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Honolulu Guide

Oahu doesn't look like much on a map. At roughly 600 square miles, it's only about one-seventh the size of the Island of Hawaii, and just barely cracks the list of 20 largest islands in the U.S. But still it's home to more than 900,000 of the state of Hawaii's 1.3 million residents. What accounts for this imbalance? What attracts so many people to an island that takes less than an hour to drive across? In a word: Honolulu. Like the rest of the state, the city is rich in natural beauty: Waikiki’s white-sand beaches, Makapuu Point’s 600-foot sea cliff, the Koolau Range’s awe-inspiring foothills. But as Hawaii’s capital and home to the lion's share of Oahu’s population, Honolulu also contains the institutions of culture you'd expect to find in any major urban area. The Honolulu Museum of Art presents Japanese woodblock prints, centuries-old Hawaiian pottery, and landscape paintings of Maui by Georgia O'Keefe. And at the Waikiki Aquarium, which is stationed alongside a living reef, more than 3,500 Pacific marine creatures glide throughout glassed-in galleries. Of course, the swarms of tourists who sweep through the city each year aren't just there for the museums. They come to sunbathe on Waikiki Beach, snorkel among the tropical fish in Hanauma Bay, and surf the North Shore's gigantic waves. Much of the local economy is built around tourism, so in beachfront neighborhoods such as Waikiki, the look and feel of an urban resort prevails. Upscale boutiques and nightclubs line the sunny avenues, and street performers entertain pedestrians as they peruse craft booths. Fifteen minutes west of Waikiki, the Aloha Tower stretches 10 stories skyward. When it was built in 1926, the tower gained fame for being the tallest building on the islands (a distinction it held for four decades thereafter), and also for housing one of the largest clocks in the U.S. But today it’s better known for the 170,000 square feet of shopping and fine dining that surround it. Just a short jaunt away, Chinatown similarly bustles with commercial activity, as herbalists, antique dealers, and even lei-makers hawk their wares. The neighborhood's markets hold a bounty of seafood and outlandish fruits, and its restaurants showcase cuisine from all over Asia.

What others are saying

regis
10, Jul
Full-Day 16 Location Tour Including Snorkeling, Tour Guide, Snacks and Beverages For Two
Great value for our tour of 16 places. Lot o
Full-Day 16 Location Tour with Snorkeling, Guide, Snacks and Beverages
Tina
11, Jul
Live Music & Oceanfront Views Fireworks Cruise for One Adult
The E Sea Diver Sunset Cruise was a great Friday night experience with my daughter! It’s easy to find right on Ala Moana Blvd with lots of parking. This was a pleasant way to enjoy the ocean, take in the scenery, and appreciate the fireworks. They provide LOTS of snacks and drinks. You can even bring your own food and beverages if you like. Great, attentive staff - mahalo to Isaiah, Clint Riley, and Jim! This is a must for small or large groups, and I encourage more locals to check this out!
3 Hour Turtle Snorkeling Trip with Gear Included!
Josh
22, Mar
A 3-Attraction Chicago Explorer Pass for One Adult
It was absolutely worth it!!!!!!! The Sears Tower and hop on hop off bus was enough. No troubles at all!!!!!
Save up to 50% - Luau, Secret Island, Catamaran, Pearl Harbor & more
Gurleen
2, Jul
Splash Lu'au Package: 2 People
Great deal!
Up to 10% Off Entry to Ka Moana Lu'au
Michelle
11, Jul
Two-Hour Zipline Tour for One
I faced one of my fears and had so much fun. I'd do it all over again. Thanks to the staff that made me feel even more comfortable.
Up to 28% Off on ATV Ride at Coral Crater Adventure Park
Cata
10, Jul
90-Minute Swedish Therapy Massage includes coconut oil massage, scalp massage and hot towels for spa package
Great experience
Unwind Together with Couples Massage with Add-Ons

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