Honolulu , on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the government, transportation, and commercial center for the state, and home to its best known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.
Understand
The last thing you'd expect to find in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a thriving world-class city, with a beach that rivals any in the world. But Honolulu, the capital and commercial center of the Hawaiian Islands, is all of this and more.
The name Honolulu means "sheltered bay" in Hawaiian, and it is this natural harbor that launched this humble village on the southern shore of the island of Oahu to importance when, in 1809, King Kamehameha I moved his royal court from the island of Hawaii to Oahu. Its ideally located port made Honolulu a perfect stop for merchant ships traveling between North America and Asia.
Eventually, in 1845, Kamehameha III officially moved the kingdom's capital from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu. At the same time, descendants of missionaries who arrived in the early 1800s established their headquarters in Honolulu, making it the center of business. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, annexation by the United States, and an attack by the Japanese on nearby Pearl Harbor, but Honolulu's stature had never wavered.
Today, with nearly one million people in its metropolitan area (80% of the state's population), Honolulu is the cultural, industrial, commercial, and governmental center of Hawaii, with Waikiki Beach the epicenter of the tourist industry. This is definitely not the place to go for a "get-away-from-it-all" Hawaiian vacation. It is as fast-paced and dynamic as any city, with all its problems such as heavy traffic, drugs, crime, and homelessness. But Honolulu has not entirely lost the charm of the Islands' laid-back atmosphere and culture. The island people are often polite, and as often as not you'll be waved through at freeway entrances, although you'll probably be cut off again by someone in the next few seconds.
Simply put, Honolulu is in the middle of it all.
Districts
Honolulu extends inland from the southeast shore of Oahu, east of Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, and incorporates many neighborhoods and districts. You'll most often hear people refer to these districts by name -- Waikiki, Manoa, Kahala, Hawaii Kai and so on -- as though they're not part of the same city. Technically, they are. In fact, the city government of Honolulu covers the entire island of Oahu, including its outlying suburbs. This guide, however, focuses on Honolulu proper.
For a closer look at a few popular destinations:
WaikikiManoaDowntownGet in
Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. with Interstate Highways that don't connect to another state. They are H-1, H-2, and the newest one H-3, all located on the island of Oahu.
By planeHonolulu International Airport (), is the main aviation gateway for the Hawaiian Islands. The main terminal is served by most major American airlines from the mainland U.S., and by many international airlines from other countries around the Pacific Rim. Its Inter-island Terminal is the home of
Hawaiian Airlines and
Aloha Airlines, both of which offer frequent local service to the other Hawaiian islands.
The
Airport Waikiki Express provides shuttle service to hotels in Waikiki every half hour for $9/ person. City buses #19 and #20 ($2 Adult, no change given, bills and coins accepted) also come to the airport once every half-hour, going through Aala Park downtown and on to to Waikiki. You can catch them on the outside second level of the international and domestic departure terminals.
The best way to get to Waikiki by rental car (where your hotel is most likely to be) is to follow signs for H-1 east, then follow H-1 east about 2 miles to exit 18A (Waikiki/Nimitz Highway). Follow Nimitz Highway (which turns into Ala Moana Boulevard past downtown Honolulu) straight into Waikiki. You will pass through Honolulu's industrial district, along Honolulu Harbor, and past downtown Honolulu and the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Get around
NavigatingUnlike other cities on the U.S. Mainland, Honolulu is not laid out in a strict compass-point grid. Its street system conforms in large part to the shorelines, valleys, and ridges, with lots of twists and turns. It can be confusing for people used to straight grid systems. However, at the same time, it is not that difficult to navigate in, as long as you are familiar with the major arterials and terminology below.
Because it is difficult to differentiate north and south on an island, directions are normally given in terms of local landmarks. The most common terms that you will run into are
mauka (MOW-kah) meaning "toward the mountain" and
makai (mah-KIE) meaning "toward the sea". In the case of Honolulu, "mauka" is a rough north, and "makai" roughly south. You will also hear
Ewa (EH-vah) and
Diamond Head used a lot...the former roughly means "west" (toward the town of Ewa on the southwest shore of Oahu) and the latter roughly means "east" (toward the famous landmark crater on the southeast shore).
It is a very good idea to invest in a good map of Honolulu before doing extensive driving. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) can request fold-out maps for free from their local office. Rand McNally paper fold-out maps are available in many stores; for more extensive coverage you can also purchase Bryan's Sectional Maps (a popular choice among locals) at most bookstores for about $9.50.
Major arterialsMost major streets in Honolulu run 'Ewa–Diamond Head (as described in the preceding section, roughly east-west). There are two main highways in Honolulu:
Nimitz Highway (Hawaii 92) which runs from Pearl Harbor past Honolulu Airport to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki; and
Interstate H-1 which runs mauka (mountain-ward) of downtown.
H-1 is some distance away from Waikiki itself and you need to go onto surface streets to and from Waikiki. If you need to access H-1 west from Waikiki to go someplace outside of the city, there are two main routes:
# Go mauka to Ala Wai Boulevard and follow it 'Ewa-bound to McCully Street. Follow McCully mauka for about 1 mile; it will take you over H-1. At the foot of the bridge, turn left on Dole, then left again onto Alexander to the freeway onramp.
# Follow Kuhio or Kalakaua Avenue Diamond Head-bound to Kapahulu Avenue. Follow Kapahulu mauka for about 1 mile, it will take you under H-1 and lead you to the freeway onramp.
To get back to Waikiki from H-1 east, take either of these routes:
# Take exit 23 (Punahou Street). Turn right on Punahou, and stay in lane #3 from the left. This lane is right-turn only onto the left side of Beretania. Take an immediate left onto Kalakaua Avenue from Beretania. Follow Kalakaua into Waikiki.
