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
You got to get a little bit of everything from Rainbow Drive-In.
Photo by SJtoday staff
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)