spring (March to May): From mid-April to the end of May, expect thinner crowds and lower hotel rates, paired with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
• Summer (June to August): Enjoy longer days and lively events. The trade winds occasionally bring cooling afternoon showers. This is the peak season for families to visit.
• Fall (September to November): Locals will tell you autumn is the best time to visit Honolulu, with lower visitor numbers and the warmest water temperatures.

How many days to spend in Honolulu

For most of us, Honolulu is too far away for a long weekend, so plan a visit of at least five days. This will allow enough time to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the main cultural sites, take an island tour and sample the local cuisine and nightlife.

The vibe of Honolulu

Honolulu balances laid-back vibes with big-city energy. Based on the principles of caretaking and sharing, the Aloha Spirit permeates the air, welcoming visitors with warmth and friendliness. The concept of “island time” even applies here in Oahu’s capital, where it’s considered rude to rush or beep your horn. The casual vibes apply to dressing too, which ranges from beach wear to smart casual for nights out. So leave your tie at home and hang loose; the most important accessory here is a smile. Yet despite the relaxed attitude, multicultural Honolulu exudes style, reflected in its colonial, mid-century and modern architecture and in a dining scene that lures foodies from afar.

What is Honolulu famous for?

So, what is Honolulu known for? Honolulu landmarks like Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach have attracted adventurers and sunseekers since the dawn of travel. The city’s favorite son and the legendary “Father of Surfing,” Duke Kahanamoku, still looms large over the city, both in spirit and in his much-loved statue on Waikiki Beach. Another of the city’s favorite sons immortalized in bronze is Jack Lord, star of one of television’s most successful police dramas, Hawaii Five-O. Honolulu has a famous history, too, particularly the 1941 attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. These days, Honolulu is loved for its premier hotels, resorts, dining and nightlife, as well as its infectious laid-back vibes and genuine hospitality.

Events in Honolulu

The Honolulu events calendar tees off with the Sony Open at the Waialae Country Club. March lights up for the Honolulu Festival, a celebration of Asian, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures. On May 1, the Lei Day Celebration showcases lei-making, traditional crafts and hula. The flowery festivities continue in June when the beautifully decorated floats of the King Kamehameha Floral Parade roll through Honolulu. Tune up for July’s International Ukulele Festival, the world’s largest uke festival. Embrace the island spirit through the music and dance at September’s Aloha Festival. And in December, grab your running shoes for the Honolulu Marathon.

Food in Honolulu

Honolulu’s food scene combines tradition, global influences and some of the freshest and most flavorful ingredients on the planet. Poke bowls filled with raw marinated fish over sushi rice showcase the island's seafood bounty. Local plate lunches of meats, rice and a dollop of creamy macaroni salad embody Hawaiian comfort food. Food trucks offer everything from taro doughnuts to gourmet burgers, while Michelin-starred restaurants highlight Oahu’s proud farm-to-table community. When the temperatures rise, cool off with Hawaiian shave ice, a local favorite. To take a deep dive into Honolulu’s best farmers markets, bakeries and restaurants, join a guided food tour.

Nightlife in Honolulu

Honolulu is the epicenter of Hawaiian nightlife, offering pubs, karaoke lounges, cocktail bars, dance clubs and live music venues to suit all tastes. If you’re staying in Honolulu on a Friday night, head to Waikiki Beach around sundown for the spectacular fireworks show. After dark, Kalakaua Avenue’s mixologists and DJs get busy, creating delicious cocktails and beats with views to match. Feeling more adventurous? Head to Chinatown’s N Hotel Street, where underground bars and LGBTQ+ clubs will keep you dancing until 2 a.m. If you’re looking for a more cultural nightlife experience, be sure to book an authentic luau. These events feature traditional banquets, music, hula dancing and fire performances.

Shopping in Honolulu

Pack light when you visit Honolulu, because a world of shopping awaits, from farmers markets to high-end malls. Start your shopping adventure on Kalakaua Avenue, “the Rodeo Drive of the Pacific.” Spend a day at the largest open-air shopping mall in the world, Ala Moana Center, which features over 350 stores and restaurants, makers markets and daily hula performances. For one-of-a-kind finds and souvenirs, explore the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, where you can browse koa wood jewelry, ukuleles, Kona coffee and macadamia nut treats. On the hunt for the perfect Hawaiian shirt? Check out the longstanding Bailey’s Antiques & Aloha Shirts, where you’re sure to find yours amid the 15,000 on offer.

Best beaches in Honolulu