|
| |
WORLD ▫
NORTH AMERICA ▫
USA ▫
HAWAII ▫
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....
|
Hotels in Honolulu
 | Holiday Surf Hotel  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | 2303 Ala Wai Boulevard |  |
| A recently renovated and upgraded Holiday Surf Hotel offers studio and one bedroom condo-style units that feature full kitchens, a living room, and a private lanai for your convenience. ... more | | |
 | The Kahala Hotel and Resort  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | 5000 Kahala Avenue | |
| The Kahala Hotel & Resort is Hawaii’s reigning luxury resort. Featuring 343 rooms and suites, five stylish restaurants and a world-class spa, there is all that you need for a relaxing break. Visit the leisure facilities, fitness center, lush tropical gardens and the private lagoon, with the resort’s own resident dolphins.
The 2006 Conde Nast Reader's Choice Awards recently named The Kahala Hotel & Resort the top resort on Oahu. 'Staff are polished, and with a warmth that's rare.' Gold List, Conde Nast Traveler 2006. ... more | | |
 | Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki  |
Score 9.2 from 5 reviews | | 100 Holomoana St. | |
| The hotel provides complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Waikiki and surrounding beaches as well as complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Hawaii Prince Golf Club.
As registered guests of the hotel, Kids Golf Free when golfing with their parent April 1, through September 30, 2008 with purchase of a round of golf. Available to Kids age 6 – 17 and who are “Course Ready”. Valid for 18 holes of golf for up to two kids in the room. Some restrictions apply.
... more | | |
 | Pacific Island Aloha Surf |
Score 7.125 from 11 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.
... more | | |
 | Eugenia's Ala Moana Hotel  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | 410 Atkinson Drive | |
| Eugenia's Ala Moana Hotel is a private condo rental with all the extra amenities you would find at a hotel. There is a concierge desk on site that will assist with any questions about the property or the local area. A 4 night minimum stay is required for each reservation. ... more | | |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | More hotels in Honolulu |
 |
1.5 - 2 hours |
|
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
|
| Best of Puna |
5 hours |
|
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
|
| Best of Hilo and Imiloa Astronomy Center |
5 hours |
|
Your day will begin 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 an inactive volcano. The most recent eruption of Mauna Kea was about 3,500 years ago. You will see a gorgeous view of the Hamakua Coast and if you visit during the winter months, it is not uncommon to see humpback whales in the bay.
Experience the locals in surfing action at Honoli'i Beach and a drive through a tropical setting that boast historic bridges, waterfalls and excellent scenery.
Tour proceed to downtown Hilo, where you will experience the charm of this historic town. The next tour stop is the fabulous Rainbow Falls whose 89 foot high cascade hides a sacred cave. Just above Rainbow Falls you can explore under the huge canopy of a beautiful banyan tree, and a lagoon on the river to the falls that has become a very popular attraction.
Next stop is the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Imiloa Astronomy Center is Hawaii's premier interpretive center for modern astronomy and Hawaiian cultural traditions.
After a visit to the statue of King Kamehameha you then stroll through the gorgeous Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, this is a treat in itself. No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a visit to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, it is here that you can sample the Island's delicacies. Then proceed to Richardson Black Sand Beach, make sure to bring your camera as the scenery here is delightful. The last stop is to visit the sea turtles. It is amazing to watch these gentle sea creatures feed only a few feet from shore. (Although we can not make any guarantees, they are in abundance during the winter months.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
