edit Honolulu Travel Guide

• 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.
• Swim with Dolphins, often times you'll see a pod of dolphins playing and jumping around just outside of the surf.  Just swim out and they'll greet you with a show.  Its free, easy, and most of all its amazing.
• Take a hike, Oahu has many amazing hikes all over the island.  Some of the more popular ones are the Daimond Head Trail, which takes you to the top of Daimond Head and has an amazing panoramic view of ocean and mountains.  Manoa Falls is another beautiful hike, its very easy and is a little short, but every step on the trail is breathtaking and to top it off there's a 150 foot waterfall at the end of the trail.
• Go snorkeling, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii, its located 10 miles east of Waikiki and is home to an array of marine life.  Being a nature preserve you will be able to come face to face with fish that you would normally never see that close.

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.

History

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.

By plane

Honolulu International Airport (IATA: HNL), 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. It is quite a walk between terminals, so be sure to take the free Wikiwiki Shuttle that runs every few minutes. It's easy to miss it so be sure to ask somebody where it is.

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.

By boat

Hawaii Superferry, its been operating since Spring 2008 with trips to and from Oahu and Maui. Fares are reasonable but the voyage time is 3 hours each way.  If you're not in a hurry then this is definitely the way to travel inter-island, there's comfortable seating, quiet nooks for laptop use, and you can upgrade to the premium level, which is basically first class for the ferry.  Currently, the Hawaii Superferry has suspended voyages to Kauai and is still pending.  This island of Hawaii (Big Island) will begin voyages to Oahu in 2009.

Cruise Ships, there are many different cruise ship companies that have cruise packages to Hawaii.  Regardless which one you choose, most of them make port in Honolulu Harbor.  The majority of the cruise ships depart form the west coast of North America (Vancover B.C., San Fransisco, Los Angeles, Ensenada).

By Car

Although the street names are hard to pronounce, Honolulu is very easy to navigate through.  These are the streets that you'd use the most around Honolulu:

• H1 (Lunalilo Fwy) is the freeway that runs East to West through the majority of Honolulu.
• Nimitz Hwy starts by the Airport and snakes its way along the waters edge towards Waikiki.
• Kalakaua Ave. is the main street that runs through Waikiki along the beach towards Daimond Head.
• Kalanianaole Hwy, this highway starts where the H1 ends and travels along the coastline towards Sandy Beach and to the East Side of the island.
  

*Things to remember:

1. You are not in L.A. so slow down and try to relax.  Follow the speed limit, Hawaii's speed limit is very slow, which the Honolulu Police Department strictly enforces.
2. You'll notice that drivers will let you into their lane if you use your turning signal.  This is part of the "Aloha Spirit" and there's a custom to give an appreciative wave to them.  Knowing this, there is no need to cut people off in Hawaii, just use your blinker.
3. Just like most major cities, Honolulu has major traffic during rush hour times, which is every morning and evening on weekdays.
   

By Mass Transit

The 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. Larger groups may want to tour the city via charter bus.

The Waikiki Trolley is an expensive tourist-laden open-air bus geared primarily for sightseeing shopaholics. The attraction-lined route between Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and downtown Honolulu is narrated.

By Foot

Navigating around Honolulu by foot for the first time can be a little tricky.  In Hawaii there are two Hawaiian words that help out with navigating; the first is Mauka (towards the mountains) and the second word is Makai (towards the ocean).  The mountains on Oahu run through the center of the island, which means if you're walking towards the Mountains (Mauka) then you are most likely walking inland, if you're walking away from the mountains then you're walking towards the water (Makai). 

Honolulu is not very big and the majority of things to see are all closely located.  Traveling around Waikiki is best by foot, since parking is limited and there are numerous one-way streets.  The Iolani Palace, Honolulu Capital Building, Honolulu City Hall, Honolulu Business District, and China Town are only 3-4 miles away from Waikiki.
 

• Avg. Temperature: 77 degrees (89 high, 65 low).
• Avg. Ocean Temperature: 81.5 degrees
• Avg. Rainfall: 12.67 inches/mon
• Wettest Month: December
• Hottest Month: August
  

Police and Fire Department

Police: there are 3 police stations in Honolulu, one is the main station on S Beretania St., the other two are substations; one in Waikiki and the other in China Town/Downtown Business District.  If there is an emergency dial 911

Fire: there are 44 fire stations on Oahu and 17 of them are in Honolulu.  If there is an emergency dial 911

Hospitals

There are many hospitals including military hospitals located in Honolulu and the list is extensive.  Most of them fall into the PPO and HMO coverage.  Call your insurance provider to find out which hospital is best for you and your coverage.  There are also a number of free clinics too.  If there is an emergency dial 911

Crime

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.

Smoking

Beaches

• Waikiki Beach.
• Daimond Head.
• Ala Moana Beach.
  

Military Memorials

• Battleship 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 Galleries

• Bishop 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, 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. Suit 201. For those looking for contemporary art produced by local artists, the Workspace is a must see.

• First Friday. Every First Friday of the month an event takes place in downtown Honolulu (Chinatown area) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Art galleries, restaurants and other merchants open their doors with late-night exhibits and free entertainment featuring Hawaii artists, art, culture, events and activities.  There are over 24 galleries open on this night., call for more details: 1 808 739-9797.

Scenic

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. 10 miles E of Waikiki off Kalaniana%uFFFDole 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.)

Other Things to Do

• Running.  Hawaii'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 Skating. An 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 Hunting.  If you're ready to see more of the island and learn its history, Ravenchase Adventures offers a unique treasure hunts and adventure races on each of the islands.
  

• 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) 486-6704

Shopping malls

• Ala 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.

China Town Some will advise staying out of China Town. That may be good advice after dark, but it is an extremely interesting place to visit and shop during the day, if you like to walk. The food and seafood markets are full, on many corners you will find women manufacturing "Lei's" (the ornamental flowered necklace), so popular on the island. And, you can have one made to your specifications, usually fresher and for far less money than you can find them in other places.

Farmers%u2019 Market, here you will see what fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats Hawaii%u2019s local farmer have to offer.  Also, taste freshly cooked foods by many different vendors; you can even buy some secret Hawaiian seasonings and marinades to take home with you.  The Farmer%u2019s Market is on every Saturday from 7:30-11:00 am at the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) parking lot, which is located at 4303 Diamond Head Road, on the backside of Diamond Head.