Honolulu is the capital and principal port of Hawaii โ a thoroughly modern city extending ten miles along the southeastern shore of Oahu. It is the commercial and cultural heart of the Hawaiian islands, the crossroads of trans-Pacific shipping and air routes, and home to nearly one million people.
Settled around 1100 AD, Honolulu ("sheltered bay") flourished as a base for sandalwood traders and whalers before King Kamehameha III officially declared it a city in 1850. Before statehood, Hawaii was the Kingdom of Hawaii โ and Iolani Palace in Honolulu remains the only royal palace in the United States. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 brought World War II to Hawaii's shores and changed the course of history.
Today, Honolulu offers some of the Pacific's most compelling attractions: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, world-class museums, legendary surf breaks, and extraordinary food. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the United States โ budget accordingly.
Know Before You Go
Hot Tip
Honolulu, Hawaii โ Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Honolulu, Hawaii
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Honolulu Harbor has two cruise ship terminals:
๐ข Pier 2 โ Primary Terminal
521 Ala Moana Boulevard at the west end of Channel Street. The main cruise terminal for most ships calling at Honolulu. About a 20-minute ride to Honolulu International Airport. No parking at the terminal.
๐ข Pier 11 โ Aloha Tower Cruise Terminal
Entrance on the North Extension of Aloha Tower Drive. Adjacent to the historic Aloha Tower Marketplace โ shops, restaurants, and the 10th floor observation deck are all steps from the gangway. A more convenient location for downtown exploration.
Getting Around Honolulu, Hawaii
Transportation options once you're ashore.
๐ TheBus
Honolulu's excellent public transit system โ inexpensive and reaches most attractions. Best if time is not a constraint. Check routes and schedules at thebus.org.
๐ Taxis, Uber & Lyft
Taxis line up curbside adjacent to Piers 8 and 9. Expensive by mainland standards but the most efficient way to get around when time is limited. Book in advance or use the app:
๐ฒ Biki Bikeshare
Biki is Honolulu's bikeshare program with 130+ self-service stops. Pick up a bike at one location and drop it at another โ a great option for flat waterfront and downtown routes.
๐ Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley is a hop-on, hop-off system with five lines covering Ala Moana Center, Diamond Head, and other attractions. Fun but not efficient โ routes take 1 to 2.5 hours to complete. Good for leisurely sightseeing, not for maximizing a short port day.
๐ Car Rental
Good for reaching North Shore, Kailua Beach, and areas beyond the city. Must be 21+ (surcharge and vehicle restrictions for ages 21โ24). Valid driver's license, photo ID, and credit or debit card required. Driving is on the right; using your horn is considered rude in Hawaii. Note: gas is more expensive in Hawaii than anywhere else in the US. Rental shuttles run from the piers:
๐ถ Walking
Pier 11 (Aloha Tower Terminal) is adjacent to the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Pier 2 is a bit of a walk to downtown. Main attractions (Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head) are too far from each other to walk between โ use taxis or TheBus to connect them.
Things To Do in Honolulu, Hawaii
Make the most of your time ashore.
๐ฏ Honolulu and Oahu offer some of the Pacific's most extraordinary attractions:
Pearl Harbor National Memorial โ The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place of 1,177 sailors killed in the December 7, 1941 attack. The sunken battleship is visible through the water from the floating memorial above it. Only 1,300 walk-up tickets issued daily at 7am โ book online up to 60 days in advance at recreation.gov. Allow 2โ3 hours.
Diamond Head State Monument โ The iconic volcanic crater (Le'ahi in Hawaiian) is Oahu's most recognizable landmark. The 760-foot hiking trail to the crater rim is challenging but one of Honolulu's most popular attractions with extraordinary views over the city and Pacific. Bring plenty of water โ no facilities on the crater. Out-of-state visitors require advance reservations at gostateparks.hawaii.gov.
Honolulu Museum of Art โ Works by Picasso, Gauguin, and van Gogh alongside one of America's finest Asian art collections. The Arts of Hawaii collection features Georgia O'Keeffe's Maui landscapes. A world-class museum in a beautifully designed building โ one of Hawaii's great cultural institutions.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail โ A 2-mile paved trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean โ accessible for all ages with benches along the way. Between November and May, whale sightings are common. About 2 hours round trip. Exposed to sun and wind โ bring water and sunscreen.
Oahu Surfing โ Waikiki has calmer beginner waves; Waimea Bay and North Shore have legendary swells for experienced surfers. Surf schools offer 2-hour group lessons for beginners: Ohana Surf Project, Polu Lani Surf, and Hans Hedemann Surf School are all highly rated.