# Take exit 25A (King Street). After merging onto King Street, stay to the right. Take the second right onto Kapahulu Avenue (follow signs to Waikiki). Follow Kapahulu into Waikiki.
In central Honolulu, the two main streets are
King Street and
Beretania Street. The two streets are one-way for most of their route; King Street runs from 'Ewa to Diamond Head, and Beretania Street from Diamond Head to 'Ewa. Both streets run through downtown Honolulu. Despite their rough west to east orientation, addresses on these streets are designated North and South respectively; the dividing line between the two is
Nuuanu Avenue in downtown Honolulu, which runs mauka-makai.
Ala Moana Boulevard is a key route leading out of Waikiki to Downtown Honolulu. Past Honolulu Harbor, Ala Moana becomes
Nimitz Highway and runs all the way to the airport and beyond. Tree-lined
Kapiolani Boulevard is another major thoroughfare traversing east-central Honolulu, linking the Waikiki district and points east with downtown Honolulu.
In Waikiki, the three main streets, from makai to mauka, are
Kalakaua Avenue (one way Ewa to Diamond Head, along Waikiki Beach),
Kuhio Avenue (two-way), and
Ala Wai Boulevard (one way Diamond Head to Ewa, along the Ala Wai Canal).
TrafficTraffic in Honolulu, and on Oahu in general, is a persistent problem. With almost one million people living in a relatively small space, and only a few main routes serving the major populated areas on the island, a single traffic incident can gridlock the entire island.In 2006, a military truck hit a pedestrian overpass in Aiea at mid-day causing a closure of Interstate H-1; commuters heading back to their homes in Honolulu's western suburbs spent as many as seven to eight hours to get home and also jammed highways going around the North Shore as motorists sought alternate routes.
Normal Honolulu traffic is not this bad, but someone visiting Oahu and traveling during a weekday should be aware of traffic problems. Normal weekday rush hour in Honolulu is 6 to 8 a.m. going inbound and 4 to 7 p.m. going outbound. Expect heavy traffic on Interstates H-1 and H-2, Nimitz Highway/Ala Moana Boulevard, and the surface streets in downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. Traffic is less heavy during the summer and over the holidays when the University of Hawaii at Manoa is not in session.
By busThe local bus service in Honolulu is called, with remarkable succinctness,
TheBus. Fares are $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors(no change given - dollar bills accepted). TheBus runs
intercity services to other parts of Oahu as well. Ask for a free transfer ticket if you are continuing on another bus. Monthly bus passes are available at 7-Elevens and supermarkets. Monthly bus passes begin on the first of each month and cost $40(all-you-can-ride) regardless of which day of the month you purchase the pass. The best value for The Bus is to get a $20 4-day pass, which can be purchased at an ABC Store. You scratch off the Month and day of your first use and each subsequent day (up to four total days) and enjoy unlimited rides. You can use the pass to take any bus including the Circle Island route and see the entire island. It is way better than renting a car. Yearly bus passes are also available for $400. Most buses in the 500+ fleet are equipped with bike racks that can hold two bikes. Buses are also wheelchair accessible.
See
Also see Oahu
for details on attractions located outside Honolulu proper.BeachesWaikiki Beach.Military MemorialsBattleship Missouri Memorial. On Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. See Arizona Memorial below for directions. +1 808 423-2263, . Every day 9AM - 5PM (ticket window closes at 4PM). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. A perfect companion to the USS Arizona Memorial, this battleship is best known the site where World War II ended when the Japanese military surrendered to the Allied forces. Tickets may be purchased at the nearby U.S.S. Bowfin Museum; visitors board buses to the USS Missouri itself. No private non-military vehicles can cross the Clarey Bridge to Ford Island without a pass. Adults $16, children under 12 $8.USS Arizona Memorial. 1 Arizona Memorial Place, . From Waikiki, H-1 west to exit 15A (Arizona Memorial, Stadium), onto Kamehameha Hwy. (Hawaii 99); or Honolulu public transit buses #20 and #42. Every day, 7:30AM-5PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. This memorial, built over the hull of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, commemorates the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which brought the U.S. into World War II. It also serves as the final resting place for many of the 1,177 who died here. Visitors view an interpretive film, then board ferry boats which run from the visitor center to the memorial. Free admission; tickets are given out on a first-come-first-served basis and are limited; tickets may run out by noon on busy days. Expect wait times of about one hour. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 2177 Puowaina Drive (within Punchbowl Crater mauka of downtown), . Everyday, 8:00AM-5:30PM. From Waikiki, H-1 west to exit 21B (Pali Hwy.), then follow signs. The final resting place of over 45,000 Americans who served their country in the military, the crater's rim also provides a panoramic view of Honolulu. The Courts of the Missing, a large marble shrine inscribed with the names of over 28,000 soldiers missing in action in World War II, serves as the centerpiece. Free admission.Museums and GalleriesBishop Museum. 1525 Bernice St. (H-1 west from Waikiki to exit 15B Houghtailing St., right on Houghtailing, then left on Bernice), +1 808 847-3511, . Everyday, 9AM-5PM. