Honolulu Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Farragutful (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Randolfo Santos (· via Google Maps); Félix, Geoffrey Coulthard, Na R, Kaseem Booker · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- Hawaii & Pacific
- Coordinates:
- 21.3047° N, 157.8572° W
About Honolulu
Honolulu is the capital and most populous city of Hawaii, situated on the southeast coast of the island of Oʻahu in the Pacific Ocean. As the county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, it serves as a major hub for cruise visitors exploring Hawaii & Pacific destinations alongside nearby ports like Lahaina and Papeete.
The population of Honolulu was 341,868 in 2025, with the broader Urban Honolulu metropolitan area home to just under 1 million residents. This makes it the 56th-largest metropolitan area in the nation and a vibrant destination for cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Top attractions from the port
Within easy reach of Honolulu's cruise terminal, you'll find some of Hawaii's most iconic landmarks. Iolani Palace stands just 0.3 km away, offering insight into Hawaiian royal history. Pearl Harbor National Memorial is 11 km distant and attracts visitors keen to learn about this significant historical site. Other popular attractions include Diamond Head State Monument (7.1 km), Honolulu Zoo (5.3 km), Bishop Museum (3.4 km), and Kapiʻolani Regional Park (5.8 km).
Honolulu is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, situated along the southeast coast of the island of Oʻahu. The population of Honolulu was 350,964 at the 2020 census, dropping to an estimated 341,868 by 2025. The Urban Honolulu metropolitan area had an estimated population of just under 1 million residents in 2024 and is the 56th-largest metropolitan area in the nation.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Honolulu on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Christopher Wilkinson · via Google Maps Museum
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
4.8 (27,611) 11.0 km from port
Site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries.
Near: Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center (4 m) · USS Arizona Anchor (42 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “It was quite a somber experience once you take the ferry boat out to the actual "grave". We said a…” — Liz O.
- 5 · “Our family had an incredible experience visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The exhibits and short introductory film provide excellent historical…” — MADHURA H.
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Photo: David Cain · via Google Maps Monument
Diamond Head State Monument
4.7 (17,335) 7.1 km from port
A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.
Near: Diamond Head Rd + Opp 18th Ave (21 m) · Lēʻahi Millennium Peace Garden (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “A great hike but the crowds can get heavy! If you are a kamaaina you don’t need a reservation otherwise…” — Mike Galope
- 5 · “Totally worth it! I would recommend making a reservation and getting a parking spot. The walk is uphill and can…” — Ryan Logan
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Photo: John Marsh Class Piano II · via Google Maps Zoo
Honolulu Zoo
4.2 (10,437) 5.3 km from port
Popular spot for families spanning 42 acres with lush gardens & over 900 animals.
Near: Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach (67 m) · Park Shore Waikiki Hotel (121 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “I loved the zoo. It was the most beautiful zoo I've been to in a long time besides the San…” — Maria Luzano
- 5 · “The Honolulu Zoo sits at the edge of Waikiki inside Queen Kapiʻolani Park, occupying 42 acres at the corner of…” — Jannette W
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Photo: Jayne Cloutier · via Google Maps City Park
Ala Moana Regional Park
4.6 (7,215) 1.9 km from port
This 100-acre park with a man-made beach offers usually calm surf, plus tennis courts & a pavilion.
Near: Nauru Tower (255 m) · Bloomingdale's (261 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Great place to picnic make sure you checkout the botanical gardens and eves apple tree point panics is beautiful as…” — Matt DeStefano
- 5 · “Great walking paths, free parking, restrooms, and tons of outdoor shower stands. Beautiful sunrise and sunset. Gentle waves before the…” — S K C
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Historical landmark
Iolani Palace
4.6 (6,071) 0.3 km from port
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
Near: Hawaii State Capitol (125 m) · King Kamehameha I Statue (173 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “The Iolani palace is a historic attraction located in central Honolulu. The palace visit is well managed with specific entry…” — Rashid Farook
- 5 · “I visited ʻIolani Palace on Kamaʻāina Sunday and had such a wonderful experience. The event had so many special cultural…” — Sumiya Munkhbaatar
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Museum
Bishop Museum
4.6 (5,687) 3.4 km from port
A planetarium, & a museum showcasing exhibits on Hawaiian & other Pacific Island cultures.
Near: Na Mea Hawaii (12 m) · Parley AIR Station (42 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “We love reading about Hawaii's history. The exhibits are informative and interesting. The current brick exhibit is very impressive! Lunch....planetarium…” — Catie Perkins
- 5 · “Chose this as my "cultural getaway" in Honolulu and I'm glad I made the stop. A bit expensive, but worth…” — Jérôme Riel
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City Park
Kapiʻolani Regional Park
4.6 (5,507) 5.8 km from port
A public, oceanfront park with volcano views, a beach, volleyball, picnicking & canoeing.
Near: Kapiolani Parking (160 m) · Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell (205 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Tuesday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Wednesday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Thursday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Friday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Saturday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- Sunday: 5:00 am – 12:00 am
- 5 · “Kapiʻolani Regional Park is Hawaii's largest and oldest public park, spanning 300 acres at the east end of Waikiki. Scenic…” — Fernando De Hoyos
- 5 · “Well taken care of park, went for the annual lei day festival. Super fun and interactive to learn about the…” — Erik Hanna
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State Park
Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park
4.8 (3,588) 3.7 km from port
Scenic lookout featuring striking views of the Diamond Head volcano cone & the Waikiki skyline.
Near: Round Top Forest Reserve (180 m) · Tantalus Lookout 주차장 (329 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 6:45 pm
- 5 · “Tantalus Lookout is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Honolulu. I visited at sunset and it became one of…” — Marco
- 5 · “Great Hike! We got lost, don't be like us. Stay on the trail and do not abandon the established trails…” — Lawrence LeBlanc
Map of Honolulu and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Honolulu
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