'''Honolulu''' [http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/menu/visitors/], on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the center of government, transportation, and commerce for the state, and home to its best known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.
Understand
Honolulu is a thriving city, with beaches that draw crowds from around the world. The name Honolulu means "sheltered bay" or "peace of shelter" in Hawaiian, and its natural harbor catapulted this humble village on the southern shore of the island of Oahu to importance when, in 1809, King Kamehameha I moved his royal court from the island of Hawaii to Oahu. Its ideally located port made Honolulu a perfect stop for merchant ships traveling between North America and Asia.
Eventually, in 1845, Kamehameha III officially moved the kingdom's capital from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu. At the same time, descendants of missionaries who arrived in the early 1800s established their headquarters in Honolulu, making it the center of business. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, annexation by the United States, and an attack by the Japanese on nearby Pearl Harbor, but Honolulu's stature never wavered.
Today, with nearly one million people in its metropolitan area (80% of the state's population), Honolulu is the cultural, industrial, commercial, and governmental center of Hawaii, with Waikiki Beach the epicenter of the tourist industry. It is the most populous census-designated place (CDP) in the U.S. state of Hawaii. This is definitely not the place to go for a "get-away-from-it-all" Hawaiian vacation. It is as fast-paced and dynamic as any city, with all its problems such as heavy traffic, drugs, crime, and homelessness. But Honolulu still has the charm of the Islands' laid-back atmosphere and culture.
Districts
Honolulu extends inland from the southeast shore of Oahu, east of Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, and incorporates many neighborhoods and districts. You'll most often hear people refer to these districts by name -- Waikiki, Manoa, Kahala, Hawaii Kai and so on -- as though they're not part of the same city. Technically, they are. In fact, the municipal government of Honolulu covers the entire island of Oahu, including its outlying suburbs.
This guide focuses on attractions and accommodations located in Honolulu proper; for more information on Oahu's outlying communities, see the Oahu article.
For a closer look at a couple popular destinations:
'''Waikiki'''
'''Downtown'''
'''Makiki'''
Get in
By plane
'''Honolulu International Airport''' ({{IATA|HNL}}), [http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/airports/hnl/index.htm] is the main aviation gateway for the Hawaiian Islands. The main terminal is served by most major American airlines from the mainland U.S., and by many international airlines from other countries around the Pacific Rim. Its Inter-Island Terminal is the home base of '''Hawaiian Airlines''' [http://www.hawaiianair.com/] which offers frequent local service to the other Hawaiian islands. It is quite a walk between terminals, so be sure to take the free Wikiwiki Shuttle that runs every few minutes. It's easy to miss it so be sure to ask somebody where it is.
The '''Airport Waikiki Express''' provides shuttle service to hotels in Waikiki every half hour ($9/$15 one-way/round-trip). City buses #19 and #20 ($2 Adult, no change given, bills and coins accepted) also come to the airport once every half-hour, going through Aala Park downtown and on to to Waikiki. You can catch them on the outside second level of the international and domestic departure terminals.
The best way to get to Waikiki by rental car (where your hotel is most likely to be) is to follow signs for H-1 east, then follow H-1 east about 2 miles to exit 18A (Waikiki/Nimitz Highway). Follow Nimitz Highway (which turns into Ala Moana Boulevard past downtown Honolulu) straight into Waikiki. You will pass through Honolulu's industrial district, along Honolulu Harbor, and past downtown Honolulu and the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
By ship
Cruise ships frequently link Honolulu with the US mainland. These voyages are designed for tourists, and are rarely used as one-way passenger service.
The Hawaii Superferry connects Honolulu with Maui via daily passenger, car and cargo service.
Get around
Navigating
Unlike other cities on the U.S. Mainland, Honolulu is not laid out in a strict compass-point grid. Its street system conforms in large part to the shorelines, valleys, and ridges, with lots of twists and turns. It can be confusing for people used to straight grid systems. However, at the same time, it is not that difficult to navigate in, as long as you are familiar with the major arterials and terminology below.