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, the husband of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last direct descendant of Kamehameha I, who founded the Kamehameha Schools, this non-profit institution seeks to "...record, preserve and tell the stories of Hawai`i and the Pacific, inspiring our guests to embrace and experience our natural and cultural world." They have an excellent permanent collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a number of science-based exhibits. The new Science Adventure Center is centered around vulcanology, with a large simulated volcano in the center that "erupts" regularly. The museum also features a planetarium. The museum is the leading repository of natural and cultural history in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also maintains one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. The museum's J.L. Gressit Center for Research in Entomology houses some 14 million prepared specimens of insects and related arthropods, including over 16,500 primary types, making it the third largest entomology collection in the United States and the eighth largest in the world. Adults $14.95, seniors (65+) $11.95, children 4-12 $11.95, children under 3 free. Discounts: local residents (ID required).The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu. 2411 Makiki Heights Dr., +1 808 526-1322 or +1 866 991-2835, mailto:info@tchmi.org/ info@tchmi.org], . T-Sa 10AM - 4 PM; Su noon - 4PM. This museum, occupying an old estate overlooking Honolulu, is devoted exclusively to contemporary art. In addition to the galleries, including a permanent installation by David Hockney, visitors are encouraged to spend time outside in the museum's garden area.Hawaii State Art Museum. 250 South Hotel St., occupies the second floor of a beautifully restored historic building near Iolani Palace and the state capitol. Funded by the Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The Honolulu Academy of Arts. 900 South Beretania St (corner of Beretania St. and Ward Ave.), +1 808 532-8700, . Tu-Sa, 10AM - 4:30PM, Su 1PM - 5PM, M closed. This museum, founded in 1927 by Anna Rice Cooke, encompasses 32 galleries surrounding six courtyard gardens. The Honolulu Academy of Arts houses one of the largest collections of Asian art in the United States, with an impressive Western collection to boot, including Van Gogh, Picasso, Gauguin, Cezanne, Monet, Modigliani and other masters. In partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, the Academy also conduct tours of Shangri La, Doris Duke's architecturally significant Honolulu estate that contains the country's largest private collection of Islamic decorative art, including more than 3,500 items, many of which--eaborate ceilings, doorways, and tiles--are part of the house itself. Adults $7.00; seniors (62+), students (13+), and military $4.00; children 12 and under free; 1st Wednesday of each month free.The Workspace. 3624 Waialae Ave. Suite #201, . For those looking for contemporary art produced by local artists, the Workspace is a must see.ScenicHanauma Bay Nature Preserve. 10 miles E of Waikiki off Kalaniana’ole Highway, Route 72, . Closed on Tuesdays. During the summer, open other days from 6:00 am to 7:00pm and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month open until 10:00 pm. Hanauma Bay is not a place for beach sports but is instead a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish. It is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. You'll want to get there early in the morning (by 8:00 am) to ensure you get in as they control the number of visitors per day in an effort to preserve the reef. Admission $5.00 for adults, Hawaii residents and children under 13 free. Parking $1.00. Snorkel rental available.Pali Lookout. 6 miles NE of downtown Honolulu on Hawaii 61 (Pali Highway), right at the Pali Lookout exit. Everyday, 7AM-7:45PM Apr. 1 - Labor Day; 7AM-6:45PM Labor Day-Apr. 1. One of the more popular scenic vistas on Oahu and the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, the Pali Lookout provides a panoramic view of Windward Oahu. Also interesting at this site is the Old Pali Road, formerly the highway connecting Windward Oahu to downtown Honolulu. A note of caution: due to its location between two high cliffs, the Pali Lookout is often buffeted by high winds. Admission Free.Diamond Head State Monument. Off Diamond Head Road between Makapuu Ave & 18th Ave, across Kapiolani Community College. Daily 6AM-6PM. This ancient volcanic crater is a former US military site, but portions are open to the public. Specifically, there is a hiking trail that winds up the inside of the crater to the summit on the western side of the crater wall, 761 feet above sea level. To reach the trail, you can drive or walk up the road that lead into the crater basin (through a tunnel in the crater wall). There is a park fee of $1 to enter, after which a winding path up the crater wall leading to a World War II-era bunker with a steep staircase of over 100 steps, takes you to the top. Tantalus/Round Top. In Makiki Heights on Tantalus and Round Top Drives. From Waikiki, Kalakaua Ave west, right on King St., left on Punahou St., left on Nehoa St, right on Makiki St., left at fork to Makiki Heights Dr, follow Makiki Hts. Dr. to Tantalus Dr. Winding mountain drives take you about 2,000 about sea level to various viewpoints providing panoramic views of the south shore of Oahu. (NOTE: Heavy rains in March 2006 washed out part of the lower portion of Round Top Dr.; this section is closed while the road is being repaired.)Do
RunningHawaii's year-round tropical weather provides perfect running weather all year, so bring your running shoes.
Kapiolani Park and
Ala Moana Park are where most joggers in Honolulu congregate; the loop around
Diamond Head is a popular route. Honolulu is also home to one of the world's largest marathons. The
Honolulu Marathon , held annually on the second Sunday in December, has become a huge event that attracts from 20,000 - 25,000 runners annually.
Niketown Honolulu, 2080 Kalakaua Ave., has group runs on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
Ice SkatingAn ice rink is probably the last thing you'd expect to find in a tropical city, but at least it makes for the perfect getaway if the hot climate is too much for you. The
Ice Palace , 4510 Salt Lake Boulevard, offers instruction in figure skating and hockey. The rink is an affiliate of the Ice Skating Institute.
Treasure HuntIf you're ready to see more of the island and learn its history,
Ravenchase Adventures offers daily treasure hunts in Waikiki, at 10:00 a.m. daily and has special night time and weekend tours.
Learn
Learn to surf, beach boys give private surfing lessons daily at Waikiki Beach. One hour lesson includes dry land and in-the-water instruction. Instructors teach paddling, timing and balance skills. No reservations required, just sign up at the stand on the beach located Diamondhead of Waikiki Police Station.Work
Currently, Hawaii's below-average unemployment rate and high number of service and hospitality industry employers make finding an entry-level job in Honolulu easier than in much of the rest of the US. The State of Hawaii Employment
website has comprehensive information for job seekers.
