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Planning a getaway? Check out Honolulu, HI, a booming center for nightlife, beaches, and great food — all on the sunny island of Oahu.
Hey all — SJtoday City Editor Alyson here. 👋
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed family trips to Hawaii hitting almost every island (The Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Lanai’i), but nothing quite compares to the destination that is Honolulu. Now, I know that this city is a tourism hot spot, but I’m here to give you some insiders on local gems that some guides may have missed.
Why go?
- Along with having perfect weather conditions all year round, Honolulu offers amazing cuisine, beautiful scenery, and an aloha vibe that will make you feel welcome anywhere you go.
- Throughout the year, Honolulu hosts a variety of festivals — my favorite is the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June that features traditional Hawaiian dancers on top of vibrant floats.
- Some other guides that may come in handy: A City Guide to Honolulu, The Hawaiian Islands Guide, The Travel Guide to Honolulu
Act like a local
- Food: Be prepared, I’m a foodie. You’ve gotta try the famous chili plate from Rainbow Drive-In, garlic chicken from Side Street Inn, malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery, any flavor of shave ice (with azuki beans and condensed milk) from Waiola’s Shave Ice, coco puffs from Liliha Bakery, and last, but certainly not least, the fresh poke from Taniokas Seafoods and Catering.
- Drink: The Orange Bang from Zippy’s is basically an orange creamsicle in a drink — what’s not to like?
- Outdoors: For lush scenery and breathtaking views 2,200 feet above the clouds, hike Kuli’ou’ou Ridge. Enjoy a mostly shaded 4.7-mile trail around and back near Honolulu.
- Shop: Imagine a Hawaiian-themed Valley Fair Mall — that’s Ala Moana Center. And don’t miss the best place for affordable souvenirs (and practically everything else) at Don Quijote. If you’re looking for Hawaiian snacks or some quality fish to cook up in your condo, make a grocery stop at Foodland.
- Explore: The best part about being on a smaller island? You can explore it in a day — check out Go Tours’ Hidden Gems of Hawaii Circle Island Tour for a packed tour of Oahu favorites.
How would you like to wake up to the ocean breeze?
Photo via Vrbo
Where to stay
- Vrbo: Deluxe condo* with an ocean view (~$199/night)
- Airbnb: Waikiki condo, walking distance from the beach (~149/night)
- Save hotel: Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites near Waikiki Beach Walk (~$200/night)
- Splurge hotel: The Kahala Hotel & Resort at the beachfront (~$750/night)