Because it is difficult to differentiate north and south on an island, directions are normally given in terms of local landmarks. The most common terms that you will run into are '''mauka''' (MOW-kah) meaning "toward the mountain" and '''makai''' (mah-KAI) meaning "toward the sea". In the case of Honolulu, which is located on Oahu's south shore, "mauka" is a rough north, and "makai" roughly south. You will also hear '''Ewa''' (Ee-vah) and '''Diamond Head''' used a lot, in relation to downtown Honolulu, the former roughly means "west" (toward the town of Ewa on the southwest shore of Oahu) and the latter roughly means "east" (toward the famous landmark crater on the southeast shore).
Highway signs, however, will use standard compass directions, so if you are asked to go Ewa-bound on the freeway, look for the on-ramp to H-1 west.
It is a very good idea to invest in a good map of Honolulu before doing extensive driving. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) can request fold-out maps for free from their local office. Rand McNally paper fold-out maps are available in many stores; for more extensive coverage you can also purchase Bryan's Sectional Maps (a popular choice among locals) at most bookstores for about $9.50.
Major arterials
Most major streets in Honolulu run 'Ewa–Diamond Head (as described in the preceding section, roughly east-west). There are two main highways in Honolulu: '''Nimitz Highway''' (Hawaii 92) which runs from Pearl Harbor past Honolulu Airport to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki; and '''Interstate H-1''' which runs mauka (mountain-ward) of downtown.
H-1 is some distance away from Waikiki itself and you need to go onto surface streets to and from Waikiki. If you need to access H-1 west from Waikiki to go someplace outside of the city, there are three main routes:
# Go mauka to Ala Wai Boulevard and follow it 'Ewa-bound to McCully Street. Follow McCully mauka for about 1 mile; it will take you over H-1. At the foot of the bridge, turn left on Dole, then left again onto Alexander to the freeway onramp.
# Follow Kuhio or Kalakaua Avenue Diamond Head-bound to Kapahulu Avenue. Follow Kapahulu mauka for about 1 mile, it will take you under H-1 and lead you to the freeway onramp.
To get back to Waikiki from H-1 east, take either of these routes:
# Take exit 23 (Punahou Street). Turn right on Punahou, and stay in lane #3 from the left. This lane is right-turn only onto the left side of Beretania. Take an immediate left onto Kalakaua Avenue from Beretania. Follow Kalakaua into Waikiki.
# Take exit 25A (King Street). After merging onto King Street, stay to the right. Take the second right onto Kapahulu Avenue (follow signs to Waikiki). Follow Kapahulu into Waikiki.
# Take exit 24A (Punahou Street). Stay straight to merge onto Bingham Street. Turn right onto McCully Street and make a slight left. Follow McCully to Waikiki.
There are also several routes from H-1 to downtown and back. To get to downtown from H-1 east, use one of these routes:
# Take exit 21B (Punchbowl Street). This will take you to the Capitol area.
# Take exit 21A (Pali Highway). Turn right onto Pali Highway, which will curve to the left and become Bishop Street. This will take you to Chinatown.
# Take exit 22 (Kinau Street). Turn right onto Ward Avenue, then turn right onto Beretania Street. This will take you to the Capitol area and Chinatown.
# Take exit 20B (Vineyard Blvd). This will take you to northern downtown.
To get to H-1 west from downtown, use one of these routes:
# Go north on Punchbowl Street (from the Capitol area), which will merge into a ramp at the end of the street. At the fork at the end of the ramp, go left.
# Go north on Alakea Street (from Chinatown), turn left onto Beretania Street, turn right onto Pali Highway, turn left onto School Street, and turn left onto the H-1 ramp.
# Go east on Kinau Street, turn left onto Piikoi Street, turn left onto Lunalilo Street, then turn left onto the H-1 ramp.