Buy
ABC Stores are found on practically every block in Waikiki. They are the Waikiki equivalent of 7-Eleven, selling items such as food, sundries, and tourist-related merchandise. This level of convenience does come at higher prices, however.International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave. A virtual warren of over 100 market stalls and shops laid out amongst a jungle-like backdrop of banyan trees. All tourist goods and local shlock (mumus, aloha shirts, shell jewelry) available. Prices are not much better or worse than anywhere else, but worth a trip just to look at the trees and tourists.Aloha Stadium Swap Meet - Hawaii's Largest - Open every Wed, Sat & Sun 6am-3pm. Admission $.50 per buyer, under 12 free. Bring your hat and sunscreen and plan at least 1/2 day. It surrounds Aloh Stadium in the enormous parking lot, with numerous circles around the stadium, merchants offering lot's of local food items, clothing and Hawaiian souvenirs. The prices are reasonable, haggeling allowed, unique items from local artists and merchants abound. Located at the Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt lake Blvd. (808) 486-6704Shopping mallsAla Moana Center is the largest shopping mall in Hawaii and the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. With about 250 stores on four levels, a food court with many different cuisines, and everything from the practical (groceries and medicine) to high-fashion (Chanel, Prada, etc.), for alternative clothing and style check out Hot Topic clothing and accessory shop, you can find almost anything that you might be looking for. Currently anchored by Sears, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus, the mall is currently undergoing a major expansion that will add another anchor store (Nordstrom).Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is the main shopping mall in Waikiki, with levels of many tourist-oriented shops and restaurants. Currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Includes more than 100 shops and restaurants ranging from Cheesecake Factory to high-end boutiques (Hermes, Bvlgari, Fendi, Cartier etc.), to art galleries and lei stands.DFS Galleria (Duty Free Shops) is a shopping court built around a cruise theme. Included in the mall is one of the largest duty-free shops in the state.Waikiki Shopping Plaza on Kalakaua Avenue includes five levels of small shops, including a food court on the lower level.Victoria Ward Centers, located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, is a four-block destination of 120 stores ranging from The Sports Authority and Borders to small one-of-a-kind boutiques, 23 restaurants, a farmers market and 16-screen megaplex and entertainment center. Encompasses Ward Centre, Ward Warehouse, Ward Entertainment Center, Ward Farmers Market, Ward Village Shops and Ward Gateway Center.Aloha Tower Marketplace, near Aloha Tower on the downtown Honolulu waterfront is best known for several well-known restaurants, such as Gordon Biersch and Don Ho's Island Grill. Kahala Mall, just off H-1 in the Kahala district, this regional mall is known for its more upscale shops. It is anchored by Macy's, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and an 8-plex movie theatre. Koko Marina Shopping Center is one of the main shopping centers in East Honolulu, with smaller shops and restaurants and a 10-plex movie theatre.For other shopping malls, also see the Buy section under Oahu.
Eat
For general information on the kind of food available in Hawaii, see the
Eat section in the Hawaii article.
Budget/Mid-rangeOno Hawaiian Foods, 726 Kapahulu Ave, +1 808 737-2275, . Easily the best place to get Hawaiian food in the islands -- popular with kama'aina and the savvy traveler willing to venture beyond the tourist track. Get the combination plate for a sampling of both kalua pig and lau lau (with some pipikaula, lomi salmon and poi on the side).Zippy's, (various locations in Honolulu and Oahu), . Zippy's is the island equivalent of the 24-hour eatery Denny's; while Denny's has branches here, they are nowhere near as popular with locals as Zippy's. They provide a wide variety of food, including plate lunches at reasonable prices. Most are open 24 hours and as such are very popular late-night spots to hang out. Zippy's signature dish is their chili, which they prepare in many different ways: served over rice, or over a burrito, or over french fries, to name a few. Cheeseburger in Paradise, 2500 Kalakaua Ave #A, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. (808) 923-1070. Centered around the "island" theme. Big portions of, obviously, burgers of all kinds. Right near Waikiki Beach, so it's conveniently located. The food is good, and not too overpriced, and the waiters are all nice.Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., on the second floor of the Ala Moana Shopping Center. This is a touristy place centered around the movie Forrest Gump. Decent for seafood, expensive mixed drinks, and good old fashioned American cooking. Although this may sound unappealing, the waiters are friendly and the food is tasty. Worth a visit if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way.Sushi Company, 1111 McCully St. Owned and operated by a Japanese couple. They offer high grade take-out sushi at budget prices. You can enjoy lunch or dinner here for well under $10.Jimbo, 1936 S King St Ste 103, specializing in authentic Japanese udon and soba, freshly made on-site. Parking can be difficult, but there are additional parking spaces behind the building. They don't take reservations.SplurgeL'Uraku, 1341 Kapiolani Blvd. (ground floor of the Uraku Tower condominium), Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. +1 808 955-0552, . M-Su 11:00AM-2:00PM lunch, 5:30PM-11:00PM dinner. This Japanese-European fusion restaurant originally revolved around chef Hiroshi Fukui's renditions of Japanese seafood prepared European style. Fukui has since left to start his own restaurant, but the tradition continues. The menu is heavy on the seafood with sauces that combine European and Japanese elements (e.g. miso cream sauce). Lunch entrees about $9-18, dinner entrees from about $15-30. They offer "Weekender" prix fixe lunch menus. Service is attentive. Reservations recommended.Alan Wong's Restaurant, 1857 South King Street. +1 808 949-2526, serving top-notch Pacific-Rim quisine. Alan Wong's was the only restuarant in Hawaii to be listed in Gourmet magazine's List of Top 50 Restaurants in America (it ranked #8). Reservations recommended. Street or valet parking.Roy's Restaurant, Hawaii Kai Corporate Plaza, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway. +1 808 396-ROYSChef Mavro, 1969 South King Street. +1 808 944-4714La Mer, and Orchids, Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia Road. +1 808 923-2311Hoku's, 5000 Kahala Avenue. +1 808 739-8780Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant, 449 Kapahulu Avenue. +1 808 732-86453660 on the Rise, 3660 Waialae Avenue.Hy's Steak House, 2144 Kuhio Avenue. +1 808 922-5555Ruth's Chris Steak House, Restaurant Row, 500 Ala Moana Blvd.Morton's, The Steak House, Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. +1 808 949-1300Kyo-ya Restaurant, 2057 Kalakaua Avenue. +1 808 947-0552Palomino, Harbor Court, Mezzanine Level, 66 Queen Street. +1 808 528-2400Sarento's Top of the I, Ilikai Hotel, 30th Floor, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd. +1 808 955-5559Aaron's Atop the Ala Moana, Ala Moana Hotel, 36th Floor, 410 Atkinson Drive. +1 808 955-4466.Mariposa, Neiman-Marcus Ala Moana.Drink
Mai Tai Bar, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Upper Level 4, was voted the best bar in Honolulu in 2002. It is popular among locals, especially on weekends and Wednesday nights. Live local music is played between 4-7PM Monday-Friday, and 1-4PM on the weekends and nightly 9:30PM-12:30AM. Happy Hour 8PM-11PM.
