Flights to Honolulu

 

Located on the southern shore of Oahu, the third largest island in Hawaii, Honolulu is the capital of the 50th state.

It is a cosmopolitan city with a glittering skyline of modern high-rise buildings that hugs the crescent-shaped shore of Waikiki beach while the powerful presence of Diamond Head crater looms in the background.

A hedonistic playground for the fun-in-the-sun crowd, Honolulu boasts palm-lined beaches for sunning, swimming, and surfing, as well as fabulous fine dining establishments, glamorous nightclubs, and world-class shopping.

But it’s also a place rich in history, from Iolani Palace, the Florentine-style residence of Hawaii’s last two monarchs, to Pearl Harbor, a memorial to the site of the Japanese bombing that thrust the U.S. into World War II.

Finally, Honolulu is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. In addition to every kind of water sport imaginable, there is great hiking and biking to be had.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), formerly Honolulu International Airport, serves 27 international and domestic airlines including Delta Air Lines, three inter-island airlines, and four commuter airlines. There are 47 gates in three concourses – Central, Diamond Head, and Ewa –plus inter-island and commuter terminals. Wiki wiki buses provide transportation from the ticketing area to departure gates.

If you have time to kill, check out the Japanese, Chinese and Polynesian gardens and the airport’s collection of public artworks.

Welcoming visitors with floral leis is an airport tradition. Twelve lei stands line the left side of the entry road before the inter-island terminal. Greetings can also be arranged prior to arrival.

In addition to souvenir and duty free stores, shopping options include Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade, M.A.C., Longchamp, Michael Kors, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Dining options include Samurai Sushi & Bento, Stinger Ray’s Tropical Bar & Grill, Pinkberry, and Quiznos.

  • City bus service provides transportation on route numbers 19, 20, and 31 from the airport to various destinations around Honolulu. Bus stops are located on the second level roadway along the median.
  • The Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle provides transfer services from the airport to your home, office, or hotel. Pick up locations are on the ground level on the sidewalk outside Baggage Claim A, outside Baggage Claim C beside the building by the escalators, on the sidewalk between Baggage Claim D and International Arrivals, and in the center median outside Baggage Claim H.
  • Taxi service is available from the center median in front of all baggage claim areas.
  • Four car rental agencies are located at the airport on the ground level at Baggage Claim G. Four other car rental agencies operating off site provide shuttle bus service from the center median outside all baggage claim areas.

Spend the day on Waikiki Beach, soaking up the sun and learning to surf. Stroll the main strip along Kalakaua Avenue and dine, shop, and people watch.

For a more remote beach experience where the marine life is more abundant than people, visit Hanauma Bay State Park.  Located in the cone of a volcanic crater, the bay is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling.

Hike Leahi, aka Diamond Head, a volcanic crater and one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks. The moderately challenging trail offers spectacular views of Waikiki.

Visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor, commemorating the lives lost in that 1941 attack. Visitors take a boat ride out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, where they can view the ship’s sunken hull in the water.

Experience the diversity of Hawaii’s cuisine, a creative combination of Polynesian and Asian foods and techniques. Traditional dishes include poke, kalua pig, lomi-lomi salmon, shaved ice, and manapua, a type of steamed bun.

Halekulani is a classic Hawaiian hotel that got its start with a two-story house on Waikiki Beach in 1883. It evolved over the years until it became the 453-room resort it is today, offering spectacular ocean views, luxury accommodations, a spa, and several restaurants, bars and lounges. Be sure to try its signature Mai Tai cocktail.

For a more intimate boutique experience, Lotus Honolulu Hotel offers a low-key stay on the edge of Waikiki. Each room has its own Lanai, and amenities include complimentary happy hour, bike rentals, and yoga lessons.

Mid-century modern design meets Polynesia at The Laylow, a hip boutique hotel near the beach in Waikiki. This pet-friendly hotel offers balconies in every stylishly-appointed room.

The climate in Honolulu is tropical hot semi-arid, so expect warm temperatures year-round and sunny skies most days. Temperatures don’t vary much in Honolulu, with average highs hovering in the 80s. The hottest months are May through October with average highs in the mid- to high-80s. The cooler months are December through March with highs in the low-80s. Rainfall is heaviest November through March with an average of 2 to 3 inches a month. April through August are the driest months, when the average monthly rainfall is less than an inch. Hurricane season is June through November.