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Anyone lucky enough to be going to Honolulu doesn't have to give a reason for going. They can just say, "We're going to Honolulu," and imagination will take care of the rest. Moreover, Honolulu can probably live up to and even surpass whatever we imagine. World-famous beaches and tropical weather set the scene for an amazing mix of Pacific cultures in this Hawaiian capital. There is a reason why Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the nation's top travel destinations; in fact, there are several of them.
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Anyone lucky enough to be going to Honolulu doesn't have to give a reason for going. They can just say, "We're going to Honolulu," and imagination will take care of the rest. Moreover, Honolulu can probably live up to and even surpass whatever we imagine. World-famous beaches and tropical weather set the scene for an amazing mix of Pacific cultures in this Hawaiian capital. There is a reason why Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the nation's top travel destinations; in fact, there are several of them.
Waikiki Beach is the center of activity for Hawaii's biggest industry: tourism. This is one of the world's greatest resort playgrounds, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in the world. Visitors from all over the world flock here to enjoy the sun, the sand and the incredible nightlife.
Besides the beaches, visitors to Honolulu can take tours of the countryside surrounding the downtown area. These tours are amazing, bringing visitors to some of the most beautiful rainforests and volcanoes in the world. Animal and plant life are abundant, and the scenery is unsurpassed. A five-minute car ride from Honolulu brings visitors into some of Nature's most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights. Several museums, including the Bishop Museum, combine exhibits on Hawaiian natural history with lessons about history and culture of its many diverse peoples. The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States, and it features many of Hawaii's most interesting sea animals. The Honolulu Zoo also features some of the unique mammals, birds, and reptiles that inhabit the forests just outside of the city.
The history of Hawaii is very rich, as the islands have always attracted many different people. Visitors can tour the Tolani Palace, the residence of the last of the Hawaiian monarchs. They can also visit Honolulu's Chinatown, which is more authentic than many of its mainland counterparts. They can also visit the Arizona Memorial, commemorating the destruction of the battleship Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II.
Honolulu exhibits the best of Hawaii in every way. From its famous beaches to its incredible natural preserves, this town has attracted millions of people from around the world. Many of those visitors stayed, helping to make Hawaii one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse places to visit in the United States. Anyone lucky enough to be going to Hawaii knows that he won't be disappointed.
Arizona Memorial Museum Association/Pearl Harbor
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, HI 96818
808-422-0561
The USS Arizona Visitor Center is located on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base adjacent to the sunken remains of the USS Arizona. A 20-minute film documents the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and a short US Navy shuttle boat trip to the memorial itself is available.
Iolani Palace
364 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-522-0832
The Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893, the three-story building served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. Tours are available of the palace, which also features galleries housing jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
2177 Puowaina Drive
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-566-1430
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater, is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. The names of American MIAs are engraved on marble walls and a 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers.
Aloha Tower Marketplace
1 Aloha Tower Drive
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-566-2337
Aloha Tower sits on the edge of Honolulu Harbor and is inscribed with the word "Aloha." The tower was built in 1926 and features an observation deck that affords visitors great views of the area. The shops and restaurants of the Aloha Tower Marketplace now surround the tower.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-587-0285
Diamond Head is an extinct volcano crater, named by 19th century British sailors, who mistook crystals in the soil for diamonds. Visitors can hike up the crater and enjoy spectacular views of Oahu.
Hawaii State Capitol Building
415 S Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-0178
The Hawaii State Capitol Building’s architecture is intended to mimic a volcano, and the pool surrounding the building represents the Pacific Ocean. Inside and out, the building pays homage to Hawaiian heritage.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
7455 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, HI 96826
808-396-4229
The Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve features a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters that are home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. Snorkelers will have a great time exploring the marine life in this natural marine sanctuary.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Ticket Office
63 Cowpens Street
Honolulu, HI 96818
877-891-1234
The Battleship Missouri is where General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed the end of World War II in September of 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The vintage battleship has been renovated and is located across from the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
11 Arizona Memorial Drive
Honolulu, HI 96818
808-423-1341
WWII sub that was launched one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor; also known as the Pearl Harbor Avenger. It is the centerpiece of this waterfront park that also includes a mini-theater, gift shop, and other outdoor exhibits.
