John Paul Berry Jr [email protected] www.bellecruises.com 443-889-5991

HONOLULU, HI

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Visitors to may hear that, because it's 's largest city, it is less "Hawaiian" than the rest of the state. The high-rise office buildings and busy traffic of Honolulu don't match people's romantic ideal of what Hawaii should be—remote, palm-fringed beaches and lavish resorts.

In truth, Honolulu is probably the most Hawaiian part of the state, because it best reflects the reality of today's Hawaii. Honolulu contains a multicultural mix of people, a beautiful landscape of greenery and ocean, and a place where amazing events have unfolded—many of them recounted in the city's historic sites and museums.

All that's exciting about big-city life—theater, opera, museums, shopping, nightclubs, fine dining—is set against Honolulu's backdrop of majestic mountains, lush rain forests and sweeping vistas.

With along one edge of the city, travelers to Honolulu even have a beach resort. Waikiki remains Hawaii's busiest tourist spot and makes a good departure point for exploring recreational possibilities in Honolulu and the rest of . Active travelers can ramble through a rainforest and discover ancient religious shrines, swim with the green sea turtles off Waikiki Beach and surf past Diamond Head.

Other activities include hiking a coastline trail, watching for humpback whales, visiting World War II memorials or playing a round of golf at a variety of public and resort golf courses.

Visitors to Honolulu can choose from the best of both worlds—the city's bustle and the beauty of nature.

Sights—USS Arizona Memorial; Waikiki Beach; Polynesian Cultural Center; National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific; watching the sunset from one of the hotel lounges fronting the ocean.

Museums—Iolani Palace; ; ; Spalding House.

Memorable Meals—The fresh fish specials at Alan Wong's Honolulu; the delectable fusion of flavors in the pho at The Pig and the Lady; afternoon tea at The Veranda.

Late Night—Live jazz at Lewers Lounge; dancing at Rumors nightclub; mingling with local hipsters at the Mai Tai Bar.

Walks—Hiking through rain forest and bamboo groves at the Hawaii Nature Center; climbing to the top of Diamond Head; strolling among the noodle shops and street vendors of Chinatown; hiking the trail at Makapuu Point Lighthouse.

Especially for Kids—Critter Encounter at the Waikiki Aquarium; children's programs at the Hawaii Nature Center; hands-on exhibits at the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center and the Bishop Museum.

Honolulu is on the south shore of Oahu and it dominates the island. The city's government administers all of Oahu, and Honolulu is also the state's capital. Oahu itself is a volcanic mass divided into sections by two separate mountain ranges. Both ranges run northwest to southeast: the Waianae Range on the western side of the island, and the Koolau Range to the east. The Koolau separates the city of Honolulu with its hotel-choked neighborhood of Waikiki from the windward side of the island and the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe. Honolulu's neighborhoods have distinctive identities. The office buildings of are just north of . To the south of downtown is Waikiki, which is bordered to the east by Diamond Head. , to the north of downtown, surrounds the Punchbowl, a crater that is the home of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

The history of Honolulu is really the history of Oahu. The island was an independent fiefdom controlled by a succession of Polynesian chiefs until the 1780s. That's when the ambitious king of , Kahekili, conquered Oahu and killed its chief—his own stepson—in a bid to enlarge his territories.

After Kahekili's death, his sons battled one another for control of the islands. This division made it easier for the now-legendary Kamehameha I to conquer all of the Hawaiian Islands.

With the help of Westerners with firearms, Kamehameha's troops took Oahu in 1795 in a rout that ultimately forced the defenders to flee to the mountains behind Honolulu and over the cliffs at Nuuanu Pali. His court was set up in Waikiki, then moved to Honolulu in 1809.

By the 1840s, Honolulu was a busy port town doing a brisk trade in the sandalwood harvested on the island. Sandalwood later gave way to sugar, and laborers from China, Japan, Portugal and the Philippines were brought in to work the plantations.

After U.S. sugar companies engineered the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, which led to the U.S. annexation of the Hawaiian Islands in 1898, Oahu's Pearl Harbor became the centerpiece of U.S. naval operations in the Pacific. On 7 December 1941, a squadron of some 400 Japanese planes attacked the base, killing more than 2,400 people and marking the entrance of the U.S. into World War II.

With the advent of jet travel in the postwar years, Honolulu became the gateway for millions of paradise-seeking vacationers, and developers began building the towering hotels of Waikiki.

Location

Ships sail into Honolulu Harbor and dock at the cruise ship terminal, which is within walking distance of Chinatown and downtown Honolulu. The landmark Aloha Tower, which has welcomed seaborne visitors for decades, is nearby. Cruise ships dock at Piers 2 and 11.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace, a pretty tile-roofed complex, occupies Piers 5-11. A tourist information booth is there, as well as shops and restaurants. The tower's 10th-floor observation deck offers spectacular ocean and mountain views from 9 am-5 pm daily.

Most cruise lines provide transportation between the airport and the port for passengers who begin or end their cruise in Honolulu. You can also arrange your own transportation to the terminal.

A variety of worthwhile shore tours and other activities are available. Several tour companies offer bus excursions around the island that take you to some of Oahu's most scenic and interesting areas, such as Diamond Head, , the Halona Blowhole and Pali Lookout. There are also tours that visit single destinations such as Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Getting right back on another boat may not appeal to some landlubbers, but many enjoyable offshore excursions are available, from sunset sails off Waikiki (often with drinks included) to full-blown dinner cruises with a show. Consider a whale-watching trip when Hawaii's beloved humpback whales are nearby (December-May).

Do-it-yourselfers may want to stretch their legs with a walking tour of either Chinatown (practically across the street from Honolulu Harbor), with its neighborhood of art galleries and restaurants, or the adjacent downtown area, taking in Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha's statue and the .

Check with your travel advisor for additional information. If your cruise begins or ends in Honolulu, investigate cruise-hotel packages: Most ships offer them for passengers who want to spend an extra day or two in the city. Most cruise lines also offer Oahu tours for disembarking passengers whose planes depart late in the afternoon from Honolulu.

Free local print guides abound—check in any major shopping area for a display with maps, shopping guides, dining guides and discounts. The mini-maps at the back of the brochures are up to date, detailed and perfect to tuck in a purse or pocket on a day trip.

Potpourri

The was the Western White House for U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Poet and writer Robert Louis Stevenson lived in Hawaii for some time and was befriended by King David Kalakaua and the Princess Victoria Kaiulani. Their Scottish heritage was their common bond.

Hawaii's federal roads are referred to as interstates, although technically they are intrastate arteries built to connect its military bases.

Iolani Palace had electricity and telephone service before the White House. An average of 5,000 guests per day and 1.8 million guests annually visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.

Honolulu's performs more than 300 times a year at various state, city and military functions. Started by King David Kalakaua, it is the only band in the U.S. with a royal legacy.

In Hawaii, May 1 is Lei Day. In Honolulu, it's celebrated with a lei-making contest and all-day festival in .

Mark Twain once called Hawaii the "loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean."

SEE & DO

Sightseeing

The best way to see Honolulu is to first decide what most interests you and then group your choices according to their physical location. You might spend a morning exploring Chinatown, stop for lunch at one of the many excellent Asian restaurants there, and relax on the beach at Ala Moana or Waikiki in the late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense.

Or you might plan tours of Iolani Palace and the Mission Houses Museum, eat a picnic lunch on the Palace grounds and spend the afternoon trekking on one of the Hawaii Nature Center's short rain-forest trails.

Whatever you decide to do, remember not to rush. Outside the city, Oahu is a laid-back island, so relax and take things slowly. If you're driving, make sure to allow extra time to navigate the highway system during the rush hours of 7-9 am and 3-6 pm during the week. It can easily take an hour to get from Honolulu to the airport during those busy times.

Historic Sites

Aloha Tower 1 Aloha Tower Drive Before the days of air travel, this historic 10-story building welcomed Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 visitors arriving by sea. Today it is dwarfed by nearby Honolulu office buildings, but it's still worth an elevator ride to the observation deck for a Phone: 808-544-1453 panoramic view of the expansive harbor on one side and the city on the http://www.alohatower.com other. Cruise ships stopping in Honolulu still dock near the tower, which is surrounded by tourist shops and restaurants. The elevator runs daily 9:30 am-5 pm. Free. 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu. Phone 808-544- 1453. http://www.alohatower.com.

Diamond Head Diamond Head Road between Makapu'u In the early 1800s, British sailors found calcite crystals in the rocks on Avenue and 18th Avenue the slopes of this extinct volcanic crater. Thinking the crystals were diamonds, the sailors named the crater Diamond Head. Today, the Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 crater is a state monument. Enter through a tunnel in the crater wall and Phone: 808-587-0300 you'll find a visitor information booth, exhibits on the crater floor and a http://www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/diamond- trail to the summit, where you get a spectacular panorama of Oahu's south shore. If you're relatively fit, take the 1.5-mi/2.5-km (round-trip) head-summit-trail hike to the top. Much of the trail is steep and on uneven terrain, so take your time, exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. You'll have to climb 273 steps and navigate a lengthy but lighted tunnel and there is an option to take a narrow spiral staircase through several levels of an old military bunker. You can avoid some of the steps and the bunker by opting for an alternate route at the end of the tunnel. There is little shade, so consider an early hike. Wear sturdy shoes, obey all safety warnings and take water, preferably in a reusable bottle. There are no trash cans or picnic facilities along the way. Allow about two hours for the hike, or longer if you feel like lingering at the top. Daily 6 am-6 pm. US$1 per person if arriving on foot or US$5 per car, more for large vans and buses. Diamond Head Road between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue (between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue), Honolulu. Phone 808-587-0300. http://www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/diamond-head-summit-trail. Hawaii State Capitol 415 S. Beretania St. Standing on the mosaic at the center of Honolulu's Capitol building and looking up to a blue patch of sky might give you the impression that you Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 are inside the throat of a volcano. That was the architect's intention, at Phone: 808-586-0178 least. The legislative chambers are shaped like volcanic cinder cones, https://governor.hawaii.gov/hawaii-state- and reflecting pools around the building are meant to suggest an island capitol-tours washed by a tranquil sea. Also on the Capitol grounds are statues of Queen Liliuokalani—Hawaii's last queen—and Saint Damien, the Belgian priest who contracted leprosy and died while caring for those with the disease on the island of . The Capitol is across from Iolani Palace, its political predecessor. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-3:30 pm. Free. Tours are by appointment or self-guided. 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu. Phone 808-586-0178. https://governor.hawaii.gov/hawaii- state-capitol-tours.

