To experience the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands, there is no better place than Iolani Palace. It is the only royal palace in the United States. An interesting fact is that Iolani Palace was equipped with electricity and telephone communications before the White House and Buckingham Palace.
It is located in the Capitol, in central Honolulu, and is a hallmark of Hawaiian Renaissance architecture. The palace was built in 1879, in the American-Florentine style, designed by architects Thomas Baker, Isaac Moore and Charles Stene. From the moment of its construction, it was the official residence of the monarch, and after the monarchy was ended, the government met in Iolani Palace for 80 years. After reconstruction, in 1978, it became available to tourists as a museum.
Iolani Palace is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic Landmark.
Kawaiahao Church
Kawaihao Church is located in Honolulu. It became the first Christian stone church to be built here. This shrine also received a second name - Westminster Abbey of the Pacific. Despite the fact that at the time of the construction of the Kawaihao Church there were already 4 churches in Honolulu, this one is nevertheless considered the oldest in Hawaii.
It took 5 years to build it, and upon completion, in 1842, the temple was consecrated. During construction, about 14,000 blocks of coral were used, which were mined by divers from the ocean depths. Subsequently, the Kawaihao Church received the status of the main one for family members of the ruling dynasties of the Kamehameha and Kalakaua monarchs. The upper part of the temple is decorated with portraits of the Hawaiian royal family.
Currently, this temple has become a historical heritage. In 1962, it became a National Historic Landmark, and four years later the church was designated a historic site and included in the National Register. And today, walking in the historical center, you can hear the bells of the chapel. And the “Kauikeaouli Clock”, donated by the monarch Kamehameha III back in 1850, still chimes the exact time.
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Waikiki Shell Concert Venue
The Waikiki Shell is an outdoor theater and concert venue located in Kapiolani Park in Honolulu. The venue has excellent acoustics and is ideal for evening concerts, under the gentle Hawaiian sky and surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
The stage dome is made in the shape of a shell. The capacity of this site is 2400 seats. However, taking into account the existing lawn, it can be increased by an additional 6,000 seats.
This is one of the best places in Honolulu to enjoy live music in harmony with the magnificent nature. It creates a unique atmosphere during music concerts or festivals. Waikiki Shell is also convenient for tourists because you can get there on foot from any hotel located in Waikiki, and after the end of the concert you can also calmly and slowly return to it.
The Hawaiian Theater is a large, beautiful building that was built in 1922 and is located in the heart of Honolulu. It is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. The theater was built according to the design of architects Walter Emory and Marshall Webb in the neoclassical style. Local newspapers gave it the name "Pride of the Ocean." The theater was intended not only for performances, but also for showing films and other events.
Over time, the Hawaiian Theater began to lose its popularity and was eventually closed in 1984. Its reconstruction began in 1989. After updating the interior, the theater celebrated its rebirth in 1996. From that moment on, it is again at the top of its popularity, and all kinds of concerts, shows, and performances take place within its walls. In 2005, this theater received the title of "America's Outstanding Historic Theater."
The interior of the theater surprises with its stylish interior design. The service staff is very friendly and responsive. The theater has a bar and a place where you can buy souvenirs.
This place is definitely not to be missed if you find yourself in Honolulu.
Waikiki Aquarium
Hawaii has always been famous for its beautiful underwater world. The aquarium on the most popular Waikiki beach only confirms this. It was founded in 1904 with funds from philanthropist Charles Cook Montagu. The aquarium is located on the Waikiki shoreline, next to a natural coral reef. It is home to 3,500 living organisms.
The most interesting inhabitants of coral reefs are presented here - white-bellied seals, green sea turtles, eels and sharks. There is also a swimming pool where you can touch the animals. When visiting the aquarium, don't miss the show of the local star - the captive-born nautilus (cephalopod).
The infrastructure of the Waikiki Aquarium is developed at the highest level. On its territory there are restaurants, cafes, shops and numerous souvenir shops. About 330,000 people visit here every year.
In addition, Waikiki Aquarium staff are involved in research activities, presenting reports at international symposiums.
