The Hawaiian capital city of Honolulu is the main entry point into and largest urban center on the Hawaiian islands. It is a modern, cosmopolitan city with multiple attractions for the tourist. It is also the ideal base of operations for an exploration of the entire island chain.

The main focus for visitors to the city is the Waikiki Beach area; the beach is lovely and family-friendly; and the views are spectacular.

View of Diamond Head from Waikiki

Several of the hotels along the beach offer even better views — this one is from the Honahona Room.

Waikiki and Diamond Head

Surfing is the most popular activity on the island of Oahu so it is no surprise that a prominent statue on Waikiki Beach is to one of the island’s many world champion surfers.

Lee with Duke Kohanamoku

Before the United States acquired the Hawaiian Islands they were a monarchy. The man who conquered and unified the islands became the first King of Hawaii. A statue testifies to his importance in the islands’ history.

King Kamehameha

Across the street from the statue of King Kamehameha is the Iolani Palace, residence of Hawaii’s royalty and the only royal palace in the United States.

Iolani Palace

Just outside the city are several other must-sees. One of these is the location of, perhaps, America’s greatest tragedy, Pearl Harbor, where the Japanese attacked the US fleet by surprise on December 7, 1941. This “Day of Infamy” is commemorated on the USS Arizona Memorial, a symbolic, white structure in the harbor, directly above the American battleship where hundreds of lives were lost during the attack. Oil from the ship still rises to the surface after all these years. A visit to the memorial is an extremely moving experience.

USS Arizona Memorial

Just outside the city are several attractions which should not be missed: Hanauma Bay is a protected cove with coral reef extending right up to the beach allowing visitors to snorkel very close to shore while experiencing the multi-colored wonders of the reef.

Hanauma Bay

For a more tranquil alternative, stop at Byodo-In Temple to contemplate life’s mysteries or simply to pay respect to Buddha.

Byodo-In Temple

The Polynesian Cultural Center combines education and fun as visitors learn about the similarities and differences among South Pacific Island cultures. A stop here can be an all day affair.

Polynesian Cultural Center