Iolani Palace 364 S. King St. Perhaps best recognized as detective Steve McGarrett's headquarters in the long-running TV show Hawaii 5-0, Iolani Palace has gone through Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-2900 several reincarnations since it was built by King David Kalakaua as a Phone: 808-538-1471. royal residence in 1882. When Hawaii's last queen, Liliuokalani, was http://www.iolanipalace.org deposed and the monarchy overthrown in 1893, a room in the palace temporarily functioned as her prison cell. The building was converted to the territorial seat of government and became the state's first Capitol in 1959. Finally, it was painstakingly restored and opened to the public as a museum. Visitors can take the grand tour, which includes a memorable 45-minute, docent-guided excursion of this elegant palace, or a self-guided stroll through the palace's basement galleries, which showcase the restored kitchen, chamberlain's office, and Hawaiian crown jewels and regalia. Free Royal Hawaiian Band concerts are held on the spacious lawn most Fridays at noon, weather permitting. Guided tours, which require advance booking online, are Tuesday-Thursday 9- 10 am, Friday and Saturday 9-11:15 am; audioguides available Monday 9 am-4 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 am-4 pm, Friday and Saturday noon-4 pm. Basement gallery exhibits Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm. US$21.75 adults for a guided tour; US$14.75 for audioguide. Basement gallery US$7. 364 S. King St. (at Richards Street), Honolulu. Phone 808- 538-1471. http://www.iolanipalace.org.

Kawaiahao Church 957 Punchbowl St. Portraits of Hawaii's kings and queens grace the interior of this historic Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 church, which was built in the 1830s by Hawaii's first missionaries. It has been the site of royal coronations, funerals and weddings, and to this Phone: 808-469-3000 day it's unusual to pass by the coral-block house of worship without http://kawaiahao.org seeing newlyweds being photographed in the garden or a chauffeured limousine waiting in the courtyard. Services always include at least one Hawaiian song and the Lord's Prayer recited in Hawaiian by the congregation. Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm. There are no guided tours, but you can look around on your own. Traditional services in English and Hawaiian are presented each Sunday at 9 am. Contemporary services are from 6-8 pm on Friday. Free. 957 Punchbowl St. (at King Street), Honolulu. Phone 808-469-3000. http://kawaiahao.org.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 2177 Puowaina Drive Hidden inside Punchbowl Crater in the heart of Honolulu, this memorial Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-1729 has long been rated among the top visitor attractions on the islands. It is the resting place of more than 50,000 U.S. war dead. The memorial also Phone: 808-532-3720 offers a panoramic view of Oahu's leeward coast. Above the cemetery is http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmcp.asp an enormous, easy-to-walk-to platform with even better views—a great alternative for those who don't have the time or ability to hike Diamond Head. Daily 8 am-6 pm. Free. 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu. Phone 808-532-3720. http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmcp.asp.

Nuuanu Pali Lookout Off Pali Highway This windy precipice high above Honolulu in the Koolau Mountains has a Honolulu, Hawaii violent place in Hawaii's history. It was there that Kamehameha I, in his successful bid to unify the islands under one rule, finally conquered his Phone: 808-587-0300 rivals by driving their armies over the 1,000-ft/310-m cliffs to their deaths http://www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/nuuanu- on the valley floor below. Today the lookout offers a breathtaking view of pali-state-wayside the island's windward side. Before the Pali Tunnel was built through the mountains, travelers from Honolulu to Kaneohe and Kailua had to navigate a steep and treacherous road that passed through this spot. You can still walk down part of that old road, which emerges near the lookout platform. The area is known for its strong winds, so be sure to take a light jacket. Daily during daylight hours. US$3 per car. Off Pali Highway, Honolulu. Phone 808-587-0300. http://www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/nuuanu-pali-state-wayside.

Queen Emma Summer Palace 2913 Pali Highway Resembling a southern plantation mansion, the summer palace is located in a secluded hilltop glade overlooking Honolulu. During the mid- Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 1800s, it was a refuge for Queen Emma and her family when they Phone: 808-595-3167 wanted to escape from the stress of court life and the dust and heat of http://daughtersofhawaii.org/2017/05/01/queen- central Honolulu. Muumuu-attired guides will show you a beautiful emma-summer-palace sideboard that was a wedding gift from Queen Victoria, as well as examples of koa furniture and handmade quilts of the period. The gift shop carries an intriguing selection of handcrafted items and Hawaiian books. Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, Sunday 10 am-3 pm. US$10 adults. 2913 Pali Highway, Honolulu. Phone 808-595-3167. http://daughtersofhawaii.org/2017/05/01/queen-emma-summer-palace.

Shangri La 4055 Papu Circle One of Hawaii's legendary estates, Shangri La was built in the late Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 1930s by wealthy heiress and arts patron Doris Duke. Open to public tours, Shangri La offers the chance to see a one-of-a-kind house in an Phone: 808-734-1941 absolutely stunning oceanfront setting. Duke's interest in Islamic culture http://www.shangrilahawaii.org is the basis of Shangri La's design and decor, and the house is adorned with her extensive collection of art from the Muslim world. In fact, the tours of the home have been designed to appeal to those with a serious interest in its artwork, with the purpose of improving understanding of Islamic culture. Tours leave from the Honolulu Museum of Art and begin with a viewing of the museum's exhibition of Islamic art before proceeding to Shangri La. It is a good idea to plan your tour to allow lunch in the delightful courtyard cafe of the museum; reservations required (phone 808-532-8734). Tours take place Wednesday-Saturday at 9 and 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm. Reservations required, sometimes months in advance. US$25. The tour is unsuitable for children younger than 12. Call for parking information. 4055 Papu Circle, Honolulu. Phone 808-734-1941. http://www.shangrilahawaii.org.

USS Arizona Memorial 1 Arizona Memorial Place During the bombing of Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, more than 1,000 men were entombed when the USS Arizona sank near Ford Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 Island. Today, weather permitting, a Navy launch takes you to the Phone: 808-422-3300 brilliant white memorial that spans the still-visible sunken ship. Onshore, http://www.nps.gov/usar the Road to War Museum details the events that led up to that fateful day, and the Attack Museum tells the story through video interviews with survivors, a 20-minute documentary film and many photographs and artifacts. Many visitors take lei to place at the base of a memorial marble wall engraved tightly with the names of all the men who died there. Appropriate dress (no bathing suits or bare feet) is required, and lines for the free tour are long. Plan to arrive at 7 am for the free tickets, or make a reservation at http://www.recreation.gov. Security is tight—only cameras and video recorders are allowed. Purses, bags, backpacks and fanny packs are prohibited. Lockers are available for a fee. Tours daily 7:30 am-1 pm, visitors center hours 7 am-4:30 pm. Free. Self-guided audio tours are available for US$7.50. 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu. Phone 808-422-3300. http://www.nps.gov/usar.

USS Bowfin 11 Arizona Memorial Drive Go below deck on this WWII fleet attack submarine that was involved in active service in the South Pacific between 1943 and 1945. An excellent Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 audio tour includes detailed insights into life onboard as told by some of Phone: 808-423-1341 the men who served on the ship. The Submarine Museum and Park http://www.bowfin.org charts the history of submarines in the Navy with many hands-on exhibits. Daily 7 am-5 pm, last admission to the submarine is at 4:30 pm. Submarine and museum with free audio guide US$15 adults; museum only US$6 adults. 11 Arizona Memorial Drive (Enter through the USS Arizona Memorial visitors center), Honolulu. Phone 808-423- 1341. http://www.bowfin.org.

USS Missouri 63 Cowpens St. The USS Missouri ("Mighty Mo") was the site of Japan's surrender to Honolulu, Hawaii 96818-3145 Gen. Douglas MacArthur at the end of World War II. Many parts of the historic battleship are open for public viewing, including the crew's living Phone: 808-455-1600 and dining quarters and the Combat Engagement Center. You can also http://www.ussmissouri.org get a good look at the ship's 16-in/40-cm guns. (They can fire a 2,000- lb/907-kg shell more than 25 mi/40 km.) The vessel recently completed an extensive US$18 million dry-dock maintenance and preservation project. Combination passes that include the Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum are also available. Daily 8 am-4 pm. US$29.99 adults. 63 Cowpens St. (ticket office is at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center), Honolulu. Phone 808-455-1600. Toll-free 877-644-4896. http://www.ussmissouri.org.