Foster Botanical Garden
Foster Botanical Garden is one of the many natural and cultural attractions of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, located in the Honolulu area. It was founded in 1855 by the famous architect Harold Lyon. The area of the botanical garden is about 5.5 hectares, its peculiarity is that it is located right in the middle of shopping centers, schools and Buddhist religious sites. This is a real tropical oasis, located in the middle of a bustling city.
It contains a collection of rare and beautiful plants from tropical regions around the world. On the territory of the Foster Botanical Garden you can see rare species of palm trees and orchids, spice and ginger plantations, as well as herbs and poisonous plants. Immediately upon entering you will be greeted by heavenly beauty and a pleasant floral smell.
It should be noted that there are several architectural monuments here, such as a scaled-down replica of the Daibutsu Monument commemorating the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii, as well as an abstract ceramic sculpture of Sandwich Isle by architect Bob Flint.
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is one of the many architectural and cultural attractions of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, located in the Honolulu area. The museum building dates back to 1889, and was built in the Romanesque style, which was incredibly popular on the islands in those days. The highlights of the building are the composition of narrow arched windows located on the facade, as well as a number of small Doric columns supporting the arched span of the main entrance. Externally, the museum resembles a medieval stone castle, impregnably keeping secrets within its walls.
The Bishop Museum exhibits the largest collection of Polynesian cultural and scientific artifacts. It also houses an insect exhibit with over 13.5 million specimens. Particularly popular are examples of Hawaiian culture.
It should be noted that the museum houses an archive containing the results of extensive research carried out by its staff in the Pacific Ocean - manuscripts, photographs, works of art, as well as commercial sound recordings and maps.
Honolulu Municipal Building
The Honolulu Municipal Building was built in 1928 and was designed by three famous architects - Hart Wood, Robert Miller and Rothwell Kangeter. The structure was built in the Italian Spanish Colonial Revival style, which was quite popular on the islands in those days. The interior of the courtyard of the Honolulu Municipal Building, as well as its central massive staircase and luxurious bas-relief ceiling, were made according to sketches of the Bargello building in Florence. In 1951, two three-story wings were added to the structure.
The main attractions of the building are the spacious terraces and the frescoes located in the main hall, painted by the artist Einar Peterson. At the western end of the Honolulu Municipal Building is a tall rectangular tower with an observation deck on top.
The building is located in a beautiful garden, full of bright greenery. There are fountains, gazebos, benches, as well as various sculptural compositions and examples of park art. Currently, the Honolulu Municipal Building is the official seat of city and county government and houses the mayor and city council of Honolulu.
Kapiolani Park
Kapiolani Park is the largest and oldest public park in Hawaii, located in eastern Waikiki. It got its name in honor of the great Queen Kapiolani, the beloved wife of the Hawaiian monarch David Kalakaua. Today, Kapiolani Park attracts tourists and locals for many reasons. There are picnic areas and the huge Honolulu Zoo, which adults and children enjoy visiting.
Also located within Kapiolani Park, which covers approximately 170 acres, is a large number of sports facilities - tennis courts, running tracks, baseball, football, lacrosse and rugby fields, as well as archery and basketball courts. Hawaii's only cricket club, Honolulu Cricket Club, is located here. It should be noted that the park has a bandstand that hosts concerts ranging from pop and rock to traditional Hawaiian songs.
The only downside to Kapiolani Park is that you can often find a few homeless people smelling marijuana smoke. However, there is an opinion that this contingent gives the park a special flavor.
The most popular attractions in Honolulu with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Honolulu on our website.
Attractions
Just north of downtown Honolulu lies Chinatown, an intriguing area that invites discovery. It's best to come on an empty stomach: there's plenty to eat at the pan-Asian markets and coffee shops, in between strolls among the castles, modern art galleries and herbalists' shops.
Iolani Palace
In the heart of downtown Honolulu, this historic site where the monarchy fell offers visitors an insight into late 19th-century Hawaiian history. Call to find out opening hours (Tel: 808-538-1471, tour reservations 808-522-0832/0823; www.iolanipaiace.org; 364 S King St; adults/children 5-12 years $13/6; 9:00-16:00 Mon-Sat).
