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Honolulu International Airport

Country Guide > North America > United States of America > Hawaii

Introduction

When Captain James Cook landed here in the 18th century, Oahu had been untouched by the West. It achieved prominence when the volume of Honolulu’s commercial traffic increased and the US Navy acquired rights to Pearl Harbor. Oahu has four divisions from a tourist’s point of view: Honolulu, the metropolitan centre; Waikiki Beach, 5km (3 miles) from Honolulu’s downtown area; Oahu’s famous North Shore, stretching from Kahuku to Kaena Point; and the Windward Coast, notable for its beaches. The Leeward Coast, on the western side, is more desolate, though in recent years a certain amount of development has taken place and new residential areas, golf courses, parks, a shopping centre and an amusement park (Hawaiian Waterways Adventure Park) have sprung up.
The cultural, commercial and political centre of the island group is the starting point for most visitors. The Waikiki Beach area is a particularly popular resort region of the city, and is currently undergoing a US$300 million rejuvenation programme, including construction of new walkways, traffic calming measures, and picnic and entertainment areas. Some of the older high-rise hotels in the district have been demolished and replaced by new low-rise hotels and public walkways, as part of an extensive redevelopment project, which will encompass nearly 3 hectares (8 acres) of Waikiki land. The first phase, which will create the Waikiki Beach Walk and a low-level retail complex, pedestrian areas, meeting space and entertainment areas around an open-air plaza, was completed in 2005. Some 436 hotel rooms will be lost during phase one alone; phase two, which is slated for commencement in 2006, will spell the end for three of Waikiki’s hotels, to be replaced by a single 890-room venue.
The old harbour area here (known as Aloha Tower Marketplace) is now an attractive and modern waterfront development, and is one of the major attractions in the area, with shopping plazas, restaurants and pavement entertainers. Other attractions include: Kalakaua Avenue, Kilohana Square, the Ala Moana Center and the Kahala Mall (all noted for their shopping); the Honolulu zoo near Kapiolani Park (where the Honolulu Marathon is concluded annually); the National Cemetery of the Pacific, or Punchbowl, a memorial and cemetery for US military veterans; central Honolulu, including Chinatown; the fine collection of Asian art at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; Bishop Museum; the new Hawaii State Art Museum; Iolani Palace and the spectacular Nuuanu Pali. There are also many other parks, plus aquaria, museums and theatres in the city and its environs.
Oahu’s most visited attraction is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial (open daily 0730-1700), the scene of Japan’s surprise attack which brought the USA into World War II. Free tours take visitors by boat to the memorial spanning the wreck of the Battleship Arizona where 1177 men died; the last boat leaves at 1500 and arriving early is recommended.
A variety of excursions is available. At least a day should be allowed for the Circle Island Tour, which takes in the whole of Oahu. Attractions en route include Waimea Falls Park, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Sea Life Park, the Waialua Coffee Visitors’ Center (on a former plantation), the Sacred Birthstones and Sunset Beach.
‘The Big Island’ encompasses over 10,000 sq km (4000 sq miles) and holds more attractions than initially meet the eye. Towns like Kailua-Kona and other resorts lie along the Kohala Coast on the west side of the island. Over on the east coast lies the town of Hilo as well as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, one of the natural wonders of the world. At 4103m (13,677ft), Mauna Loa is the largest single mountain mass in the world, while at 1200m (4000ft), the still-active Kilauea’s steaming vents and frequent eruptions provide an unusual (and safe) spectator sport. The volcano is continuously erupting, and can be seen entering the ocean at sea-level.
Hawaii’s second-largest island is popularly known as ‘The Magic Isle’ and attracts a multitude of tourists every year. Luxury resorts and budget condos abound, but there are isolated spots of raw beauty. Attractions include the town of Wailuku; the more bustling town of Kahului; the Iao Valley; the historic whaling town of Lahaina; Mount Haleakala, a massive volcanic crater whose name translates as ‘The House of the Sun’; the tranquil beauty of Hana on the Eastern Shore; the East Mountain range with its native ecosystem; the waterfalls at Wailua Cove; and Ka’eleku Caverns, which are located beneath the Hana Rainforest, and now open to the public for guided tours.
Once known as ‘The Pineapple Isle’ (pineapples have dominated the plantation economy since the early 1900s), beautiful Lanai now offers two 5-star resorts. Spectacular natural attractions include the dramatic Shipwreck Beach or Kaiolohia with its petroglyph rock carvings and the mystical Garden of the Gods at Kanepu’u. Other attractions include the ruins of Kaunolu Village (a complete archaeological site) and the Munro Trail, which leads to the Hauola Gulch, a truly spectacular view of the neighbouring islands. From November to April, Lanai is the perfect place for whale watching, as humpback whales make the waters around the island their winter breeding and calving grounds.
A 15-minute flight east of Honolulu, Molokai, ‘Hawaiian by Nature’, offers wide open vistas, an easygoing ambience and a lively local community. Attractions include the harbour town of Kaunakakai, with its quaint and colourful shops; Mount Kamakou; the Moaulu Falls; the beautiful Halawa Valley; Molokai Ranch; and Father Damien’s Community at Kalaupapa.
‘Hawaii’s Island of Discovery’ is breathtakingly beautiful (some say it is the most outstanding in the archipelago), with staggering mountains and miles of sandy beaches. Located at the northwestern end of the curve of islands, Kaua’i is small (1400 sq km or 552 sq miles), with a laid-back pace and discreet tourist facilities; ideal for the visitor who does not care for crowded beaches or high-rise hotels. Local attractions include Mount Waialeale; the capital town of Lihue; Waimea Canyon; the tropical rainforest in the centre of the island; the Wailua River; the Fern Grotto; the awesome Na Pali Coast and the nearby temple of Holoholoku Heiau. Hanakapiai Beach is 2 miles inland and there is a stupendous waterfall 2 miles up in the Hanakapiai Valley.