Honolulu: Live the Aloha Spirit

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Honolulu, which means sheltered harbor, is the capital of Hawaii and the nation’s 50th state. It is on the island of Oahu, the most populated and popular of the Hawaiian archipelagoes’ eight islands.

Hawaii is located approximately 2,200 miles from what local residents call ‘the mainland.” Since it is in the subtropics, Honolulu has a mild climate that varies between 65 and 90 degrees throughout the year. Light rainfalls or ‘pineapple showers’ as they are often called, come and go on the island, but for short periods of time. They keep the island’s vegetation lush, the sharp-edged mountains green and the city pollution-free.

The wonderful climate, casual style of dress, endless beaches, lush foliage and turquoise blue ocean all contribute to a laid back island spirit that soothes the soul of natives and tourists alike.

The state’s nickname is ‘the gathering place,’ and it has long been a mecca for travelers, nature lovers, entrepreneurs, students of Asian and Polynesian culture and, of course, surfing enthusiasts who consider ‘hanging ten’ at North Shore a rite of passage.

Honolulu is a cosmopolitan city that provides a colorful and ethnically diverse mix of the old and the new. Tall skyscrapers, luxury hotels and high-end restaurants share space with local food vendors and ‘mom and pop’ flower shops where fragrant Hawaiian leis are still made by hand. There are many museums, galleries, theatres and concert venues that celebrate the artisans and artifacts of the harbor.

The city is surrounded by every kind of community imaginable. Trendy, always lively Waikiki Beach is a stone’s throw away. Student-populated Manoa Valley, the home of the University of Hawaii, is nearby. Family-oriented housing developments are an easy commute away. Condos and apartments dot the beach areas, foothills, mountain enclaves and downtown.

“Aloha” means hello and goodbye, but who could bid farewell forever to this beautiful island paradise?

City Resources

• All About Honolulu
• Newspapers
• Tours & Attractions
• Museums & Galleries

City and County of Honolulu This official government site is filled with facts, figures, directions and guides to the area and its history, economy, government, schools, neighborhoods, visitor destinations and more.

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau Find out about hotels, restaurants, shops, rental cars, events and tourist attractions on all the islands as well as useful information about the climate, what clothes to pack and how to get around.

Oahu Visitors’ Bureau Useful, detailed information pertaining to living, working or visiting Oahu.

Honolulu Advertiser.com Hawaii’s online newspaper covers international, national and local news, island life, sports, business and entertainment and regional employment opportunities.

Honolulu Star Bulletin This daily newspaper provides local, national and international news, classified advertising and features entertainment, sports, business, real estate and tourism.

Oahu Nature Tours Enjoy an organized tour that takes you to see waterfalls, rainforests, birds, plants and famous sites such as Diamond Head Crater and Hanauma Bay, while learning about Oahu's geology, archaeology and history.

Dole Plantation Get lost in the world's largest maze, as featured in the Guinness Book of World Records, take a ride on the Pineapple Express train and learn about the history and importance of pineapple and agriculture in Hawaii.

Dolphin Quest - Oahu Dolphin Quest provides extraordinary face-to-face encounters with dolphins, the beloved symbols of power, grace and beauty.

Alohatopten.com Book a day of snorkeling in some of the world’s most beautiful bays and get a close-up look at island fish such as the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Museum Attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S.S. Arizona now serves as a memorial to all who died in the Pearl Harbor Attack.

Friends of Iolani Palace Take a guided tour of the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, who reigned from 1882 to 1893 and left behind a rich and colorful legacy.

Bishop Museum Visit Hawaii's museum of natural and cultural history, which offers daily activities, planetarium shows, garden tours, live hula and Hawaiian music and more.

Cedar Street Galleries Enjoy viewing or purchasing original fine art in galleries featuring 250 contemporary and historical local artists.

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