Taxi or ride-hailing
The easiest way from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Waikiki. Ride-hailing uses the airport's designated pickup areas.
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checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Honolulu (Hawaii) Travel Guide
The main city on Oahu, with Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor all close by. Warm all year and a favorite for honeymoons and family trips, it is also easy to drive around the island to the North Shore and the east-coast beaches.
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At a glance
- Currency
- USD ($)
- Power & plugs
- 120V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Expected (usually 15–20%)
- Local language
- English
- How long to stay
- 5 to 6 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
Warm all year, so any time works. April-May and September-October are quieter with pleasant weather. From November to March, big waves hit the North Shore and there is a little more rain. Holidays, summer break and year-end push up flight and hotel prices.
Airport to the city
Shared airport shuttle
A shared shuttle that drops off at Waikiki hotels. Cheaper than a taxi if you travel alone.
City bus
The cheapest option. A city bus line runs from the airport to Waikiki; each rider may bring one medium suitcase plus one small bag that fit on your lap or under the seat. You can also take Skyline rail from the airport station and transfer to a bus.
Getting around
City bus
Covers most of the island, including Waikiki, Ala Moana and downtown. With a HOLO card a daily fare cap keeps costs down, and the same card works on Skyline rail, which links the airport and Pearl Harbor area (a HOLO card is required for Skyline). Skyline does not reach Waikiki, so transfer to a bus.
Rental car
Best for far-off spots like the North Shore and the east coast. Waikiki hotel parking is expensive, so rent only for the days you need.
Ride-hailing and taxis
Handy for evenings and short trips. Apps show the fare upfront.
Walking and bike share
Waikiki is very walkable, and bike-share stations make it easy to ride along the beach.
Where to stay
Waikiki
Good for: First visit, beach, shopping, dining
Hotels, restaurants and shops line the beach, so you can manage without a car. The busiest and priciest area.
Ala Moana
Good for: Shopping, families, a calmer beach
Home to a big mall and a beach park, right next to Waikiki and a short bus ride away.
Ko Olina (west)
Good for: Resort stays, families
Large resorts around calm man-made lagoons. Quiet, but 40+ minutes by car to the city.
Kailua (east)
Good for: Quiet beaches, local feel
An east-side town with beautiful white-sand beaches and few hotels, about 30 minutes by car from Waikiki.
North Shore
Good for: Watching surfers, laid-back towns
Famous for big winter waves. Usually a day trip by rental car.
Map of stays in Honolulu (Hawaii)
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
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Top sights
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu's signature beach, with fairly gentle waves for swimming and surf lessons. Beautiful at sunset.
Diamond Head
A short hike up to the rim of an old crater with views over Waikiki. Non-resident visitors need an advance reservation, so book on the state park's official site. Go early to beat the heat.
Hanauma Bay
A snorkeling spot full of coral and fish. It is closed every Monday and Tuesday and requires reservations and fees, so check official information first. Do not step on or touch the coral.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Remembers the attack that brought the Pacific War to the US. The USS Arizona Memorial boat program needs an online reservation (standby otherwise), and bags are restricted, so check official information.
North Shore
Big waves and surf contests in winter, calm water in summer. Stay out of the water when waves are high.
Kailua Beach
An east-side beach known for white sand and clear water. Great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Iolani Palace
The palace of the Hawaiian Kingdom, a rare royal palace on US soil. Tours run Tuesday to Saturday at set times and formats, so book ahead.
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
A paved trail along sea cliffs at the island's eastern tip. There is almost no shade, so bring water and a hat. Whales can be seen in winter.
What to eat
Poke
Cubed raw fish tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil, Hawaii's signature dish. Poke bowls over rice are a favorite.
Loco moco
Rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and gravy — a hearty meal.
Spam musubi
Grilled Spam wrapped with rice and seaweed, easy to find even at convenience stores.
Shave ice
Finely shaved ice with fruit syrups, perfect on a hot day.
Malasadas
Sugar-coated Portuguese-style doughnuts, best eaten fresh.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout US$150 per day: hostel, food courts, bus
Mid-rangeabout US$300-400 per day: Waikiki hotel, restaurants, one tour
Comfortabout US$700+ per day: resort, rental car, private tours
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Airport to Waikiki, check in, a walk on Waikiki Beach and the sunset.
- Day 2
Diamond Head early, then Ala Moana Beach Park and shopping, poke for dinner.
- Day 3
Pearl Harbor National Memorial, then Iolani Palace downtown (tours Tuesday-Saturday), evening in Waikiki.
- Day 4
Drive the east side: Hanauma Bay snorkeling (check reservations; closed Mondays and Tuesdays), Makapuu Lighthouse, Kailua Beach.
- Day 5
North Shore beaches and towns, shrimp plates and shave ice, then the airport with time to spare.
Local tips
- Entering the US requires prior authorization such as ESTA. Apply only on the official US government site (beware costly agent sites) and check the US Embassy's conditions.
- Rip currents can occur. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, check flags and signs, and stay out when waves are high.
- Hawaii restricts the sale of sunscreens with certain ingredients harmful to coral. Use reef-friendly sunscreen, and bring a hat and long sleeves for the strong sun.
- Sea turtles and monk seals are protected by law. Do not approach or touch them — keep a good distance.
- Tipping is normal at restaurants, in taxis and for hotel services (usually 15-20% at restaurants). Check whether it is already on the bill.
- Many hotels add resort fees and parking on top of the room rate. Check the total when booking.
- Do not leave bags or valuables visible in a rental car; car break-ins happen at scenic parking lots.
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