Honolulu Information

Honolulu Information

Honolulu, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, is the perfect gateway for visitors wanting to explore the unique culture and physical beauty of Hawaii. Located on the third largest of the state’s islands, O’ahu, it is home to 80% of the Hawaiian population with almost one million people residing in the metropolitan area.
Built around a large, protected bay, Honolulu literally means “place of shelter” and it has grown a long way from its origins as a small peaceful fishing village in the late 1700’s. Today Honolulu is a world-class tourist destination offering fine restaurants, 5-star resorts, shopping, lively nightlife, museums and many cultural events.

It goes without saying that soaking up the atmosphere at the beaches of Waikiki is an absolute must. For those who enjoy hiking, a visit to Diamond Head Beach is highly recommended. This small, stunning spot is located at the foot of Diamond Head crater and spectacular views can be enjoyed from the point.

For beach goers who are after a quintessential Honolulu experience, a visit to central Waikiki Beach should be top of the agenda. As the busiest beach on the island it has a lively, colourful atmosphere and is perfect for swimming, surfing or just lying in the sun. For those wanting to escape the crowds, a visit to Fort DeRussy Beach will not disappoint. Its calm water makes it ideal for swimming and there are huts on the beach for hiring kayaks, boogie boards, snorkelling equipment, and windsurfing equipment.

There is much more to this iconic island destination than its beautiful beaches though. Honolulu offers the visitor a feast of cultural activities, including museums and sights that celebrate its rich cultural history. One of the key attractions is the Polynesian Cultural Center where visitors can enjoy one of the island’s best luaus (traditional Hawaiian feast). A visit to the Bishop Museum is a perfect way to engage with Hawaii’s cultural and natural history. As the state’s largest museum it also contains a fabulous Science Adventure Center with interactive displays including an enormous man-made volcano. Another key attraction is Iolani Palace which was erected in 1882. Here visitors see some of the precious jewels and artefacts that were used by the last two Hawaiian monarchs.

A walk through the magnificent botanical gardens of Waimea Valley eventually leads visitors to Waihi Falls where if the conditions are right, they can swim in the cool refreshing waterfall pool, whilst surrounded by the lush beauty of the garden’s 6000 species of plants derived from Polynesia, Asia, Africa and South America.

Honolulu is also known for its lively night life and visitors soon discover the plethora of bars and nightclubs with live music, great food and loads of atmosphere. For a great dance spot, check out Anna Bannanas, a live rock and reggae music venue located near the university. For something a little more cutting edge, try ARTS at Marks Garage. As a community performance space it showcases a range of local artists including youth poetry slams, live jazz, Hawaiian music and sometimes theatrical shows. For those who like to party hard you can check out Duke’s Waikiki, a surf-themed party in a beachside courtyard complete with live music and decent food.