Bishop's Museum
Considered the premier Polynesian anthropological museum, it houses outstanding cultural specimens, including the Royal Hawaiian Hall. The Science and Adventure Center puts children in the middle of an erupting volcano. Call ahead for Planetarium schedules. (Tel: 808-847-3511; www.bishopmuseum.org; 1525 Bernice St; adults/children 4-12 $18/15; 9am-5pm Wed-Mon).
Honolulu Academy of the Arts
The collection of Asian, European and Pacific art on display is a must-see. Call to book a tour ($25) by Doris Duke's former mansion Shangri Le, a gem of Islamic art (tour booking 866-385-3849; http://honolulumuseum.org/; 900 S Beretania St; adults/children up to 12 years old $10/free; 10.00-16.30 Tue-Sat, 13.00-17.00 Sun).
Hawaii State Museum of Art
Exhibiting traditional and contemporary works by multicultural island artists (www.hawaii.gov/sfca; 2nd f1,250 S Hotel St; 10.00-16.00 Tue-Sat, 17.00-21.00 1st Mon of the month).
Lyon tree nursery
Nature trails and Hawaiian Ethno-Botanical Garden (www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum; 3860 Manoa Rd; admission by donation; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm Sat).
Waikiki Aquarium
Fantastic educational exhibits and huge aquariums you can touch (www.waquarium.org; 2777 Kalakaua Ave; adults/children 5-12 years old/youth 13-17 years old $9/2/4; 9.00-17.00, entry open until 16.30).
Beaches
The main thing is, of course, the long string of Waikiki beaches (suburb of Honolulu). Catamarans and outriggers offer boat trips right along the coast, almost on the sand, while at special points you can rent surfboards, kayaks and windsurfing equipment, as well as sign up for a lesson. For a swim away from the tourist hustle and bustle, head west of Waikiki, where Ala Moana Beach Park is about 1.5 km away. (1201 Ala Moana Blvd).
Hiking routes
Several hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the city, such as the leafy Upper Manoa and Makiki Valley above downtown and the University of Hawaii. Several trails cannot be reached by bus, including the kilometer-long route to Manoa Fole. You can find out more on the Na Ala Hele company page (www.hawaiitrails.org) to get addresses and schedules.
Accommodation
Waikiki is the most vibrant part of the state, and Kakakaua Ave, the main beach line, has plenty of hotels, but for the best deals you should look in the central part of the island. Parking overnight will cost around $20 or more. Cheap independent hostels for partygoers and hikers are located on Lemon Road.
Where to drink and have fun
Waikiki has many places to enjoy traditional Hawaiian hula and live music. The hottest nightclubs in Honolulu are located around N Hotel St and Nu"uanu Ave in Chinatown, which was once a red light district. In the free newspaper Honolulu Weekly (www.honoluluweekly.com) you can find posters and descriptions of bars, clubs, entertainment, etc.
Information
- There are many internet cafes in Waikiki and the University of Hawaii. The cost is approximately $6-$12 per hour.
- Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (Tel: 800-464-2924; www.gohawaii.com; 2270 Kalakaua Ave, suite 801) Waikiki Tourist Office.
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser (www.staradvertiser.com) Hawaii's largest newspaper.
- Public library (www.librarieshawaii.org; 478 S King St; 10.00-17.00 Mon-Wed, 9.00-17.00 Tue, Fri, Sat 9.00-20.00 Tue) Temporary visitor pass ($10) allows you to use the Internet for free at any branch in the state.
- Queen's Medical Center (Tel: 808-538-9011; www.queensmedicalcenter.net; 1301 Punchbowl St; 24 hours) Complete medical care in downtown Honolulu.
The state of Hawaii is the most remote and most picturesque state in the United States. Its capital and largest municipal center, the city of Honolulu, is located on the southern tip of the island, which is called Oahu. This island, ranking only third in size, is the most populous island in the American state of Hawaii.
According to statistics for 2010, the population of Honolulu was about four hundred thousand residents within the city limits. The number of residents within the entire county of Honolulu (which, in addition to the city itself, includes the rest of the third largest Hawaiian island) has about a million residents. And this is not counting the huge number of vacationers that occupy most of the island all year round, day after day.
