If you’re trying to plan the perfect summer getaway and panicking about the fact that you haven’t found a destination yet – don’t worry.
Not only are millions of other people (me included) in the same boat, but it just so happens that Empower, a U.S.-based investment company, just released a newly conducted survey on the most popular summer destinations among American travelers, and I must say, the beach city that scored the highest is everything you could want and more.
A place filled with dreamy beaches and fascinating cultures, Honolulu is truly one of the only destinations of its kind you can actually access without needing a passport, so without further ado, let’s get into why people are loving it so much and you, too, might want to pay the Hawaiian capital a visit this summer.
Incredible Beaches You Can Reach For $100
You know those unreal-looking places that pop up when you google the word “beach?”
Chances are a good chunk of them are taken right here in Honolulu, and let me tell you, pictures don’t even do justice to places like Waikiki, Lanikai, or Hanuma Bay, each of which offers a unique type of charm.
Waikiki is the famous big sister – it’s crowded and energetic, and the views are second to none.
Lanikai is actually a short drive away from the city, but it promises the type of serene atmosphere and untouched shores that are often hard to come across in Honolulu, so the trip is well worth it.
Hanuma Bay, on the other hand, is the perfect getaway for the more adventurous souls.
Looking to dive, snorkel, and explore? This is your spot.
The best thing is that you can experience all of that and more without having to break the bank just to get there in the first place.
Flights from the U.S. to Honolulu start at just $100-something year-round, so you definitely won’t have to worry about airfare eating away at a good chunk of your travel budget.
Beyond Honolulu’s Jaw-Dropping Coastline
It’s clear that most people flocking to Honolulu are going for the gorgeous beaches, and really, who can blame them?
It’s still worth remembering, though, that the Hawaiian capital is much more than just a pretty resort town – it’s a cultural treasure trove with a history that spans centuries, and it’d be a waste to come all the way over here and not experience it.
The Bishop Museum, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and ‘Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on U.S. soil), in particular, are not to be missed.
After a long day out, you can always regain some strength by exploring the city’s fantastic culinary scene, whose highlights are hands-down traditional delicacies like poke (marinated raw fish), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork), and poi (taro root paste).
The City Has Never Been As Accessible As It Is Today
The thing about vacationing on a dreamy island is that while the views are unmatched, it can often feel tricky to get there and back.
That’s not the case with Honolulu (or Hawaii in general), though.
Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines have all come out with new routes connecting some of the biggest U.S. hubs with the Hawaiian capital, and these are just a couple of the many domestic and international carriers that have made travel to Honolulu easier, cheaper, and quicker than ever.
Where Else Are Americans Going This Summer?
If, after reading all that, you’re still left feeling a bit unsure, don’t worry.
Empower’s study gave us a treasure trove of destinations, both domestic and international, that travelers are just dying to experience this summer.
If you’re looking for a change of pace and want to travel abroad, consider bumping these 5 cities right at the top of your bucket list:
- Tokyo, Japan
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Dublin, Ireland
- Rome, Italy
On the other hand, those of you trying to stay a bit closer to home might feel these U.S. hubs are a better fit:
- New York, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Los Angeles, California
- Orlando, Florida
- Miami, Florida
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