# Go west onto Vineyard Blvd, which will become Halona Street after the H-1 overpass. Turn left onto the H-1 ramp.
In central Honolulu, the two main streets are '''King Street''' and '''Beretania Street'''. The two streets are one-way for most of their route; King Street runs from 'Ewa to Diamond Head, and Beretania Street from Diamond Head to 'Ewa. Both streets run through downtown Honolulu. Despite their rough west to east orientation, addresses on these streets are designated North and South respectively; the dividing line between the two is '''Nuuanu Avenue''' in downtown Honolulu, which runs mauka-makai. '''Ala Moana Boulevard''' is a key route leading out of Waikiki to Downtown Honolulu. Past Honolulu Harbor, Ala Moana becomes '''Nimitz Highway''' and runs all the way to the airport and beyond. Tree-lined '''Kapiolani Boulevard''' is another major thoroughfare traversing east-central Honolulu, linking the Waikiki district and points east with downtown Honolulu.
In Waikiki, the three main streets, from makai to mauka, are '''Kalakaua Avenue''' (one way Ewa to Diamond Head, along Waikiki Beach), '''Kuhio Avenue''' (two-way), and '''Ala Wai Boulevard''' (one way Diamond Head to Ewa, along the Ala Wai Canal).
Traffic
Traffic in Honolulu, and on Oahu in general, is a persistent problem. With almost one million people living in a relatively small space, and only a few main routes serving the major populated areas on the island, a single traffic incident has the potential to induce gridlock across the entire island. You are unlikely to encounter a traffic jam of that magnitude, but someone visiting Oahu and traveling during a weekday should be aware of traffic problems. Honolulu traffic during rush hour has been ranked among the worst in the nation.
Normal weekday '''rush hour''' in Honolulu is 6 to 8 a.m. going inbound and 4 to 7 p.m. going outbound. Expect heavy traffic on Interstates H-1 and H-2, Nimitz Highway/Ala Moana Boulevard, and the surface streets in downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. Traffic is less heavy during the summer and over the holidays when the University of Hawaii at Manoa is not in session. All in all though, driving on Oahu is pleasurable once you get off of the Interstates. Having a car on Oahu gives a visitor a chance to visit the whole island in just a few days. Once you get a little ways inland the traffic is not too bad and in the agricutural areas, there is little traffic. Unless you are familiar with this climate, convertible tops should be up when the sun is intense, or you will soon burn to a crisp. Locals will look at you and shake their heads and warn you about this. Heed their advice.
By bus
The local bus service in Honolulu is called, with remarkable succinctness, '''TheBus''' [http://www.thebus.org/]. Fares are $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors(no change given - single dollar bills only - no coins accepted). TheBus runs '''intercity services''' to other parts of Oahu as well. Ask for a free transfer ticket, good for two hours, if you are continuing on another bus. Monthly bus passes are available at 7-Elevens and supermarkets. Monthly bus passes begin on the first of each month and cost $40(all-you-can-ride) regardless of which day of the month you purchase the pass. A $20 4-day Discovery Pass [http://www.thebus.org/Fare/discoverypass.asp], can be purchased at an ABC Store. You scratch off the Month and day of your first use and each subsequent day (up to four total days) and enjoy unlimited rides. You can use the pass to take any bus including the Circle Island route and see the entire island. Yearly bus passes are also available for $400. Most buses in the 500+ fleet are equipped with bike racks that can hold two bikes. Buses are also wheelchair accessible. Larger groups may want to tour the city via charter bus [http://www.tpthawaii.com/charters/index.html].
Buses also have bicycles racks in front that can carry two and sometimes three bicycles.
By taxi
A taxi ride from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki will cost around $30 to $40 plus tip. Taxis are locally regulated, so fares will be the same regardless of the company. Some taxi companies also offer tours around the island of O'ahu.
'''Pony Taxi & Tours''', ''+1 808'' 944-8282, offers metered taxi service exclusively using late-model Lincoln Towncars and Cadillacs. Tour arrangements are available.
By Boat
Also operating from Barbers Point to the Aloha Tower in Honolulu is '''TheBoat''' [http://www.trytheboat.com/]. Fares are $2 one way and is a very cost effective way of seeing the shoreline of Honolulu and surrounding areas. There is a snack shop on board. Transit time is approximately one hour.