Sleep
Not surprisingly, most hotels in Honolulu are found in Waikiki or its vicinity. Generally Hawaii is most popular when the weather is the worst on the U.S. mainland. High season in Hawaii is mid-December to March (high rates and tight booking), and June to September (high rates but somewhat easier booking). Low season is from spring (April to June) and fall (September to mid-December), when the best bargains are available.
BudgetWaikiki Beachside Hostel, 2556 Lemon Road, +1 808 923-9566, . Located one block from Waikiki Beach near Honolulu Zoo. Dorm-style and semi-private rooms. US$20-$74 per night, weekly rates available.Ohana East Hotel, . Located just steps from the International Market place and Kalakaua Avenue shopping.Ohana Islander Waikiki Hotel, . Just a five minute walk to world-famous Waikiki Beach.Ohana Waikiki West Hotel, . Centrally located in the heart of Waikiki.Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel, . A short stroll to Royal Hawaiian Shopping center and DFS Galleria. Ohana Maile Sky Court Hotel, . Just steps from King Kalakaua Plaza and a half mile from the Hawaii Convention Center.Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, . Fashionably set on Kalakaua Avenue, just one block from Waikiki Beach.Mid-rangeBest Western The Plaza Hotel, 3253 North Nimitz Highway, . Located 1/2 mile from the Honolulu Airport and offers rooms and suites in a tropical setting. Features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and lounge and meeting facilities.Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road, (corner of Kalia Road and Ala Moana Blvd.), +1 808 949-4321, . The largest resort in Waikiki, covering 22 acres fronting Waikiki Beach. Five towers with 2,545 units, 90 shops, and 22 restaurants. US$199 and up. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Avenue, . Retreat to a brilliant tropical playground at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - situated only steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean.Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, . Perched right on the sands of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel, . Beachfront hotel on the world-famous sands of Waikiki Beach.Outrigger Luana Waikiki Condo, . New deluxe condominium on Kalakaua Avenue.Outrigger Waikiki Shore Condo, . Waikiki's only beachfront condominium.SplurgeHalekulani Hotel 2199 Kalia. The only 5 star luxury hotel on the Waikiki Beach.Royal HawaiianIhilani ResortKahala Hotel & Resort, . Formerly the Kahala Mandarin Oriental.Doubletree Alana HotelStay safe
Although Honolulu is relatively safe as far as violent crime goes, the risk of property crime is much greater. Take particular care when parking vehicles in popular tourist spots, especially Diamond Head and the Halona Blowhole near Sandy Beach; always lock your vehicle; and do not leave ANY valuables in your car. Keep all valubles within sight and within reach at all times. Your car is not a safe place to store anything: thiefs have commonly dismantled locks and broken into vehicles. Use extra caution when visiting less savory parts of town, including the Chinatown district.
Get out
Don't spend all your time on Waikiki Beach; the whole island of Oahu, with more secluded beaches, hiking opportunities, and the sight of huge waves in the winter, awaits you. Most of the island's major attractions can be seen in a day trip, or spread out over several days.
Honolulu is the capital as well as the most populous community of the State of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language,
honolulu means "sheltered bay" or "place of shelter." The census-designated place (CDP) is located along the southeast coast of the island of Oahu. The term also refers to the District of Honolulu (see Geography below). As of July 1, 2004, the United States Census Bureau estimate for Honolulu puts the population at 377,260 and that of the city and county (essentially, the Island of Oahu) at 900,000. In Hawaii, local governments operate only at the county level, and the City & County of Honolulu encompasses all of the Island of Oahu (approximately 600 square miles).
History
It is not known when Honolulu was first settled by the original Polynesian migrants to the archipelago. Oral histories and artifacts indicate that there was a settlement where Honolulu now stands in the 12th century. However, after Kamehameha I conquered Oahu in the Battle of Nuuanu Pali, he moved his royal court from the Island of Hawaii to Waikiki in 1804. His court later relocated, in 1809, to what is now downtown Honolulu.
Captain William Brown of England was the first foreigner to sail, in 1794, into what is now Honolulu Harbor. More foreign ships would follow, making the port of Honolulu a focal point for merchant ships traveling between North America and Asia.
In 1845, Kamehameha III moved the permanent capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu. He and the kings that followed him transformed Honolulu into a modern capital, erecting buildings such as St. Andrew's Cathedral, Iolani Palace, and Aliiolani Hale. At the same time, Honolulu became the center of commerce in the Islands, with descendants of American missionaries establishing major businesses in downtown Honolulu.
Despite the turbulent history of the late 19th century and early 20th century, which saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii's subsequent annexation by the United States, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu would remain the capital, largest city, and main airport and seaport of the Hawaiian Islands.
