Overview
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, sits on the island of Oʻahu and is the gateway to the wider archipelago. Known for Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and the volcanic crater of Diamond Head, it mixes Polynesian culture, easy-going American city life and year-round sunshine. It is a long way from the UK — roughly a third of the way around the world — but a genuinely rewarding trip. Use the price charts on this page to see how current fares to Honolulu are moving before you book.
Best time to fly to Honolulu
Honolulu is a year-round destination, with temperatures of about 24–31°C in every month. The drier season runs roughly from April to October, while November to March brings more passing showers and the famous big surf on the North Shore. Fares and crowds peak from mid-December to early January and during the UK school summer holidays. For the best balance of weather, value and space on the sand, aim for late April to early June or September to mid-October. The When to book chart above shows how prices shift through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no non-stop flights between the UK and Honolulu, so you will connect at least once. The most common routing is London to a US west-coast hub — Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle — followed by a five to six hour hop out to Honolulu. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United and Delta all offer one-stop itineraries, frequently in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines on the final leg. Expect a total journey of around 18 to 22 hours depending on your layover. Connections via Vancouver or Tokyo are also possible.
Things to do in Honolulu
A compact city of beaches, history and hikes:
- Waikiki Beach: the celebrated crescent of soft sand with calm swimming water, surf schools and sunset bars close behind.
- Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial: a moving Second World War site with museums and the Battleship Missouri; reserve timed tickets ahead.
- Diamond Head (Lēʻahi): a short but steep crater-rim walk rewarded with sweeping views over Waikiki and the Pacific; book entry in advance.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: a protected volcanic bay with superb snorkelling over coral and reef fish; check opening days and the reservation system.
- ʻIolani Palace: the only official royal palace on US soil, beautifully restored and home to Hawaii's last monarchs.
At Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
The airport lies about three miles (5 km) north-west of central Honolulu and roughly 20–25 minutes from Waikiki. Options include TheBus, airport shuttle vans, taxis and ride-hailing apps (around £40–50 to Waikiki by taxi), and the Skyline rail. Car hire is worthwhile if you plan to explore the rest of Oʻahu.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Honolulu
- Book ahead: for summer and Christmas travel, start looking several months out — long-haul fares to Hawaii rarely fall closer to departure.
- Travel midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and trips in the April–May or September–October shoulder, usually cost less than weekend or peak-holiday flights.
- Keep your dates flexible: shifting by a few days can cut the cost noticeably — use the flexible-date view and the price charts on this page.
- Compare hubs and airlines: the connecting airport can change both the price and the total journey time, so weigh up a few routings.
Travel essentials
UK travellers do not need a visa but must hold an approved ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Programme before departure. It is valid for two years, carries a small fee payable in pounds, and is required even though flights from the US mainland to Hawaii are domestic. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Honolulu is 10–11 hours behind the UK, so allow a day to adjust. No special vaccinations are required for entry.