By Rail
There is no urban rail transit in Honolulu right now but On November 4, 2008, the residents of Honolulu voted to allow the process of developing the rail project to continue. The trains will be approximately 200 feet (61 m) long, electric, steel wheel to steel rail technology and will capable of carrying more than 300 passengers each.[22][23] The measure passed with 52% of the vote.[24]
See
''Also see ''Oahu'' for details on attractions located outside Honolulu proper.''
Beaches
'''Waikiki Beach'''. Covered in the Waikiki article.
'''Kuhio Beach'''. Calmer section of Waikiki
'''Halona Beach Cove'''. Known as "the Peering Place"
'''Sandy Beach'''.
Military Memorials
'''Battleship Missouri Memorial'''. On Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. See Arizona Memorial below for directions. ''+1 808'' 423-2263, [http://www.ussmissouri.com]. Every day 9AM - 5PM (ticket window closes at 4PM). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. A perfect companion to the USS ''Arizona'' Memorial, this battleship is best known the site where World War II ended when the Japanese military surrendered to the Allied forces. Tickets may be purchased at the nearby U.S.S. Bowfin Museum; visitors board buses to the USS ''Missouri'' itself. No private non-military vehicles can cross the Clarey Bridge to Ford Island without a pass. Adults $16, children under 12 $8.
USS Arizona Memorial. Arizona Memorial Place. rom Waikiki, H-1 west to exit 15A (Arizona Memorial, Stadium), onto Kamehameha Hwy. (Hawaii 99); or Honolulu public transit buses #20 and #42. 08-422-0561 . 08-483-8608 . ttp://www.nps.gov/usar/. aily 7:30AM-5PM; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. ree admission. This memorial, built over the hull of the sunken battleship USS ''Arizona'', commemorates the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which brought the U.S. into World War II. It also serves as the final resting place for many of the 1,177 who died here. Visitors view an interpretive film, then board ferry boats which run from the visitor center to the memorial. Tickets are given out on a first-come-first-served basis and are limited; tickets may run out by noon on busy days. Expect wait times of about one hour.
'''National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific'''. 2177 Puowaina Drive (within Punchbowl Crater mauka of downtown), [http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/nmcp.htm]. Hours- Daily (September 30-March 1) 8:00am-5:30pm, Daily (March 2-September 29) 8:00am-6:30pm. Special Hours on Memorial Day- 7:00am-7:00pm Directions- From Waikiki, H-1 west to exit 21B (Pali Hwy.), then follow signs. The final resting place of over 45,000 Americans who served their country in the military, the crater's rim also provides a panoramic view of Honolulu. The Courts of the Missing, a large marble shrine inscribed with the names of over 28,000 soldiers missing in action in World War II, serves as the centerpiece. Free admission.
Museums and Galleries
'''Bishop Museum'''. 1525 Bernice St. (H-1 west from Waikiki to exit 15B Houghtailing St., right on Houghtailing, then left on Bernice), ''+1 808'' 847-3511, [http://www.bishopmuseum.org]. Everyday, 9AM-5PM. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, the husband of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last direct descendant of Kamehameha I, who founded the Kamehameha Schools, this non-profit institution seeks to "...record, preserve and tell the stories of Hawai`i and the Pacific, inspiring our guests to embrace and experience our natural and cultural world." They have an excellent permanent collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a number of science-based exhibits. The new Science Adventure Center is centered around volcanology, with a large simulated volcano in the center that "erupts" regularly. The museum also features a planetarium. The museum is the leading repository of natural and cultural history in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also maintains one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. The museum's J.L. Gressit Center for Research in Entomology houses some 14 million prepared specimens of insects and related arthropods, including over 16,500 primary types, making it the third largest entomology collection in the United States and the eighth largest in the world. Adults $14.95, seniors (65+) $11.95, children 4-12 $11.95, children under 3 free. Discounts: local residents (ID required).