Flight time from Hawaii State Capital to:
San Diego - about 3.5 hours flight.
Washington - about 6.5 hours.
Los Angeles - just under 3 hours.
Honolulu is a modernist city, serving as a tourist mecca for the millions of tourists who visit the island year-round. This is a beautiful and tranquil place that includes everything you need for a first-class holiday. The cost of living on the island is slightly higher than the US average, but can this stop a person from pursuing true happiness? Entertainment venues sparkling with a myriad of lights, and the crystal whiteness of picturesque beaches, one glance at which will take your breath away. Restaurants where you'll want to stay until closing time and walk the night streets until the morning - all this is Honolulu. However, life in this small and picturesque paradise is quite expensive, since all products and goods come to the island from the mainland, and this imposes a certain surplus on their cost. Renting housing on the island is also not cheap.
Along with all the advantages, it should be understood that the capital of the state of Hawaii, Honolulu, is a large metropolis with its own set of complexities. Here you won’t be able to stay alone and hide from the hustle and bustle. The rest of the island state of Hawaii is much more suitable for all this.
Scientists have found information that already in the 11th century there was a human settlement on the site of the modern city of Honolulu. According to most scientists, these were settlers who sailed here from other islands of Polynesia. Back in the mid-eighteenth century, the Hawaiian Islands suffered from incessant internecine battles. The islands were divided into many small states. Until Kamehameha the First came to power on the islands. He became king and ruler of the new united state. Since the nineteenth century, Honolulu has been an important trade point connecting the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago. Industry developed here, large companies and enterprises appeared, as a result of which interest in Hawaii from the United States of America increased significantly. Unrest began on the island, and with the active cooperation of the United States, the monarchical family of Honolulu was overthrown.
At the end of the 19th century, Hawaii became part of America. But the state of Hawaii entered world history thanks to the events that took place at the beginning of 1941, at the beginning of World War II. Attacking without declaring war, Japanese Air Force forces destroyed a US naval base in the Pacific. Having become the personification of all the pain of the American people, Pearl Harbor went down in history as one of the largest tragedies of the Second World War.
Honolulu today
Currently, Honolulu is a large city, an economic and financial center that unites the entire state of Hawaii around itself. According to experts, tourists vacationing on the islands bring in about ten million dollars in income every year, which is an important source of the economy of the United States and the region. In addition to tourism, another important budget line is the profit from the naval shipyards that are based on the Hawaiian islands. In addition, Honolulu is home to many financial and commercial centers, trading enterprises and large firms. About twenty percent of the district is employed in the agricultural sector of the economy. The most common crop in the Hawaiian Islands is sugar cane.
One of the features of the region is the so-called aquaculture - an activity associated with the cultivation and sale of certain types of shellfish and algae. The University of Manoa, located in the heart of the Hawaiian Islands, is considered one of the leading centers in the United States in the field of oceanography and biomedicine.
Life in Hawaii's capital
A shortage of vacant land and increasing tourism are driving up the cost of living in the Hawaiian Islands. in this region it is one of the most expensive in the United States of America. At the same time, the cost of food, as well as most things and necessary resources, is slightly higher than on mainland America. Trying to balance high prices, most Hawaii residents are forced to work several jobs at once. This is considered common practice in the Hawaiian Islands.
The vast majority of those flying to Hawaii enter the archipelago through its capital, Honolulu. As one of America's busiest airports, Honolulu Airport welcomes approximately twenty million tourists each year.
Unlike cities on the American mainland, Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, has streets with many turns and curves, making it difficult to define a proper street grid. Car traffic is also a constant problem for city authorities and residents. Constant traffic jams arise at every step. This is due to the high population density living on a small piece of land in the middle of a huge sea.
The ethnic composition of the city is also very interesting and noteworthy. According to statistics for two thousand and ten, white descendants of Europeans made up only about twenty percent in the capital of Hawaii. The rest of the population is represented in the following proportions: African Americans - one and a half percent, Asians - fifty-three and seven percent. Mixed races are represented very widely and make up about sixteen percent in the city. Eight percent of the population is Pacific American citizens. Hispanics represent about five percent of the total population. Indians and other ethnic groups make up less than one percent of the island.
