Island capital where business towers sit steps from surf breaks and hiking trails.
Stats from public records. Verify before travel. Last reviewed 2026.
| Population | approximately 350 thousand (2020 census, city–county core) (2020, census) |
|---|---|
| Area | approximately 600 km² (230 sq mi) (urbanized Oʻahu south shore, order-of-magnitude) |
| Elevation | approximately 5 m (coastal strip) |
| Founded / established | Hawaiian kingdom harbor capital; modern Pacific hub |
| Time zone | HST (UTC−10) |
| Nearest airport | Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) |
| Languages | English, Hawaiian |
| Nicknames | Crossroads of the Pacific |
Top places, ranked lists, and details by category.
Last updated: March 2026
Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and North Shore access; Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay. TheBus covers basics; car for North Shore. Year-round warmth; winter rains.
Plate lunch, poke, and shave ice define dining. Local spots offer value; Waikiki has resort options. Beaches and culture—hula, luau, and history.
TopTenAtlas lists help you choose where to eat, stay, and explore. North Shore, Pearl Harbor, and windward coast round out a stay.
Honolulu is expensive; Waikiki and beachfront cost more. Plate lunches and local spots offer value. Groceries cost more on island.
Two scoops rice, mac salad, and protein—local staple.
Raw fish salad—fresh and everywhere.
Matsumoto's, Waiola—topped with li hing mui.
Rice, burger patty, egg, gravy.
Spam on rice with nori—convenience store and beyond.
Surf, Haleiwa, shrimp trucks. 1 hour.
Memorials and museums. 30 min west.
Snorkeling. 30 min east.
Beaches and kayaking. 45 min east.
Honolulu is generally safe. Waikiki and tourist areas are well-patrolled.
Emergency: Emergency: 911.