An economic and tourism boom following statehood brought rapid economic growth to Honolulu and Hawaii. Modern air travel would bring thousands, eventually millions (per annum) of visitors to the Islands. Today, Honolulu is a modern city with numerous high-rise buildings, and Waikiki is the center of the tourism industry in Hawaii, with thousands of hotel rooms.
Geography and climate
Honolulu is located at 21°18'32" North, 157°49'34" West (21.308950, -157.826182). While this is clearly in the tropics, the climate (temperature and humidity) is moderated by the mid-ocean location and some cooling achieved by the California Current that passes through the islands much of year. The average daily low and high temperatures in January are 65/80 °F (18/27 °C) and in July are 74/88 °F (23/31 °C). Temperatures exceed 90 °F (32 °C) only rarely, with lows in the 50's °F (15 °C) occurring perhaps once or twice in a year. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Honolulu was 95 °F (35 °C) on September 19, 1994 and the coldest temperature ever recorded was 53 °F (11.6 °C) on January 31, 1998, 1972 and 1948; January 20, 1969; February 1 and February 2, 1976; February 9, 1981; and February 12, 1983.
The
Honolulu District is located on the southeast coast of Oahu between Makapuu and Halawa. The District boundary follows the Koolau crestline, so Makapuu Beach is in the Koolaupoko District. On the west, the district boundary follows Halawa Stream, then crosses Red Hill and runs just west of Aliamanu Crater, so that Aloha Stadium, Pearl Harbor (with the USS Arizona Memorial), and Hickam Air Force Base are actually all located in the island's Ewa District.
Most of the city's commercial and industrial developments are located on a narrow but relatively flat coastal plain, while numerous ridges and valleys located inland of the coastal plain divide Honolulu's residential areas into distinct neighborhoods: some spread along valley floors (like Manoa in Manoa Valley) and others climb the interfluvial ridges. Within Honolulu proper can be found several volcanic cones: Punchbowl, Diamond Head, Koko Head (includes Hanauma Bay), Koko Crater, Salt Lake, and Aliamanu being the most conspicuous.
Honolulu and Juneau, Alaska are the only two US state capitals that cannot be reached directly by road from the contiguous 48 States. Direct connections to these capitals requires a boat or a plane.
Government
Originally governed by a Board of Supervisors, the City & County of Honolulu is administered under a mayor-council system of governance overseeing all municipal services: civil defense, driver licensing, emergency medical, fire, parks and recreation, police, sanitation, streets, vehicle registration, voter registration, water, among others. One of the largest municipal governments in the United States, the City & County of Honolulu has an annual operating budget of $1 billion.
The current mayor of Honolulu is Mufi Hannemann (term ends January 2009).
Neighborhoods and special districts
Downtown Honolulu is the financial, commercial, and governmental center of Hawaii. On the waterfront is Aloha Tower, which for many years was the tallest building in Hawaii. Currently the tallest building is the 438-foot-tall (134 m) First Hawaiian Center, located on King and Bishop Streets ().The Arts District Honolulu in downtown/Chinatown is on the eastern edge of Chinatown. It is a 12-block area bounded by Bethel & Smith Streets and Nimitz Highway and Beretania Street - home to numerous arts and cultural institutions. It is located within the Chinatown Historic District. The Capitol District is the eastern part of Downtown Honolulu. It is the current and historic center of Hawaii's state government, incorporating the Hawaii State Capitol, Iolani Palace, Honolulu Hale (City Hall), State Library, and the statue of King Kamehameha I, along with numerous government buildings.Kakaako is a light-industrial district between Downtown and Waikiki that has seen a large-scale redevelopment effort in the past decade. It is home to two major shopping areas, Ward Warehouse and Ward Centre. The John A. Burns School of Medicine, part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa is also located there. A Memorial to the Ehime Maru Incident victims is built at Kakaako Waterfront Park.Waikiki is the world famous tourist district of Honolulu, located between the Ala Wai Canal and the Pacific Ocean next to Diamond Head. Numerous hotels, shops, and nightlife opportunities are located along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues. World-famous Waikiki Beach attracts millions of visitors a year. Just west of Waikiki is Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping center. A majority of the hotel rooms on Oahu are located in Waikiki.Manoa and Makiki are residential neighborhoods located in adjacent valleys just inland of downtown and Waikiki. Manoa Valley is home to the main campus of the University of Hawaii.Nuuanu and Pauoa are middle-class to upper-middle-class residential districts located inland of downtown Honolulu. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located in Punchbowl Crater fronting Pauoa Valley.Palolo and Kaimuki are neighborhoods east of Manoa and Makiki, inland from Diamond Head. Palolo Valley parallels Manoa and is a residential neighborhood. Kaimuki is primarily a residential neighborhood with a commercial strip centered on Waialae Avenue running behind Diamond Head. Chaminade University is located in Kaimuki.Waialae and Kahala are the upper-class districts of Honolulu located directly east of Diamond Head, where there are many high-priced homes. Also found in these neighborhoods are the Waialae Country Club and The Kahala Hotel & Resort.East Honolulu includes the residential communities of Aina Haina, Niu Valley, and Hawaii Kai. These are considered upper-middle-class neighborhoods. The upscale gated communities of Waialai'iki and Hawaii Loa Ridge are also located here.Kalihi and Palama are working-class neighborhoods with a number of government housing developments. Lower Kalihi, toward the ocean, is a light-industrial district.Salt Lake and Aliamanu are (mostly) residential areas built in extinct tuff cones along the western end of the Honolulu District, not far from the Honolulu International Airport.Moanalua is two neighborhoods and a valley at the western end of Honolulu, and home to Tripler Army Medical Center.Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 371,657 people, 140,337 households, and 87,429 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,674.4/km² (4,336.6/mi²). There were 158,663 housing units at an average density of 714.8/km² (1,851.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 19.67% White; 1.62% Black or African American; 0.19% Native American; 55.85% Asian; 6.85% Pacific Islander; 0.89% from other races; and 14.93% from two or more races. 4.37% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 140,337 households, 23.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size is 3.23.
