Destination guide

Island getaway at Honolulu vacation home rentals

Perched on the southwestern tip of the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the quintessential Hawaiian destination. Book a Honolulu vacation rental and you'll soon enjoy everything the capital city has to offer, from big city attractions to unspoiled stretches of nature. Few places on earth feature such a landscape where volcanoes and tropical rainforests serve as the backdrop to a bustling downtown filled with skyscrapers. The big draw, however, remains the idyllic beaches, where the palm trees sway in the island breezes and turquoise waters pound the shoreline.

Things to do

Tourist attractions near Honolulu vacation homes

Those who want to learn more about Hawaiian history can tour the 'Iolani Palace, the grand 19th-century home of the island's last monarchs. The USS Arizona Memorial honors the lives lost during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Accessible only by boat, the museum's exhibits highlight the events of that fateful day as it straddles the remnants of the sunken battleship. If you're in search of lighter fare, Sea Life Park Hawaii features such marine life as penguins, sea lions, and dolphins, while the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo is home to gardens, a petting zoo, and more than 900 animals.

Activities

Activities in Honolulu vacation rentals

There's no bad time to book a Honolulu vacation rental as you can relax on the sunny beaches year-round. Those looking to play in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean have countless chances for surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving. Leave the water behind and hike up the dormant Diamond Head volcano, pausing to peer inside its giant crater. When you've had your fill of nature, indulge in some retail therapy at the Ala Moana Center, an upscale mall, or visit Waikiki, a neighborhood buzzing with trendy restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, and luxury high-rise hotels.

Weather

Best time to travel to Honolulu vacation rentals

There's 1 constant when it comes to Honolulu—the weather. No matter what time of year you book your Honolulu vacation rental, you're more than likely to experience sunny skies and daytime highs in the 80s. Even the evenings are mild, with most nighttime temperatures dipping into the 60s and 70s. If you're visiting between October and April, you might see some rain, however, so bring an umbrella. December is usually the wettest month, totaling a little over 3 inches of rainfall. For the most part, the summers in Honolulu are dry.

Natural features

There's beaches for sure, but oh so much more!

Honolulu's beaches are the city's most famous natural landmark, but the shoreline is covered in more than just sand. In some parts of the city you'll find beaches lined with grass, jagged rocks, pebbles, and dramatic sheer cliffs. Tropical trees, including majestic banyans and towering palm trees, dot the surrounding scenery, even in the heart of developed downtown Honolulu. If you really want to experience a pristine setting, you can climb the volcanic hillsides of Diamond Head, or visit nearby mountaintop tropical rainforests, where you can hike along breathtaking waterfalls, sleepy streams, and lush canyons.

Beaches

Beach locales near Honolulu vacation homes

The beaches of Honolulu are one of its biggest attractions. Vacation rentals can be found near places like Kapi’olani Regional Park, a beachfront park with volcano views, a sandy beach, and calm waves, and Sandy Beach, a soft-sand beach with consistent breaks for surfing and bodyboarding. Makapu’u Beach is another prime beach known for its huge waves for surfing.

How to get there

How to get to and around Honolulu

Fly into Honolulu, HI (HNL-Daniel K. Inouye Intl.), the closest airport, located 4.1 mi (6.5 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Kapolei, HI (JRF-Kalaeloa), which is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) away.

Food and drink

Hawaiian cuisine in Honolulu

With its fresh fruits and vegetables, upland cattle farms, and Pacific Ocean seafood, Hawaiian cuisine is a distinctive blend of flavors and traditions. Ancient food customs mix with global culinary influences for unique dishes, such as loco moco, a white rice topped with hamburger, egg, and gravy, and poi, a corm of the taro plant. From roadside food trucks to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find a range of authentic Hawaiian foods near your vacation rental.

Can I find a vacation rental around Honolulu?

Yes, our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 3,494 vacation rentals near Honolulu. From 521 Houses to 2,195 Condos/Apartments, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Honolulu for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What is the best area to stay when traveling to Honolulu?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Honolulu:

  • Waikiki: 2,567 vacation rentals
  • Eastern Honolulu: 262 vacation rentals
  • Hawaii Kai: 3,409 vacation rentals
  • Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis: 1,975 vacation rentals
  • Ala Moana: 1,074 vacation rentals

For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular points of interest near where I can stay when traveling to Honolulu?

HomeAway offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Honolulu. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Diamond Head State Monument: 2,952 vacation rentals
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa: 3,670 vacation rentals
  • Ala Moana Center: 4,124 vacation rentals
  • Hawaii Convention Center: 4,114 vacation rentals
  • Honolulu Zoo: 3,535 vacation rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Honolulu listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in Honolulu?

Yes, of course. HomeAway has 521 Houses in Honolulu. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Honolulu include:

  • Condos/Apartments: 2,195 rentals available
  • Villas: 50 rentals available
  • Cottages: 69 rentals available

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Bungalows and more.

Can I find a vacation rental with pool in Honolulu?

Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 2,198 vacation rentals with pool available in Honolulu. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

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