Washington Place 320 S. Beretania St. Named in honor of the first president of the U.S., Washington Place was built in 1846 and is a National Historic Landmark. Queen Liliuokalani Honolulu, Hawaii made her home there after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in Phone: 808-586-0248 1893 until her death in 1917. For decades, Washington Place was the http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/oahu/attractions/washington- residence of Hawaii's governor, and now serves as a public museum place.htm focusing on Hawaii's history. Located across the street from the State Capitol, it is worth a visit. Guided tours can be arranged if you call at least 48 hours in advance. Free, but donations to the museum are welcome. 320 S. Beretania St., Honolulu. Phone 808-586-0248. http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/oahu/attractions/washington-place.htm.

Bishop Museum 1525 Bernice St. The state museum of natural and cultural history is an essential stop on any itinerary and a great place to take the kids. Constructed in 1889 as Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 a repository for royal possessions, the museum also houses the world's Phone: 808-847-3511 largest collection of Pacific-region artifacts—intricate feather capes, an http://www.bishopmuseum.org authentic, well-preserved grass hut and changing craft displays. Gallery tours take place regularly. It also features national touring exhibits, a planetarium, an interactive Science Adventure Center where a - making tank simulates mini-tsunamis, and a two-story-high model volcano erupts three to four times an hour. Daily 9 am-5 pm. US$24.95 adults. 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu. Phone 808-847-3511. http://www.bishopmuseum.org.

Hawaii Children's Discovery Center 111 Ohe St. Parents will find the interactive exhibits at this museum a great alternative when the children develop beach fatigue. Youngsters can Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 learn about the human body or play in a simulated community complete Phone: 808-524-5437 with a child-sized fire station, grocery store and even a court of law. http://www.discoverycenterhawaii.org There's more role-playing upstairs, where each of Hawaii's various ethnic groups is celebrated with an example of a home from their mother country. Tuesday-Friday 9 am-1 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-3 pm. US$12 adults. 111 Ohe St. (off Ala Moana Boulevard and just inland from the Kakaako Waterfront Park), Honolulu. Phone 808-524- 5437. http://www.discoverycenterhawaii.org.

Hawaii State Art Museum 250 S. Hotel St. This facility is the showcase for works from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. It focuses on Hawaiian artists, exhibiting pieces Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 that were created as early as the 1940s. The museum is housed in a Phone: 808-586-0900 charming 1928 Spanish revival style building, formerly the Armed http://sfca.hawaii.gov Forces YMCA. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Free. 250 S. Hotel St., No. 1 Capitol District Building, Second Floor (just northwest of the state capitol), Honolulu. Phone 808-586-0900. http://sfca.hawaii.gov.

Honolulu Museum of Art 900 S. Beretania St. This museum houses one of the finest collections of Asian art in the world, but that's certainly not all there is to see. The Arts of the Islamic Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 World Gallery serves as the orientation center for tours of Doris Duke's Phone: 808-532-8700 home, Shangri La. Other museum highlights include works from the http://www.honolulumuseum.org U.S., Europe and the Italian Renaissance. Be sure to visit the Luce Pavilion, where you'll find three galleries, including one featuring paintings, photographs, sculpture and decorative arts from the museum's permanent collection of . Special exhibits are also part of the museum's offerings, and its theater presents intriguing films, lectures and performances. Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm. US$20 adults. 900 S. Beretania St. (between Waikiki and downtown), Honolulu. Phone 808-532-8700. http://www.honolulumuseum.org.

Mission Houses Museum 553 S. King St. What was life like for the first New England missionaries in Honolulu? You can find out at the Mission Houses Museum—a collection of original Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 dwellings, including the two oldest houses in Hawaii. One of them is a Phone: 808-447-3910 white-frame house that was built in New England and shipped around http://www.missionhouses.org Cape Horn. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Guided tours 11 am-3 pm on the hour. US$10 adults. 553 S. King St., Honolulu. Phone 808-447- 3910. http://www.missionhouses.org.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor 319 Lexington Blvd., Hangars 37 and 79, This museum offers a variety of exhibits and aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle that protected the skies above the Ford Island islands for 16 years. Visitors to the museum can see the Attack Wall Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 showing the intricate choreography of the Japanese Imperial Navy Phone: 808-441-1000 attack on 7 December 1941. There's also an aircraft engine design http://www.pacificaviationmuseum.org exhibit, another bombing display, a 1940s aircraft restoration shop, an Aviator's Tour and a combat flight simulator. Daily 9 am-5 pm. US$25 adults. 319 Lexington Blvd., Hangars 37 and 79, Ford Island, Honolulu. Phone 808-441-1000. http://www.pacificaviationmuseum.org.

Spalding House 2411 Makiki Heights Drive A pleasant drive through Makiki Heights leads to Spalding House, which was once a private home and is now part of the Honolulu Museum of Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 Art. The exhibitions are housed in sleek galleries, and there is also an Phone: 808-526-1322 outdoor sculpture garden. The museum, overlooking Honolulu, is http://www.honolulumuseum.org/11981- surrounded by sloping lawns and manicured Asian inspired landscaping. spalding_house The cafe there offers wonderful food, and it has become a lunchtime destination. Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-4 pm. US$20 adults. 2411 Makiki Heights Drive, Makiki Heights, Honolulu. Phone 808-526-1322. http://www.honolulumuseum.org/11981-spalding_house.

Atlantis Submarines 252 Paoa Place This sub ride takes you more than 100 ft/30.5 m down on an ecotour of Waikiki's underwater artificial reefs. Among the remains of two sunken Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 ships, downed aircraft and a number of concrete pyramids that have Phone: 808-973-9800 been designed to rejuvenate Waikiki's fish population, you'll see Moorish http://www.atlantisadventures.com idols, jacks, butterflyfish, goatfish, pufferfish, parrotfish, turtles and perhaps even a shark or two. A narrator explains how the sub works along with the history and ecological importance of the area. There are two subs, but for a big-window viewing experience, opt for the premium ride on the world's largest passenger submarine. Daily 7:30 am-6 pm. US$99 adults. 252 Paoa Place (check in at Pier 6 near Aloha Tower Marketplace), Honolulu. Phone 808-973-9800. Toll-free 800-381-0237. http://www.atlantisadventures.com.

Hanauma Bay State Park 7455 Kalanianaole Highway This is Oahu's most famous snorkeling site. The sheltered emerald cove offers the opportunity to see many colorful—and surprisingly friendly— Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 tropical fish. The bay's focus is shifting from recreation to conservation, Phone: 808-396-4229 however, with its Marine Education Center, which is designed to educate http://www.hanaumabaystatepark.com visitors about the bay and its ecosystem. All visitors must watch a short orientation video on reef etiquette to reduce damage of human contact on the reef and its denizens. The education center also houses a variety of marine-life exhibits, eye-catching murals and sculptures. A tram shuttles visitors between the bay and the parking lot. It's a popular spot and parking is limited, so plan to arrive by 7 am—visitors are turned away when the parking lot is full. You can also catch TheBus. Wednesday-Monday 6 am-7 pm. US$7.50 per person. 7455 Kalanianaole Highway (about 15 mi/24 km east of downtown, off the coastal road), Honolulu. Phone 808-396-4229. http://www.hanaumabaystatepark.com.

Waimea Valley 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, North This 1,800-acre/730-hectare historical nature park on the North Shore of Oahu has a renowned waterfall and gardens featuring some of the Shore rarest plant life in the world, as well as dozens of species of birds. There Honolulu, Hawaii 96712 are a number of beautiful trails through the botanical gardens. Family- Phone: 808-638-7766 friendly activities include crafts, music and storytelling with island kupuna http://www.waimeavalley.net (elders), a history walk, native plant walk, Hawaiian games and demonstrations. Take your bathing suit and towel for a chance to swim under the waterfall if rainfall conditions allow. Daily 9 am-5 pm. US$16 adults. 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, North Shore (take H-1 Highway West, to H-2 Highway North then transfer to Kamehameha Highway and drive about halfway up the North Shore), Honolulu. Phone 808-638- 7766. http://www.waimeavalley.net.

Chinatown Chinatown Morning is the best time to visit this colorful community. The sidewalks are bustling with people shopping for their daily meat and produce or Honolulu, Hawaii inspecting the vendors' incense sticks, green tea and Chinese candies. Phone: 808-521-2749 Flowers are everywhere—this is where most of Honolulu's lei stands are located. You'll also find trendy art galleries, herb shops, acupuncture practitioners, noodle shops and the venerable Hawaii Theatre, a beaux- arts performance hall built in 1922. Some of the city's best Chinese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese restaurants are in the neighborhood, too. Efforts have been made to clean up the area, making it safer for visitors, but exercise caution and avoid walking around at night. Chinatown (bordered by Nuuanu and Nimitz avenues, and Beretania and River streets), Honolulu. Phone 808-521-2749 (Heritage Center) or 808-533- 3181 (Chamber of Commerce). Kaimuki Honolulu, Hawaii This little area wedged between Kahala, Diamond Head, Kapahulu and 808-841-6442 has experienced an economic revival with its array of Phone: restaurants and stores. There's a paintball gallery, yoga and dance https://www.facebook.com/kaimuki- studios, stores that sell bikinis, anime, beads and locally made products, hawaii-275005059851 and beauty salons, most bordering a municipal parking lot with metered parking. Restaurants cover the spectrum of ethnic cuisine offerings. Monday-Saturday 9-11 am. Free. Phone 808-841-6442. https://www.facebook.com/kaimuki-hawaii-275005059851.

Kaka'ako 691 Auahi St. Anchored by SALT at Our Kakaako, this area is becoming the favorite hangout for hipsters and millennials. Named after the former salt flats Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 that dotted the area, SALT is an 85,000 sq ft/7,897 sq m curated space http://www.saltatkakaako.com that features casual dining, coffee shops, retail and mixed-use small businesses with an artistic flair.

