City in Hawaii, United States
Honolulu
Waikiki beaches, surf lessons, hikes and Hawaiian food on Oahu, with real city amenities. Easy and safe for solo trips; very expensive, car-dependent outside Waikiki and busy in winter.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$4,400–6,200Comfortable, one person · $4,400–6,200Details
- Value for money6/100Better value than 5% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Sep, 28°CDetails
- Air quality3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Meets the WHO guidelineDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and comes from an aquifer; refill stations are common on beaches and in parks.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$180–350Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work everywhere; carry cash for food trucks, farmers markets, local shops and beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Honolulu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Waikiki | Beaches, surf lessons and easy transit; busy and touristy |
| Ala Moana / Kaka'ako | Malls, cafés, murals and walkable evenings |
| Kailua | Calm beaches and local feel, 30 min from Waikiki |
| Downtown Honolulu / Chinatown | Food, bars and local life |
| North Shore (Haleiwa) | Big-wave surfing and a slow beach town |
Apps that work in Honolulu
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis exist but cost more than rideshare. Rideshare is limited on the North Shore and rural coasts; rent a car for day trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work everywhere; carry cash for food trucks, farmers markets, local shops and beach vendors.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to Honolulu solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Honolulu meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- TheBus and Skyline (Oahu Transit Services / Honolulu DTS)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Hawaii Tourism Authority (Go Hawaii)
- Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.