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01 — Ridge · The Honolulu travel guide

Honolulu, mauka to makai.

An independent guide to the city between the Koʻolau ridge and the reef. Hikes, beaches, plate lunches and places to stay, organized the way locals give directions.

View down Manoa Valley towards Honolulu and the ocean from a forested ridge

02 — Valley · Find your way

Which way are you headed?

In Honolulu, directions point to landmarks, not compass points: mauka toward the mountains, makai toward the sea, ʻEwa to the west and Diamond Head to the east. The guide is organized the same way.

Best hikes in Honolulu

All hiking guides

03 — Town · Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods, ʻEwa to Diamond Head

  1. ChinatownLei stands, dim sum and First Friday art walks
  2. DowntownʻIolani Palace and the civic center
  3. KakaʻakoMurals, breweries and new towers
  4. Ala MoanaThe mall and a calm lagoon beach
  5. WaikīkīHotels, surf lessons and the strip
  6. KapahuluMalasadas and plate lunch
  7. KaimukīHonolulu's best dining street
  8. KāhalaQuiet luxury and long beach walks

04 — Shore · Beaches

The best beaches in Honolulu

Every beach, compared

Waikīkī Beach

Gentle rollers for first surf lessons.

  • Lifeguards
  • Surf school

Kaimana Beach

The quieter end of Waikīkī, by the park.

  • Snorkel
  • Local favorite

Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling in a protected crater bay.

  • Reservations
  • Snorkel

05 — Reef · Plan your trip

Before you go

When

Best time to visit Honolulu

Warm all year. April–May and September–October are quieter.

Getting around

TheBus, Skyline and Biki

Most of town works without a car. Rent one for the North Shore.

Budget

Honolulu on a budget

Free beaches, free hula at Kūhiō Beach and the best cheap meals.

Respect

Reef, turtles and monk seals

Wear reef-safe sunscreen and give wildlife plenty of space.