Honolulu

Here in Honolulu, away from the crowded haunts of Waikiki, you get to shake hands with the real Hawaii. A boisterous Polynesian capital, Honolulu delivers an island-style mixed plate of experiences.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Bishop Museum
Honolulu
Hawaii’s version of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, the Bishop Museum showcases a remarkable array of cultural and natural history exhibits…
ʻIolani Palace
Honolulu
No other place evokes a more poignant sense of Hawaii’s history. The palace was built under King David Kalakaua in 1882. At that time, the Hawaiian…
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu
This exceptional fine-arts museum is among the best of its kind anywhere. The collection is effectively a 'best of' summary of major art movements…
Capitol Modern
Honolulu
With its vibrant, thought-provoking collections, this public art museum brings together traditional and contemporary art from Hawaii’s multiethnic…
Foster Botanical Garden
Honolulu
Tropical plants you’ve only ever read about can be spotted in all their glory at this spectacular botanic garden, which took root in 1850. Among its…
Chinatown Markets
Honolulu
The commercial heart of Chinatown revolves around its markets and food shops. Noodle factories, pastry shops and produce stalls line the narrow sidewalks,…
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside Park
Honolulu
The best free view in Honolulu! At this hillside park, sweeping views extend from Diamond Head on the left, across Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, to the…
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Honolulu
Northeast of downtown Honolulu is a bowl-shaped crater, nicknamed the Punchbowl, formed by a long-extinct volcano. Hawaiians called the crater Puowaina (…

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Attractions

Top picks from our travel experts

Things to do in Honolulu without spending a dime

Curated by Lonely Planet Editors

Chinatown Markets
Honolulu
The commercial heart of Chinatown revolves around its markets and food shops. Noodle factories, pastry shops and produce stalls line the narrow sidewalks,…
Capitol Modern
Honolulu
With its vibrant, thought-provoking collections, this public art museum brings together traditional and contemporary art from Hawaii’s multiethnic…
King Lunalilo Tomb
Honolulu
The tomb of King Lunalilo, the short-lived successor to Kamehameha V, is found at the main entrance to the Kawaiahaʻo Church grounds. Lunalilo died from…
Aloha Tower
Honolulu
Built in 1926, this 10-story landmark was once the city’s tallest building. In the golden days when all tourists to Hawaii arrived by ship, this pre-WWII…
Manoa Chinese Cemetery
Honolulu
The Lin Yee Chung Manoa Chinese Cemetery is on a knoll nestled on the eastern slopes of the Manoa Valley. Founded in 1852, with all the design elements of…
Washington Place
Honolulu
Formerly the governor’s residence, this colonial-style mansion was built in 1846 by US sea captain John Dominis. The captain’s son became the governor of…
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu
This exceptional fine-arts museum is among the best of its kind anywhere. The collection is effectively a 'best of' summary of major art movements…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Day Trips

Thanks to Hawaii's geography and quick, reliable flights, Honolulu's neighboring islands and the Ko’olau Mountains make for easy day trip destinations.

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Transportation

As Hawaii's favorite beach hub, Honolulu can get busy. Here are our tips for getting around, to help you explore the sights and find a calm stretch of sand.

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Free Things to Do

Honolulu is full of free things to do, from markets and museums to beaches and stunning scenic drives.

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