Way to make a Travel > World Tours > Metropolis of the South Seas
HONOLULU, HAWAII – For most visitors, Honolulu is the first and for many the only destination they go to in Hawaii. The capital of the state on the south coast of Oahu, the third largest island in the archipelago, is a modern metropolis that, with almost 380,000 inhabitants and a good 900,000 people in the larger area, is even considered the largest city in the Pacific.
Honolulu
Imagine a city rising out of the Pacific Ocean and you’ve got Honolulu. The business, political and cultural center of the Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu is a charismatic island city disguised as a bustling metropolis of the south seas.
The modern history of Honolulu began around 200 years ago, when Kamehameha I attacked the island in 1795 and, as the legend goes, sent the defending warriors plunging into defeat over the steep Nuuanu Pali Cliffs. He later ruled his unified island kingdom from Waikiki.
Honolulu means protected book, and it was the large harbor book on the western edge of today’s downtown that gave rise to a metropolis where once only a few huts of the Hawaiian island king stood.
Soon, trading ships and whalers entered the nearby bay, the first white people settled, and a settlement arose that eventually became the capital of Hawaii in 1845. Since then things have been steadily improving. The name Oahu means gathering place, and this particularly applies to the island’s only city, Honolulu.
Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil. Built in a style its architects deemed ”American Florentine”, the palace was completed in 1882, after three years and $350 000 under King Kalakaua’s reign. The oldest Western-style structures in Hawaii, the Mission Houses comprise a fascinating museum complex that preserves the 19th century homes of the missionaries who lived, prayed and wrote in them.
The State Capitol Building was designed to suggest Hawaii’s volcanic and oceanic origins with its high flaring support pillars, which are said to represent royal palms. Inside the building’s offices, paneling is made of koa, giving the building a uniquely Hawaiian touch.
The dream destination for millions of beach holidaymakers is also a lively, modern city.
The immigrants came from America and Europe and especially from Asia. And the ethnic groups mix in the city like rarely before, which is also shown by the origins of US President Barack Obama, who grew up here.
Honolulu’s main economic sectors are tourism and military. To the west of the city lies the large harbor area, and in the tropical green hills of the Koolau range above the city center there are well-kept residential areas.
Be sure to explore historic Chinatown, where, in the late 1860s, Chinese plantation workers gathered and established new lives after paying off their indentured labour contracts. Here you’ll discover a savory blend of Asian markets, noodle shops and various marketplaces, as well as temples, gardens and galleries.
Waikiki
Despite high-rise buildings and beach hustle and bustle, Waikiki offers the ideal introduction to Hawaii. Waikiki, this resounding, glamorous seaside with its white sandy beaches and shimmering turquoise waters is located in the suburb of Honolulu. For a few days visit you’ll notice that the street activity is entertaining, and being close to the city doesn’t make things harder—in fact, it adds diversity to the occasion.
If you look closely, the elements of the ancient Kingdom of Hawaii mix very attractively with those of a modern city at the intersection of Asia and America. And don’t forget the lush tropical vegetation that gives the city its exotic wreath of flowers.
Getting around Honolulu
In Waikiki, any destination can be reached quickly on foot or with a short, inexpensive taxi ride. You can easily get to downtown Honolulu with the city bus or with the Waikiki Trolley, an original ride that runs between all the important attractions every 15 minutes.
The tourist hub of Honolulu and the entire Hawaiian holiday world is the eastern suburb of Waikiki, the starting point of all tours separated from the rest of the city by the Ala Wai Canal.
Places of interest in Honolulu
In Waikiki itself, the sights are few and far between. Hotels and shops are so crowded on the main streets, Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue, that there is hardly any space for anything else. Nevertheless, a stroll through the International Marketplace is a must as well as along the recently renovated beach promenade on Kuhio Beach. Almost every evening different dance groups perform here at the Hula Mound, free of charge and very casual.
In the 1 km large, well-kept Kapiolani Park on the east end of Waikiki are the Honolulu Zoo and the small but extremely interesting Waikiki Aquarium, which clearly shows life in the Hawaiian waters. Rare Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and traveling clams can also be seen here.
