Honolulu holidays

Sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a volcanic crater — Honolulu is a natural paradise. The Diamond Head Crater Trailhead is popular with hikers for its ocean panoramas. And Waikiki Beach’s waves are the stuff of surfer dreams. If you’re keen to snorkel on your Honolulu holiday, drive 20 minutes to Hanauma Bay for its rich marine life and well-preserved corals.

The Mission Houses Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaiian culture in the 1800s. And the huge King Kamehameha Statue outside Aliʻiolani Hale pays tribute to the monarch who founded the Kingdom of Hawaii. If you’re interested in World War II history, a day trip to Pearl Harbor is a must. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Honolulu.

Honolulu is a city that celebrates year-round. The Honolulu Festival in March and Aloha Festivals in September are annual celebrations of Hawaiian culture. In May, there’s the Lei Day Celebration with a parade, hula performances and concerts. For nine days of water sports, come for Duke’s Oceanfest in August. Love music? Time your Honolulu holiday with the Ukulele Festival in July.

Once a small community of artists and surfers, Waikiki has become one of Honolulu’s most desirable locations. The area’s famous shoreline sparkles with soft sands and gentle surf. And history fans won’t want to miss the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. Waikiki is also the city’s most walkable neighbourhood with plenty of outdoor malls, oceanfront restaurants and tiki bars to explore.

Good for: Sandy beaches, oceanfront restaurants, nightlife

Home to Honolulu Harbor and the Iolani Palace — the only royal palace in the USA — this is one of the best areas to stay in Honolulu for sightseeing. Take a self-guided tour of the Hawaii State Capitol’s grounds and stop by the Kawaiahao Church. Feeling hungry? You’ll find casual local eateries, farm-to-table restaurants and craft cocktail bars.

Good for: History, restaurants, cocktail bars

This is where to stay in Honolulu if you want to be centrally located. With the Ala Moana Center — the world’s largest open-air mall — it’s a great area for shopping too. Need a day at the beach? Head to Ala Moana Regional Park’s beach. Or find a quiet spot for a swim and views of the Diamond Head volcano at Magic Island Lagoon.

Good for: Oceanfront parks, shopping, beaches

Foodie neighbourhoods like Kakaʻako, Kaimuki and Chinatown are known for their trendy and family-owned restaurants. Try ‘poke’ (marinated raw tuna) and ‘loco moco’ (white rice, hamburger and brown gravy). Many hotels offer their take on a traditional ‘luau’ — a Hawaiian feast with entertainment. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, explore the Ward Farmers Market’s local food vendors.

One of the best places to pick up souvenirs, art and novelty goods is the tri-weekly Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. You’ll also find international brands at Waikiki Shopping Plaza on bustling Kalakaua Avenue. For locally made goods, the historical neighbourhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu have plenty of independent boutiques and speciality stores.

Expect a crowd at Waikiki Beach, the city’s most iconic stretch of sand, loved by surfers for its easy-riding waves. If you’re travelling with family, the man-made lagoon of Magic Island tends to be calmer. To escape the crowds, head to Kahala Beach, a secluded spot within easy reach of central Honolulu.

You can ride the Aloha Tower’s free elevator to its observation deck for panoramic views of downtown and the harbour. And most Fridays at noon the Royal Hawaiian Band plays free concerts at the Iolani Palace. Love architecture? Stop by the 1867 Cathedral of St Andrew and the Aliʻiolani Hale building, known as the ‘House of Heavenly Kings’.

Honolulu is home to some of Hawaii's best museums, from art galleries to palaces and historical landmarks. The Honolulu Museum of Art has a vast collection of international and Hawaiian art. And the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum should be a priority for history lovers. To delve deeper into Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, visit the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.

With the largest concentration of nightlife in Hawaii, you can expect a good time in Honolulu. Chinatown and Waikiki are hot spots for late-night bars and clubs. Kalakaua Avenue comes alive after dark with street performers and musicians. If sampling a Hawaiian mai tai cocktail is on your to-do list, make a beeline for Waikiki Bay’s tiki bars.