The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu. 11 Makiki Heights Dr. 08-526-1322 or 866-991-2835. nfo@tchmi.org. ttp://www.tcmhi.org. -Sa 10AM-4PM; Su Noon-4PM. This museum, occupying an old estate overlooking Honolulu, is devoted exclusively to contemporary art. In addition to the galleries, including a permanent installation by David Hockney, visitors are encouraged to spend time outside in the museum's garden area.
'''The Honolulu Academy of Arts'''. Covered in the Downtown article.
'''Iolani Palace'''. Covered in the Downtown article.
'''Mission Houses Museum'''. Covered in the Downtown article.
'''The Workspace'''. 3624 Waialae Ave. Suite #201, [http://www.dempsters.net/workspace.html]. For those looking for contemporary art produced by local artists, the Workspace is a must see.
Scenic
'''Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve'''. 10 miles E of Waikiki off Kalaniana_fole Highway, Route 72, [http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm]. Closed on Tuesdays. During the summer, open other days from 6:00 am to 7:00pm and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month open until 10:00 pm. Hanauma Bay is not a place for beach sports but is instead a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish. It is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you're driving you'll want to get there early in the morning (by 8:00 am) to ensure you get a space as parking is limited. Otherwise, parking may be available again by afternoon as people leave. On the weekends, public buses from Waikiki fill up and will not stop if full; you can get a shuttle package from most Waikiki hotels for about $15, round trip with snorkel gear, not including admission (ask your concierge). Admission $5.00 for adults, Hawaii residents and children under 13 free. Parking $1.00. Snorkel rental available. Plan on 20 additional minutes before entering, as lines may be long, and all new visitors (as well as visitors who have not visited in the past year) are REQUIRED to watch an orientation video. Bring water and food. There is a snack bar, but it's limited and pricey. Also keep an eye on the tides; at low tide you will be swimming right on top of the reef, which is harder and makes it less easy to see.
'''Pali Lookout'''. 6 miles NE of downtown Honolulu on Hawaii 61 (Pali Highway), right at the Pali Lookout exit. Everyday, 7AM-7:45PM Apr. 1 - Labor Day; 7AM-6:45PM Labor Day-Apr. 1. One of the more popular scenic vistas on Oahu and the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, the Pali Lookout provides a panoramic view of Windward Oahu. Also interesting at this site is the Old Pali Road, formerly the highway connecting Windward Oahu to downtown Honolulu. A note of caution: due to its location between two high cliffs, the Pali Lookout is often buffeted by high winds. Admission Free.
'''Diamond Head State Monument'''. Off Diamond Head Road between Makapuu Ave & 18th Ave, across Kapiolani Community College. Daily 6AM-6PM. This ancient volcanic crater is a former US military site, but portions are open to the public. Specifically, there is a hiking trail that winds up the inside of the crater to the summit on the western side of the crater wall, 761 feet above sea level. To reach the trail, you can drive or walk up the road that lead into the crater basin (through a tunnel in the crater wall). There is a park fee of $5 to enter, after which a winding path up the crater wall leading to a World War II-era bunker with a steep staircase of over 100 steps, takes you to the top.
'''Tantalus/Round Top'''. In Makiki Heights on Tantalus and Round Top Drives. From Waikiki, Kalakaua Ave west, right on King St., left on Punahou St., left on Nehoa St, right on Makiki St., left at fork to Makiki Heights Dr, follow Makiki Hts. Dr. to Tantalus Dr. Winding mountain drives take you about 2,000 about sea level to various viewpoints providing panoramic views of the south shore of Oahu. (NOTE: Heavy rains in March 2006 washed out part of the lower portion of Round Top Dr.; this section is closed while the road is being repaired.)
Do
Running
Hawaii's year-round tropical weather provides perfect running weather all year, so bring your running shoes. '''Kapiolani Park''' and '''Ala Moana Regional Park''' are where most joggers in Honolulu congregate; the loop around '''Diamond Head''' is a popular route. Honolulu is also home to one of the world's largest marathons. The '''Honolulu Marathon''' [http://www.honolulumarathon.org], held annually on the second Sunday in December, has become a huge event that attracts from 20,000 - 25,000 runners annually. '''Niketown Honolulu''', 2080 Kalakaua Ave., has group runs on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
Ice Skating
An ice rink is probably the last thing you'd expect to find in a tropical city, but at least it makes for the perfect getaway if the hot climate is too much for you. The '''Ice Palace''' [http://www.icepalacehawaii.com/] (4510 Salt Lake Boulevard, 808-487-9921) offers instruction in figure skating and hockey. The rink is an affiliate of the Ice Skating Institute.