In Honolulu in 2000, the age distribution was 19.2% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city proper was $45,112, and the median income for a family was $56,311. Males had a median income of $36,631 versus $29,930 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,191. 11.8% of the population and 7.9% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 14.6% of those under the age of 18 and 8.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Transportation
AirLocated on the western end of Honolulu proper, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the principal aviation gateway to the state of Hawaii.
HighwaysFour freeways serve Honolulu:
Interstate H-1, which, coming into the city from the west, passes Hickam Air Force Base and Honolulu International Airport, runs just north of Downtown and continues eastward through Makiki and Kaimuki, ending at Waialae/Kahala. West of the city proper, H-1 connects to Interstate H-2 from Wahiawa and Interstate H-3 from Kaneohe.Interstate H-201—also known as the Moanalua Freeway and formerly numbered Hawaii State Rte. 78—connects two points along H-1: at Aloha Stadium and Fort Shafter. Close to H-1 and Aloha Stadium, H-201 has an exchange with the western terminus of Interstate H-3 to the windward side of Oahu (Kaneohe). This complex of connecting ramps, some directly between H-1 and H-3, is in Halawa.Other major highways that link Honolulu proper with other parts of the Island of Oahu are:
Pali Highway, State Rte. 61, crosses north over the Koolau range via the Pali Tunnels to connect to Kailua and Kaneohe on the windward side of the Island.Likelike Highway, State Rte. 63, also crosses the Koolau to Kaneohe via the Wilson Tunnels.Kalanianaole Highway, State Rte. 72, runs eastward from Waialae/Kahala to Hawaii Kai and around the east end of the island to Waimanalo Beach.Kamehameha Highway, State Rte. 99, runs westward from near Hickam Air Force Base to Aiea and beyond, eventually running through the center of the island and ending in Kaneohe.Like most major American cities, the Honolulu metropolitan area experiences heavy traffic congestion during rush hours, especially to and from the western suburbs of Kapolei, Ewa, Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu, and Mililani. Land for expanding road capacity is at a premium everywhere on Oahu.
Public transportationEstablished by former Mayor Frank F. Fasi, Honolulu's public transit system has been twice honored by the American Public Transportation Association bestowing the title of "America's Best Transit System" for 1994–1995 and 2000–2001. Oahu Transit Services' "TheBus" operates 93 routes with a fleet of 525 buses.
Currently, there is no fixed-rail mass transit system in Honolulu. However, in 2004, the City & County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii approved development of an action plan for a fixed rail mass transit system to be built in several phases.There is no railway transportation. The initial line could link Kapolei in West Oahu to UH Manoa. Several attempts had been made since the 1980s and 1990s to construct a fixed rail mass transit system but stalled during Honolulu City Council hearings. However, on December 22, 2006, Honolulu City Council approved a fixed-guideway system that will accommodate either rail or buses, that runs from Kapolei in West Oahu to UH Manoa, with a spur into Waikiki.
Also in 2004, construction had started on a bus rapid transit (BRT) system using dedicated rights-of-way for buses. The system, proposed by former Mayor Jeremy Harris, was expected to link the Iwilei neighborhood with Waikiki. However, current Mayor Mufi Hannemann has largely dismantled the BRT system and deployed its buses along other express bus routes.
Cultural institutions
Performing artsEstablished in 1900, the Honolulu Symphony is the oldest US symphony orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains. Other classical music ensembles include the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Honolulu is also a center for Hawaiian music. The main music venues include the Neal Blaisdell Center Concert Hall, the Waikiki Shell, and the Hawaii Theatre.
Honolulu also includes several venues for live theater, including the Diamond Head Theatre and the Manoa Valley Theatre. Honolulu Theatre for Youth, a professional ensemble with extensive education and outreach commitments, also performs in various venues throughout Honolulu.
Visual artsLocated near downtown Honolulu, the premier venue for visual arts in Hawaii is the Honolulu Academy of Arts. The Honolulu Academy of Arts features the largest collection of Western and Asian art in Hawaii and also hosts a year-round film and video program dedicated to the presentation of arthouse and world cinema in the museum's Doris Duke Theatre. The Contemporary Museum in Makiki is the main museum of contemporary art in the state. Downtown Honolulu hosts a monthly art walk on the first Friday of each month.
GardensFoster Botanical GardenLiliuokalani Botanical GardenWalker EstateOther museums, aquariums, zoos, and cultural centersThe Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the State of Hawaii and houses millions of natural history specimens and cultural artifacts relating to Hawaii and the Pacific.The Honolulu Academy of Arts has steadily grown to become Hawaii’s largest private presenter of visual arts programs, boasting a permanent collection of over 40,000 works of art from cultures around the world.The Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo are both located at the eastern end of Waikiki in Kapiolani Park.The Hawaii State Art Museum (HISAM) (official site) is located in the downtown district in the old YMCA building and features local artists. Blessed with both a great collection and a competent house staff.Shangri La (Doris Duke)The Arts District Honolulu () is located on the eastern edge of Chinatown and in old town Honolulu. In a span of just over 12 blocks, over 25 arts-related businesses, two theaters, two performance art venues, an alternative movie theater, and some of Honolulu’s trendiest nightclubs and restaurants coexist in buildings built at the end of the19th century.SportsCurrently, Honolulu has no professional sports teams. However, Honolulu hosts the NFL's annual Pro Bowl each February in addition to the NCAA football Hawaii Bowl. Fans of spectator sports in Honolulu generally support the football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball programs of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. High school sporting events, especially football, are especially popular. Venues for spectator sports in Honolulu include:
Aloha Stadium (football)Les Murakami Stadium at UH-Manoa (baseball)Stan Sheriff Center at UH-Manoa (basketball and volleyball)Neal Blaisdell Center Arena (basketball)Honolulu's mild climate lends itself to year-round fitness activities as well. In 2004,
Men's Fitness magazine named Honolulu the fittest city in the U.S. Honolulu is also home to three large road races:
The Great Aloha Run is held annually on Presidents' Day.The Honolulu Marathon, held annually on the second Sunday in December, draws more than 20,000 participants each year, about half to two thirds of them from Japan.The Honolulu Triathlon held its first race in 2004, when it hosted the US Olympic Triathlon Trials, and is billed as Hawaii's premier Olympic-distance triathlon. No sprint course is offered during the event, which is held in May.Former professional franchisesHawaii Islanders (Pacific Coast League, 1961-1987)Hawaiian Islanders (af2, 2002-2004)Team Hawaii (North American Soccer League, 1977)The Hawaiians (World Football League, 1974-1975)Media
NewspapersHonolulu is served by two daily newspapers: the
Honolulu Advertiser and the
Honolulu Star-Bulletin. It is one of the few cities of its size in the U.S. to have more than one daily newspaper.
