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Honolulu - Waikiki
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Honolulu, Hawaii

Birthplace of our current President Barack Obama, Honolulu is the capital of the US state of Hawaii. Its name is translated into English as "place of shelter", most likely referring to its southern position on the island of Oahu, on the curve on a bay. Honolulu is also a county, and covers the entire island. The city itself is located in the southeast. The business and commercial districts can be found near the coast while more residential areas are spread out among and separated by the ridges and valleys stretching out from the center of the island. Some obvious landscape markers include volcanic peaks that can be seen from Honolulu, such as Diamond Head, Koko Crater, Salt Lake and Punchbowl.

There are three universities located in town: Hawaii Pacific, Chaminade, and University of Hawaii at Manoa.

There are several places of interest for the traveler with an interest in fine art. Choose from the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theatre, The Neal Blaisdell Center concert hall and a contemporary art museum. You can get around on foot in some parts of the main downtown area, but there are also several public transportation options available to you. America's Public Transportation Association has honored the public bus system in Honolulu with awards both in 1994 and 2000. The system was established by former Mayor Frank F. Fasi and services over 100 routes both in the main city of Honolulu and in outlying areas. You can also find many taxis available to service you and your travel needs.

Honolulu Locations and Districts:

Visit one of these districts and really get to know the people and their neighborhood, or tour them all and discover the true diversity of Honolulu.

Chinatown

Traipse around in the conveniently located historic Chinatown, which takes up 15 blocks of Honolulu's downtown area. Find some of the best open-air markets, a wide assortment of art galleries and some deliciously authentic restaurants for your dining pleasure. You can get a real taste of Chinese culture in one of the medicine shops, showcasing traditional remedies passed on for generations. This is one of the best Chinatowns in all of the United States, most likely due to its proximity to the genuine article!

Downtown Honolulu

Explore the famous downtown city center, the pulsing heart of this capital city. Some of the oldest buildings here have been given landmark status, and are a treat for those who can appreciate architectural history. This area is split into four separate districts that have their own unique atmospheres and characteristics. The Capitol District is where you can find landmarks like the Iolani Palace and is aptly named for the presence of other government buildings. The Central Business District, also known as the CBD by locals, is home to the lofty skyscrapers. The aforementioned Chinatown is the third district, and then finally there is the Waterfront District, which is obviously located along the coast. This area has been a buzzing metropolis since the early days when crowds were attracted by ships docking at port, carrying people and goods from across the globe. Today you can see the same multi-cultural phenomenon as tourists and locals alike gather in this district. Attracted here by shops, restaurants and sightseeing tours, there are always people out exploring the area and taking in the picturesque scenery.

Visit the Hawaii Maritime Center to learn more about the history of ships, sailors and the captains that leas them. Overlooking the harbor is the large shopping center, The Aloha Tower Marketplace, which brings in a large sum of tourist revenue to the city. Another eye-catching attraction is the "Falls of Clyde" square-rigged ship that will delight visitors of all ages.

Other districts have their own special allure for visitors. Ala Moana near Waikiki has a delightful park right on the beach and right across the street lives an enormous shopping center where you can find anything you might want or need. Over 230 stores offer boutique couture and high fashion as well as affordable beachwear. Kahala is nearby and is home to the famous beachfront resort. Kaimuki draws culinary aficionados who appreciate the fine dining in the area and on Waialae Avenue the architecture is stunning enough to attract its own admirers. For fantastic views of the area visit the heights of Punchbowl Crater.

Diamond Head

Referred to as the "Gold Coast" the oceanfront property at Diamond Head is home to many condominiums, highly sought after for their prime location and excellent views. This could be a delightful place to spend your vacation, or at least a special treat for a few nights of your visit. Only ten minutes in a rental car from the downtown area you would find yourself centrally located yet still slightly removed from the busy traffic and crowds of the city. This area is slightly sheltered by the acres and acres of park called Kapiolani.

