Guide to Honolulu
A virtual tour of Honolulu
Honolulu, in the state of Hawaii, is a renowned resort known for its numerous sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear ocean, and dozens of luxury hotels. The most famous tourist area of the city is Waikiki, which translates to "flowing water" in Hawaiian. The beach of the same name is recognized as the best in Honolulu and the surrounding area!
Water sports enthusiasts have several prime spots to choose from: Hanauma Bay, ideal for snorkeling; North Shore, a surfer's haven; and Kailua, a hotspot for windsurfing fans.
Those interested in military history will find a visit to Pearl Harbor, the famous US Navy base, intriguing. A platform with a transparent bottom is positioned above the sunken battleship Arizona, allowing visitors to view the remains of the ship.
If you're keen on Hawaiian traditions, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-visit. There, you can learn to perform folk dances, weave wreaths, make souvenirs, extract milk from coconuts, and even climb a palm tree!
For breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, head to the observation deck on the edge of the Diamond Head volcanic crater, one of the resort's most iconic landmarks.
Photos of Honolulu
Tours to Honolulu
Even the laziest traveler dreams of a trip to Honolulu — the capital of the Hawaiian Islands, often glorified in American films with admiration.
Tours to this tropical city are rarely cheap, especially for European travelers. The main reason is the long distance. The cost of airfare alone may take up almost half the travel budget.
Accordingly, the overall cost of the trip is also quite high. However, if you book well in advance, you can find relatively affordable options. For example, booking six months ahead might get you a two-week tour with flight and accommodation for around 2300 USD.
Last-minute deals are not always cheaper. Buying a tour just two weeks before departure can cost about 3800 USD for the same duration.
No matter how you plan your trip, a vacation in Honolulu will leave you with unforgettable memories. The city offers pristine beaches with emerald Pacific waters, exotic cuisine, and vibrant nightlife all along the coast.
Moreover, there’s no bad time to visit — it’s summer all year round here. From December to May, you can even witness migrating whales in the bay, often included in local excursions.
Interesting places in Honolulu
The most convenient way to see all of Honolulu's interesting sights is to take a tour. If time permits, don't If time permits, don't miss the opportunity to visit other beautiful parts of Oahu - rent a car, make a itinerary and hit the road! Shopping enthusiasts risk spending a fortune at the Honolulu's many outlet malls and shopping centers, while fans of nightlife are sure to find a great deal of fun.
Flight ticket prices
Flying to Honolulu is an adventure — it's a long journey and layovers are inevitable. The most convenient connections go through major hubs like Frankfurt, London, Paris, Warsaw, or Budapest, with a U.S. stopover (typically Los Angeles or San Francisco). Airlines flying this route include Lufthansa, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air France.
Round-trip tickets from Warsaw or Frankfurt start at €980, from Paris at €1020, and from Chisinau or Prague around €1100. Booking in advance can help you get a better deal. Flights from London are often the cheapest, starting from €950. The trip is long, but the reward is the Hawaiian sun, ocean, and world-class beaches.
The best hotels in Honolulu
The most popular hotels in the resort are located in the tourist district of Waikiki, near the beach of the same name. Inexpensive hotels are concentrated in the center and residential areas of the city, it is difficult to find a budget option on the coast. The cost of a standard double room in a hotel is from 60 USD per day, staying in a 5* hotel will cost more - 250-450 USD per night. Among 3* hotels Maile Sky Court Waikiki and Holiday Surf Hotel are recognized as the best, in the 4* category Hilton Hawaiian Village and Beach Pacific are the leaders.
.Travel budget
Experienced travelers believe that you should have at least 100 USD per person per day to feel comfortable in Honolulu. This amount will go for meals and excursions, but when budgeting it is also worth considering accommodation and flight costs, which can hardly be called low.
To save money, try to buy your plane tickets as early as possible. It is also worth choosing and booking a hotel room well in advance, as it is not easy to find cheap options with good conditions during the season.
| The budget for a trip to Honolulu | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 320 USD | Flight | from 2200 USD |
| Accomodation | from 60 USD per day | Average check in a restaurant | from 60 USD |
| Transportation fare | from 2 USD | Excursion | from 80 USD |
| Total: About 4340 USD for a week for two people, including two meals a day and at least one excursion per day. | |||
Honolulu: tips for tourists
Visa to Honolulu
If you plan to get a visa to the USA without intermediaries, you need to submit documents to the embassy and have a personal interview. The consular fee is 160 USD. Do not forget that having a visa in your passport does not guarantee entry into the country, the final decision is made by a border guard officer.
Honolulu Airport
Five kilometers from Honolulu's business center is one of the largest airports in the United States, the main air gateway for the state of Hawaii. It serves more than 21 million people a year. It has three passenger terminals and four runways.
Honolulu airport transfers
From the airport to the city, you can take the SpeediShuttle minibus, as well as buses 19 and 20. The first option is suitable for those traveling with a lot of luggage, as large suitcases are not allowed on local buses.
Car rental in Honolulu
To rent a car, you need to be over 18 years old and have an international driver's license. The cost of rental - from 20 USD per day, depending on the model of car. Additionally, a deposit will be temporarily blocked on your bank card.
Honolulu Public Transportation
The resort has an excellent bus service. All transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable enough for regular use. Tickets cost 2 USD and are valid for two hours after activation. To save money, you should buy a bus pass.
Safety in Honolulu
The city is calm and the locals are loyal to tourists. The only thing to be wary of is pickpocketing in crowded places. To protect yourself, it is better to keep large sums of money, documents and jewelry in a safe in your hotel room.