Treasure Hunt
If you're ready to see more of the island and learn its history, '''Ravenchase Adventures''' [http://www.ravenchase.com] offers a unique treasure hunts and adventure races on each of the islands.
Surfing
Great surfing beaches around Ala Moana and Waikiki area. For lessons try '''Girls Who Surf'''[http://www.girlswhosurf.com] (808-772-4583), they cater to men, women, children, visitors, and residents.
Another good place for lessons is '''Learn to surf with the pros!''' They offer three different types of lesson- Group, semi-private, and private to any age group. Call toll-free 1-866-766-6284 [http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/oahu-surf-school.html]
Arts, Concerts, and Nightlife
Searching for entertainment in Honolulu? In addition to the traditional luaus and hula shows, Hawaii has a thriving scene of art, theatre, concerts, clubs, bars, and other events and entertainment. The Honolulu symphony is the oldest US symphony orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains. Honolulu is a center for Hawaiian music. Find a well-maintained list of upcoming shows and weekly events online at '''HNLnow.com''' [http://www.hnlnow.com/events/main.php]. If you're already out and about, you can access a daily digest on your mobile phone at '''m.HNLnow.com''' [http://m.hnlnow.com]
Horseback Riding
Go back in time to the days of the cowboys and enjoy a tour while horesback riding. Enjoy the beautiful views of lush mountain valleys, luscious jungle or spectacular coastlines. Some stables even include transporation from your hotel to the stable. [http://www.tombarefoot.com/oahu/horseback_oahu.html]
Learn
'''University of Hawaii at Manoa''', (public university) the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system.
'''Hawaii Pacific University''' is the largest private university in the state. The downtown Honolulu campus is centered on Fort Street Mall.
'''Learn to surf''', beach boys give private surfing lessons daily at Waikiki Beach. One hour lesson includes dry land and in-the-water instruction. Instructors teach paddling, timing and balance skills. No reservations required, just sign up at the stand on the beach located Diamondhead of Waikiki Police Station.
'''Yoga''' Yoga is very popular on the islands, you will find many places to practice or learn.
'''Meditation''' is also very popular and one with an interest, will find many who teach.
Work
Currently, Hawaii's below-average unemployment rate and high number of service and hospitality industry employers make finding an entry-level job in Honolulu easier than in much of the rest of the US. The State of Hawaii Employment [http://www.hawaii.gov/portal/employment/index.html] has comprehensive information for job seekers. Keep in mind though the higher cost of living in relation to an entry level job's salary compared to many other areas on the mainland.
Buy
Many of the chain grocers provide discount cards to the regulars and will give you one if you request it. It will save you over 20%.
'''International Market Place'''. Covered in the Waikiki article.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. 9-500 Salt lake Blvd. 08-486-6704. pen every W,Sa,Su 6AM-3PM. dmission $1 per buyer, under 12 free. Hawaii's largest swap meet. Bring your hat, sunscreen, and bottled water and plan at least 1/2 day. The swap meet is like a giant outdoor flea market, surrounding Aloha Stadium, and features merchants offering local food items, clothing and Hawaiian souvenirs. You are unlikely to find Hawaiian souvenirs for less money anywhere else. The prices are reasonable, haggling allowed, unique items from local artists and merchants abound. Most places are cash only, but there are a few standalone ATMs on the outskirts of the swap meet.
'''Manoa Marketplace''' located between East Manoa Road and Woodlawn Drive at the 2800 block has about twenty shops including a Safeway grocery store, Long's drugstore, McDonald's restaurant, a bank and Post Office.
