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HONOLULU
Honolulu
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.
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....
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Hotels in Honolulu
 | Sheraton Waikiki  |
Score 8.1 from 7 reviews | | 2255 Kalakaua Avenue |  |
| Located on the beautiful beaches of Waikiki, this Honolulu hotel combines Hawaiian tradition with modern services and amenities, with spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding natural beauty.
Guests at Sheraton Waikiki can relax beside the pool or spend the day at the beach. After working out in the state-of-the-art fitness centre, guests can relax with a massage or facial in the on-site spa. Guests can browse the shops in the hotel or swim with dolphins at the Starwood Dolphin Connection.
The on-site restaurants at the Waikiki Sheraton serve everything from casual lunches to gourmet dinners. Guests can enjoy an extensive selection of rum and tapas-style cuisine for lunch and dinner at Rum Fire or a healthy made-or-order meal at Ingredients. ... more | | |
 | Pacific Island Aloha Surf  |
Score 7.5 from 32 reviews | | 444 Kanekapolei Street | |
| Guests of the Pacific Island Aloha Surf building must both check-in and check-out at the Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel before proceeding to their rooms at the Pacific Island Aloha Surf. Pacific Island Aloha Surf is located directly across from the Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel.
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 | Continental Surf Hotel  |
Score 7.6 from 26 reviews | | 2426 Kuhio Avenue | |
| Perfectly situated only steps from beautiful Waikiki Beach, and offering easy access to popular Honolulu attractions, this hotel features comfortable accommodations, friendly service and thoughtful amenities.
Popular area points of interest, including the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park can be found only a short distance from the Continental Surf Hotel. The numerous shops and restaurants of the Waikiki Beachwalk as well as endless recreational activities are also a short stroll away.
Guests staying at the Continental Surf Hotel can start the day with a cup of coffee from in-room coffeemakers and a free daily local newspaper. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi access along with in-room mini-refrigerators and 24-hour front desk service. ... more | | |
 | Courtyard Waikiki Beach  |
Score 7.925 from 1 reviews | | 400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue | |
| Diamond Head Crater and the white sand beaches of Waikiki Beach are minutes from this Honolulu, Hawaii hotel. The hotel features Spa Pure, a luxury day spa and Spada Restaurant.
Guest rooms at the Courtyard Waikiki Beach feature free high-speed internet access and iPod docking stations. A coffee maker with Kimobean Hawaiian coffee is available in every room.
A fitness centre and an outdoor pool are on-site at the Waikiki Beach Courtyard. The hotel offers foreign currency exchange and free coffee in the lobby.
Located in Waikiki city centre, this Waikiki Beach Courtyard by Marriott is near the Honolulu Zoo and Interstate HI. Jet skiing is also available nearby as well as many shops and restaurants. ... more | | |
 | Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki |
Score 7.925 from 17 reviews | | 100 Holomoana St. | |
| Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
**When booking more than 7 rooms, different cancellation policies may apply**
**Please be advised that the cancellation policy differs during holidays. All nights will be charged upon making the reservation and is refundable.**
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| | | More hotels in Honolulu |
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4 hours |
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The Big Island's Kohala Coast offers some of the best diving in the Hawaiian Islands. The water here is clear year-round often exceeding 100-foot visibility, with temperatures ranging from 72 degrees in the winter to 80 degrees in the summer. The Big Island is still growing, thanks to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea. As a result, the Kohala coast is dominated by intricate lava flows, tunnels and crevices. The 'Lani Kai' (Heavenly Seas) is Red Sail Sports 38-foot Delta Dive boat, designed in the United States for operation in the Pacific. The boat, which comfortably accommodates up to 18, was designed with a diver's needs and comfort in mind. It is equipped with a spacious dive platform, restroom facilities, fresh water showers and fresh water rinse buckets. Mask, fins, snorkels, cold beverages, seasonal fresh fruit, snacks and fresh towels are provided with every dive Snorkelers are also welcome! If you wish to come along on this diving tour, but do not dive, you are still welcome! Choose the SNORKEL option at time of booking and you can join the boat and enjoy all the inclusions, except of course, diving! Please note: - This tour is not suitable for children aged under 12 years
- All divers must present certification card
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Best of Puna |
5 hours |
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Your day will start in Hilo at the beautiful Japanese Gardens named after Queen Lili'uokalani. Here you can enjoy an awesome view of Mauna Kea, one of the worlds tallest mountains, and a gorgeous view of the Hamakua coast.
From here the tour will drive south to the Pana'ewa Tropical Rainforest, this 12 acre zoo is located on the Pana'ewa Forest Reserve and is the only outdoor rainforest zoo in the United States. Some 50 species of animals from rainforest around the world including endangered Hawaiian birds exhibited in a natural setting. You can observe Sumatran the tiger, Brazilian tapirs, pygmy hippo's and other rare creatures.
Additional stops along the way are: Pahoa Town; this small and lively town has a unique charm all its own, reminiscent of the old west.
Ahalanui Spring; nicknamed "Pele's Bath", this spring and ocean fed pool is volcanically heated to 91-95 degrees. Palm trees surround the bath while the serene sounds of the ocean add to the relaxing atmosphere.
Pohoiki Beach; Check out the locals do their thing on the waves at this popular surf spot.
Red Road; As you travel to Kalapana you will be treated to a wonderful ride on the historic Red Road. It is here that you can see marvelous waves crash against steep cliffs and scenery that you will want to capture on camera.
Kehena Beach Lookout; It is here that you will marvel at the majestic appeal of this hidden black sand beach. Warning: You may see nude sunbathers here.
Kalapana; Lava flow from a 1990 Kilauea eruption annihilated this town. A treasured Hawaiian fishing village richly steeped in the traditions of the past. This is the site of the most famous black sand beach in the world which today is entombed beneath 50-75 feet of lava.
Star of the Sea Church; built in 1928 and moved to its present location to escape the lava flows of 1990.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Red Sail Sports Sunset Sail in Hawaii |
1.5 - 2 hours |
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Enjoy a spectacular sunset and a delicious dinner aboard the 'Noa Noa' or 'Kaimaka'.
The Noa Noa, 'Feeling Free' in Polynesian and the new Kaimaka 'Eyes of the Sea' are ultra stable, 50-foot catamarans. They are considered the island of Hawaii's most precious gems. Their sleek design enables sailing speeds of up to 12 knots or 15 miles per hour. With a 50-foot mast and 870 square feet of sail, the catamarans make a breathtaking sight on the horizon. The catamarans feature plenty of seating space, a fully stocked bar, sunning nets, and two marine restrooms.
Dinner will include Caesar Salad, Potato Salad, Sliced Fruit, Fresh Island Fish, Fried Chicken, London Broil, Pasta Primavera, Assorted Desserts, Plus Full Open Bar.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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