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Honoulu, Hawaii![]() Waikiki Beach from Diamond Head
IntroductionHonoulu is the capital of Hawaii and is home to the world famous Waikiki Beach. Where You're DockedCruise ships dock at either Pier 11 at Aloha Tower or Pier 2 (1/4 mile to the south and primarily used by NCL for Hawaiian cruises). Aloha Tower is conveniently located next to the downtown area and Aloha Tower Marketplace. https://www.alohatower.com/ Cruise schedule here for all Hawaiian ports (choose Oahu for Honolulu) https://hidot.hawaii.gov/harbors/passenger-cruise-schedules/ Pier 11 Aloha Tower Pier 2 Money and Tipping
Exchange Rates Live
Hawaii is a US state. When dining in restaurants, it is customary to leave 15-20% tip for good service since servers typically make minimum wage. Taxi drivers should be tipped the same rate. Banks and ATM's can be easily found downtown and in Waikiki.
Local TransportationHonolulu has an extensive bus network called TheBus which can be confusing with the large number of routes. Fares are $2.75 ($1 seniors with ID, exact change, Mar 2019). Transfers were discontinued in 2017 in favor of the one day pass. A one day pass is $5.50 (good until 3am the next day) and can be purchased from the driver (ask before putting your money in the farebox). Most buses have an automatic system which announces the next stop. https://www.thebus.org/ There is a hop-on hop-off style trolley service as well. The red line stops at Aloha Tower. https://www.waikikitrolley.com/ From Aloha Tower, Walmart may offer a free shuttle. Enterprise car rental has a location near the piers at 677 Ala Moana Blvd. Lyft and Uber ride-hailing apps operate in Honolulu. To/From the AirportHonolulu International Airport (HNL) is located eight miles northwest of Waikiki Beach. There is public bus service though they don't allow large bags and don't have luggage racks. Transport options are listed here https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/ HotelsSearch hotels in Honolulu here SightsWaikiki - This area is the main tourist zone with hotels, malls, restaurants and Waikiki beach. Direct bus routes are bus 2 or 13 from Hotel and Bishop Street, or 19, 20, or 42 from King and Bishop Street. You can also take buses 55, 56, 57, 65 from Aloha Tower Drive (bus stop located at the next pier to the south and also by Pier 2 on Ala Moana Blvd) and transfer at Ala Moana Beach Park for Waikiki-bound buses. Return on bus 19, or 20 and get off on Alakea Street at Nimitz Highway or bus 2, or 13 and get off on Bishop at Hotel street for Aloha Tower. Alternatively, take any bus heading to Ala Moana and transfer to 19,20,55,56,57 or 65. Pearl Harbor - Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is free but you need to get a timed ticket and you will also need to pay to check in any large bags outside the gate. While waiting, you can wander around the exhibits or visit the USS Bowfin Submarine and the USS Missouri battleship (entrance fees required). Take bus 20 from Aloha Tower (longer since it takes a side trip through the airport) or walk 7 blocks east to N Beretaria St and take bus A, 40, 40A, 42, or 62. https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm Diamond Head - You can hike up the crater for great views of Honolulu. There is a small entrance fee. Take bus 22, 23, or 24 from Kuhio Ave in Waikiki and get off at Diamond Head Rd/18th Ave (two stops after reaching Diamond Head Road). There is a bit of a walk to get to the park entrance in the middle of the crater. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/ Shopping & Restaurants
Some recommended restaurants
InternetAloha Tower Marketplace and the Pioneer Plaza food court across the street from Aloha Tower on Fort Street may have free wifi. The Apple store in Ala Moana has free internet. Restaurants and cafes may provide free wifi for customers. Maps
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