Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the largest city in the state, sitting on the island of Oahu in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. For many visitors it is the first stop on a trip to the islands, and it is also the place where the everyday life of the state is most visible, with government offices, shops, schools and busy streets alongside its beaches.
What a visit feels like
Honolulu works well as a base. Its size means there is a wide choice of places to stay, eat and shop, and the city is easy to explore on foot in its central districts. Because it is a working city as well as a resort area, a day here often mixes the ocean with the urban rhythm of the place.
Around the city
- The coast: The ocean is never far away, and time along the shoreline is one of the most natural things to do here.
- Island life: As the seat of state government and the centre of commerce, the city gives a clear sense of how Hawaii functions beyond its reputation as a holiday destination.
- Oahu beyond the city: Because the city sits on Oahu, the rest of the island is within reach for day trips.
Honolulu is also known as Pacific Paradise, a name that reflects its setting between sea and mountains. Whether you come to rest, to explore or to use it as a starting point for the wider islands, the city offers a practical and welcoming introduction to Hawaii.