First Trip to Hawaii (Honolulu): Prep, Reservations and Ocean Safety

What to know first

Honolulu is the main city on Oahu, with Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor all close by. There are flights from Incheon (check current routes with the airlines), a straight-line distance of about 7,350 km. Check exact flight times and recent fares on the route page.

It is warm all year, so any time works. April-May and September-October are quieter; from November to March, big waves hit the North Shore and there is a little more rain. Korean holidays, summer break and year-end push up flight and hotel prices.

• Incheon → Honolulu flights →

Before you go

Entering the US requires prior authorization such as ESTA. Apply only on the official US government site and beware of expensive agent sites. Check the US Embassy's information for conditions.

• ESTA or other entry authorization: in advance, on the official US government site
• Check which sights may need reservations (below)
• Check your hotel's total price: many add resort fees and parking on top of the room rate
• Reef-friendly sunscreen: Hawaii restricts sales of sunscreens with certain ingredients harmful to coral

Airport to Waikiki, and where to stay

From the airport to Waikiki takes about 25-40 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing (depending on traffic), or 40-60 minutes by shared shuttle. The city bus is cheapest, but large suitcases may not be allowed or may be limited.

For a first visit, Waikiki — with hotels, restaurants and shops along the beach — is easiest without a car. Families may like Ala Moana with its big mall and beach park, Ko Olina in the west for a quiet resort stay, or Kailua in the east for quieter beaches.

• Honolulu (Hawaii) travel guide →

Sights to check before you go

Some popular sights have advance reservations, set entry times or closed days. Rules can change, so check each official source before you travel.

• Diamond Head: non-resident visitors need an advance reservation (check the state park official site). Go early to beat the heat
• Hanauma Bay: closed Mondays and Tuesdays, with reservations and fees (check official info). Do not step on or touch the coral
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: the memorial boat may need a reserved ticket, and bags are restricted
• Iolani Palace: interior tours run Tuesday to Saturday at set times and formats (check official info)

Ocean safety

Hawaii's ocean is beautiful, but rip currents can occur. Swim at beaches with lifeguards, check the flags and signs, and stay out when waves are high. The North Shore is famous for big winter waves.

• Sea turtles and monk seals are protected by law — don't approach or touch them, and keep your distance
• The sun is strong, so bring a hat and long sleeves
• Don't leave bags or valuables visible in a rental car (car break-ins happen at tourist parking lots)

Sample 5-day itinerary

For a first trip, plan 5 to 6 days. A rental car is easiest for far-off spots, but Waikiki hotel parking is expensive, so consider renting only for the days you need.

• Day 1: Airport to Waikiki, check in, beach walk and sunset
• Day 2: Diamond Head early in the morning, then Ala Moana Beach Park
• Day 3: Pearl Harbor National Memorial, then Iolani Palace downtown (palace tours run Tuesday-Saturday)
• Day 4: Drive the east side — Hanauma Bay (closed Mon-Tue; check reservations), Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Kailua Beach
• Day 5: North Shore beaches and towns, then the airport with time to spare

• More on areas, transport and budget in the Honolulu guide →

FAQ

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