Hotels in Honolulu

Honolulu (pronounced /ˌhɑːnəˈluːluː/) is the largest and capital city of Hawaii, United States. The destination sits in the Central Pacific and serves as the state's main gateway to the rest of the world. The city is an important center for international commerce, leisure, military security, and Oceania finance. It is a modern city with diverse demographics and traditions. Honolulu has a characteristic blend of Pacific, Western, and Asian cultures.

A good number of accommodation facilities provide an outdoor pool, free WiFi, beach access, and sometimes even spa treatment facilities. You can select from beach resorts, hotels, inns, and shared dorm hostels. Prices are mainly mid-range to budget-friendly.

Neighborhoods of Honolulu

• Kaka'ako: Hosts a plethora of restaurants, shops, and boutiques. Architecture in this neighborhood is contemporary and colorful.
• Downtown: Home to the only official USA royalty residence.
• Ala Moana: This neighborhood provides definitive retail therapy. There's an abundance of top-notch shops and an open-air shopping center.
• Kaimuki: This is a dining- and shopping-centric neighborhood.
• Kahala: Mostly consists of a country club, resort, and extravagant homes.
• Waikiki: This bursting neighborhood is a tourist hotspot with several luxury resorts.
• Kalihi: Mostly a residential district.

What to see and do in Honolulu

• Waikiki Beach: Take a prelude walk through the lush public garden in downtown Waikiki. Head to the palm-lined beachfront to see the coastline dotted with parasols and loungers.
• Diamond Head: Head to the top of this ancient volcanic crater remnant and enjoy panoramic views.
• Iolani Palace: This stately building is from the 19th century and is Hawaii's historical monarchy residence.
• Pearl Harbor: This famous lagoon harbor is immersed in war history.
• Bishop Museum: Understand the arts and cultures of Polynesians and Hawaiians.
• Hanauma Bay: Enjoy snorkeling underwater in this wonderfully beautiful reef ecosystem surrounded by pristine settings.
• Waimea Waterfall: The well-paved hiking trail offers lovely views of botanical gardens and historical sites. There's also a tram service for those unable to walk so that everyone can enjoy the scenic gardens.

What to eat in Honolulu

Some of the most common local foods and drinks in Honolulu include:

• Kalua Pig: Luau pork wrapped in leaves, rubbed in salt and cooked in an underground imu oven.
• Lomi-Lomi: Cubed tomatoes and onion with diced raw salmon.
• Haupia A milk-based coconut custard.
• Poi: A fermented, baked, and pounded taro root served on the side.
• Poke: Cubed raw Ahi served with rice and smothered in sauce.
• Mai Tai: An adult beverage consisting of rum, almond, and citrus— garnished with a tiny umbrella and fresh fruit

Typical events and festivals in Honolulu

Whether it's a famed hula festival or a street party honoring Hawaii's beloved canned beef, you won't find these one-of-a-kind celebrations anywhere else. Here are some of the top unique events in the area:

• The Honolulu Festival: This is a celebration of a rich, vibrant mix of Pacific, Hawaiian, and Asian cultures that happens every March. The three-day event entails music, dance, local art, and a grand carnival through Waikiki.
• Honolulu Marathon: This 26.2-mile marathon goes through the locality's center and attracts participants from all over the world.
• Mango Jam Honolulu Festival: This event showcases a diverse blend of beer gardens, food stands, craft stalls, a farmers' market, and live entertainment.
• Made in Hawaii Festival: This event is the country's most eclectic and most extensive annual marketplace of Island-made products. You'll find fine art photography, chic coastal decor, tropical tiki collectibles, jewelry, gourmet cuisine, bath items, and body products.
• King Kamehameha Day: This state holiday is celebrated every year on June 11th to honor King Kamehameha. He is the great diplomatic leader and warrior who united the Hawaiian Islands into a single royal kingdom in 1810. The event entails a lei-draping ceremony at this statue. Hundreds of fresh flower leis cover the arms of the 15-foot statue.

How to move around in Honolulu

The official transit service runs buses regularly through the town and the entire island. Fares are non-transferable and only valid for a limited time (check validity when boarding the bus). Other ways to get around Honolulu include hailing a cab or getting a rental car.

The climate in Honolulu

This destination enjoys warm temperatures all year, with two main seasons. The dry season is from April to October, with temperatures reaching 88° and dropping to 68° F. The wet season occurs from November to March and usually brings in seven days of rain each month. The temperature peaks around 84° and dips to lows of 65°F. Historically, Honolulu's peak travel season is between December and August. There is a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, usually a minimum of two rainy days each month.