Honolulu

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Introduction

Honolulu, HI

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Honolulu, the capital of the state of Hawaii, is a laid-back city on the southeast coast of the island of Oahu. Unwind on Waikiki beach or climb Diamond Head for panoramic views of Oahu's coast.

Neighbourhoods

• Downtown Honolulu
• The Arts District Honolulu
• The Capitol District
• Waikiki

Sights and Activities

• Waikiki Beach is a 2 mile stretch of white-sand beach. You can engage in watersports, soak up the sun, enjoy some snorkelling or if you get there early enough, enjoy a peaceful stroll.
• Diamond Head (or Lēʻahi) is a volcanic tuff cone that can be seen from many parts of the city. Climb to the lookout for spectacular views of Waikiki and Oahu's coast line. The climb will take about 90 minutes and you should be sure to take some water and a hat as the trail can be hot.
• The Aloha Tower is a lighthouse that was opened in 1926 and is still in use. You can visit the observation deck for sweeping views of the harbour.
• The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum houses the world's largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts. Location: 1525 Bernice Street, Kalihi.
• ʻIolani Palace, built in 1871, was the official residence of the Hawaiian royal family until they were overthrown in 1893. Guided tours are possible most mornings, or audio tours can be taken at visitors' leisure.
• The Honolulu Academy of Arts presents a large private collection of art totalling some 40,000 works of art from around the world.
• Waikiki Aquarium is the US' third oldest public aquarium and is home to over 2,500 organisms representing more than 420 species of aquatic animals. The aquarium is located in Queen Kapiolani Park at 2777 Kalakaua Ave and is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. Admission is $9 for visitors, $6 for local residents and $4 for youths (ages 13-17)

Events and Festivals

• New Year's Eve kick starts the year with street parades and parties.
• Chinese New Year is also cause for great celebration in late January/early February
• The Japanese community celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival in February.
• Irish locals celebrate St Patrick's Day with a parade at Waikiki on 17 March.
• The International Bed Race in April is a popular fund raising event culminating in a bed pushing race through Honolulu's streets.
• Lei Day on May the 1st sees everyone get lei'd
• The King Kamehameha Hula Competition takes place late in June, attracts dancers from as far away as Japan.
• Hawaii International Jazz Festival - this celebration of jazz takes place in July.
• The Honolulu Marathon is run in early December attracting over 30,000 competitors.

Weather

Honolulu enjoys a tropical climate, moderated by the California Current. Average daily highs are 80 °F in January and 88 °F in July. Temperatures rarely exceed 90 °F.
As Honolul is located in the southwest, it is much drier compared to the northeastern parts of the island. Honolulu has only between 20 and 50 mm of rain during most of the year, more so from November to February. It is quite unusual for to have the wettest time of year coincide with the slightly cooler months. Oddly enough, the possibility of a tropical storm or even a hurricane is higher from May to November, opposite to the wetter months. Still, such storms are less frequent compared to for example the Caribbean or west Pacific.

Getting There

By Plane

Honolulu Airport (Airport code: HNL), 3 miles northwest of the city's CBD, is the main airport in Hawaii and the principal hub of Hawaiian Airlines. There are direct routes to Honolulu's airport from Asia, America and the Pacific.
Dozens of international destinations are served, among which many cities in the US, like Los Angeles, Seatlle and New York City. Other destinations include Vancouver, Auckland, Fiji, Taiwan, Micronesia, American Samoa, Seoul, Melbourne, Sydney, Manila, and quite a few cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka.

Domestic flights to and from Honolulu include Hawaii (Big Island) Maui, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai. Airlines include Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Island Air, Mesa Airlines and Pacific Air.

By Train

There is currently no rail infrastructure around Honolulu.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Hawaii Superferry provides services between Honolulu and Maui.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

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