Manoa Valley Honolulu, Hawaii At the head of lush Manoa Valley is the University of Hawaii's main campus, a bustling institution constantly humming with the activities of students and visitors. But in a matter of one residential block, Manoa Valley becomes a quiet sanctuary. Stately homes and quiet neighborhoods carpet the valley to the foot of the Koolau Mountains. Manoa Valley is known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, the peaceful Chinese cemetery in the back, and a little commercial district that caters to nearby residents as much as to the passing traveler. Manoa Valley Theatre is as off-Broadway as you might get, but the productions— whether local works or something timeless—are a top-notch experience.

Waikiki Honolulu, Hawaii Skip any offers for an organized tour—the best way to explore the famous beachfront neighborhood is on foot or aboard the Waikiki http://www.waikikihistorictrail.org Trolley. What you'll see are more tourists per square foot/meter than almost anywhere else on earth. (We're not kidding.) Oh, the scenery is lovely, too. But it's the people who set this legendary 2-mi/3-km stretch of coastline apart. They fill 50,000 hotel rooms, pack the street corners, crowd restaurants and cover the beach with fluffy white hotel towels. They are Japanese couples honeymooning, Korean executives combining business and pleasure, Californians seeking the next wave, New Yorkers chasing the sun, and myriad Texans, Germans, Canadians and Chinese. Solitude is not to be found there—except behind closed doors. You may want to follow the Waikiki Historic Trail, which is designated by bronze, -shaped markers that trace the history and culture of what was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Trail information and a map can be downloaded from the Waikiki Historic Trail website. http://www.waikikihistorictrail.org.

Foster Botanical Garden 180 N. Vineyard Blvd. Bordered on one side by Honolulu's H-1 Freeway, this botanical oasis in Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 the heart of Honolulu is packed with more than 4,000 species of tropical flora, including a wild orchid garden and hybrid orchid display. The Phone: 808-522-7066 town's photographers frequently go there to record weddings and take http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg.html family portraits. Daily 9 am-4 pm. A guided tour is offered every day at 10:30 am. US$5 adults. 180 N. Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu. Phone 808- 522-7066. http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg.html.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden 7491 Kokonani St. Part of the Honolulu Botanical Garden, this garden inside a volcanic cinder cone is a fragrant wonderland planted with 200 varieties of Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 plumeria, a cactus garden, and unusual flora from Madagascar and Phone: 808-522-7060 other parts of Africa. It is opposite Sandy Beach, the island's premier https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr- bodysurfing spot. Daily sunrise to sunset. Free. 7491 Kokonani St. (off menu/site-dpr-sitearticles/572-koko- Kalanianaole Highway on the eastern side of the island), Honolulu. Phone 808-522-7060. https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr-menu/site-dpr- crater-botanical-garden.html sitearticles/572-koko-crater-botanical-garden.html.

Honolulu Zoo 151 Kapahulu Ave. Located near Diamond Head in Kapiolani Park, the 40-acre/17-hectare is home to more than 900 animals from the tropics. Many Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 are housed in open-air enclosures, and the spacious African Savanna Phone: 808-971-7171 offers a you-are-there experience. Some highlights include African wild http://www.honoluluzoo.org dogs, golden lion tamarin monkeys, Komodo dragons and the indigenous Hawaiian nene bird. The best time to go is in the morning, when the zoo's inhabitants are awake and lively. Ask about the zoo's twilight tour and the "Snooze in the Zoo" camping experience. Daily 9 am-4:30 pm. US$14 adults. 151 Kapahulu Ave. (off Kalakaua), Honolulu. Phone 808-971-7171. http://www.honoluluzoo.org.

Waikiki Aquarium 2777 Kalakaua Ave. It may be small compared to its U.S.-mainland counterparts, but the award-winning Waikiki Aquarium, established in 1904, is admired by the Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 creators of other aquariums worldwide for its innovative and captivating Phone: 808-923-9741 exhibits. Inside the cavelike corridors, you'll find the chambered nautilus, http://www.waikikiaquarium.org which normally lives at depths of up to 1,000 ft/300 m; a whip-tailed zebra shark; giant clams; and a host of brightly colored Pacific fish that flit in and out of living coral beds. Endangered Hawaiian monk seals inhabit an outdoor exhibit. The aquarium also offers guided reef explorations, behind-the-scenes tours, an aquarium-after-dark event and other educational excursions. These fill up fast, so it's best to book at least a month in advance. Daily 9 am-4:30 pm. US$12 adults. 2777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-923-9741. http://www.waikikiaquarium.org.

Recreation

Beach and water activities are Honolulu's biggest recreational draws. If you want to enjoy the sand without venturing away from the city, head for Kuhio Beach at Waikiki or the beach park at Ala Moana. If you have time to make a longer trip, there are many more beaches to choose from around the island, most of which are excellent and surprisingly uncrowded. To check current wave conditions, download the free Hawaii Beach Safety app which shows real-time hazard levels both nearshore and offshore at 33 Oahu beaches, with recommendations for activities and a list of amenities for each one.

Beginning surfers can take a lesson at Waikiki. The coastal waters are also great for various boating options, including Jet-Skiing, parasailing, , waterskiing, kayaking, sailing and fishing. Back on dry land, the Hawaii Nature Center offers some good hiking routes, and golf courses abound.

Beaches

Ala Moana Beach Park 1201 Ala Moana Blvd. Much more spacious than Prince Kuhio Beach in Waikiki, this stretch of Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 sand and lawns across from is a great choice for sampling the sun and waves right in Honolulu. It's a favorite of local http://www.honolulu.gov/parks residents, so it can get crowded with beachgoers and families who picnic there on weekends and during the summer months. 1201 Ala Moana Blvd. (between Honolulu Harbor and Waikiki), Honolulu. http://www.honolulu.gov/parks.

Kuhio Beach Kalakaua Avenue This is the beach most people associate with Waikiki. Amenities include covered park benches and tables, food and curio vendors along the Honolulu, Hawaii sidewalk, outrigger canoe rentals and lessons. Look for the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's best-known surfer and the father of the modern sport. Traditional torch-lighting ceremonies and hula performances take place at the beach around sunset. Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu.

Waikiki Beach Kalakaua Avenue The most famous of Oahu's beaches, Waikiki is the emerald beauty east of downtown Honolulu. It's surely the busiest beach on the island, with Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 plenty of watersports to choose from. Beach boys and girls offer surfing and stand-up paddleboard lessons, outrigger canoe rides and catamaran rides from concessions on the beach. The constant activity makes it a great place for people-watching. The best place to catch the Friday night fireworks is from the concrete pier in front of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach hotel. Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu.

Waimea Bay 61-031 Kamehameha Highway, Waimea Celebrated in song by the Beach Boys (who mispronounced it), this is the granddaddy of Oahu's big-wave beaches and one of the most Honolulu, Hawaii famous surfing sites in the world. During the winter, watery mountains crash into the bay in an awesome show of force. At times such as these, all but the most expert swimmers and surfers should stay well clear of the water. In summer, the waters turn tranquil, offering fine swimming and snorkeling. 61-031 Kamehameha Highway, Waimea (about halfway up the North Shore), Honolulu.

A Tradewind Charter 796 Kalanipuu St. This company offers private charters for up to 75 people. Options on its luxury yachts include sunset sails, whale-watching trips in season, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 snorkel and fishing trips, weddings at sea, private parties and Phone: 808-227-4965 customizable sailing lessons. Private charters start at US$495. 796 http://www.tradewindcharters.com Kalanipuu St. (in Mariner's Cove), Honolulu. Phone 808-227-4965 808- 227-4956 or 808-664-5493. Toll-free 800-829-4899. http://www.tradewindcharters.com.

Hawaii Water Sports Center 7192 Kalanianaole Highway Jet-Skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, at Maunalua Bay not far from Waikiki. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm. 7192 Kalanianaole Highway (in Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 Koko Marina Center), Honolulu. Phone 808-395-3773. Phone: 808-395-3773 http://www.hawaiiwatersportscenter.com. http://www.hawaiiwatersportscenter.com

Aiea Bowl 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive If you love racking up strikes, there are a few bowling alleys on Oahu. Aiea Bowl operates 24 lanes, plus a restaurant and bar. Sunday- Honolulu, Hawaii 96701 Wednesday 9 am-midnight, Thursday-Saturday 9 am-2 am. Prices vary Phone: 808-488-6854 for games depending on the time of day. Check the website for details http://www.aieabowl.com or to reserve a lane. 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive (above McDonald's), Honolulu. Phone 808-488-6854. http://www.aieabowl.com.

Many visitors arrive in Hawaii hoping to jump on a charter boat and catch a big marlin. In reality, these large creatures of the sea are quite elusive, so there's always the possibility that you'll go home empty-handed. If you do land the big one—as in more than 100 lb/45 kg—it's customary in Honolulu for the boat to keep it. Anything smaller than that usually will be cleaned and cut up for you by the crew, sometimes for a fee. Practices vary, so inquire upfront if you want to keep the fish.

Most Honolulu sportfishing boats are berthed at harbor, off Ala Moana Boulevard, across from the Victoria Ward Centers. Ask at the many kiosks about rates and availability.

Maggie Joe Sportfishing 1025 Ala Moana Blvd., Slip K This outfit has three boats for half-day, three-quarter-day and full-day fishing charters that depart at 6 am. If its boats are booked, it will help Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 you find another good charter. Also offers sunset cruises and shark Phone: 808-591-8888 fishing. 1025 Ala Moana Blvd., Slip K (front row, Kewalo Basin), http://www.maggiejoe.com Honolulu. Phone 808-591-8888. Toll-free 877-806-3474. http://www.maggiejoe.com.