Noting another important feature, it can also be noted that only just over three percent of the city's population is Native Hawaiian. More than fifty percent are Asian American citizens. No matter how strange it may be in light of the tragedy that occurred on the island just over seventy years ago, a significant part of the island’s population are people of Japanese origin.
The average age of people living in the capital of the state of Hawaii is quite low - just over forty-one years.
Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii. A paradise for tourists, standing on a tiny piece of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Discos that don't stop until the morning, people who live one day at a time, not wanting to put anything off until tomorrow... All this is Hawaii. And all this is Honolulu.
People who prefer a more relaxing holiday can look beyond the island of Oahu. Where, alone with yourself and those close to you, you can enjoy the natural splendor of this tiny piece of land, find remote beaches with white sand and turtles that scurry along the shore. Or just take a walk through the pineapple plantations.
Everyone will find something interesting here. When you travel to the other side of the globe, you can be sure that you will find yourself in a real paradise.
Interesting facts about the capital of Hawaii
If you translate this word from Hawaiian, the name “Honolulu” translates as “Safe Bay” or “protected place.”
The current President of the United States of America, as well as the first African American in this post, Barack Obama was born in the city of Honolulu, and also lived there until he graduated from school, later moving to the mainland.
Honolulu has over a hundred beautiful beaches, more than any other metropolis in the world.
Thanks to the mild and constant weather, the best period for a holiday in Hawaii is the so-called “off-season”, namely the period from April to June, as well as from September to November. During this period, hotel rates in Honolulu are lower than at other times, and there are also fewer vacationers. The holiday season lasts on the island of Oahu from December until the very beginning of spring. And during this period the number of vacationers in the city is much higher.
Honolulu is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. Honolulu is located in the southern part of the island of Oahu. Oahu is the third largest and most populated island in the Hawaiian Islands. The population of Honolulu within the city limits is 390 thousand people (as of 2010). The population within the administrative district of Honolulu (the city itself and the rest of the island of Oahu) is 953 thousand people. At the same time, there are a huge number of tourists in Honolulu all year round.
Distances from Honolulu to:
- San Francisco - 3850 km
- San Diego - 4200 km
- New York - 8000 km
Honolulu is a modern city, a recognized tourist center, visited annually by millions of tourists. It is a safe and beautiful place to live. If you have no financial problems, then life on the island will seem relaxed and carefree. Beautiful scenery, numerous and varied entertainment options, excellent restaurants, yet low crime rates and a stable economy. Unemployment rates and job growth are well above the US average. But life in the resort paradise is not cheap: almost all consumer goods must be shipped from the mainland, and housing prices are very high. Another disadvantage is the isolation on a small island and the distance from other places. It is worth understanding that Honolulu is a big city with typical problems: crime, transport, lack of affordable housing. This is not a place where people go to “get away from everyone” and be alone. Other places on the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago are suitable for this.
It is reliably known that on the site of modern Honolulu there was a human settlement already in the 11th century. Most likely, these were the descendants of brave sea travelers who moved from other Polynesian islands. In the 18th century, there was no unified state in the Hawaiian Islands. As a result of prolonged civil strife, Kamehameha I came to power, becoming the first king of the united state. By the 19th century, Honolulu had become the center of trade in the Hawaiian Islands, and large businesses began to appear in the city center. Interest in Hawaii from the United States has increased significantly. In 1893, with the support of the Americans, the monarchical form of government was overthrown, and in 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States. Honolulu entered world history thanks to the bloody events of 1941, when on December 7 Japan attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. This event became one of the most significant military battles of World War II. Pearl Harbor, where the US Navy is concentrated, is located west of Honolulu.
Today Honolulu is the financial, commercial and business center of the Hawaiian archipelago. This Pacific outpost is of great strategic importance, in addition, it is a serious transport hub connecting the East with the West. Tourism is the mainstay of the economy of Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. It is believed that tourists annually invest about $10 billion in the city's economy. Pearl Harbor and the Navy Yards are another constant source of income for the economy.
