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| Hawaii State Flag |
The City of Honolulu
| The city of Honolulu, HI USA |
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| Downtown and Waikiki |
Honolulu is the capital city of the State of Hawaii. It is ranked as the 10th largest US city by land area and population.
It is located in the island of Oahu, where most of the population resides.
Honolulu has two focal points, the historic and business
Downtown Honolulu and the world-famous resort of Waikiki. Once a fishing village called Kou, Honolulu was described in the
1820's as a "mass of brown thatched huts looking like haystacks. In the course of the century, however, it became a vital
port of call for fur traders and whaling vessels visiting Oahu, and in 1866 the novelist Mark Twain connected that every step
in the city revealed a new contrast.
This is no less true today. In a relatively small
and compact area, downtown Honolulu manages to squeeze together towering skyscrapers, Japanese shrines, New England-style
missionary houses, a cathedral, a royal palace, former opium dens, strip joints, and fish markets. This bustling capital has
a strong ethnic mix, and the downtown streets mirror diversity.
Come and experience the diversity of an island paradise where cosmopolitan conveniences
are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Envelop yourself in the Aloha Spirit - a way of life in the islands that will
leave you longing to return to Oahu, the heart of Hawaii. "Hang loose" at the world-famous Waikiki Beach or find your
own secluded stretch of sand. A short drive out of town in any direction will bring you face to face with uncrowded
beaches, natural wonders and beautiful scenery. The island of Oahu welcomes you to paradise found.
Oahu is home
to historic Honolulu, exciting Waikiki, legendary North Shore and much more. Enchanting for naturalists to explore tropical
gardens, lush rainforests and miles of white sandy beaches. Adventurous for outdoor enthusiasts to hike exotic mountain ranges,
kayak in sapphire bays, golf the most challenging courses, and surf at the worlds best beaches. Fascinating for history buffs
to discover Hawaiian heiau, plantation history, and Pearl Harbor. Experience local traditions, learn to make a quilt, string
a lei, surf, eat shave ice and dance hula. Swim with dolphins, snorkel Hanauma Bay and ride outrigger canoes. Oahu is where
the Heart of Hawaii beats the loudest.
| Downtown Waikiki |
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| Beach and Hotels |
The city seems out of place in the middle
of the Pacific Ocean. But, then again, maybe not. Many residents originate from many sea-faring nations, creating an ambiance
that is distinctively island-style.
Honolulu- the word rolls off the tongue like a soft wave breaking off Waikiki. There's no
mystery about this word's origin: hono, a bay, and lulu, meaning protected. It explains why Honolulu has
been the commercial, political, and cultural center of the Hawaiian Islands since the 1800's. Until Pearl Harbor has been
made navigable in the mid 19th century, Honolulu Harbor was the only protected body of water of its size within 2000 miles
of Hawaii.
Less than 15 minute drive from Waikiki,
downtown Honolulu is a walker's delight. A stroll through downtown can consume hours or days with its grid of side streets,
shops and oddball bars. The key to unlocking Honolulu is to treat it not like a city, but like the small gem that it is. Discover
the secrets nice and slow, and relax.
| Honolulu Traffic |
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| Up to 1M registered vehicles... |
eHawaiiGov-Everything you want to know about Hawaii State Government, education, culture, cost of living, etc...
| The Hawaii Visitors Convention Bureau |
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| Click for your official guide to the Islands... |
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