Car Hire Honolulu Airport

Honolulu is the capital of the island of Hawaii and has a wealth of treasures waiting to be unearthed.

With enticing restaurants, fascinating museums and incredible scenery, we’ve picked just a view of the must-see attractions to add to your itinerary.

Gorgeous, golden beaches

Dreamy Waikiki Beach is usually the place visitors make their first port of call when they touch down in Honolulu. Its famous golden sands, sparkling blue ocean, endless restaurants and world-class surf make it an essential spot to visit.

As you’d expect from such a slice of paradise, Waikiki Beach is a tourist haven, so it’s worth arriving a little earlier in the morning to secure a good spot. A stroll along the beach is definitely advised, where you can take in sights and attractions such as the statue of surfing God, Duke Kahanamoku, and Honolulu Zoo – which is a perfect day out for the kids.

Alongside Waikiki, there are tons of other beaches in Honolulu. Hanauma Bay, in particular, is worth checking out. It’s a spectacular nature preserve, boasting fantastic scenery and colourful marine life swimming in its shores.

Dining Hawaiian-style

Honolulu spoils visitors with its impressive array of wonderful cuisine. Traditional Hawaiian delicacies such as poke – a Hawaiian take on Japanese sushi – and lomi salmon are available across the city.

The main restaurant areas – where you’ll find the most choice – are located Downtown and around Waikiki Beach. But there are amazing places dotted right across the city.

Alan Wong’s Restaurant, one of the highest rated eateries in Honolulu, can be found in the McCully-Moiliili area. Here you’ll find mouth-watering Hawaiian dishes that’ll satisfy after a day wandering the city – steak fans will love the Maui cattle company ribeye.

The bars and clubs around the city are equally exciting and vibrant. Again, head Downtown or to Waikiki to get into the heart of the action.

Or, for a big slice of Hawaii, drive out of town to Paradise Cove for a late-afternoon luau – a traditional Hawaiian feast. Accompanied by cultural demonstrations – alongside a fabulous Hawaiian buffet – it’s something everyone should experience when they visit Honolulu.

A rich cultural tapestry

As you’d expect, Honolulu has a fascinating history. One landmark not to miss is the Pearl Harbor monument. Erected to honour the memory of those who died during the naval base attack in 1941, it’s a sombre and moving tribute.

Equally thought-provoking is the Bishop Museum, a science and history centre which has the world’s biggest exhibition of Polynesian artefacts. If you want to dive into Hawaiian culture, you’ll love the amazing items on display in the Hawaiian Hall – which guides you through the story of the island’s illustrious history.

There’s also the Honolulu Museum of Art, which features inspiring works of Hawaiian art that give you a flavour of the creative side of the island.

For those with a flair for adventure

Adventure and excitement is what Honolulu is all about. There are plenty of opportunities for sports and exploration while you’re here.

Go for a snorkel around Turtle Canyon by catching one of the scenic cruises that sets off from Waikiki Beach, giving you the opportunity to discover the reefs surrounding the island.

There’s also the chance to hike up to visit Diamond Head State Monument, with a trail that takes you to a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater and provides stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

With mighty Pacific waves rolling into the shore, Honolulu is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, there are an abundance of spots to hone your skills.

Waikiki is the tourists’ choice, but there are a selection of beaches on the North Shore, including Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, that are prime surfing spots.

Take off and drive

Honolulu’s main highway routes take in some of the best views of the city and wider island. Motor along the Pali Highway, which winds through the Ko’olau Range, and soak up the sweeping vistas on the way back down to Kailua, a nearby beach town.

Don’t miss the equally stunning Winward Coast route, which uses the HI-83 highway to cruise through nearly 50km of beautiful farmland scenery, taking you past some of the quieter beaches of Honolulu.

Honolulu is a vibrant city, where you can immerse yourself in the modern and traditional cultures that make up Hawaiian life. Driving is the best way to get around this cosmopolitan metropolis and the wider island of Oahu.

There are excellent road links in Honolulu. Basic driving rules are the same as mainland USA – you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road and speed limits are well signposted in miles per hour. Rural highway limits, roads that pass through rural and sparsely populated areas, are capped at 60mph (97km/h). While urban highways, routes that snake through cities and densely populated areas, are 55mph (89km/h) and residential areas are limited to 25mph (40km/h).

After picking up your rental car from us, you’re less than a 10km drive from Honolulu’s centre. Take the Interstate H-1 east and follow the signs for downtown to begin your Hawaiian adventure.

Alternatively, you can take the HI-92 highway. This road does take a little longer, but it’s sometimes preferable when the H-1 highway is busy.

It guides you along the coast, providing striking views. Once you arrive in the city centre, there are several parking garages to use, each charging a small fee to park your rental car when you’re exploring on foot.

Once you’re behind the wheel, there are a collection of scenic drives to follow both in Honolulu and across the island, where you can soak up more of Oahu. Close to Waikiki, the Diamond Head to Makapu’u route takes in both the affluent and peaceful side of Honolulu.