Introduction
A city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that is part beach resort and part business hub, Honolulu is an unusual place. Surrounded by green volcanic mountains, the city is home to luxury brand stores filled with Japanese shoppers, surf schools on Waikiki and corporations working between Asia and the US. With locals leading the way with great new restaurants and independent shops, Honolulu is becoming the cosmopolitan capital of the Pacific.
More from Honolulu PDF VersionEssentials
- Hawaiians are friendly and everything takes place at a slower pace.
- Get away from main streets and explore restaurants and cafés in neighbourhoods such as Kaimuki and Manoa.
- Take a hike - from Manoa Falls to Mariner's Ridge Trail, it's the best way to see Oahu.
- Make sure you've got bottles of water in your car, Honolulu traffic can be hot and brutal.
- Head up to the North Shore to less crowded beaches and big surf.
Two-hour tour
-
Makapu'u Lighthouse — Walk the paved path to the lighthouse which has some of the best views of Oahu’s Windward Coast.
-
Pali Highway — Take the scenic route across the island and head to the He’eia Pier General store for a bite of lunch. Then head over to one of Kailua’s quiet beaches.
-
Liljestrand House Tour — If you’re tired of the beach, take a break at one of the most perfectly preserved examples of Vladimir Ossipoff’s mid-century Hawaiian modern.
Visit website
Dining
-
Liliha Bakery
515 N. Kuakini Street
+ 1 808 531 1651
-
Side Street Inn
1225 Hopaka Street
+ 1 808 591 0253
-
YuZu
410 Atkinson Drive
+ 1 808 943 1155
-
— Honolulu has daily farmers’ markets. The best takes place on Saturday mornings at the Ala Moana shopping centre.
-
Alan Wong's
1857 S King Street
+ 1 808 949 2526
-
Mai Tais at La Mariana Sailing Club Tiki Bar
50 Sand Island Access Road
+ 1 808 841 2173
-
House Without a Key
2199 Kalia Road
+ 1 808 923 2311
Visit website -
Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar
3605 Waialae Ave
+ 1 808 744 7567
Visit website -
Town Restaurant
13435 Waialae Avenue #103
+ 1 808 735 5900
-
The Manifest
32 North Hotel Street
Visit website -
MAC 24-7
2500 Kuhio Avenue
+ 1 808 921 5564
Visit website -
Morning Glass Coffee
2955 East Manoa Road
+ 1 808 673 0065
-
Addiction Nightclub
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard
+ 1 808 943 5800
Visit website
Reading
-
R&D
691 Auahi Street
Visit website -
Flux Hawaii
Visit website
Shopping
-
Island Slipper
Ward Warehouse, 1050 Ala Moana Boulevard
+ 1 808 593 8229
-
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
+ 1 808 955 9517
Visit website -
Toys N' Joys
3632 Waialae Avenue
+ 1 808 735 4546
Visit website -
Lomi lomi massage
Spa Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Road
+ 1 808 923 2311
Transport
-
Car Rental — Rent a car at the airport. For bus information, visit thebus.org
Visit website -
Segway of Hawaii
+ 1 808 941 3151
Visit website
Limousine/car
-
Elite Limousine
Honolulu
+ 1 808 735 2431
Visit website
Fitness
-
Boot Camp Hawaii — Classes take place in the scenic Ala Moana Park.
Visit website -
Take a surf or outrigger class on Waikiki.