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Honolulu Cruises

Get away from it all in sunny Honolulu, which blends big city amenities with laid-back island charm. It’s Hawaii’s largest city and capital, boasting a bustling harbour, world-class shops and an amazing foodie culture. Relax and watch the surfers at Waikiki Beach, climb the extinct Diamond Head crater, or admire the view from the observation deck at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Use Honolulu as your jumping-off point for exploring beautiful Hawaii, whether you spend your time feasting at a traditional luau, swimming with sea turtles in the bay, or simply topping up your tan at the beach.

What You Need To Know About Honolulu

How to reach Honolulu from the cruise terminal?

Cruise ships dock right at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which offers over 30 shops and a bevy of restaurants. It’s a worthy tourist destination in its own right! Taxis line up at the terminal’s piers, and if you want to hire a car to explore the island you can do so. Major car hire companies like Hertz and Enterprise operate shuttle buses from the terminal to their lots. However, there’s no need to have your own car to get around, as Oahu’s mass transit system is very efficient. The bus network covers the full island, and there’s also a Waikiki Trolley covering the tourist areas.

What are the can’t-miss sights in Honolulu?

Enjoy a walking tour of Honolulu’s historic Chinatown district, one of the USA’s largest with its warren of alleys and delicious shops and eateries. For a glimpse of Hawaii’s royal court, visit Iiolani Palace where King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani once resided in the late 1800s before the monarchy was overthrown. Notable buildings from this era also include Kawaiahao Church, made from beautifully coloured blocks of coral, and the Queen’s former residence, the Washington Place mansion. You can’t leave Honolulu without paying a visit to Waikiki Beach, and you can soak in the tropical vibes at the Foster Botanical Garden with its gorgeously vibrant blooms.

Typical food and restaurants in Honolulu?

Food and drink in Hawaii are truly unforgettable, particularly in cosmopolitan Honolulu. The cuisine here blends traditional island dishes with international influences spanning the globe Expect plenty of fresh seafood and tropical fruit, often used in unusual ways (like strawberry guava bagels or pineapple-sweetened tea!). Coffee is grown locally at Kona, which makes your morning cup of joe anything but basic. Poke bowls are a local delicacy, made with raw fish, rice and gourmet toppings, or you could opt for a hotdog with pineapple relish. Another lunchtime treat is the Loco Moco, featuring rice topped with a burger patty, egg and gravy.

HONOLULU - DID YOU KNOW?

Honolulu is a fantastic place to soak in Hawaiian culture, both traditional and contemporary! Visit the Hawaii State Art Museum to see works from modern and classical artists, or spend a night at the Hawaii Theatre for classical and operatic performances. And for a peek at Honolulu’s thriving contemporary art scene, stroll through downtown on the first Friday of each month when local galleries open their doors for a celebration of the arts.

The waters around Honolulu are teeming with marine life, which you can come face to face with on a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion. If you’re feeling brave, why not swim with sharks? You can visit North Shore Shark Adventures on the North Shore to submerge yourself into the water next to tiger, hammerhead, and sandbar sharks.

Shopping is a top pastime in Honolulu’s bustling markets and sleek boutiques. Visit the Farmers’ Market to pick up fragrant flower displays and baskets of amazing tropical fruit. Handmade souvenirs are available as well, from woven bags to bowls carved from native wood. You’ll pick up some delightful food products to enjoy when you’re back on the ship, from chocolate covered macadamia nuts to bags of freshly grown and roasted local coffee beans.