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-955-9517
This is not only the largest shopping center in Hawaii, it is also the largest open-air shopping center in the U.S. and has over 200 shops!
Chinatown
100 North Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-521-3826
Visit the Chinese section of Honolulu and explore the many restaurants, shops, and markets.
Mission Houses Museum
553 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-531-0481
Visit the original headquarters of the 19th century American Protestant missionaries and learn the history of American missionaries in Hawaii.
U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii
Fort DeRussy Park
Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-955-9552
Step into the past and see the helicopters, tanks, guns, and vacant bunkers that were once in use that now tell the military story of Hawaii from ancient times up to the Vietnam conflict; includes photographs and other displays with sound effects.
Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden
North Kuakini Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-522-7060
This extravagant garden is home to many native Hawaiian plants located along a stream and waterfalls.
Ala Wai Golf Course
404 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-733-7387
18-hole course that is sporty and located on the perimeter of Waikiki along the Ala Wai Canal. They have a Pro Shop, restaurant, and snack bar on the premises.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course
8902 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, HI 96825
808-395-2358
Try your swing on the championship course or the executive course while viewing the Pacific Ocean from every hole. Restaurant on premises.
Ko Olina Golf Club
92-1220 Aliinui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707
808-676-5309
This is one of Oahu’s premier courses. Try this 18-hole championship course with water features, multi-tiered greens, and no parallel fairways. Listed in Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Resort Courses” in the U.S.
Hawaii's Plantation Village
94-695 Waipahu Street
Waipahu, HI 96797
808-677-0110
Sugar cane plantation village with 30 homes open to the public for touring.
AquaZone Scuba Diving Center
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel
2335 Kalakaua Avenue #112
Honolulu, HI 96815
866-923-3483
Offering free scuba lessons, daily boat dives, shark cage adventures, and more.
Paradise Cove Luau
92-1089 Aliinui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707
800-775-2683
Learn the rich Hawaiian history through the arts and crafts, games of skill, songs, dances, and food during this luau!
Germaine’s Luau
444 Hobron Lane
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-947-1244
Pacific Islands cultural heritage at its best under the stars and palm trees as you feel the beat of the drums and hear the ocean waves while you delve into a Hawaiian all-you-can-eat buffet and enjoy the show!
The Contemporary Museum
2411 Makiki Heights Drive
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-237-5235
The only museum in the state devoted entirely to contemporary art.
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-847-3511
Browse through dozens of Hawaiian artifacts, documents, pictures, and more as you learn about the Pacific island cultures.
International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-971-2080
Browse through this enjoyable open-air experience with more than 100 shops, restaurants, and more.
Na Ho’ola Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa
2424 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
800-233-1234
Full-service spa with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains offering facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, and more!
The Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-9741
The Waikiki Aquarium was founded in 1904 and is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States. The Aquarium is located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline and contains more than 2,500 organisms representing more than 420 species of aquatic animals and plants native to Hawaii and the tropical Pacific.
Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway #7
Waimanalo, HI 96795
808-365-7446
Interactive marine life programs are a big hit at the Sea Life Park Hawaii. Programs include the Hawaiian Ray Encounter, Dolphin Adventures, Sea Trek: An Underwater Photo Safari and a Behind the Scenes Tour. You’ll love the performing dolphins, sea lions, penguins and more.
Honolulu Zoological Society
151 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-971-7176
The Honolulu Zoo covers 42 acres and features rare wildlife such as the Hawaiian nene goose, Francois monkeys and Galapagos tortoises. If you’re around just before, during or after a full moon, check out the zoo's special "Zoo by Moonlight" guided tour that showcases the habits of nocturnal animals.
Children's Discovery Center
111 Ohe Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-524-5437
The Children’s Discovery Center introduces kids to a variety of science subjects, sociology, nature and much more through interactive displays and learning toys. The 37,000 square foot facility offers hands-on exhibits that are fun for both kids and adults.
Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island
1201 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-547-7275
Gentle and protected beach with coarse sand that is ideal for swimming and water play.