In addition, Honolulu has many commercial, industrial and retail establishments. About a fifth of the land in Honolulu County is used for agriculture. The main agricultural product is sugar cane. Aquaculture is also practiced - breeding and growing algae and shellfish on sea plantations. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a center for research and development, especially in the fields of oceanography, astrophysics, geophysics and biomedicine.
The shortage of available land and developed tourism contribute to the increase in the cost of living in Hawaii. Housing costs and rents in Honolulu are among the highest in the United States. Also higher than in the mainland of the country are the costs of food, fuel, and things. Under such conditions, many Hawaiians are forced to work multiple jobs at the same time.
Most people who come to Hawaii enter Hawaii through Honolulu. Honolulu International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with more than 20 million passengers passing through it annually.
Unlike many cities on the mainland United States, Honolulu's streets have a lot of twists and turns and do not form a regular street grid. Traffic in Honolulu is a constant problem. This is facilitated by narrow streets and a large number of people living in a relatively small space.
Racial composition of Honolulu as of 2013:
- white - 18.7%
- African Americans - 1.5%
- Asians - 55.3%
- mixed races - 13.1%
- Pacific origin - 6.7%
- Indians - 0.1%
Hispanics of any race make up 4.4% of the population. Only 3.1% of residents are Native Hawaiian. Moreover, more than half of the population of Honolulu is of Asian origin:
- Japanese origin - 20.6%
- Filipino origin - 11.8%
- Chinese origin - 10.3%
Socio-economic indicators in Honolulu:
- average income per person (2013) - $33,975
- population living below the poverty line (as of 2009) - 11.8%
- unemployment (as of June 2014) - 4.5% - this is noticeably lower than the national average, while many are only part-time employed in low-paid jobs.
- cost of living index (as of 2013) - 194.4 - this is a very high indicator, 100 is the average index for the United States.
The average age of Honolulu residents is 41.9 years. This is about 10 years longer than many US cities. Even in the “American health resort for retirees” - Miami, the average age of a resident is 37.7. The environment and quality health care are responsible for one of the highest life expectancy rates in the country.
Sights of Honolulu
Waikiki (Waikiki) is a resort area of Honolulu, where numerous hotels, shops, nightlife and white sandy beaches are concentrated;
Pearl Harbor - you can spend the whole day visiting this place;
Diamond Head is the huge volcanic crater of Diamond Head that largely forms the backdrop of Honolulu. The view from the top of the crater is incredibly beautiful;
Hanauma Bay is a bay located on the southeast coast of Oahu. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island;
Iolani Palace (Iolani Palace) is the only royal palace in the United States;
Kapiolani Park is the city's largest park;
Honolulu Zoo - a small neat zoo in Honolulu;
Ala Moana Beach Park - a sandy beach between downtown Honolulu and the Waikiki area;
Waikiki Aquarium - Waikiki Aquarium;
Lyon Arboretum - arboretum with botanical garden;
Ala Moana Center is the city's largest shopping center;
Aloha Tower is an iconic lighthouse located in Honolulu Harbor;
Hawaii State Capitol is the state capitol of Hawaii, which is quite unusual for the United States;
Honolulu has a tropical climate with sunshine almost all year round. The main feature of the weather in Honolulu is its stability. Over the course of 12 months, the average daily temperature varies slightly. Thus, the average temperature in January is 22.8 C, and in June 27.1 C. Usually in summer the temperature during the day rises to 26-29 C and at night does not fall below 21-23 C. Only a couple of times in winter the temperature can drop to 15 C. The water temperature off the coast is also consistently high: about 27 C in summer and 25 C in winter. In the summer, Honolulu is very dry with almost no precipitation. It rains only in the winter season, but precipitation is moderate.
Due to the beautiful and stable weather, the best time to visit Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands is during the "off-season" (April-early June, September-November). At this time, it is easier to rent a hotel room, prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. “High season” lasts from December to March. At this time, the number of tourists on the island increases noticeably, and prices are at their highest. The "middle season" lasts from June to August.
