INTRODUCTION
Located in Honolulu County, Hawaii, Honolulu is the country’s 11th largest city. In the Hawaiian language, the name Honolulu means "sheltered bay." It boasts several beaches, including Lanikai Beach, the Royal-Moana Beach, and Kaloko Beach.
Culture vultures will enjoy the Mission Houses Museum, the University of Hawaii at Manoa Art Gallery, and the Contemporary Museum Honolulu. Kids of all ages will enjoy a tour of the Honolulu Zoo, and nature lovers can soak up Hawaii's natural beauty at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and the Honolulu Botanical Gardens.
HISTORY
Honolulu was originally settled by Polynesian migrants. In 1794, the first foreigners arrived when Captain William Brown sailed into Honolulu Harbor, the area now referred to as Downtown Honolulu. The city became the center of commerce and was highly influenced by missionaries from New England that arrived in 1820. King Kamehameha III moved the capital to Honolulu in 1845. It is now a major site for tourism.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Because it is difficult to differentiate between north and south on the island, directions are often given in terms of local landmarks. The most common terms you will hear are "mauka," meaning "toward the mountain," and "makai," meaning "toward the sea."
- Outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, wind surfing, and kayaking are a must for any tourist. Home to some of the best surfing in the world, Honolulu has great beaches for surfers of all levels.
- Although Hawaii does not have any professional sports teams, Honolulu was once named the fittest city in the world and hosts sporting events such as the Pro Bowl and several marathons that occur every year.
ATTRACTIONS
Diamond Head National Park?
Hanauma Bay?
Waikiki Beach
Aloha Tower
Manoa Art Gallery
Mission Houses Museum
Contemporary Museum Honolulu
Honolulu Zoo
Pearl Harbour?
USS Arizona Memorial?
RESTAURANTS
Andy’s Sandwiches and Smoothies
2904 E Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
(808)988-6161
A fun family favorite, this affordable eatery is a terrific alternative to fast food. Everything is prepared in-house using fresh local produce.
http://www.andyssandwiches.com/
Haleiwa Joe’s
46-336 Haiku Rd Kaneohe, HI 96744
(808)247-6671
Kick back on the lanai and take in the incredible island scenery at this relaxed eatery. Choose between grilled fish, fresh soups and salads, and tempting desserts.
http://www.haleiwajoes.com/111111_hjoes_index.html
Eggs ‘n’ Things
343 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808)923-3447
Since 1974, this popular café has served up waffles, pancakes, and crepes to grateful crowds. Lines can be long, but it’s worth the wait – just ask anybody in line.
http://www.eggsnthings.com/
La Mer
2199 Kalia Rd Honolulu, HI 96815
(808)923-2311
If you choose a single splurge during your time in Honolulu, La Mer, located within Halekulani hotel, is the ideal choice. Elegant and refined, it serves impeccable southern French cuisine, colored with Hawaiian ingredients.
http://www.halekulani.com/dining/la_mer/
Hoku’s
5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
(808)739-8780
Wood burning ovens, a grill, and sizzling woks provide spectacle at this striking restaurant, which is found at the Kahala Hotel and Resort. The food is first-rate, particularly the crisped whole island fish, osso bucco, and ahi tuna in its many incarnations.
http://www.kahalaresort.com/dining/hoku.cfm
LODGING
Aqua Waikiki Beachside
2452 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
(866)406-2782
Less than a block from Waikiki beach, this large hostel is clean and comfortable and offers a good range of facilities.
http://www.aquaresorts.com/oahu-4-81/aqua-waikiki-beachside-home.aspx
Hawaii Prince Hotel
100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815
(888)977-4623
The sleek, glass-walled Hawaii Prince Hotel overlooks the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and the Ala Moana Shopping Center. All rooms feature spectacular ocean views, and guests can enjoy a free shuttle service to the hotel’s 27-hole championship golf course.
http://princeresortshawaii.com/
New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808)923-1555
Tucked away at the foot of Diamond Head, this beachfront hotel is one of Waikiki’s best-kept secrets. The adjoining Hau Tree Lanai restaurant sprawls under a big old tree right by the sea.
http://kaimana.com/
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808)367-2343
This is easily the most elegant hotel on Waikiki Beach. The name "Halekulani," which translates as "House Befitting Heaven," proves an apt description for this luxury resort, which offers fine dining, sweeping views, and a fully staffed business center.
http://www.halekulani.com/
Moana Surfrider Hotel
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808)922-3111
Step back in time at this grand old hotel, built in 1901. Enter through the original colonial porte-cochere, past the highly polished wooden front porch, and into the perfectly restored lobby. Time seems to slow down here, where huge sprays of tropical flowers adorn the highly polished furniture.
http://www.moana-surfrider.com/
Diamond Head Bed and Breakfast
3240 Noela Dr, Honolulu, HI 96815
(808)923-3360
At Diamond Head Bed and Breakfast, you can sleep in an enormous bed that once belonged to an overweight princess of Hawaii’s royal family. The hotel is a gracious old kamaaina (local) estate overlooking the quiet end of Waikiki.
http://www.diamondheadbnb.com/index.html
