Honolulu walking tour & city guide

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is Honolulu's famous beachfront district, a crescent of golden sand backed by hotels, with Diamond Head crater rising at its eastern end. Its gentle waves made it the birthplace of modern surfing, popularized by the Olympic swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku, whose statue stands on the beach.

Kalakaua Avenue, which runs behind the beach, is lined with shops and restaurants, and the historic pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel, opened in 1927, is a landmark. In the evenings, free hula shows are often held near the beach, and sunsets over the ocean draw crowds along the sand.

History and nature

Pearl Harbor, about 30 minutes from Waikiki, is the site of the 1941 attack that brought the United States into World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken battleship, is a moving place to visit. In downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on US soil, the home of Hawaii's last monarchs.

Hiking to the summit of Diamond Head, an ancient volcanic crater, rewards you with panoramic views over Waikiki and the ocean; reservations are required for visitors from outside Hawaii. Hanauma Bay, a protected marine reserve, is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.

Exploring Oahu

A drive around Oahu reveals a very different side of the island, from the lush windward coast to the legendary winter surf of the North Shore and the laid-back town of Haleiwa. Honolulu is warm year-round; winter brings big waves to the north coast, while summer is calmer and sunnier.