Information
In 2015 240.00 passengers visited Honolulu. There are 2 mooring places for cruise ships in the capital of Hawaii:
- Cruise terminal Pier 11, known as Aloha Tower, is located almost in the center of Honolulu. Waikiki's most popular beach is 5 km away.
- Pier 2 located even closer to Waikiki.
Hawaii's most visited island, Oahu, has many different attractions for every taste. It’s difficult to see everything during the ship’s stay. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with and interesting places islands and decide what interests you most.
Main attractions:
The city of Honolulu itself. It is rightfully considered one of the best cities in the world. Quite compact.
There are many bass tourists from different companies traveling around Honolulu. For example, Waikiki Trolley. The cost of a ticket to the center is $18, to the Diamond Head caldera - $30. To be honest, we don't recommend it. The city center is only 5 km from the pier. It's better to walk to Waikiki Beach. There are many interesting buildings along the way. Many coastal hotels have green and picturesque areas. Free admission.
Video of Waikiki from above
Bus number 23 goes to Diamond Head. The fare is $2.5. Please note that you will have to walk up to the observation deck for about 30 minutes. In the heat, this walk is not for everyone.
At the end of Waikiki Beach is a zoo. Ticket costs $14. Nearby on the shore there is a small aquarium. Entrance – 12$
Pearl Harbor Memorial Complex. The most important place of worship for Americans in memory of World War II. There are separate museums on the territory of the complex:
- Memorial to the sunken battleship Arizona.
- battleship Missouri. It was built in 1944.
- submarine "Bowfin" 1942 the buildings.
- aviation museum. There are 43 aircraft in total, including the Soviet MIG-15 and MIG-21.
Entrance to the complex itself is free, but a ticket to all museums costs $63. You can choose to visit.
Video review of Pearl Harbor
From the cruise pier to Pearl Harbor you can take buses No. 20,42,62 in 45 minutes. The ticket costs $2.5. The memorial is of greater interest to history and technology buffs.
- ethnographic center Polynesian Cultural Center, where 6 cultures of the peoples of Polynesia are represented. A very interesting place. It is located 50 km from the cruise pier in the northeast of the island. In an hour and a half you can take bus No. 55 ($2.5) along the picturesque coast. If parking time allows, we recommend taking a ticket with the evening show and Admission and Show w/ Free Dinner for $70. It runs from 7 to 9 pm.
- sea animal park Sea Life Park. Ticket costs $30. You can get there by buses No. 22 and 23 from Waikiki Beach in 45 minutes.
- Buddhist temple Byodo-In Temple.
- Dole pineapple plantation. Feel free to skip, nothing interesting.
Cruise line excursions to Oahu are, as usual, expensive. Cost using the example of the Princess company.
There are more than 100 beaches on the island. The most beautiful ones are on the east coast. Beaches are divided into 2 categories - for swimming and for surfing. Read more about them.
All beaches are free, except Hanauma Bay. Entrance $7.5. According to many cruisers, the beach looks better in photographs than it actually is. Snorkeling is quite mediocre, there are a lot of people, there is not a good entrance to the sea everywhere.
The most famous beach is of course Waikiki Beach in the center of Honolulu. Protective jetties prevent waves from crashing onto the shore. There are changing rooms and toilets on the beach. Umbrellas and sun loungers are expensive. All vacationers sit on towels or mats.
When traveling to the north of the island along the east coast, the order of beaches worthy of attention, starting with Hanauma Bay, is as follows:
- Sandy Beach Beach for surfers with big waves.
- Makapuu Beach. Be careful with large and treacherous waves.
- Waimanalo Beach is 9 km long.
- Lanikai Beach - 1st place among US beaches in 2014 according to Tripadvisor.
- Kailua Beach. Continuation of Lanikai Beach.
- beach in Kahana Bay. Secluded, small, with beautiful mountains around.
In the north of Oahu, the beaches are not as picturesque, but there is a romantic surfing atmosphere. We recommend visiting there. Along the way, you can grab a bite to eat at roadside food trucks, where shrimp are a specialty. Lunch costs from $8 to $14.
