Visitor’s Guide

Honolulu, Hawai’i

Air

Where to fly in

When searching for tickets, be sure to fly into the Honolulu International Airport otherwise known as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport or by the airport code HNL.

This airport is located on the island of Oahu and just a few minutes drive from Hickam Air Force Base and the Lontoc residence in Salt Lake.

When to purchase tickets

On average, the best time to buy your ticket to Hawaii is between 21 and 121 days before departure, with the period between 40 and 50 days often mentioned as a golden rule.

The figures mentioned above are valid for domestic flights within the USA. For tickets bought from Europe, Asia, and Australia you need on average to book a bit further in advance.

Length of stay

We purposely made our wedding on a Thursday to make it easier (& cheaper) for our friends to join us for the festivities. Refer to the itinerary on the main page to see which days you would like to join us!

Ideally, we would love for you to stay for at least 5 days for all festivities (22-27 August), however, you can stay for as short or long as you want! You deserve a vacation, babe!

Land

Car Rentals

If you do want to sightsee, it will be much easier with a car. Oahu isn’t big; without stops, you can drive around the island in about two hours. That said, there are things you might want to see and do that aren’t accessible by public transportation. And while you could take a tour, you’d be on its set schedule, possibly spending more time at one place than you want to and less time than you prefer at another.

Traffic on Oahu is NO joke. If you have appointments, always give yourself at least 45 minutes of spare time in case there is traffic.

Carpooling

If you know other people on the island or other guests coming to the wedding, it would be an excellent idea to pitch in to get a car rental together or split an Uber! This is also a great opportunity for those who have senior, veteran, military, or student discounts to share the love.

The wedding venue has ample parking, however, consider if you want to drink or leave early. Most places in Hawai’i tend to have enough lot parking, but less touristy attractions don’t often offer parking luxuries or may jack up the prices.

Public Transportation

Oahu is the only island with a comprehensive bus system, simply known as TheBus (thebus.org). Luggage is prohibited on board, so if you’re traveling with bags, TheBus can’t take you to and from the airport.

However, it is a cheap and easy way to get around the island, especially to tourist spots! From Salt Lake, Gloriani used to take the bus to Chinatown, Ala Moana, Waikiki, Diamond Head, and to the North Shore under $5. This is truly the best way to get around if you want the full Hawai’i experience.

Sea

We don’t question your swimming skills but just know we don’t recommend getting here that way.

Where to Stay

Hotels and Guesthouses

Hotels

  • Hale Koa Hotel

    Waikiki
    Best for Military

    We are currently working on reserving a block of hotel rooms at the Hale Koa hotel in Waikiki. This hotel is great for its tourist-centric location and exceptional rates for military families.

    Hale Koa Hotel

  • Turtle Bay Resort

    North Shore
    Best for guests with cars & movie lovers

    You may have seen this on Forgetting Sarah Marshall and some scenes from LOST. This North Shore location is farther away than the local areas and venue so its recommended for those who have transportation.

    Turtle Bay Resort

  • Disney Aulani Resort

    Ko Olina/Ewa Beach
    Best for Disney lovers, guests with cars, or families with children

    Discover a family paradise with a touch of magic at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i. This hotel is on the opposite side of the island and its recommended for families with kids or Disney lovers.

    Disney Aulani

  • The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

    Waikiki
    Best for history lovers and luxury

    Built in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki is an iconic resort hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii that ushered in a new era of luxurious resort travel to Hawaii. Not affiliated with the wedding venue but just as breathtaking.

    The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

  • Moana Surfrider Resort

    Waikiki
    Best for marriott points, luxury & history lovers

    Widely known as the "First Lady of Waikiki," this historic hotel first opened its doors in 1901 and offers a seamless blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary comfort. Just steps from the Waikiki Beach and within walking distance of shopping, dining and entertainment attractions.

    Moana Surfrider Hotel

  • Vive Hotel

    Waikiki
    Best for price and boutique hotel

    Tucked three blocks away from Waikiki Beach, Vive is a boutique retreat for travelers craving an authentic island experience. Just a short walk away from Waikiki's hottest restaurants and nightlife.

    Vive Hotel

Areas

  • Waikiki

    PROS: Great accessibility to accomodations, dining, beach, swiming, tourist attractions, shopping and activity options. Transportation is easily arranged to/from airport and wedding venue.

    CONS: tourist trap, busy during peak seasons, typically expensive, far from the venue.

  • Diamond Head

    PROS: Near Waikiki (15 minute walk), lots of accomodation options ranging from 5-star to hostels, protected swimming areas

    CONS: On the most south-east point of the island

  • Kailua

    PROS: close to wedding venue, beach town, koolau mountains, historic sites, hiking trails, surf spots, central location on the east side of the island. Lot of famous people vacation here.

    CONS: does not cater to tourists like south of the island

  • North Shore

    PROS: Beach town, less touristy, great surf, laid back lifestyle, shrimp trucks, great for swimming/snorkeling

    CONS: an hour+ drive to Honolulu, not geared to tourists, not a city

  • Kapolei

    PROS: not as busy as Waikiki, family-style resorts, near good snorkeling, surfing and hiking

    CONS: 40-minute drive to Honolulu, on the opposite side of the island from the wedding venue, not much of an atmosphere outside of the resort compared to Waikiki and North Shore

  • Aiea/Pearl City/Salt Lake

    PROS: city life, not touristy, close to the airport and Hickam Pearl Harbor, lots of cheap activities. Near the Lontoc residence. Best for air bnb’s or staying with friends.

    CONS: not catered to tourists, 25 minute drive to Honolulu. Hotels available are either on-base or at the airport.

  • Ala Moana

    PROS: Not busy like Waikiki, Ala Moana beach is great for families and tanning, a bus ride away from Waikiki, a shopper’s dream

    CONS: still pretty touristy, 20 minute walk to Waikiki, not much else to do in immediate area other than beach or shopping

  • Mililani

    PROS: center of the island, close to North Shore, shopping centers, laid back, not touristy, cool and breezy, lots of vacation rentals

    CONS: not any hotels, suburban, not really for tourists, central location does not necessarily mean better accessibility to places

Where to Stay on Oahu

What to Do

Activities in Oahu, Hawai’i

Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable. You'll find plenty of different options for exploring Oahu's different regions, the island's many activities, its eclectic restaurants and accommodations.

 

Food

  • Genki Sushi

    Location: All around the island
    Recommended by: Luke

    “If you like your food ordered via your own iPad and delivered by cute little trains then this is for you. Loads of options on the menu? YES. Cool little trains? YOU BETCHA. Did I mention the trains?”

  • Leonard's Bakery

    Locations: Pearl City, Kaimuki
    Recommended by: Gloriani & Luke

    An island staple. Deep fried dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon and come with different fillings like chocolate and haupia.

  • Foodland Poke

    Recommended by: Gloriani
    Locations: All over the island

  • Helena's Hawaiian Food

    Location: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817

  • Choi's Garden Korean BBQ

    Location: 1303 Rycroft St, Honolulu, HI 96814

  • Soon's Kalbi

    Location: Salt Lake Shopping Center

    Recommendation: Meat Jun Plate

  • Elena's Filipino Kitchen

    Location: 94-866 Moloalo St, Waipahu, HI 96797

  • 7-Eleven Spam Musubi

    Location: Everywhere

    Seriously. It’s a Hawai’i staple.

  • Boots & Kimo's

    Location: 1020 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

    Recommendation: macadamia nut pancakes

  • Zippy's

    Location: Everywhere

    Recommendation: Any plate lunch, loco moco, late night meal