Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii on the island of Oahu, is a dream destination for many people with palm trees, sunshine, world-famous beaches, surfers and flowered shirts and drinks. Honolulu is also a cosmopolitan city offering everything from fine dining to historic landmarks and excellent shopping opportunities. Discover why a vacation to Honolulu is the best way of getting to know the real Hawaii.
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Things to know before visiting Honolulu
If you are planning cheap vacation package to Honolulu, one of the first things to decide is which airport to use. Honolulu has one major airport, Honolulu International Airport (HNL), the largest airport on the archipelago. There are also two other major airports on the island of Hawaii; the Kona International Airport to the west of the city and Hilo International Airport to the east. Most transpacific flights head straight to Oahu.
Many people are unsure about visa requirements as Hawaii is such a long way from the mainland, but if you are a US citizen, you don't need a visa or a passport to visit Hawaii as it is a US state. However, some form of government-issued photo identification is required for all US adults over the age of 18.
Hawaii's currency is the US dollar so traveler's cheques aren't necessary and there are plenty of ATMs. Honolulu is three hours ahead of Los Angeles and six hours ahead of New York. There is no daylight saving time, there is the same UTC offset all year round.
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What is the weather in Honolulu?
There is a reason why Honolulu is associated with tropical sunshine! Honolulu enjoys a 'tropical hot semi-arid climate' with a summer season that is mostly dry. January is the wettest month but there is comparatively little variation between the seasons. Many visitors from the USA choose to visit during the winter months from October to April when the temperatures are a little more comfortable.
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What to do in Honolulu?
Honolulu is a bustling and lively city and is a veritable shopper's paradise. Choose from ultra-modern malls to eclectic outdoor markets and designer boutiques - Honolulu really does have it all when it comes to shopping. Waikele Premium Outlets is highly recommended for picking up bargain designer brands and is located on the outskirts of the city. The Kahala Mall is a leading retailer of natural and organic whole foods and is proudly known as 'America's Healthiest Grocery Store'.
Honolulu is home to Waikiki Beach where you can watch world-class surfers ride the waves, or take the plunge and book yourself a lesson. Honolulu also has plenty of nightlife to choose from. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian music and hula at the Paradise Lounge, or cocktail hour at the Halekulani on the Sunset Terrace, which is highly recommended. Alternatively, The Buddha Bar is a popular nightclub for those who wish to dance the night away.
Every year, in spring, thousands flock to the Honolulu Festival, an extravaganza with fireworks, street food, music, and parades. It's Hawaii's premier cultural event and is not to be missed!
Food is an extremely important part of the culture in Hawaii, so if you are on vacation in Honolulu, bring a big appetite as the food is varied and delicious! Some of the dishes you simply must try include:
Poke: This is diced and seasoned raw fish. Try the Poke at Ono seafood for superbly fresh fish and some of the best flavors on the island.
Mai Tai: This quintessentially Hawaiian cocktail consists of light rum, Curacao, and fresh fruit juices.
Zippy's: Zippy's is a very popular fast food chain in Hawaii. Check out the Zip Pac - Zippy's take on Japanese bento offers an unforgettable taste explosion.
It might be a bit difficult to bring back a large surfboard on a flight from Hawaii to the USA, but luckily there are plenty of souvenirs which can be easily packed up to remind you of your vacation:
Flower Lei: Garlands of flowers known as lei are a Hawaiian icon. There are many varieties from which to choose, to suit all tastes and budgets. There are plain unscented lei for those who are sensitive to fragrant flowers. Mention to the seller that you are planning to return to the mainland as some species of flower are subject to restrictions.
Fabric: Hawaiian material ranges from subtle traditional designs to bold and colorful prints - perfect for clothes or home decor. Why not visit Fabric Mart which offers a wide selection of gorgeous fabrics?
Macadamia Nut Oil: This is a Hawaiian specialty known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. It can be highly expensive so make like the locals and head for Long's Drug Stores to stock up at very reasonable prices
Discover the beauty and variety of Honolulu, the beating heart of Hawaii.
Discover More Destinations
Are you planning your flight to United States? If the allure of Honolulu for your getaway doesn't quite captivate you, consider delving into the charm of other vibrant cities from this country, and other near countries. Browse through our enticing flight and hotel bundles for your upcoming holiday escapade!