Hawaii: Honolulu Sightseeing

by Tara Blair

As the largest city on the Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu will provide the ideal tropical holiday. The city is the heart of Hawaii’s government, business and transportation. In fact, the city claims an estimated one million residents.

Waikiki Beach

With its history of being one of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach delivers every tropical beach cliché. Travellers will find palm trees, surfers and sun bathers. Guests may feel crowded as the popular site is typically filled with other visitors. However, the enormous space rarely feels claustrophobic. Holiday seekers will also have the chance to take a ride on a catamaran or outrigger canoe to receive a view of the island from the ocean waters.

Less Famous Beaches

Travellers will discover Ala Moana Park is located just west of Waikiki Beach and close to downtown. With a natural grassy area, numerous trees and a sandy beach, Honolulu guests will appreciate the area’s fewer crowds.

When travellers wish to visit the natural history of the city, Hanauma Bay is the ideal destination. The locale is in the crater of an extinct volcano, which now has a sea opening and a large coral reef. This destination will thrill snorkelers and scuba divers with its quiet and fish filled waters. If visitors are uninterested in water activities, the area still offers picture ready landscaping and a fun picnicking location.

Historical Sites

The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most impressive sites to visit. After the great battleship was sunk, the memorial was built over its grave. Near the visitor’s centre is the WWII submarine USS Bowfin. Guests may climb down into the vessel’s living quarters and command centre to see how military personnel survived in the cramped conditions.

Sightseeing

Honolulu offers visitors numerous sightseeing opportunities. At Diamond Head, athletic hikers can journey up the trail to a World War II-era shelter where a staggering view of the island awaits. The climb is intense, and out-of-shape visitors should consider a trip to the hills overlooking Makiki. The destination features the Punchbowl crater, which is a military cemetery that has a panoramic view of Honolulu.

The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is just 6 miles north of the city and is located in the middle of two enormous cliffs. Visitors should be prepared for a windy experience, but the view is incredible and worth the strong winds.

Local Produce

Travellers will find a variety of dining establishments in Honolulu. However, with the high amount of exporting required, food is more costly. A visit to a local produce stand will have guests returning to their hotel rooms with amazingly fresh pineapple, delicious apple bananas and farm grown mangos at affordable prices.

Coffee drinkers should take the opportunity to experience Kona coffee as the hot beverage is flavourful and strong. After a cup of Kona coffee, guests will have plenty of caffeinated energy for a day spent sightseeing.

Honolulu travellers will appreciate the picturesque destination in which they’ve arrived. Furthermore, the friendly locals, sensational coffee and tropical sights will ensure guests receive the trip of a lifetime.

Tara Blair writes for a number of leading websites and online news sources covering business, finance, her holiday experiences and other topics that are close to her heart.