Step off the plane and into the Oahu Island sunshine, don a colourful lei and order a colourful cocktail and you’re Honolulu-ready! With an extinct volcano and pristine beaches, and as the only US city that boasts a royal palace, Honolulu owes much of its charm to its distinct Polynesian geographical and cultural heritage.
One of the city’s most famous attractions is the beautiful Waikiki Beach. The beach attracts world-class surfers, intent on conquering the rolling waves of the bright blue Pacific Ocean. Grab a board and join the fun, or if surfing’s not your thing, relax at any one of the excellent restaurants overlooking the waterfront. The popular Honolulu Zoo is in nearby Kapiolani Park, and while the now extinct Diamond Head volcano offers an interesting climb for walkers. The best snorkelling in Honolulu can be found at Eternity Beach or the Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve.
With a mainly Asian population, Honolulu’s unique cuisine differs from standard US fare. The food is a delicious fusion of Asian and more traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Try staples such as pork wrapped in taro leaves (called “laulau”) and “poke”, a raw fish salad. Honolulu's lively centre has a medley of great restaurants, bars, art galleries, temples and plenty of designer shopping. For laid-back market shopping, head to the Ala Moana centre, and take a trip up the Aloha Tower for some spectacular views of the bay.
Pearl Harbor, the site of one of the most famous attacks of World War II, is home to the USS Arizona Memorial which sits on top of the remains of the original war ship, now resting below the waves. Visit the nearby USS Bowfin Submarine Museum to see the submarine that was eventually used in the counterattacks.
Honolulu has a cheap and efficient public transport system in the form of buses and trolleys. It’s probably a good idea to avoid driving if you can – the city has some of the worst traffic jams in the US! As America’s most southern state, Hawaii is made up entirely of islands and stands apart from the mainland by means of its distinct culture, climate and history.