Ala Wai Golf Course 404 Kapahulu Ave. As with all public Honolulu links, tee times for this popular 18-hole course can be reserved through the city government's computerized Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 phone system, but be advised that it's infuriatingly busy most of the Phone: 808-733-7387. time. In fact, it is in Guinness World Records as the busiest golf course http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/des/golf/alawai.htm in the world. Daily 6 am-5:30 pm. 404 Kapahulu Ave. (across the Ala Wai Canal from Waikiki), Honolulu. Phone 808-733-7387. For tee-time reservations, call 808-296-2000. http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/des/golf/alawai.htm.

Take advantage of the glorious views and lush greenery along the many hiking and walking trails on Oahu. The State of Hawaii has online maps available on their website at https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/# Hawaii Nature Center 2131 Makiki Heights Drive Just a few minutes' drive from the bustle of Honolulu is a serene network of hiking trails where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong, a Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 breezy rustling of leaves and, occasionally, the thud of another hiker's Phone: 808-955-0100 boot. The center includes a large expanse of rain forest, bamboo http://www.hawaiinaturecenter.org groves, streams, tropical flowers and fruits—and even a taro patch. Stop at the office during business hours to pick up a free map of the trail system or simply forge ahead into the forest. Maps are also available online. The trails are well-marked, and orientation maps are located at trail intersections. Trails open daily from dawn to dusk. Free admission. Special children's programs available. 2131 Makiki Heights Drive, Makiki Heights, Honolulu. Phone 808-955-0100. http://www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

Kakaako Waterfront State Park Kakaako Waterfront State Park A sizable park, Kakaako is a great place to body surf, picnic or catch the sunset during an evening stroll. Daily from dawn to dusk. Free. Kakaako Honolulu, Hawaii Waterfront State Park (just west of ; take Ahui Phone: 808-587-0300 Street or Ohe Street from Ala Moana Boulevard), Honolulu. Phone 808- 587-0300.

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 This paved walk through ancient lava fields and interesting vegetation http://www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/makapuu- takes you around rocky promontories around the Makapuu Point Lighthouse, which marks Oahu's easternmost point. Although there is point-lighthouse-trail no access to the lighthouse itself, there are inspiring views of rugged east Honolulu and the islands of Molokai, Lanai and sometimes Maui. About 2 mi/3 km round-trip. Look for the signs saying "Makapuu Point State Wayside" off Kalanianaole Highway, about 5 mi/8 km east of Hanauma Bay. Allow about two hours for the hike. For a worry-free excursion, ride TheBus. Cars parked along the highway near the hike's entry point are often broken into; however, the state has built a parking facility off Kalanianaole Highway, complete with lava-rock-lined walls. http://www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/makapuu-point-lighthouse- trail.

Kualoa Ranch 49-560 Kamehameha Highway This ranch imports horses from Alberta, Canada, that are specially Honolulu, Hawaii 96744 selected for novice riders. One- or two-hour rides take you through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring parts of the island that have Phone: 808-237-7321 been used in movies such as Jurassic Park and Jumanji. It's best to http://www.kualoa.com/oahu- book early online as these tours often sell out weeks in advance. tours/horseback-tours Minimum age for riders is 10, maximum weight 230 lbs/105 kg. Closed toe shoes are required. Daily from 8:30 am. US$119.95 adults. 49-560 Kamehameha Highway (on the northeastern side of the island), Honolulu. Phone 808-237-7321. Toll-free 800-231-7321. http://www.kualoa.com/oahu-tours/horseback-tours.

Ice Palace Hawaii 4510 Salt Lake Blvd. Opened in 1982, this is the only ice rink in Hawaii. It's a popular place for kids of all ages, including skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi, who used Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 to practice there. Go to skate, watch a performance or an ice-hockey Phone: 808-487-9921 game in season, take a class, or just enjoy the music and light show with http://www.icepalacehawaii.com a cup of hot cocoa. Hours vary; call ahead to confirm. General admission US$11.50 for all ages, includes skate rental. 4510 Salt Lake Blvd. (near Aloha Stadium), Honolulu. Phone 808-487-9921. http://www.icepalacehawaii.com.

Aquazone 2552 Kalakaua Ave. Offers everything from deep and shallow scuba dives to snorkel trips. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Equipment is available for rent. Novices can sign up for introductory scuba instruction in a swimming pool (free), plus a two-tank dive at a Phone: 808-923-3483 variety of offshore sites. Daily 9 am-5 pm (phone calls until 8 pm). 2552 http://www.scubaoahu.com Kalakaua Ave. (in the Waikiki Beach Marriott), Honolulu. Phone 808- 923-3483. Toll-free 866-923-3483. http://www.scubaoahu.com.

Island Divers Hawaii Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, 377 Offers an array of scuba lessons and trips for beginners and advanced Keahole St. divers. Two-tank morning or afternoon dives available for US$94 per person. Full-day Discover Scuba experience (US$175) starts in a pool in Honolulu, Hawaii the morning, then moves to the ocean in the afternoon. Packages Phone: 808-423-8222 include roundtrip transportation from Waikiki. There is a second location http://www.oahuscubadiving.com at Hickam Air Force Base. Daily 7 am-7 pm. Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, 377 Keahole St., Honolulu. Phone 808-423-8222. Toll-free 888- 844-3483. http://www.oahuscubadiving.com.

Beginning surfers should stick to the gentle waves of Waikiki, where bodyboards and are available for rent at beach kiosks, and beach boys offer reasonably priced lessons. There are some more advanced breaks at Waikiki such as Queens, Paradise, Threes, Kaisers, Ala Moana Bowls and Tennis Courts at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Some other breaks exist down the mountain from Diamond Head Lookout and the U.S. Coast Guard station there. Park along the road and take the steep trail down to the beach. The memorial markers on the way down are a solemn reminder of the power of the ocean.

Hans Hedemann Surf 2586 Kalakaua Ave. After a two-hour lesson (which includes board rental), you'll be hanging Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 ten at Waikiki Beach—or at least making the attempt. There's a second location at Turtle Bay on the North Shore. Daily 8 am-5 pm. Group Phone: 808-924-7778 lesson US$75, private lesson US$150. 2586 Kalakaua Ave. (Park Shore http://www.hhsurf.com Waikiki Hotel), Honolulu. Phone 808-924-7778. http://www.hhsurf.com.

Wet Feet 540 Ward Ave. If you're not ready to ride the waves on a surfboard, give stand up paddle boarding a try. Rent a board to explore on your own, take a Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 group or private lesson, or join a paddle tour. Daily 10 am-6 pm. 540 Phone: 808-373-7873 Ward Ave. (in the Aina Haina Shopping Center), Honolulu. Phone 808- http://www.wetfeethawaii.com 373-7873. http://www.wetfeethawaii.com.

Nightlife

Honolulu's nightlife—mostly clustered in Waikiki—showcases an eclectic mix of Hawaiian, country-western, jazz, alternative, contemporary and even Las Vegas-style entertainment. Check local listings for performances by one of Hawaii's excellent entertainers, such as musicians Jake Shimabukuro, Makana, Fiji, Henry Kapono, the Brothers Cazimero, and comedians Andy Bumatai, Augie Tulba and Frank DeLima, who pokes good-natured fun at every nationality in Hawaii, including his own Portuguese ancestry. Also watch for the Female Comics of Hawaii—five ladies with different styles who perform together monthly in nightclubs and dinner-show settings. If you prefer a relaxing happy hour rather than staged entertainment, drop by the Waikiki beach hotel of your choice around sunset and sip a cocktail to the sounds of a small combo in an open-air lounge. Favorite spots include the Halekulani Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Both always engage first-rate musicians.

To find out who is playing where, check the nightlife guides in the free tourist publications This Week Oahu (http://thisweekhawaii.com/oahu) and Spotlight's Oahu Gold(http://www.spotlighthawaii.com). They carry current and fairly comprehensive information. The Honolulu Weekly newspaper also has a good run-down on the latest musical happenings. http://honoluluweekly.com.

Most clubs keep the beat going until 2 am, and many stay open until 4 am.

Bars, Taverns & Pubs

Bar 35 35 N. Hotel St. Known for its fusion gourmet pizza as much as its eclectic mix of Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 standard and specialty cocktails and more than 150 international beers, this trendy place draws the in-crowd to an up-and-coming part of Phone: 808-537-3535 Chinatown to mix and mingle. A favorite spot is the straight-through-to- http://www.bar35hawaii.com the-back patio bar with cozy, funky and get-to-know-your-neighbor-style seating. DJs, live bands and special events provide entertainment. Happy hour Tuesday-Friday 4-9 pm. Monday-Friday 4 pm-2 am, Saturday 6 pm-2 am. 35 N. Hotel St., Honolulu. Phone 808-537-3535. http://www.bar35hawaii.com.

Duke's Barefoot Bar 2335 Kalakaua Ave. This is a great choice for a casual, laid-back bar right on the sand at Honolulu, Hawaii Waikiki Beach. Duke's honors the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku and arguably has the best Mai Tai in town. There's a simple, affordable Phone: 808-922-2268 menu featuring an extensive salad bar and live, traditional Hawaiian http://www.dukeswaikiki.com entertainers who sometimes stroll around the tables with a stand-up bass and . Daily 11 am-midnight. 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-922-2268. http://www.dukeswaikiki.com.