Shopping malls
'''Ala Moana Center'''[http://www.alamoanacenter.com/] is the largest shopping mall in Hawaii and the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. Has about 250 stores on four levels, a food court with many different cuisines, and everything from the practical (groceries and medicine) to high-fashion (Chanel, Prada, etc.). For alternative clothing and style check out Hot Topic clothing and accessory shop, you can find almost anything that you might be looking for. The mall's anchor stores are Shirokiya, Sears, Macy's, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
'''Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center'''[http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com] Covered in the Waikiki article.
'''DFS Galleria (Duty Free Shops)'''. Covered in the Waikiki article.
'''Waikiki Shopping Plaza'''. Covered in the Waikiki article.
'''Victoria Ward Centers''',[http://www.victoriaward.com/] located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, is a four-block destination of 120 stores ranging from The Sports Authority and Borders to small one-of-a-kind boutiques, 23 restaurants, a farmers market and 16-screen megaplex and entertainment center. Encompasses Ward Centre, Ward Warehouse, Ward Entertainment Center, Ward Farmers Market, Ward Village Shops and Ward Gateway Center.
'''Aloha Tower Marketplace'''. Covered in the Downtown article.
'''Kahala Mall''', just off H-1 in the Kahala district, this regional mall is known for its more upscale shops. It is anchored by Macy's, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and an 8-plex movie theatre.
'''Koko Marina Shopping Center''' is one of the main shopping centers in East Honolulu, with smaller shops and restaurants and a 10-plex movie theatre.
''For other shopping malls, also see the Buy section under Oahu''.
'''China Town'''. Covered in the Downtown article.
Eat
For general information on the kind of food available in Hawaii, see the ''Eat'' section in the Hawaii article.
Budget/Mid-range
'''Ono Hawaiian Foods''', 726 Kapahulu Ave, ''+1 808'' 737-2275, [http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/9874/index.html]. Easily the best place to get Hawaiian food in the islands -- popular with ''kama'aina'' and the savvy traveler willing to venture beyond the tourist track. Get the combination plate for a sampling of both ''kalua pig'' and ''lau lau'' (with some ''pipikaula,'' ''lomi salmon'' and ''poi'' on the side).
'''Zippy's''', (''various locations in Honolulu and Oahu''), [http://www.zippys.com]. Zippy's is the island equivalent of the 24-hour eatery Denny's; while Denny's has branches here, they are nowhere near as popular with locals as Zippy's. They provide a wide variety of food, including plate lunches at reasonable prices. Most are open 24 hours and as such are very popular late-night spots to hang out. Zippy's signature dish is their chili, which they prepare in many different ways: served over rice, or over a burrito, or over french fries, to name a few.
'''Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.''', on the second floor of the Ala Moana Shopping Center. This is a touristy place centered around the movie ''Forrest Gump''. Decent for seafood, expensive mixed drinks, and good old fashioned American cooking. Although this may sound unappealing, the waiters are friendly and the food is tasty. Worth a visit if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way.
'''Sushi Company''', 1111 McCully St. Owned and operated by a Japanese couple. They offer high grade take-out sushi at budget prices. You can enjoy lunch or dinner here for well under $10.
'''Jimbo''', 1936 S King St Ste 103. Specializing in authentic Japanese udon and soba, freshly made on-site. Parking can be difficult, but there are additional parking spaces behind the building. They don't take reservations.
'''Senor Frogs''' - A restaurant by day and party atmosphere at night. After many years, the Frog has finally received his Green Card and he's coming to America. And he's bringing all the wild times and great food you've come to expect from Senor Frog's.Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 313 Lewer_fs St. and Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
'''Genki Sushi''', (''various locations throughout the island''). Genki Sushi is a Japanese-style eatery, with employees shouting "irrashaimase!" when you enter, which is the Japanese word for "welcome." Very popular with the younger people (15 - 21). The eatery offers many types of sushi.
