Flights to Honolulu

Need to know

Known for its warm, tropical weather, fantastic surf and laidback culture, Honolulu is a city with lots to offer. Embrace the area’s natural beauty, immerse yourself in the local culture or spend time discovering Honolulu’s dazzling, cosmopolitan epicentre.

Surfing is a national pastime in Hawaii and there are many amazing surfing spots close to Honolulu. World-renowned Waikiki Beach is popular with tourists and considered a good place for beginners to learn to surf. There are also plenty of places to eat, drink and shop in the surrounding areas. Spend an afternoon on the Waikiki Beach Walk sifting through boutique shops and restaurants, or head to the Ala Moana Center, the largest shopping centre in Hawaii, for some retail therapy. Nearby Honolulu Zoo is home to a variety of local species, as well as many exotic animals including elephants, lions and giraffes.

There are several hiking trails to be explored just a short distance from the city centre, with more than 80 separate hiking trails across Oahu Island. Hike up Diamond Head for breathtaking, panoramic views of the island, or take a rainforest hike through the wondrous Makiki Valley. Look out for Manoa Falls, a 45-metre waterfall secluded within lush vegetation. To soak up more stunning views, take time out to hike the Koko Crater Trail.

There are plenty of places to enjoy a taste of Hawaii’s rich culture and history in Honolulu. Iolani Palace is the only official state residence of royalty in the USA, and was home to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani. Doris Duke’s Shangri La houses an extensive collection of Islamic art, and the Honolulu Museum of Art showcases pieces from all over the world. Around Honolulu there are also many landmarks commemorating Hawaii’s military past, such as the USS Arizona Memorial, which pays respect to the World War II attack at Pearl Harbour. Visitors can learn more about Hawaii’s rich military history at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor.

Getting around

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore the city and its surrounds at your own pace. The only downside is finding somewhere to park, which can be difficult and somewhat expensive in Honolulu. Taxis are easy to come by and most drivers are island-born, so you might get some insider tips along the way. Those planning on staying within the Waikiki area can simply walk most places. Buses are another good way of getting around Honolulu, but they have relaxed schedules and can be unreliable at times. 

The best time to visit Honolulu is during the autumn months (September, October and November) when the island is less crowded and temperatures stay at around 30 degrees celcius. There are often many cheap flight and hotel deals on offer around this time. The spring months are also great time to visit as the island is in bloom with pretty flowers and an abundance of fresh fruit. Low humidity and rainfall mean this time of year is known as the dry season. Winter is the city’s peak tourist season as travellers escape the cold weather of the northern hemisphere and surf season is in full swing. Rain is most common in the winter months (December, January and February), but temperatures are mild and rainfall is fairly infrequent.

Honolulu International Airport

Located just a 15-minute drive from Honolulu’s CBD, Honolulu International Airport is both the city’s main airport and one of the busiest in the USA. Flights travel to Honolulu International Airport from a number of destinations, including Vancouver, Auckland, Tokyo and Chicago. There are direct flights available from Australia, with services departing from Sydney and Melbourne.