Question 1

What is there to do in Honolulu?

Accepted Answer

Relax and learn to surf at Waikiki Beach, hike Diamond Head for the classic view (reserve ahead), pay respects at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, tour Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the US), snorkel Hanauma Bay (reservation required), and explore Chinatown and the food scene. The North Shore and windward coast are easy day trips.

Question 2

How do I get from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Waikiki?

Accepted Answer

It's about 10 miles / 20–30 minutes. Options: rideshare or taxi (~$30–45), the Skyline rail plus a bus connection, or an airport shuttle. Many hotels and tours also offer transfers. Traffic can be heavy at rush hour, so allow extra time heading back for your flight.

Question 3

Do I need a car in Honolulu?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily — Waikiki and much of Honolulu are walkable, and Oahu has a good public bus (TheBus), the new Skyline rail and rideshare, so you can see a lot car-free. A rental helps for circling the island (North Shore, windward coast) at your own pace, but Waikiki parking is pricey. Many visitors rent only for day trips.

Question 4

How do I visit Pearl Harbor?

Accepted Answer

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free; the boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial needs a timed ticket released online in advance (with a few same-day) — reserve early as they go fast. Allow at least half a day, arrive early, and note bags aren't allowed (there's a storage fee). The Battleship Missouri and aviation museums cost extra.

Question 5

Is Honolulu and Waikiki safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's a very safe, tourist-friendly city. Use normal city awareness at night, watch your belongings on the beach, and don't leave anything visible in a parked car (break-ins at trailheads and beach lots are the most common issue). Ocean safety matters most: heed lifeguards and warning flags. Emergency number: 911.

Question 6

When is the best time to visit Honolulu?

Accepted Answer

Year-round warm (upper 70s–80s°F). April–May and September–October are the sweet spots for value and lighter crowds; winter brings big North Shore surf, whale season and holiday crowds; summer is busy and warm. Waikiki's water is swimmable and gentle any time of year.

Question 7

What is there to do on the North Shore?

Accepted Answer

Oahu's North Shore (about an hour from Waikiki) is famous for winter's giant waves and pro surf contests (Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach), plus the laid-back town of Haleiwa, food trucks (garlic shrimp!), and snorkeling and sea turtles in summer's calmer water. It's the classic Oahu day trip — but don't swim in big winter shorebreak.

Question 8

What food should I try in Honolulu?

Accepted Answer

Local "plate lunch" (two-scoop rice, mac salad and a protein like kalua pork or chicken katsu), poke (fresh cubed raw fish), malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts), shave ice, spam musubi and loco moco. Explore Chinatown and the food trucks, and try a traditional luau for Hawaiian dishes like poi and laulau.

Question 9

When was Honolulu established?

Accepted Answer

Honolulu was founded around 1850.

Question 10

What languages do people speak here?

Accepted Answer

English; Spanish is spoken by 40+ million people — dominant in parts of Miami, LA, Texas and the Southwest.

Question 11

What is Honolulu known for?

Accepted Answer

Honolulu is known as: Hawaii's capital on Oahu — Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Iolani Palace and the gateway to the islands.

Question 12

What is the nearest major airport?

Accepted Answer

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) — about 7 km away.

Question 13

What timezone is it in?

Accepted Answer

Honolulu is in the UTC-5 to UTC-10 timezone.

Honolulu

Airports near Honolulu

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Molokai Airport

Honolulu at a Glance

Nearby places to explore

Famous Places Near Honolulu

Info about Honolulu