The very name “Hawaii” has always made people think of sun-drenched beaches, tropical drinks and beautiful “hulla girls”. But modern Hawaii and more specifically Honolulu has a lot more to offer than that. Tourists are attracted by the sun, surf and sea to have a relaxing holiday perhaps escaping the grip of the northern winter back home. But Honolulu is also an international city with all the visitor attractions, culture, shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment that you would find in much larger cities.
One of the major attractions is the Pearl Harbour Naval Facility which is world famous as the site of the Japanese attack on American soil that sparked the war in the Pacific in 1941. Visitors can tour the USS Arizona memorial which is built on top of the remains of the sunken battleship. The names of the men lost are posted at one end of the memorial. Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting this solemn site. There are many other amazing exhibits such as the USS Missouri, or mighty Mo, and a submarine. Many people who visit Pearl harbour also visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific located in Punchbowl crater, an extinct volcanic crater with the best views of Honolulu and Waikiki.
If you liked the submarine at Pearl Harbour why not go on a real submarine. The Atlantis Submarine Tour takes visitors beneath the waves in a real, modern day submarine to view the coral reefs off shore from Honolulu. This is a very popular tour so make sure you book early. If you don’t fancy going underwater there are plenty of boat cruises to enjoy in this wonderful location.
If you are into more active pursuits perhaps a walk to the top of Diamond Head Crater would suit you. This is best early in the morning before it gets too hot. But whatever time of the day you go the views over Waikiki are spectacular and well worth the effort of the walk. If you are staying in a Waikiki hotel near Diamond Head you can easily walk there.
Another popular attraction with tourists is the Polynesian Cultural Centre. This centre has many exhibits and interesting shows including lunch and dinner shows. The centre covers all Pacific cultures including Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji and the New Zealand Maori. Make sure you book this one as it can sell out quickly.
Waikiki is the beach side district of Honolulu where the tourist hotels and apartment buildings are located. Many hotels are located right on the beach but will naturally be expensive. The Sheraton Waikiki has the prime location in the centre of Waikiki beach. However, there are many excellent Waikiki hotels one or two blocks from the beach at more affordable prices. During the day the beach is the main attraction. The gentle waves and warm, clear water of the north Pacific are perfect for swimming. Waikiki also has many shops, cafes, restaurants and night spots so if you stay in Waikiki you don’t need to leave the area at night.
