Overview Honolulu is the capital of the US state Hawaii. Honolulu is actually located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and is the most populous city in Hawaii. In fact, 80% of Hawaii's citizens live in Honolulu. Over time Honolulu has become a thriving fast-paced city, although you can still see the laid back island life present in some parts. Within Honolulu there are amazing beaches, historic landmarks and a welcoming native culture.
It is highly recommended to schedule a hotel stay for a day or two, either before or after your cruise. This is because doing this will allow you to enjoy a lot of the land-based attractions that Honolulu has to offer, such as Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. However, if you schedule your flights smartly (a late flight on a day you get off the ship) you can make time to visit such places.
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from Honolulu, Hawaii:
Australia & New Zealand
Hawaii
Currency The official currency of the United States is the dollar.
Language The official language is English.
Tourist Attractions There are quite a few popular tourist attractions in the Honolulu area. From historic landmarks to beautiful landscapes on to majestic buildings and amazing culture, there's truly something for everyone in Honolulu.
Pearl Harbor, perhaps the most popular of all the attractions in Honolulu, is a very large area filled with lots to see. However, the most popular spots in Pearl Harbor are the Visitor's Center and Arizona Memorial (a monument made in remembrance of the USS Arizona battleship that was sunk in 1941 with 1,100 sailors in it). Several tours of Pearl Harbor are available through various private companies, or through the cruise line.
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous, and most visited, beaches in the world. As a result of the ever-growing development of Honolulu much of this beach is now surrounded by towering hotels, but still offers excellent views of the breathtaking landscapes that the island has to offer. A usually crowded lounging and tanning area during the day, the beach is also a popular hangout spot at night.
Diamond Head is a state monument of Hawaii that is the crater of an extinct volcano. There is a famous 761-foot trail that takes visitors to the summit of this area. It's an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike. From the top of the summit viewers get an amazing 360-view of the entire island of Oahu.
Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve is another popular beach in the Honolulu area. Like most beaches, this area is busiest during the late morning and early afternoon, so plan accordingly. This beach offers amazing views and is a must for avid snorkelers, as there are sea turtles and thousands of tropical fish in the waters.
'Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu. This work of art was originally built in 1882, and restoration (which continues today) started in the 1970s. This palace is the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, as it was the official home of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs.
Port Location & Parking Fees
The Port of Honolulu is located only 5 miles from the Honolulu International Airport. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to get from the airport to the cruise port, depending on traffic.
Taxis are available at the airport, at an average one-way cost of $15 to $30 (also depending on traffic, and subject to change). Another option is to purchase ground transfers through the cruise line.
Address:
Port of Honolulu
Pier 10 & Pier 11
1 Aloha Tower Drive
Honolulu, HI 96814
Parking Fees (subject to change):
Parking is expensive at this port and should be avoided if possible. Parking your car there can cost as much as $6 per hour!