Hula's Bar and Lei Stand 134 Kapahulu Ave., Second Floor This popular gay and lesbian nightclub and lei stand in the Waikiki Grand Hotel has a 70-ft/22-m lanai overlooking the ocean and Diamond Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Head. There's live music or a DJ, as well as a video screen and live Phone: 808-923-0669 drag shows on Saturday nights. Its happy hour, one of the longest in http://www.hulas.com Honolulu, runs from 10 am-6 pm Monday-Friday. Daily 10 am-2 am, but action really begins after 9 pm. 134 Kapahulu Ave., Second Floor, Honolulu. Phone 808-923-0669. http://www.hulas.com.

Lewers Lounge 2199 Kalia Road This is a lovely, upscale lounge in the Haleukani Hotel with a dress code that prohibits beachwear, T-shirts and shorts. It has a tasty appetizer Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 and dessert menu, cozy ambience and jazz music each night. Daily 7 Phone: 808-923-2311 pm-1 am. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone 808-923-2311. http://www.halekulani.com/dining/lewers- http://www.halekulani.com/dining/lewers-lounge-bar. lounge-bar

Mai Tai Bar 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. When you go to the Mai Tai Bar, a drink of the same name is highly Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 recommended. Get it icy and blended on tap or custom-made on the rocks—either way will tickle your senses. One of the island's few open- Phone: 808-947-2900 air bars, the Mai Tai is a popular watering hole for weary shoppers, http://www.maitaibar.com sunburned tourists and thirsty locals. Every hour seems to be happy hour for one menu item or another. Live local music daily. Daily 11 am-1 am. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. (in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Fourth Floor), Honolulu. Phone 808-947-2900. http://www.maitaibar.com.

SKY Waikiki 2270 Kalakaua Avenue Take your sunglasses and watch the sun set in style from the 19th floor Honolulu, Hawaii open-air lounge of Waikiki's newest and hippest club. Executive Chef Lance Kosaka creates a fresh take on social bites and light entrees. Phone: 808-979-7590 Happy hour (pau hana) is the best way to catch the sunset and sample https://skywaikiki.com the menu Tuesday-Sunday from 5-7 pm. The nightclub has a strict dress code: collared shirts, long dress pants, dress shoes for men; fashionable attire and heels for ladies, no baseball hats, shorts or tank tops allowed. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday from 5-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm-2 am. Cover charges may apply. 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu. Phone 808-979-7590. https://skywaikiki.com.

The Row Bar 500 Ala Moana Blvd. The open-air courtyard is frequented by singles from downtown Honolulu's business district who go after work to meet and unwind at Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Restaurant Row. The bar offers TVs, free Wi-Fi, a cigar-smoking area, a Phone: 808-529-0014 tasty menu and live acoustic music nearly every night 5-7 pm. Validated https://www.facebook.com/therowbar parking. Monday-Thursday 7 am-midnight, Friday 7 am-4 am, Saturday 10 am-4 am. No cover. 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. Phone 808-529- 0014. https://www.facebook.com/therowbar.

Bacchus Waikiki 408 Lewers Road This popular gay and lesbian bar attracts a young crowd with its dance music, Trivia Tuesdays and DJ. Monday-Friday noon-2 am, Saturday 8 Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 am-2 am, Sunday 6 am-2 am. 408 Lewers Road, Honolulu. Phone 808- Phone: 808-926-4167 926-4167. http://www.bacchus-waikiki.com. http://www.bacchus-waikiki.com

Hawaiian Brian's Billiards 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. Catch bands playing blues, hip hop, deep house and folk in the Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 showroom at Hawaiian Brian's, and boogie the night away on a large dance floor. As the name says, there are plenty of pool tables and an Phone: 808-946-1343 arcade, plus darts. Casual ambience. Bar food. Not always the best http://www.hawaiianbrians.com service, but still a fun place. Monday-Friday 2 pm-2 am, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-2 am. 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. (on the edge of Waikiki), Honolulu. Phone 808-946-1343. http://www.hawaiianbrians.com.

Blue Note Hawaii 2335 Kalakaua Ave Music lovers will find their groove in the intimate, ultramodern setting of Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Blue Note Hawaii. This jewel-box of a room has clear sightlines from any seat, a state-of-the-art sound system and it's romantically dark. Catch Phone: 808-777-4890 internationally recognized jazz, R&B, blues and contemporary musicians http://www.bluenotehawaii.com such as Ravi Coltrane, The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Wailers. Dining options feature light meals and salads, but you may want to stick with the drink menu—their classic Mai Tai goes great with some cool jazz. One or two shows per night with tickets and schedule available online. 2335 Kalakaua Ave (located at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort), Honolulu. Phone 808-777-4890. http://www.bluenotehawaii.com.

Irish Rose Saloon 478 Ena Road The 21- to 70-year-old crowd dances to classic and modern rock from 9 Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 pm nightly. You'll find dartboards and shuffleboard, NFL on the TV screens along with bands such as the Masters of Oz and Elephant. Be Phone: 808-947-3414 warned that smoking is tolerated here. Daily 6 am-2 am. No cover. 478 http://www.irishrosesaloon.com Ena Road, Honolulu. Phone 808-947-3414. http://www.irishrosesaloon.com.

The Dragon Upstairs 1038 Nuuanu Ave. This intimate venue has various live bands and DJs that offer Motown Mondays, jazz, blues, funk, electro and contemporary-acoustic music. Honolulu, Hawaii Daily from 5 pm. US$5 cover for some bands and DJs. 1038 Nuuanu Phone: 808-526-1411 Ave. (above Hank's Cafe in Chinatown), Honolulu. Phone 808-526- http://thedragonupstairs.com 1411. http://thedragonupstairs.com.

Veranda 5000 Kahala Ave. This oceanside spot offers an elegant, relaxing setting for afternoon tea, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 a view overlooking the dolphin lagoon and the best jazz pianist in town, David Swanson. Daily 2 pm-midnight. Entertainment starts at 7:30 pm Phone: 808-739-8895 Tuesday-Saturday. No cover, free parking with validation. 5000 Kahala http://www.kahalaresort.com/honolulu_restaurants/veranda Ave. (in the Kahala Hotel & Resort), Honolulu. Phone 808-739-8895. http://www.kahalaresort.com/honolulu_restaurants/veranda.

Performing Arts

Honolulu has an eclectic mix of good entertainment, ranging from ballet companies to Broadway productions to serious and funny island- themed theater.

Fans of big-ticket productions may be able to catch a touring show at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall, while smaller theaters offer creative and cozier venues.

Dance

Ballet Hawaii 1130 Bethel St. Entertaining Hawaii theatergoers for more than 40 years, Ballet Hawaii Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 is best known for its lavish production of The Nutcracker during the Christmas holiday. There's usually a spring showcase in May, a summer Phone: 808-521-8600 production in August, and February-March there's the presentation of a http://www.ballethawaii.org nationally-known dance company such as Martha Graham or Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance. 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu. Phone 808- 521-8600. http://www.ballethawaii.org.

Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre Honolulu, Hawaii Blends Japanese Butoh with Western-style modern dance. This group performs at various venues in Hawaii, including the lavish Hawaii Phone: 808-262-0110 Theatre Center, and also tours the U.S. mainland. Phone 808-262- https://www.facebook.com/IONA360 0110. https://www.facebook.com/IONA360.

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra 777 Ward Ave. The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Neal Blaisdell Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 Concert Hall. Season runs September-May and features the classics as well as music from the movies and live accompaniment to blockbusters Phone: 808-946-8742 such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 777 Ward Ave., http://hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org Honolulu. Phone 808-946-8742. http://hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org.

Rock-A-Hula Royal Hawaiian Theatre, 2201 Kalakaua Although this big-budget show originally hails from Las Vegas, it has Ave., Waikiki styled its offerings for this venue by featuring stunning Hawaiian and Tahitian dance productions, Hawaiian scenes and concert footage on Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 42-ft-/13-m-high screens, and songs from the movie Blue Hawaii. A Phone: 808-629-7469 Hawaii-born Elvis imitator is a regular, as is a faux Michael Jackson, but http://www.rockahulahawaii.com you might also see Madonna, Steven Tyler, Elton John, Lady Gaga and many others as "legends" rotate from the show's various locations. Count on Thriller zombies creeping up behind you, Elvis bestowing lei and on the ladies, and other audience interactions in a show that's fun for all ages. The performers sing live—no lip-synching—and they're available for a meet-and-greet and photo session with fans after the show. The pre-show steak-and-salmon dinner is exceptionally good. Show starts at 8 pm Tuesday-Sunday. Prices from US$55-$185 for adults. Royal Hawaiian Theatre, 2201 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki (Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, fourth floor), Honolulu. Phone 808-629- 7469. http://www.rockahulahawaii.com.

Hawaii Opera Theatre 848 S. Beretania, Suite 301 Presents classic operas such as Madame Butterfly at the Neal Blaisdell Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Concert Hall October-April. 848 S. Beretania, Suite 301, Honolulu. Phone 808-596-7372. For tickets, call 808-596-7858. Toll-free 800-836- Phone: 808-596-7372. 7372. http://www.hawaiiopera.org. http://www.hawaiiopera.org Diamond Head Theatre 520 Makapuu Ave. Hawaii's oldest continually operating performing arts center, DHT (as it's Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 called locally) puts on high-profile as well as locally written musicals and plays such as Newsies, Legally Blonde, Elf and 9 to 5 for about 40,000 Phone: 808-733-0277. theatergoers each season. On the second Sunday of each show run, http://www.diamondheadtheatre.com following the 4 pm matinee performance, the theater holds a free Talk Back post show discussion during which visitors can talk with the creative forces behind the production. Box office Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am-1 pm. 520 Makapuu Ave. (just below Diamond Head), Honolulu. Phone 808-733-0277. For tickets, call 808- 733-0274. http://www.diamondheadtheatre.com.