Hawaii Nature Center
875 Iao Valley Road
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-244-6500
Connect with nature by being in the outdoors through guided interpretive hikes, nature adventures, earth care projects, hands-on field programs, and more!
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park
End of Ahui Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-587-0300
Shore fishing and ocean access for body surfing that was built over a former municipal landfill. There is a waterfront promenade, picnic areas, amphitheater, and observations areas with great views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.
Monty’s Magic Theater
Manoa Valley Theater
2833 East Manoa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-988-6131
Fun for adults and kids alike! Fun and mysterious magic shows the whole family will enjoy!
Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Highway
Wahiawa, HI 96786
808-621-8408
Visit the Dole Plantation, and learn about the history of pineapple and agriculture in Hawaii. The plantation also features the world's largest maze (according to the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records) and the Pineapple Express train. Sample pineapple treats and find that one of a kind gift at the country store.
Atlantis Submarines
1600 Kapiolani Boulevard Suite 1630
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-548-6262
Explore the depths of the ocean without getting wet at Atlantis Submarines. It is Hawaii's only submarine adventure. The vessel descends more than 100 feet beneath the sea, allowing riders to safely and comfortably view the habitat of countless, exotic sea creatures. Watch as sharks, eels and turtles swim among sunken airplanes and shipwrecks.
Manoa Falls
End of Manoa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-988-0456
If you like to hike, take this one-hour trip on foot to reach the 100 foot waterfall! Unbelievable scenery and well worth the trip.
Waikiki Trolley
1580 Makaloa Street Suite 777
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-824-8804
This trolley makes stops at different points of interest throughout the Honolulu area.
Paradise Cruises
1540 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
808-983-7700
Offering sunset dining and dinner and show cruises, whale watches, Hawaiian Cultural and snorkeling cruises. Call for pricing and more info.
Dolphin Quest
5000 Kahala Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
800-248-3316
Enjoy face to face encounters with dolphins – swim, learn, and be touched by these magnificent animals.
Royal Luau
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-931-7430
Enjoy an extravagant feast by the ocean, music, dancing, and other entertainment under the stars!
Hanauma Bay Dive Tours
808-256-8956
They specialize in snorkeling adventures! Fun for the whole family.
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
400 Farrington Highway
Kapolei, HI 96707
808-674-9283
Offering more than 20 acres of adventure and fun including a large wave pool, tube river, waterslides, Jacuzzi style pools and more!
X-Treme Parasail
1085 Ala Moana Boulevard Slip A
Honolulu, HI 96830
808-737-3599
They offer parasailing, jet skiing, surf lessons and lots of fun!
March
Honolulu Festival
808-926-2424
Experience everything cultural that Hawaii and the Pacific culture has to offer at this festival. Lots of music, performers, food, dance, and more! Fun for the whole family and admission is free!
June
Taste of Honolulu
808-536-1015
This is the largest outdoor food, wine, and entertainment festival in the state of Hawaii!
King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade
808-989-8282
The King Kamehameha Celebration honors the reign of King Kamehameha, who consolidated the islands under one rule in 1795. The parade begins at King and Richards Streets and concludes at Queen Kapiolani Park.
July
Annual Korean Festival
808-524-7441
Experience Korean dance, cultural displays, family activities, films, food, music, and more!
Ukulele Festival Hawaii
808-732-3739
Largest of its kind attracting thousands to this free 3-hour concert with top entertainers, national celebrities, and a ukulele orchestra of more than 800 children.
Hale’iwa Arts Festival
808-637-2277
The Hale’iwa Arts Festival promotes education and public awareness of arts and culture. Participants range from children to professional artists, and events include visual arts displays, dance and musical performance, storytelling and workshops.
August
Moanikeala Keiki 'Auana Hula Competition
808-293-3333
The Moanikeala Keiki ‘Auana Hula Competition is held at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The festival celebrates the hula dance, introduced to American society by Hawaiians. Hula halaus (hula dance troupes) from all over Hawaii compete and perform.
September
Floral Parade
808-589-1771
The Floral Parade is featured in the CBS Thanksgiving Day Special, but if you’re in town in September, you can see it firsthand. The parade of floral floats, marching bands and other entries begins at Hobron Lane and heads through Waikiki to the Honolulu Zoo.
