Top city spots in Honolulu, USA

Honolulu is a capital that promises beautiful beaches, inspiring culture, and unique tourist attractions unparalleled across the world. Visitors will find that Honolulu delivers in every aspect and is deservedly recognised as one of the best tourist destinations in America.

Located on the south shores of the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the main gateway for tourists visiting the state of Hawaii. However, this vibrant city is so enthralling that once here, you will be hugely tempted to linger a while and explore the region further. Honolulu is generally considered to have three main districts: Waikiki, Downtown, and Pearl Harbor. Each has its own special attractions and individual landscape that makes them all appealing to visitors. Waikiki is famous for its crescent sandy beach, surfing, and the presence of the Diamond Head crater on its horizon. The highly populated region is also Honolulu's main centre for hotels, shopping, and nightlife - you will discover some of Waikiki's best restaurants and boutiques along Kuhio and KalaKaua Avenues. Downtown lies just to the west of Waikiki. Although a business district liberally peppered with modern skyscrapers, it is also home to many historical landmarks. Here you will find the seat of Hawaii’s government, the governor’s mansion Washington Place, and Honolulu’s City Hall ‘Honolulu Hale’. This is a great area for sightseeing and if on a walking tour make sure you include a visit to the Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I statue, and the Aloha Tower. Pearl Harbor will forever be associated with World War II and the waterside district is host to many tourist attractions that document its place in history. Although still an active naval base Pearl Harbor also accommodates the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This incredible place hosts significant memorials and venues including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, Battleship Row, and Ford Island. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is very informative, free to the public, and often the starting point for tours of the historic harbour. Interesting venues in Honolulu include the Honolulu Museum of Art with its immense Asian Art collection that illustrates the extent that Asian culture has influenced Hawaii. Also don’t miss out on Hawaii's state museum, the Bishop Museum and Planetarium, which holds a fascinating collection of Polynesian arts and artifacts. Permanent exhibits here include a whole floor dedicated to the legendary world of Kai Ākea, where ancient gods exist. Finally, two outdoor attractions that must be experienced during a trip to Honolulu are the Koko Crater Railway Trail and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The former is a memorable climbing trek up old railroad ties, with a rewarding review of Honolulu’s shoreline at the top. The latter is an unbeatable snorkeling experience in a natural bay formed from another historic volcano.