Iolani Palace โ The only royal palace in the United States โ built in 1882 by King Kalฤkaua and home to the Hawaiian royal family until the overthrow of the Kingdom in 1893. A profoundly moving piece of Hawaiian history. Tours available with advance reservations.
Beaches & Outdoors in Honolulu, Hawaii
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
๐๏ธ Oahu has some of the world's most famous beaches โ from the iconic to the secluded:
Waikiki Beach
The iconic public beach with Diamond Head as its backdrop โ good swimming, beginner surfing lessons, outrigger canoe rides, and world-famous scenery. The most accessible beach from the port (about 2 miles) and the classic Honolulu experience. Can be crowded but the atmosphere is unmatched.
Hanauma Bay
About 30 minutes east โ a protected marine nature preserve with extraordinary snorkeling in crystal-clear water. One of the finest snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Requires advance reservations (check hanauma.hawaii.gov before your port day).
Kailua Beach & Lanikai Beach
About 30 minutes from Honolulu on the windward side. Kailua has a 3-mile stretch of white shaded sand with turquoise water โ perfect for kite and windsurfing. Lanikai has calmer water, a mile of white sand, and views of the Mokulua Islands. Less crowded and a favorite with kayakers.
North Shore (Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach)
About 45 minutes north โ legendary winter surf breaks where professional surfers compete in the Vans Triple Crown (NovemberโDecember). Spectacular to watch in winter; calmer swimming conditions in summer.
Dining in Honolulu, Hawaii
Where to eat and drink ashore.
๐ฝ๏ธ Honolulu has an outstanding dining scene. Local dishes to seek out: kalua pork (cooked underground in banana leaves), pokรฉ (marinated raw seafood), loco moco (rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, brown gravy), plate lunches (protein, rice, and mac salad), and shaved ice with tropical flavors.
Merriman's
1108 Auahi Street
An award-winning gastropub with fresh seafood, smoked oysters, and signature cocktails. One of Honolulu's most acclaimed farm-to-table dining experiences using local Hawaii ingredients.
Senia
75 N. King Street
ร la carte and family-style dishes with an emphasis on exceptional local ingredients โ Kusshi oysters, Maui venison tartare, and a constantly evolving menu. One of Honolulu's most creative and celebrated restaurants.
Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kanaina Avenue
The beloved local institution for affordable plate lunches โ shoyu chicken, barbecue beef, pork cutlets, and more. A genuine Honolulu institution with decades of loyal local following. Filling, delicious, and budget-friendly.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Multiple locations near city center
Another excellent and popular plate lunch option โ multiple convenient locations throughout Honolulu. The definitive casual Hawaiian meal.
Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill
559 Kapahulu Avenue
Craft beers and handcrafted cocktails paired with crab cakes, calamari, shrimp, clams, or wings. A lively and popular spot for drinks and shared plates in a casual atmosphere.
La Mer โ Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kฤlia Road ยท Fine Dining ยท $$$$$
Hawaii's longest consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond restaurant. Extraordinary French-inspired cuisine with views of Diamond Head and Waikiki. The finest dining experience in Honolulu โ make reservations well in advance.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Bike, Hike, Sail, Snorkel Adventure
The ultimate Honolulu adventure โ bike along the coast, hike a scenic trail, sail the Pacific, and snorkel the vibrant r...
Book This Tour โIsland Safari Jeep Tour
Explore the hidden corners of Oahu on a guided off-road Jeep safari. Discover secluded beaches, lush valleys, and stunni...
Book This Tour โDiamond Head Crater Adventure
Hike to the summit of Honolulu's iconic Diamond Head crater for sweeping views over Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean....
Book This Tour โHonolulu, Hawaii โ FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Honolulu known for?
Honolulu is Hawaii's capital and most visited city. It's known for Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, the Polynesian Cultural Center, world-class surfing on the North Shore, and the unique blend of American and Pacific Island culture.
Is Honolulu a good cruise port?
Yes โ Honolulu's Aloha Tower Marketplace pier puts you right in downtown Honolulu. Waikiki Beach is a short bus or taxi ride away and the city has incredible things to do within easy reach.
How far is Waikiki from the Honolulu cruise terminal?
Waikiki is about 3 miles from the Aloha Tower cruise pier โ roughly a $15 taxi ride or accessible by city bus.
What is Pearl Harbor and how do I visit?
Pearl Harbor is the site of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack that brought the US into WWII. The USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri battleship, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are all on site. It's about 9 miles from downtown Honolulu โ book tickets in advance as it's extremely popular.
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