Television(
from hawaiiradiotv.com)
Full Power TV Stations2 KHON (FOX; The CW on DT2)4 KITV (ABC)5 KFVE (MyNetworkTV)9 KGMB (CBS)11 KHET (PBS)13 KHNL (NBC)14 KWHE (Independent)20 KIKU (Independent Asian)26 KAAH (TBN)32 KBFD (Independent Asian)38 KALO (Independent Religious)44 KWBN (Daystar)50 KKAI (Faith TV)56 KUPU (Independent Religious)66 KPXO (ION)Low-power TV channels42 K42CO46 KHLU-LP (Univision)48 KHHI-LP (HSN)56 K56EX64 K64FNDigital TV channels8 KGMB18 KHET19 KIKU22 KHON23 KFVE27 KAAH31 KWHE33 KBFD35 KHNL39 KALO40 KITV41 KPXO43 KWBNRadio stations17 AM radio stations590 KSSK AM Adult Contemporary650 KRTR Soft Adult Contempoary690 KHCM Country760 KGU Religious830 KHVH News/Talk870 KAIM Silent940 KKNE Traditional Hawaiian990 KHBZ Talk1040 KLHT Religious1080 KWAI Talk1130 KRUD New;TBA1170 KORL Brokered1210 KZOO Japanese Pop1270 KNDI Ethnic1370 KUPA Silent1420 KKEA Sports1460 KHRA Asian1500 KUMU Talk1540 KREA Asian20 FM radio stations88.1 KHPR Classical, News (National Public Radio)89.3 KIPO News, Information, Jazz (National Public Radio)90.3 KTUH Modern Rock, Progressive music92.3 KSSK Adult Contemporary93.1 KQMQ Top 4093.9 KIKI Rhythmic Top 4094.7 KUMU-FM Adult Contemporary95.5 KAIM-FM Contemporary Christian96.3 KRTR-FM Adult Top 4097.5 KHNR Talk98.5 KDNN Hawaiian Contemporary99.5 KHUI Hawaiian Adult Contemporary100.3 KCCN Hawaiian Top 40101.1 KLHI Modern Rock101.1 KXRG-LP Dance (Broadcasting daily from 2pm to 2am; one of nine full-time dance stations in the US)101.9 KUCD Modern Rock102.7 KDDB Rhythmic Top 40104.3 KPHW Rhythmic Top 40105.1 KINE Traditional Hawaiian105.9 KPOI Classic Rock107.9 KGMZ OldiesCable and satellite televisionOceanic-Time Warner Cable (a division of Time Warner Cable) is the primary cable television carrier in the Honolulu metropolitan area. Satellite television (DIRECTV, Dish Network, some C-Band) is also available as an alternative.
Tourist attractions
Ala MoanaAloha TowerBishop MuseumDiamond HeadHonolulu Academy of ArtsʻIolani PalaceLyon ArboretumNational Memorial Cemetery of the PacificUSS Arizona MemorialWaikiki BeachColleges & universities
University of Hawaii Manoa — Students: 21,000 (Manoa Campus); Tuition : In-state $4,523/yr; Out-of-state : $12,395/yr2 Chaminade University — Students: 1,116; Tuition: $15,380/yr2Hawaii Pacific University — Students: 8,500; Tuition: $13,000/yr2Brigham Young University–Hawaii (Laie) — Students: 2,400; LDS Tuition: $3,000/yr - Non-LDS: $6,000/yrSister cities
Honolulu currently has 26 sister cities. They are:
- Baguio, Philippines - Baku, Azerbaijan - Bruyeres, France - Caracas, Venezuela - Cebu City, Philippines - Funchal, Portugal - Hainan Island, the People's Republic of China - Hiroshima, Japan - Hue City, Vietnam - Incheon, South Korea - Kaohsiung Municipality, Taiwan - Laoag City, Philippines - Manila, Philippines - Mombasa, Kenya - Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Mumbai, India - Naha City, Okinawa, Japan - San Juan, Philippines - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Santiago, Philippines - Seoul, South Korea - Sintra, Portugal - Tokyo, Japan - Uwajima, Japan - Vigan City, Philippines - Zhongshan City, the People's Republic of China - Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco since 10 march 2006References
# Geographic references.
#
Honolulu Advertiser, Section B. Monday, June 7, 2004. Estimated student body size and annual tuition for selected colleges on Oahu.
# , List of Sister Cities for the state of Hawaii, including Honolulu, from Sister Cities International.
External links
City & County of Honolulu official siteHawaii Vistors and Convention BureauHonolulu Traffic Information Center (includes camera links)National Weather Service Honolulu officeHawaii Community Theatre Web IndexThe Arts District Honolulu