September/October
Aloha Festival Hawaii
808-589-1770
The Aloha Festival features 300 events taking place on all major Hawaiian Islands during the months of September and October. Aloha Festival events kick off on the island of Oahu, and subsequent events take place as the festival moves across the islands, ending at Maui. Activities include parades, cultural celebrations, Ohana Days, street parties and more. The Honolulu street party attracts a quarter of a million people.
October
Hawaii International Film Festival
808-528-3456
The Hawaii International Film Festival was established in 1981 and has since earned worldwide recognition. The festival’s goal is to "advance understanding and cultural exchange" among North American, Pacific and Asian societies.
December
Honolulu Marathon
808-734-7200
The Honolulu Marathon began in 1973 and is now one of the largest marathons in the country. More than 20,000 participants from across the globe run this race that begins on Ala Moana Boulevard, winds throughout Honolulu and ends near Diamond Head in Waikiki.
Annual Honolulu City Lights
800-464-2924
Parade, concert, and lighting of a Christmas tree.
Population:
370,000+
Time Zone:
Hawaiian (Two hours after Pacific Time Zone)
Honolulu does not observe Daylight Savings Time
Climate:
What else would you expect from paradise than virtually perfect weather any time of year? Even the coldest months of the year, December and January, have average afternoon temperatures of 75 degrees. The warmest months are August and September, when the mercury rises to the low 90s. Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit because the temperatures are perfect and there are fewer tourists. Rainfall occurs more often in the winter months of October through March. Morning showers are common, but they clear quickly, making way for beautiful rainbows and sunny afternoons.
Airport:
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
400 Rodgers Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96819
808-861-1260
Getting Around Honolulu:
Oahu Transit Services
City Bus
808-848-5555
Taxis:
Koko Taxi Supply
808-597-1097
Tom’s Taxi
808-832-7866
Americabs
808-591-8830
Manele Taxi
808-696-6665
Visitor Information:
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801
Honolulu, HI 96815
800-464-2924
Dining:
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop and Steak House
1050 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-591-2005
If the seafood and meat eaters in your group can’t agree on a restaurant, take them to Kincaid’s Fish, Chop and Steak House. The fresh fish is expertly prepared and dressed with savory sauces, and the meats are mouthwatering. Choose the rock salt-roasted prime rib, a center-cut New York strip, or mesquite-grilled rack of lamb. Hang out in the fun and friendly bar if you have to wait for a table – the time will fly.
Donato’s Restaurant
2756 Woodlawn Drive
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-988-2000
Donato's Restaurant is the perfect spot for a nice, but leisurely evening out. The menu sports variety, including grilled swordfish, chianti-braised lamb shank, risottos and pastas, and cacciucco, a house-favorite seafood stew. You'll also find salads, pizzas and appetizers. Top off your dinner with the hazelnut chocolate soufflé.
La Mer
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-2311 or 800-367-2343
If you want to splurge on an elegant dinner, let La Mer be the place to wine and dine you. This wonderfully refined restaurant serves delectable southern French cuisine, enhanced with Hawaiian ingredients. Menu selections include fresh fish (dressed with relishes and confits to make the most of the flavor), roast duck, veal and lamb chops, Angus beef and lobster. Gentlemen are required to wear jackets.
Nightlife:
Esprit Night Club
Sheraton Waikiki
2255 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-922-4422
Beachfront night spot with live entertainment 7 nights a week.
Rumours Nightclub
410 Atkinson Drive
Honolulu, HI 96814
800-367-6025
This is the most exciting club in Honolulu! Open Thursday through Saturday – in the evenings only.
Travel Tips:
- Visit Oahu in the fall and take advantage of fewer crowds and the Aloha Festivals. Free Hawaiian-style celebrations and special events include a floral parade and evening block parties downtown and in Waikiki.
- If you do choose to travel in the summertime, and you have children in tow, most Oahu hotels run children's programs during June, July and August.
- Does celebrating Christmas in Paradise appeal to you? Downtown Honolulu is aglow during the month of December during its holiday festival of lights. You’ll hardly miss the snow.