Flying Into Honolulu

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's largest airport and hub, where most transpacific flights fly into, which makes it convenient if you're visiting Honolulu! Most major carriers fly here, including Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Alaska Airlines. From HNL, you can easily connect to other islands with inter-island flights, which are generally shorter than 30 minutes.

Getting Around Honolulu

Taxis are located in the center median outside of the terminal baggage claim areas. Fares are metered, with the average price between HNL and Waikiki hotels hovering around $40 to $50, with baggage costing an additional 50 cents per bag.

Bus routes 19, 20, and 31 arrive and depart every 30 minutes from stops located along the 2nd level center median.

Uber riders arriving from the mainland are picked up at the departure level across from lobby 8. Inter-island and international passengers are picked up at the departure level across from lobby 2.

Things to Do in Honolulu

Constructed in 1882, Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and one of only two royal palaces in the United States, the other located on Hawaii's Big Island. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, the palace was used by Hawaii's provisional government and later became the state capitol building. In 1969 when it was restored and opened as a museum. (364 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813)

Be sure to book in advance when planning a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, the World War II memorial to the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. (1 Arizona Memorial Pl., Honolulu, HI96818)

Waikiki may be more crowded than other Oahu beaches, but its proximity to the city is part of the charm. Beach vendors rent everything from chairs and umbrellas to surfboards and snorkels, with surprisingly reasonable rates considering the neighborhood. At Snorkel Bob's, two beach chairs go for $25 a week, and that includes two free books from Bob's personal library.

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design was once home to North Carolina philanthropist and heiress Doris Duke, this Islamic-style mansion features objects from and inspired by her personal travels in the Middle East and Northern Africa. The collection includes over 2,500 pieces from Syria, Iran, Morocco, Egypt, and elsewhere. Tours are available Wednesdays through Saturdays, at 9:00am, 10:30am, and 1:30pm. Book tickets in advance online. (900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814)

Hibiscus, poinsettia, cheeseburgers, seahorses! Whatever your dream Hawaiian shirt motif is, chances are it's currently hanging on the rack at Bailey's Antiques and Aloha Shirts, quietly waiting for you to ask for it. (517 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815)

There's no better way to start a day of sunning and swimming than with a Japanese breakfast, a rarity in most U.S. cities but not in Honolulu. The large breakfast at Yoshiya includes miso, natto, fish, local fruit, and other small dishes for $20, with other options for smaller appetites and tighter budgets. Lunch and dinner are also available. (Located in the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815)

What to Know About Honolulu

Honolulu International is made up of four paved runways, as well as two offshore runways used for seaplane traffic.