Everything You Need to Know About Honolulu

Honolulu is an incredible city with a wide range of activities, attractions and experiences to discover. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, have a culinary adventure or even explore the culture of Hawaii, there’s something for everyone in the vibrant city. Here’s what you need to know about Honolulu.

Location

Honolulu is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is the capital of the U.S. state of Hawaii and stands on the east coast of the island. The majority of the population lives in this area and its main metropolitan area, Honolulu County, stretches from Pearl Harbor to Hawaii Kai and from Makapu’u Point to Makaha.

Weather

Honolulu boasts tropical temperatures all year round, ensuring glorious summer days and warm winters for visitors. The weather is consistently beautiful, with temperatures staying at an average year-round temperature of 77°F (25°C). It’s also relatively dry, except for intermittent rain showers from December to March.

Things to Do in Honolulu

Visitors to Honolulu will never find themselves short of things to do. Indeed, it is one of the most visited cities in the world, with something for everyone – whether you’re looking for culture, cuisine, history or relaxing beaches. Here are some of my favorite things to do while in Honolulu:

Visit Hawaii State ART Museum

The biggest art museum in Hawaii is the Hawaii State Art Museum, perfect for art lovers looking at local and international pieces side-by-side. Located in Downtown Honolulu near Iolani Palace, it’s an essential stop-off for anyone looking to learn more about the region’s art. There is a suggested donation fee on entry to keep the museum running, but it’s open most days of the week for visitors.

Relax at Waikiki Beach

Hawaii’s most iconic beach, Waikiki Beach is easily accessible from Honolulu and from many spots throughout the state. It’s perfect for families and beach-lovers and a great spot to soak up some rays in warmer weather, alongside folks enjoying watersports and wave-riding activities.

Hike up Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head crater offers breathtaking views at its summit over Waikiki Beach and Honolulu City. It’s a great way to get a good hike in and get a unique perspective of the city from above – with picturesque views of turquoise waters below. But be warned – it’s quite a steep hike and can produce difficult conditions in the intense midday heat. Check the weather before heading out and be equipped with plenty of water and sun protection!

Shop till you Drop at Ala Moana Shopping Center

Looking for some retail therapy after all that exploring? The Ala Moana Shopping Center is a great spot for luxury shopping – comprised of over 300 retailers as well as 50 dining options! What’s more, it has recently become one of the largest “open-air centres’ in the world and still more shops are being built – making it all the more appealing! The centre also has a cinema complex showing all the latest blockbuster movies; perfect for a night out!

Experience Hawaiian Culture at Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace remains one of the iconic landmarks of Honolulu – the only royal palace on American soil in modern history. It is a fascinating place to visit and offers a glimpse into Hawaiian history as well as offering prize-winning architecture from the 1800s. If you’re looking to learn more about authentic Hawaiian culture during your stay in Honolulu, this palace should be top of your list!

Sample Delicious Food in Chinatown

No visit to Honolulu would be complete without sampling some local cuisine! Chinatown is stacked with flavor, offering delicious restaurants and cafes with unique dishes inspired by Chinese, Japanese and Korean flavors. Is there anything better than cruising around Chinatown – taking in all the sights and smells – and deciding on where to eat? Don’t forget to try some Poke while here; it’s a staple!

Take A Food and Drink Tour of Downtown Honolulu

To maximize your time in Waikiki and learn more about Hawaiian food culture, why not take a guided tour around Downtown? With GetYourGuide’s Honolulu Downtown Food and Beer Guided Walking Tour, you can explore all the local food spots that make this area unique in an expertly guided tour – perfect for foodies looking for something off the beaten track! During this 3 hour tour you’ll sample everything from local craft beers and hot dogs to mochi doughnuts and bubble teas – all together making for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Conclusion

With so much to discover in Honolulu, what are you waiting for? From beaches perfect for family vacations to vibrant city life full of flavors – there really is something for everyone. All you need to do next is book your flight! And don’t forget to try out GetYourGuide’s Honolulu Downtown Food and Beer Guided Walking Tour, for an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!