Kakaako

Sometimes referred to as "The new heart of Honolulu", this area has been subject to intense planning by city officials. There are several new building developments here, some of them big box retailers, but the old industrial buildings remain as well. The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) hopes to combine private and public resources to improve this area and bring cultural and social life into its sphere. Some works in progress include a waterfront park and the Victoria Ward Center, where you can find big name shops as well as a local farmers market.

Makiki

Just 2 miles from downtown Honolulu and seated at the base of Mt. Tantalas is the local haven that is rarely visited by the tourist crowd found in some of the larger city centers. You can make a short drive out of the town and find yourself entering the lush rainforest on a switchback road, climbing up the hills and deeper into the vegetation. This is forest reserve land, protected and valued by the local people and environmental laws. From the top of the mountain you can see far and wide, and the greatest souvenir shop of all: a sky filled with views capturing the beauty and majesty of the Hawaiian Island chain.

Waikiki

A popular area located in the city of Honolulu, Waikiki has become one of the most recognized names in tourist destinations and for good reason. The beaches are incomparable with golden sands and glistening azure waters that offer both tranquil swimming and bombastic surfing waves. The high-rise hotels have shot up by the dozen, but this commercial skyline has not hindered the tourist business in the least. You can find international hotel chains like the Hilton as well as local small businesses that pride themselves on their genuine aloha spirit.

This spot was used as a vacation getaway long before the resorts and restaurants were even built. The royal Hawaiian family would come to Waikiki on retreat and they would enjoy horseback riding, swimming and canoe rides in the ocean. You can partake in all of the same delightful pastimes today! You can also visit more contemporary sights such as the local zoo and sporting events like tennis or football. The nightlife in Waikiki is comparable to any other major city in America where you can find good places to eat, drink and dance. Day or night, it is not hard to pass the hours in comfort and entertainment.

There is so much to do in this area that you can easily spend each day of you vacation in this neighborhood. But try to visit the other boroughs of the Honolulu, and the other lovely towns in the other sides of the island as well.

Waikiki's Beaches

The stunning backdrop of nearby Diamond Head, typical warm breezes and cloud-free skies characterize the beach at Waikiki. Shallow swimming waters offer a safe place for children to play and an avid surfer can find a specially designated surf area kept free of swimmers and snorkelers. There are often events taking place on the beach, like surf competitions, outrigger canoe races, hula performances and more.

Waikiki Beach began to garner international fame and attention in the 1950s, around the time when Tiki styles were hot trends and the Hawaiian aesthetic was being imitated all over the world. To this day you can find Tiki Bars in every city, all trying to emulate the charm and ambiance of Waikiki and the beach-town lifestyle.

Kuhio Beach

Kuhio is perfect for a beginning surf lesson because you can find some mild waves at this beach nested in the heart of Waikiki. There are plenty of shops nearby eager to rent you a board or give you some lessons. Actually a part of Waikiki Beach, Kuhio includes the section between the Moana Hotel and Kapahulu Groin. This is a quieter section of beach and ocean, nice for family swimming trips.

Queen's Surf Beach

Popular for body surfing and snorkeling, this beach was named after famed Queen Liliuokalani. Her beach home was located here, complete with her own private pier. Where it once stood is now the public pedestrian walkway called the Kapahulu Groin, where you can literally walk out into the ocean and standing at the end of the pier feel like you are floating above the waves. The beach is actually located inside of Kuhio Park. On some nights there are movie screenings held on the beach itself, with films projected onto an outdoor screen over 30 feet high. This event is known as "Sunset on the Beach" and is a very popular activity for visitors of all ages. There is often live music prior to the show, and food available for purchase.

Kahanamoku Beach

This beach, as well as the adjacent lagoon, are man-made and stand right in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. The beach itself was named after Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary surfer. You can take a submarine tour directly from the dock at this beach, or chose a romantic dinner cruise at sunset.

Fort DeRussy Beach

The widest stretch of white sand beach in Waikiki is located in Fort DeRussy Beach Park. The coral reef just 100 feet off shore makes this a perfect spot for snorkeling.

San Souci Beach

Also called Kaimana Beach, it's located between the War Memorial Natatorium and the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki. Protected by a reef that makes waters calm and safe, this beach is great for swimming at all levels of skill.

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