Hawaii Theatre Center 1130 Bethel St. The "Pride of the Pacific"—as it is locally known—opened its doors in 1922 and hosted plays, musicals and films until it fell into disrepair and Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 was abandoned in 1984. In 1996, however, the Hawaii Theatre re- Phone: 808-528-0506 opened its doors as a 1,400-seat, multipurpose, state-of-the art http://www.hawaiitheatre.com performance center, and it is now listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. Docent tours available on Tuesday at 11, subject to availability. For tickets, go online or call the box office Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu. Phone 808- 528-0506 (box office). http://www.hawaiitheatre.com.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth 229 Queen Emma Square A delightful experience for both children and adults, this long-running theater group presents professional educational plays with a theme. Honolulu, Hawaii American -interpreted shows also take place. Phone: 808-839-9885 Performances take place at Tenney Theatre. US$20 adults. 229 Queen http://www.htyweb.org Emma Square, Honolulu. Phone 808-839-9885. http://www.htyweb.org.

Kumu Kahua Theater 46 Merchant St. The only theater to regularly dramatize excellent locally written plays Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 about the islands. Kumu Kahua presents plays such as Demigods Anonymous, where millennials transform unwillingly into Hawaiian Phone: 808-536-4441 deities. The venue is small—only 100 seats—and tickets are general http://www.kumukahua.org admission, so get in line early. Performances take place Thursday- Sunday. 46 Merchant St., Honolulu. Phone 808-536-4441. http://www.kumukahua.org.

Manoa Valley Theatre 2833 E. Manoa Road After more than 40 seasons, the focus at Manoa is still on Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 contemporary, mainstream Broadway and off-Broadway productions that Hawaii audiences might not see otherwise. The stage-and-seating Phone: 808-988-6131 configuration (holding 150) changes with each new show. 2833 E. http://www.manoavalleytheatre.com Manoa Road (near Manoa Marketplace), Honolulu. Phone 808-988- 6131. http://www.manoavalleytheatre.com.

TAG The Actors' Group 650 Iwilei Road This award-winning small group features locally themed and written performances as well as Broadway plays. The all-year season starts in Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 August. General admission tickets US$30 adults. 650 Iwilei Road (in the Phone: 808-722-6941 Dole Cannery building), Honolulu. Phone 808-722-6941. http://www.taghawaii.net http://www.taghawaii.net.

Ticketmaster Honolulu, Hawaii Handles tickets for the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Waikiki Shell and just http://www.ticketmaster.com. about every other venue in town. Toll-free 800-745-3000. http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Neal S. Blaisdell Center 777 Ward Ave. The arena and 2,158-seat concert hall host a variety of events from Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 conventions, sporting exhibitions, concerts and ice shows to plays, Phone: 808-768-5400 operas, symphonies, dance concerts and major musicals. 777 Ward http://www.blaisdellcenter.com Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-768-5400 For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. http://www.blaisdellcenter.com.

Spectator Sports

Honolulu has no professional sports teams, but it still draws some big names in surfing and golfing. Top golfers on the PGA Tour take part in the annual Sony Open. http://www.sonyopeninhawaii.com.

From mid-November to mid-December, when waves can reach 40 ft/12 m, world-class surfers match skills in the three successive events that make up the : the at Alii Beach Park in Haleiwa, the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach and the Pipeline Masters on Oahu's North Shore. Surfing events are held daily, surf permitting. http://www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com.

Polo is popular on Oahu, and the Sunday-only matches are played seasonally on a North Shore field right next to the beach. Gates open at 11 am, and games start at 1 pm after a pony parade. Halftime events include skydive stunts and other exhibitions. The spring season runs mid-March to July, and the fall season September and October. 68-539 Farrington Highway, Waialua. Phone the Hawaii Polo Club at 808-220-5153. http://hawaii-polo.org.

For hard-core sports fans, the University of Hawaii's various teams provide some action, including the top-rated men's and women's Rainbows volleyball teams and the men's Warriors football and basketball teams.

Honolulu has just about as many T-shirt sellers as grains of sand on Waikiki Beach. More authentic (and tastier) souvenirs include Kona coffee (make sure it's 100% Kona), macadamia nuts and candy. The quality of macadamia products varies greatly, and the few extra cents spent on the Mauna Loa or MacFarms brands will get you chocolates that don't taste like wax. Fresh pineapple is also fair proof of your visit, but many other fruits (limes, mangoes, papayas) can't be taken out of state, so eat your fill while you're there.

Kitchen items and decorative objects crafted of Hawaiian woods such as monkey pod and the endangered koa (only naturally fallen or diseased trees can be harvested) make good gifts, as do unusual jewelry creations. Don't overlook music shops for CDs of steel-guitar, slack-key or ukulele music; art galleries for local art inspired by the islands' natural beauty; and bookstores for Hawaii picture books and calendars. Museum shops also offer some unusual products.

You may find that shops in Waikiki are a little more expensive than those at more outlying shopping centers such as Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Ward Warehouse, but there are good deals to be had even in Waikiki if you look for them. Hotel-shop prices will inevitably be higher than those of most other places. For some real bargains and all the shopping you can handle, head out to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Shopping Hours: Generally Monday-Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm. The ubiquitous ABC stores have various hours depending on location, but you can probably buy a T-shirt at midnight at one of them if you need to.

Antique Stores

Bailey's Antiques and Aloha Shirts 517 Kapahulu Ave. One of the most interesting antiques shops along colorful Kapahulu Avenue. It has plenty of Hawaiiana, knickknacks and collectibles, as well Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-3854 as some 1,000 vintage aloha shirts—the largest collection in the world. Phone: 808-734-7628 You can spend hours in this eclectic store. Daily 10 am-6 pm. 517 http://www.alohashirts.com Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-734-7628. http://www.alohashirts.com.

Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. This locally owned shop carries books on hula, lei-making, surfing and Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Polynesian navigation. The store also takes pride in featuring local authors and island literature, as well as a vast assortment of island- Phone: 808-596-8885 based children's books and local music. The ultimate resource for all http://www.nameahawaii.com things Hawaiian, Native Books also carries a wide array of authentic Hawaiian products, presents live-music performances, and offers classes in hula, weaving, feather-lei making, quilting and Hawaiian language. Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. (in Ward Warehouse), Honolulu. Phone 808-596-8885. Toll-free 800-887-7751. http://www.nameahawaii.com. Don't miss First Friday Honolulu Gallery Walk (the first Friday of each month), when downtown art galleries open their doors 5-9 pm and Honolulu's trendy set strolls from one gallery to another enjoying an array of finger food and lively street entertainment sponsored by the galleries. Download a First Friday brochure and map from the website or pick one up in person at The ARTS at Marks Garage. http://www.firstfridayhawaii.com. Robyn Buntin of Honolulu 848 S. Beretania St. A good place for Chinese and Japanese antiques and contemporary art, as well as Hawaiian and Pacific art, furniture and artifacts. Monday- Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Saturday 10 am-5 pm. 848 S. Beretania St. (at Ward Avenue), Honolulu. Phone: 808-523-5913 Phone 808-523-5913. http://www.robynbuntin.com. http://www.robynbuntin.com

The ARTS at Marks Garage 1159 Nuuanu Ave. This downtown Honolulu gallery exhibits a wide variety of contemporary Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 works by local artists. It's also a venue for theater, dance, music and cultural performances—from jazz concerts to Japanese tea ceremonies. Phone: 808-521-2903 Tuesday-Saturday noon-5 pm. 1159 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu. Phone http://www.artsatmarks.com 808-521-2903. http://www.artsatmarks.com.

Ala Moana Shopping Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. This huge open-air shopping mall—the world's largest—lies between the Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ward shops and Waikiki. You'll find major department stores, upscale designer shops and tiny specialty boutiques as well as an expanding Phone: 808-955-9517 selection of good restaurants. The Mariposa restaurant affords a http://www.alamoanacenter.com stunning view of Ala Moana Park and the ocean beyond. The more than 350 stores include Hawaii's first Neiman Marcus, which carries the chain's traditional pricey offerings as well as some lovely artwork by local artists. There's a children's play area on Level 3 and a huge specialty food court called Lanai@Ala Moana. Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. Phone 808-955-9517. http://www.alamoanacenter.com.

DFS Galleria Waikiki 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave. Though you can't enter the duty-free shopping part of the store without Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 proof of being an international traveler, most of this center is open to everyone. It has a comprehensive collection of local shops, making one- Phone: 808-931-2700 stop souvenir hunting a definite possibility. Daily 9:30 am-11 pm. 330 http://www.dfsgalleria.com/en/hawaii Royal Hawaiian Ave. (at Kalakaua), Honolulu. Phone 808-931-2700. http://www.dfsgalleria.com/en/hawaii.

International Market Place 2330 Kalakaua Ave. This mall features about 75 retailers, including Hawaii's first Saks Fifth Avenue as well as upscale dining and entertainment options. Built Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 around a gigantic banyan tree, the architecture and landscaping evoke Phone: 808-921-0536 Waikiki's history and culture. At sundown there is a torch lighting http://www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com ceremony and a storytelling and dance performance in the Queen's Court. Daily 10 am-11 pm. 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808- 921-0536. http://www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com.

