Where City Life Meets Island Time in Honolulu
Honolulu gives you the tropical holiday you came to Hawaiʻi for without asking you to give up the energy of a city. Waikiki puts warm Pacific water, surf breaks and long beach days beside restaurants, shopping and nightlife, while the volcanic slopes of Diamond Head rise just beyond the hotels.
But there's much more to Oʻahu than Waikiki. Head around the island and you'll find dramatic coastal roads, quieter beaches, rainforest trails and the legendary surf breaks of the North Shore. There's also a deeper Hawaiian story here, from the history of Pearl Harbor to ʻIolani Palace and the traditions, food and culture of the islands themselves.
That mix makes Honolulu an easy place to build a holiday around. You can surf in the morning, hike above the coast, spend the afternoon on the beach and still have a great restaurant waiting that evening. And if one island isn't enough, Honolulu is the natural jumping-off point for seeing more of Hawaiʻi.
Honolulu — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~9.5 hours (direct)
Flight time from Brisbane
~9 hours (direct)
Best time for cheap fares
April–May, September
Peak season
December–February, July
Main airport
Daniel K. Inouye (HNL)
Visa required
ESTA (online) — 90 days
Currency
US Dollar (USD $)
Top Things to Do in Honolulu
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu's most famous stretch of golden sand backed by towering hotels and Diamond Head. Calm waves perfect for beginner surfers, with countless beachfront bars and shops along Kalakaua Avenue.
Diamond Head Crater Hike
A 1.3km hike up a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater for sweeping views of Waikiki, the Pacific and Oahu's coastline. Start early to beat the heat and book online — entry permits are required.
Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona
A moving and historically significant site honouring those lost on December 7, 1941. Includes the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri and Pacific Aviation Museum. Tickets release at 7am daily.
Hanauma Bay Snorkelling
A protected marine reserve in a stunning volcanic crater — home to hundreds of tropical fish and sea turtles. Book online in advance; only a limited number of visitors permitted per day.
North Shore & Big Wave Beaches
Hire a car and head north to Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay — legendary surfing breaks (huge waves in winter). Don't miss the famous garlic shrimp trucks in Haleiwa.
Polynesian Cultural Center
A full-day experience showcasing the cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti and Aotearoa. Traditional luau dinner and the spectacular Ha — Breath of Life evening show.
When to Fly to Honolulu
Hawaiʻi is a year-round destination, so when it comes to flights to Honolulu, timing is often more about price than weather. April and May, then September through early November, typically offer some of the best fares, with fewer crowds as an added bonus. Airfares generally climb over Christmas and New Year, during the July peak and around major US holiday weekends. If you're heading over in winter, expect bigger surf on Oʻahu's North Shore and a greater chance of rain — but still plenty of warm Hawaiian weather.
Honolulu's Airport
HNL
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Honolulu's main airport (formerly Honolulu International), about 15km west of Waikiki — around 25 minutes by taxi or rideshare. All international flights to Hawaii arrive here. Inter-island connections to Maui, Kauai and Big Island depart from the same airport.
Getting Around Honolulu
You won't need a car to get around Waikiki, where most places are easily reached on foot and TheBus connects you with other parts of Honolulu. Uber and Lyft are also widely available. But if you want to properly explore Oʻahu — from the North Shore and quieter beaches to hiking trails and lookouts — hiring a car gives you far more freedom, and it's worth booking ahead during busy periods. Skyline rail is also expanding Honolulu's public transport network, although it doesn't yet replace a car for exploring the island.
Before You Fly
- ESTA required: Australians need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approved before flying. Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. Valid for 2 years and multiple entries.
- Tipping: Tipping is standard in the US — expect to tip 15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for housekeeping and taxis.
- Sun protection: Hawaii sun is intense year-round. Use reef-safe sunscreen (required by law) and bring a hat — the UV is extreme between 10am and 4pm.
- Travel Insurance: Even though Hawaii feels like an easy beach holiday, it falls under US jurisdiction — meaning standard medical care comes with massive American price tags. Comprehensive travel insurance for Hawaii protects you against unexpected ER visits and water sports injuries.
More USA & Canada Flights
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Honolulu?
Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all operate direct flights to Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines flies from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland; Qantas and Jetstar from Sydney and Melbourne. There are also one-stop options via Auckland or LA.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Honolulu?
Yes — Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all offer direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Flight times are around 9–10 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Honolulu?
April–May and September–early November are shoulder seasons with the cheapest fares. Avoid December–February (US/Australian school holidays), July, and US public holidays when prices peak.
Do Australians need a visa for Hawaii?
No visa, but you must apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours before flying. ESTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
Can I visit other Hawaiian islands from Honolulu?
Yes — Honolulu (Oahu) is the gateway to Hawaii. Cheap inter-island flights (around 30–45 minutes) on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest connect to Maui (Kahului), Big Island (Kona/Hilo) and Kauai (Lihue). Many travellers do a 2-island itinerary in 10–14 days.