Things to do in Honolulu
Sports, especially water sports, have been a natural part of life in Honolulu and Hawaii since Polynesian times. Going for a quick swim in the morning and spending an hour on the surfboard in the waves in the evening is just part of the routine for the locals.
The eternally sunny warm climate, the diverse nature and the ocean breeze, should encourage visitors to stay day more an admire the perfect sport conditions to the fullest.
The infrastructure for active vacationers is excellent, many rental shops rent kayaks, snorkeling equipment and surfboards and also provide good tips for the respective region. Organized tours can usually be booked on site at short notice.
Our Favourite Honolulu Tour
Among many Honolulu tours that can be booked here we are recommending a Thrilling Zipline fun Adventure by which Maui is well known.
Promising the adventure of soaring like a bird through a natural habitat, zip-line rides have become popular in the adventure tourism trade of Maui. And as ecotourism or green tourism becomes a more sought out way to spend vacations, ziplining has become one of the fastest growing Eco- friendly activities throughout the world.
On Maui, adventure seekers can choose from several different operators. So whether its zipline, zip-line or zip line, you’re sure to have fun time. Just wear your closed toe shoes and dont forget to take your camera with you.
One of the first zipline operators in Maui Skyline Eco Adventures has earned many accolades, most notably #1 for its Kaanapali Maui Zipline Tour. The new Zip products that have been introduced are Zip n’ Dip Tour and Zip n’ Splash Tour.
Pi’holo Ranch Zipline is a four – line zipline tour that offers almost two hours of thrilling fun as adventure seekers soar over trees, gulches and green ranchland on the slopes of Haleakala.
While zipline operators have sprouted across the island, only Maui zipline allows kids as young as 5 years old to experience the same adrenaline rush as their parents. Zip over the lush landscape of Maui Tropical plantation, and take in the bird’s eye view of swaying palm fronds and the majestic Haleakala in the distance.
By the Kapalua Ziplines you can enjoy aerial view of tropical forests, pineapple fields and a 50 foot waterfall. With nearly two miles of parallel zipping, Kapalua’s zipline course is one of the country’s largest.
Fayza_M, Jun 2024
‘ Best zip line in Maui love it Very fun and friendly staff Second time being here, definitely recommend if you’re visiting or want something to do with friends and family’ – read more about Maui Zipline Eco Adventure
Booking hotel in Honolulu
From elegant small-town hotels in the heart of Waikiki to large apartment complexes just one street away from Honolulu Beach and major resorts, Honolulu offers great accommodations with spacious rooms, an urban paradise surrounded by outdoor pools and hot tubs at unmatched value. The great advantage of all hotels listed in the BHI list are their perfect location, affordable prices, friendly staff and exclusive promotions aplied on selective hotels when booked directly.
The recently renovated Kaimana beach Hotel at the east end of Kapiolani Park is a little away from the hustle and bustle and has a beautiful beach right outside the door. The rooms are relatively small, but hotel boasts a wonderful view of Waikiki. Restaurants and shops are right next door.
Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel is the beach hotel, built in 1901, known as the grand old lady of Waikiki, a palace hotel built in colonial style. In 1989 it was restored with great attention to detail and is now once again one of the best hotels in the city. A particularly beautiful is its colonial-style sunset bar in the courtyard shaded by a large banyan tree.
Ohana Waikiki East by Outrigger is Hawaii’s largest hotel chain with more than 20 properties in Waikiki alone, most of them in the mid-price range. Two of the hotels, the Outrigger Waikiki and the Outrigger Reef, are located directly on the beach. The other, cheaper properties are called Ohana hotels and are located a few streets back from the beach in the heart of Waikiki. Those are the Ohana Waikiki West, the Ohana Waikiki Melia and the Ohana East.
Below you can search and compare the best affordable price for all Honolulu hotels advertised on different booking platforms.
Great location – friendly staff – Excellent stay – Booking hotel in Honolulu by Trivago
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