In the northwest, Waimea Bay Beach is interesting.
The island has good roads and a developed bus service. Using Google maps you can calculate the route to any point on the island by public transport.
Companies that like organized excursions can book an individual excursion around the island from local Russian-speaking travel agencies Marina Hawaii Travel, Russia Hawaii Tours or HIKCI.
Let's go and look... We've been to many big cities. Honestly, Honolulu is the most tropical city, it is simply surrounded by greenery! After some time, we found ourselves in the Waikiki area, where we needed to take another bus from the same company to get to Diamond Head.
And here the beach is shining through! Well, how good it is there! It’s so great to be able to quickly get to the beach while waiting for the next bus. Warm water!!! I didn’t want any negativity at all on this magical island and therefore we decided to abandon visiting Pearl Harbor. Although it’s probably also worth attention, it’s still a story. We decided to spend the saved time after the excursion here, on this wonderful beach.
Our bus arrived and we drove on, admiring the most beautiful view of the island. On the way to the crater, we passed the beautiful Queen Kapi"olani Park, where many people like to relax. Opposite this park is one of the oldest aquariums in the United States, founded back in 1904. The guide stopped the bus at another beautiful view point, from which ocean view.
Finally we arrived at the foot of the crater of the extinct Diamond Head volcano. The bus dropped us off at the road and then we had to walk all the way to the park, where the climb to the observation deck begins. We had to walk for about 15 minutes in the heat... Then through a tunnel through the walls of the crater, where it was very pleasant in the shade after such heat. Entrance to the park is paid - $5 per car to the parking lot, $1 per person. Cash only (CASH ONLY).
This is where good physical shape is required. The route takes 2 hours along the mountain to the top and back. We “took off” in half an hour (I specially noted the time), and under the bright tropical sun. People walk at different paces, some faster, others resting and relaxing. All you can hear around is: “After that I want only beach!”
Well, here we are at the very top. Wow, how much we walked! As a reward for such a journey, a panorama of the fabulous coast opens up. This climb is definitely worth the climb. Breathtaking! But only if you are in good shape!
Many people know that Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. The biggest waves on Oahu occur on the north shore in November or December. There, on the Banzai Pipeline beach, the world-famous “Triple Crown of Surfing” surfing competition is held, which attracts the best surfers in the world. Imagine, the waves in winter reach 6, and sometimes even 12 meters! An impressive sight. You can look. In general, the coolest waves called "Jaws" 18m high (!!!) are found on the island of Maui.
After climbing Diamond Head we boarded the bus again to head back. On the way we passed another interesting place on the island - the zoo. Due to a lack of time, we didn’t go, but later I had enough of the animals at the Sydney Zoo.
After lunch on the ship we decided to return to the enchanting Waikiki beach. In fact, there are as many as 139 beaches on Oahu and all of them are luxurious. We went to Waikiki because there are still many different shops around, small and large shopping centers, where we also wanted to go for a walk. And besides, you don’t need to pay anything extra for travel, because the same bus goes there, for which we already had tickets for the whole day.
This nice beach made us happy. There are many hotels around with vacationers from all over the world. A lot of Japanese. The sun is gentle, the water is warm, the artificial breakwaters “calm” them and even children can swim. And on the horizon there are dozens of surfers who are very interesting to watch. Fascinating.
Marik and I really enjoyed everything! We were there almost until sunset; we didn’t want to leave anywhere. And you can photograph life in Waikiki endlessly!
After the beach we walked around the nearby shops. The shopping center overlooks one of the most beautiful hotels, Royal Hawaiian 5*, which opened on February 1, 1927.
Meanwhile, it got dark and gas torches began to be lit around. Very Hawaiian
Well, now it’s time to return home to our ship. We had a great time! And this hand gesture, the famous sign “shaka, brah!”, means “relax” and says that Hawaii is not a place where you need to worry and stress, says that everything is fine! As I already wrote, “aloha” here means love, greeting, farewell, affection, wishes, tenderness, and the “shaka” gesture also expresses all this. We can see that everything is just great in Hawaii!
