Honolulu Travel Guide

Browse 203 travel reviews, 222 travel blogs and 8,582 travel photos from real travelers to Honolulu.
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Honolulu Overview

Even the exotic name of this particular Hawaiian island, Oahu, conjures up images of grass skirts, beachside bars, surfing, cocktails and coconuts. You could happily drift away for weeks enjoying the Hawaiian music, dropping in to the world famous Waikiki Lounge every night, and subsisting on the affordable noodle-based cuisine that seems to have found a second home here. You’ll certainly want to escape the island capital Honolulu at some stage, but the exotic city has its own unique vibe, too.

In fact, with its mixed ethnic background, Honolulu is as reminiscent of Asia as Aread moremerica (and often not particularly similar to either). It shows it with its varied cultural outlook, as well as being home to some hugely un-American draws like the nation’s only Royal Palace. The Iolani Palace is a grand, pillared structure with a palm-fringed walkway, and the traditional home of the King and Queen of Hawaii.

Kawaiahao Church is another local wonder, with coral foundations and those same iconic palm walkways, as well as a nightly rendition from the local bell ringers to listen out for. With plenty of museums, colorful marketplaces and even its own China Town to explore, you won’t be starved of culture in Honolulu, but let’s face it, culture’s probably not why you’re here.

Jazz clubs, wine bars and restaurants that are closer to what you might find in Cuba, India and China than America will keep you busy at night; most visitors enjoy the affordable ‘hole in the wall’ dining experience and then head straight for the cocktail heavy clubs.

During the day you’ll probably want to learn to surf, drape yourself in flowers or simply wonder the sands of the often-abandoned beaches around the islands pristine shores. Orchards, striking trails, freshly made fruit ice cream and quaint old surf shacks will have you longing for the picture-perfect coasts of areas like Waikiki and North Shore long after you’ve departed this particular tropical paradise.

There’s a reason Hawaii’s top of so many travelers’ wish lists, and you’re about to learn all about it. Throw on your worst shirt, give your liver a gentle few weeks, and get ready for the perfect tropical experience.

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I had the best vacation ever in this lovely, amazing resort in Hawaii! Really, I am speachless - it was all over perfect. And I have been …

Hale Koa Hotel
4 reviews

The Hale Koa hotel was opened on October, 25 , 1975, which is actually owned by the Department of the Army and comes under the jurisdiction …

I got a deal on GroupOn for this hotel just before I was headed to Waikiki, Oahu. I probably wouldn't stay here at the full price, but it wa…

I have stayed at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach twice now...in 2006 and in 2010. Its location is fantastic, being right on the beach and a …

USS Bowfin was opened to the public in 1981 after a group of volunteers had cleaned and restored her after years of neglect. Her life start…

Oahu Skydiving
1 review

Just a month ago, I went on my first skydiving experience with Skydive Hawaii. They're located at Dillingham airfield, which is in the midd…

Located in the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, USS Arizona rests calmly where it was bombed and sunk by Japanese on 1941. I certainly recommend…

I tried learning Stand Up Paddle while in Hawaii as suggested my a TB friend (Aloha Keith). I took a one on one class the day before in Kail…

Hau Tree Lanai
2 reviews

If you're looking for a relatively quiet upscale beachside restaurant near Waikiki that serves incredible food, look no further!!! The Hau …

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co is a themed restaurant serving all things Shrimp. For any of you who have seen the movie Forrest Gump, you will be fami…

Hy's Steak House
2 reviews

I went here with my boyfriend to celebrate his birthday, and we had a lovely evening. It was a bit pricy, but definately worth it. Both of u…

Bogart's Cafe
1 review

Bogart's is a little cafe that most tourists do not know about. They have a great breakfast selection...I would recommend either the Acai bo…

It depends on what you like, but a trip out to Pearl Harbour is a must. The boat ride to the memorial is pretty special in itself, but the a…

The Hawaii Superferry offers service between Oahu and Maui. Passenger fares are $50 each way and vehicle fare is $60 each way. If you're b…

I love to fly. So much, in fact, that I’ve dedicated many weekends over the last few years not only getting my private pilot license but f…

Local Calender
1 review

I think most of us here go to places to enjoy the local culture. Sometimes finding the "local" culture is easier said than done. The Honolul…

Cirque Hawaii
1 review

First of all, the main thing I worry about when seeing a show is getting a good seat, hence, why I arrive at movie theaters at least 30 minu…

I guess the first thing to state is that this is a gay bar, however, this bar draws a vast crowd. Old, young, gay, straight, can all be foun…

Blaisdell Arena
1 review

When a major concert comes to Honolulu, most of the time it is held at the Blaisdell Arena. It's not a big arena - capacity is 8,800 for a …

Kahala Mall
1 review

Kahala Mall is a shopping mall located in east Honolulu. If you look at a road map of Honolulu, it is located at the spot where the H1 free…

Loved Hawaii and loved staying at Hostelling International Waikiki. Can't ask for a better location, it's literally two blocks away from th…

the best part of this hostel is the location to the beach!!!! only a block walk to the beach! staff were also super helpful and friendly! …

What more can you ask for being two blocks from Waikiki? Located on Prince Edwards St which is quiet and safe. Close to convenient stores an…

I spent an entire week at the Pacific Ohana Hostel and was not impressed. They are located just a 1/2 a block from Waikiki beach, not too fa…

Jan 24, 2010 – Feb 15, 2010
The TravBuddy meet-up in Honolulu is less than two weeks away. One of the things we planned on doing was having dinner at Duke…
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This blog was featured on Saturday February 27th, 2010
Jul 21, 2009 – Jul 26, 2009
Today I would be leaving the hot Honolulu sun and heading off to the cool Canadian Rocky Mountains. I was looking forward to a…
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This blog was featured on Wednesday August 12th, 2009
Oct 22, 2009 – Oct 24, 2009
I decided to take a trip to Phoenix and visit my dad for his birthday. As long as I was going to Phoenix, why not have a TravB…
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This blog was featured on Tuesday November 17th, 2009

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