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Honolulu is the state capital and the main city of Hawaii. It’s a huge place with a lot going on and is a very Americanized metro area. It is a truly special place to live and work and is a dream vacation location for millions.
Our city was once home to Polynesian tribes as far back as the 11th century. Then, in 1794 Captain William Brown of the royal Navy sailed into Honolulu Harbor to trade, which later became a regular stop for shipping in the region. This began the tradition of trade and supply that kept money coming into the country.
In 1845, the capital of the Hawaiians was moved to Honolulu and the development of the city began. This brought development, building and internal trade to the city as well as strife and change. The traditional monarchy of Hawaii was ousted in 1893, then the US annexed the islands in 1898.
The annexation brought tourism to the island as well as the military. Air travel increased both of these immensely and Hawaii is now a preferred destination for many Americans. Not only is it an ideal place to explore different cultures, it’s also American.
The modern Honolulu is now a very American city, modern, busy, commercial and overcrowded. That said, the quality of life is good here, most people are happy and there is always something good going on. Compared to many other cities, it’s still a dream place to live.
The climate here in Honolulu is moderate tropical, meaning it’s lovely and warm all year round. Summers are long and dry, with winter getting the most rain. Even when it’s raining, it’s only ever cool not cold. If you don’t mind humidity, it’s an idyllic place to call home.
If you fly here, you’re going to land at Honolulu International Airport. It’s our main gateway to the islands and is a busy airport indeed. It’s a few miles from the city center, but the Airport Waikiki Express runs from the airport to major hotels in the city. It’s a fast, cheap way to get to the city.
You can also arrive on the island by ship at the Honolulu Cruise Pier. It’s right beside the Aloha Tower, between Waikiki and the airport. There is currently no rail system in Honolulu, but one is planned. Buses are plentiful though, with the Honolulu TheBus group running over 100 routes around the city.
Travel by car is the most straightforward, but be prepared for delays. Honolulu has been voted the worst in any of the US states for congestion. The city doesn’t follow the traditional grid system either, so be prepared to navigate with a map or ask for directions. The H-1, H-201 and H-3 all pass near or through the city and the Pali Highway, Likelike Highway, Kalanianaole Highway and the Kamehameha Highway are all accessible from here.
As the state capital and largest city in Hawaii, Honolulu is a heady mix of East and West and Pacific cultures. This makes for a colorful, interesting, fascinating, diverse cultural medley that enhances the overall appeal of the city and the island.
If you’re visiting or working in Honolulu, here are some of what we think, are the best things to do while you’re here.
No trip to Oahu would be complete without spending time on Waikiki Beach. The lovely soft sand, the impressive waves and the amazing scenery around makes for an excellent place to relax, enjoy the sea or do some surfing.
The Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial is a sobering reminder of what happened that day. This is a very, very popular tourist spot, so be prepared to queue at peak times, but it is worth every minute. The visitors center is great, the trip to the U.S.S. Arizona is very moving and a trip to the U.S.S. Missouri shouldn’t be missed either.
Sunset Beach is quieter than Waikiki but is very popular with surfers thanks to the nice waves. It’s a good place to sunbathe, sit and watch the surfing or to swim. There are usually lifeguards around if you do want to venture into the water. Well worth a visit.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is another place you simply must visit if you come to Oahu. Set inside an old volcano crater, the cemetery houses the remains of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts we have been involved in. It is well kept, informative and a fitting memorial.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is two buildings for the price of one. They feature the best in local, Asian and international art. There is a wide selection of Hawaiian art as well as pieces from elsewhere, making it a good way to explore the widest range possible within two centers. Just be aware that the two are around 2 miles away from each other.
Diamond Head, or Le’ahi is an old volcanic crater is a hikeable crater that ascends 760 feet that is well worth the effort. Once up top, you get an unmatchable view of Waikiki and the Pacific. It isn’t for the unfit, but it is worth the effort if you can make the climb.
The Ala Moana Center is where shopping is at in Honolulu as far as we’re concerned. It’s an open air plaza full of designer stores, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and galleries. This place is big, so you will need all day and a fat wallet to get the best out of it!
Blu Corporate Housing Honolulu. Hawaii