Splurge
'''Elua''', 1341 Kapiolani Blvd (''ground floor of the Uraku Tower condominium''), ''+1 808'' 955-0552, [http://eluarestaurant.com/]. Lunch M-F 11:30AM-2PM; Dinner F,Sa 5:30PM-10PM, M-Th 6PM-10PM. Two top chefs alternate nights. One has a French style, the other Italian. Reservations recommended.
'''Alan Wong's Restaurant''', 1857 South King St, ''+1 808'' 949-2526, [http://www.alanwongs.com/]. Serving top-notch Pacific-Rim cuisine. Alan Wong's was the only restaurant in Hawaii to be listed in Gourmet magazine's List of Top 50 Restaurants in America (it ranked #8). Reservations recommended. Street or valet parking.
'''Roy's Restaurant''', Hawaii Kai Corporate Plaza, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, ''+1 808'' 396-ROYS.
'''Chef Mavro''', 1969 South King Street. ''+1 808'' 944-4714.
'''Hoku's''', 5000 Kahala Avenue, ''+1 808'' 739-8780.
'''3660 on the Rise''', 3660 Waialae Avenue.
'''Morton's, The Steak House''', Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. ''+1 808'' 949-1300.
'''Aaron's Atop the Ala Moana''', Ala Moana Hotel, 36th Floor, 410 Atkinson Drive, ''+1 808'' 955-4466.
'''Mariposa''', Neiman-Marcus Ala Moana.
Drink
'''Mai Tai Bar''', Ala Moana Shopping Center, Upper Level 4, was voted the best bar in Honolulu in 2002. It is popular among locals, especially on weekends and Wednesday nights. Live local music is played between 4-7PM Monday-Friday, and 1-4PM on the weekends and nightly 9:30PM-12:30AM. Happy Hour 8PM-11PM.
Sleep
Not surprisingly, most hotels in Honolulu are found in Waikiki or its vicinity. Generally Hawaii is most popular when the weather is the worst on the U.S. mainland. High season in Hawaii is mid-December to March (high rates and tight booking), and June to September (high rates but somewhat easier booking). Low season is from spring (April to June) and fall (September to mid-December), when the best bargains are available.
'''Ala Moana Hotel''', 410 Atkinson Drive, Phone: (808) 955-4811, Fax: (808) 944-2974. [http://www.ascendcollection.com/hotel-honolulu__oahu-hawaii-HI022]. This contemporary hotel is close to many of Honolulu's beautiful beaches and attractions.
'''Best Western The Plaza Hotel''', 3253 North Nimitz Highway, [http://www.bestwesternhonolulu.com/]. Located 1/2 mile from the Honolulu Airport and offers rooms and suites in a tropical setting. Features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and lounge and meeting facilities.
''' The Kahala Hotel & Resort''', [http://www.kahalaresort.com]. 5 star hotel in Kahala district.
''' Manoa Valley Inn''', [http://www.manoavalleyinn.com/]. A bed and breakfast located within Manoa. There are no hotels or motels in Manoa, because it is primarily a neighborhood of single-family residences.
'''OHANA Honolulu Airport''', 3401 N. Nimitz Hwy, Phone: (808) 836-0661, Fax: (808) 833-1738. [http://www.ascendcollection.com/hotel-honolulu__oahu-hawaii-HI021]. Located near the Honolulu International Airport Corridor, this Honolulu hotel has something that both business travelers and vacationers can enjoy.
Contact
Stay safe
Although Honolulu is relatively safe as far as violent crime goes, the risk of property crime is much greater. Take particular care when parking vehicles in popular tourist spots, especially Diamond Head and the Halona Blowhole near Sandy Beach; always lock your vehicle; and do not leave ANY valuables in your car. Keep all valubles within sight and within reach at all times. Your car is not a safe place to store anything: Thieves have commonly dismantled locks and broken into vehicles. Use extra caution when visiting less savory parts of town, including the Chinatown district after dark, but during the day you should have no problem.
Get out
Don't spend all your time on Waikiki Beach; the whole island of Oahu, with more secluded beaches, hiking opportunities, and the sight of huge waves in the winter, awaits you. Most of the island's major attractions can be seen in a day trip, or spread out over several days.