Kahala Mall 4211 Waialae Ave. Just east of Waikiki in an upscale residential district, this busy, air- Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 conditioned mall specializes in unique local shops and retailers not found in other shopping centers. No Gucci or Neiman Marcus there. The Phone: 808-732-7736 collection includes specialty boutiques Ohelo Road, Riches Kahala and http://www.kahalamallcenter.com Vue Hawaii—where you can find made-in-Hawaii prints. There's a small theater complex there, too, and a number of tiny restaurants serving everything from Chinese, Greek or vegetarian, to pizza and fries. The center stage concert series hosts a variety of Hawaiian entertainers such as The Brothers Cazimero and Hookena. You might also see a keiki (children's) hula group or even a small-scale fashion show during the lunch hour. Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. 4211 Waialae Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-732-7736. http://www.kahalamallcenter.com. Ward Centers 1200 Ala Moana Blvd This center, covering four city blocks, includes Ward Warehouse, Ward Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Center, the Ward Village Shops, Ward Gateway Center and Ward Entertainment Center. It features a delightful array of more than 135 fine Phone: 808-591-8411 boutiques and restaurants, along with a farmers market on Saturday https://www.wardvillage.com mornings. The Nohea Gallery at Ward Warehouse has excellent Hawaiian arts and crafts, and Red Pineapple carries unique gifts, including some that have appeared on Oprah's "O List." Monday- Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. 1200 Ala Moana Blvd (at Ward Avenue), Honolulu. Phone 808-591-8411. https://www.wardvillage.com.

Chinatown Cultural Plaza 100 N. Beretania St. This four-story shopping square has a wide selection of tiny specialty Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 shops with Asian merchandise, as well as lei shops, open produce and meat markets, bakeries and good dim-sum restaurants. Parking is an Phone: 808-521-4934 affordable US$1 with validation, US$1.50 without. Daily 8 am-5 pm. 100 http://www.chinatownculturalplaza.com N. Beretania St., Honolulu. Phone 808-521-4934. http://www.chinatownculturalplaza.com.

Kaimuki Dry Goods 1144 10th Ave. This quaint shop in business since 1926 hearkens back to the early Honolulu, Hawaii plantation days with a great selection of palaka print fabrics, patterns and notions. Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm, Phone: 808-734-2141 Sunday 10 am-4 pm. 1144 10th Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-734-2141. http://www.kaimukidrygoods.com http://www.kaimukidrygoods.com.

Kamaka Ukulele 550 South St. For almost 100 years, the Kamaka family has been handcrafting Hawaii's most famous instrument. At its store and factory in a Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-5010 commercial district between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, you'll find Phone: 808-531-3165 a variety of ukulele styles, a ukulele wall museum featuring the original http://www.kamakahawaii.com pineapple "uke," and logo ball caps and T-shirts. Free guided tours of the factory are offered Tuesday-Friday at 10:30 and 11:30 am. No reservations needed. Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm. 550 South St., Honolulu. Phone 808-531-3165. http://www.kamakahawaii.com.

Martin & MacArthur 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Specialists in koa furniture and locally made home furnishings, these Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 craftsmen produce exquisite rocking chairs and tables, as well as smaller gift items such as koa bowls, boxes and jewelry. Their glass Phone: 808-941-0074 ocean wave and conch sculptures are remarkable. Monday-Saturday http://www.martinandmacarthur.com 9:30 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. (Ala Moana Center), Honolulu. Phone 808-941-0074. http://www.martinandmacarthur.com.

Maui Divers 1520 Liona St. At this production factory and store, you can buy jewelry as well as book Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 a free 25-minute guided tour of Maui Divers' design, casting, polishing, stone-cutting and gem-setting operations. Various other locations can Phone: 808-946-7979 be found at better hotels and throughout the city. The company makes http://www.mauidivers.com stunning jewelry, including some pieces made of rare black and pink coral found far beneath the Pacific off the coast of the islands, and others that feature black pearls and opals. Daily 8:30 am-5:30 pm. 1520 Liona St. (there's a free shuttle service from Waikiki and Ala Moana Center), Honolulu. Phone 808-946-7979. Toll-free 800-462-4454. http://www.mauidivers.com.

Reyn Spooner Waikiki 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2247 If you're looking for a quality men's Hawaiian shirt, Reyn Spooner is the Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 place. Both contemporary and classic shirt styles are offered in a range of fabrics and sizes, along with swimwear. Daily 9 am-10 pm. 1450 Ala Phone: 808-923-7396 Moana Blvd., Ste. 2247, Honolulu. Phone 808-923-7396. https://www.reynspooner.com https://www.reynspooner.com.

Shop Pacifica 1525 Bernice St. One of the best museum shops on Oahu, the quality of the artwork and Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 native crafts at this gift shop in the Bishop Museum is excellent. Pacifica also has a wealth of books and gifts related to Hawaiian nature and Phone: 808-848-4158 history. Wednesday-Monday 9 am-5 pm. 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu. https://www.bishopmuseum.org/shoppacifica Phone 808-848-4158. https://www.bishopmuseum.org/shoppacifica.

Itinerary

Day Trips

Circle-Island Drive. Oahu is the perfect size to spend a day taking a relaxed drive around the island. Head east out of Honolulu on Kalanianaole Highway and take in the rugged coast near Hanauma Bay. Then take Makapuu Lighthouse Road to the Ka Iwa Scenic Shoreline Walk, located about a mile past the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. It's an easy 1.5-mi/2.4-km hike. Continue through the laid back beach towns of Waimanalo and Kailua, with their stunning backdrop of verdant cliffs.

A shorter alternate route involves driving north out of Honolulu and up the Pali Highway through lovely Nuuanu Valley. Be sure to stop at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout which offers dizzying views over the windward coast. Brisk winds and occasional showers add to the thrill.

Either way, continue northeast on Kamehameha Highway along the windward coast, an expanse of lush cliffs and valleys that lead down to idyllic beaches. Round Oahu's northern tip to the North Shore. In the winter, stop to watch expert surfers ride the rough swells at Banzi Pipeline, or in the summer take a refreshing swim in calmer waters. Shark's Cove has some of the best snorkeling around when the waves are flat.

The charming beach town of Haleiwa is the perfect spot for a late lunch and a stroll through its many surf shops, galleries and specialty stores. Be sure to stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice for the best example of this local treat, basically a snowball with many flavored syrups poured over it. For a true island-style experience, get ice cream with your shave ice. If you're hungry earlier in the drive, stop at one of the many shrimp trucks scattered along the North Shore before you hit the main beaches. If the surf is big, the town will be hopping, and traffic can slow to a crawl.

Heading south toward Wahiawa on your way back to town, stop at the Dole Plantation for a cone of pineapple whip, a cross between ice cream and gelato, and stroll through the Hawaiian-plant maze (billed by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent maze in the world). Here's your chance to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Hawaii's signature fruit. The round-trip drive from Honolulu is 110 mi/177 km.

Competition is fierce among the established tour companies; all offer modern, air-conditioned buses, minibuses or vans. A renewed interest in Hawaiian culture has encouraged the development of well-trained personnel who know the difference between factual information and the kind of phony anecdotes some guides peddle. Unless you're traveling with an especially large group, we recommend choosing a van tour over a bus for a more personalized experience.

If you need assistance or information in Waikiki, look for someone wearing a bright, safety-green shirt, navy blue pants and a WBIDA (Waikiki Business Improvement District Association) baseball cap—the uniform of the Aloha Ambassadors. They walk or bicycle Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues, and Waikiki Beach 10 am-11 pm daily, giving directions, answering questions and providing help in emergency situations. Phone 808-923-9243. http://www.waikikibid.org.

Hawaii Food Tours Honolulu, Hawaii The Hole-in-the-Wall tour includes air-conditioned transportation and 808-926-3663 stops at a variety of food locations in Honolulu, including a tour through Phone: Chinatown. You'll sample such popular local items as exotic fruits, http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com Chinese dumplings and noodles, Vietnamese summer rolls, Hawaiian crack seed and maybe some malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) for dessert. Its new North Shore Food Tour features down-home Hawaiian selections such as shrimp fresh off the food truck, local grinds and visits to a chocolate and a coffee plantation. Phone 808-926-3663. http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com.

Polynesian Adventure Tours 2880 Kilihau St. This longtime Hawaii company offers a number of different full- and half- Honolulu, Hawaii 96819-4414 day sightseeing tours on either a bus, 25 passenger minicoach or a van. Phone: 808-833-3000 Options include visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, Hanauma Bay and http://www.polyadhawaiitours.com famous North Shore surfing beaches. Some tours will even shuttle you around Maui, and the Big Island's volcano. Prices vary. 2880 Kilihau St., Honolulu. Phone 808-833-3000. Toll-free 888-206-4531. http://www.polyadhawaiitours.com.

Waikiki Historic Trail Honolulu, Hawaii Take a self-guided tour of this ever-changing visitor mecca—once a fishing village and a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Follow the trail to Phone: 808-628-6370 five surfboard-shaped markers; detailed information and a map can be http://waikiki.com/waikiki-historic- downloaded from the trail's website. Free guided tours Monday- trail.html Saturday 9-11 am. Phone 808-628-6370. http://waikiki.com/waikiki- historic-trail.html.

The following itinerary focuses on the immediate Honolulu area. If possible, combine it with several days in other parts of the island. If you have no more than three days, you may want to omit some of the following in favor of other island attractions.

Day 1—Arrive in Honolulu. Spend the remainder of the day strolling along Waikiki Beach and Waikiki's main drag, Kalakaua Avenue. Have cocktails at sunset at one of the hotel lounges fronting the ocean.

Day 2—Explore downtown Honolulu by trolley and on foot. For lunch, choose a Chinatown restaurant or enjoy the patio cafe in the Honolulu Museum of Art (closed Mondays). In the afternoon, shoppers can beat the heat in the gigantic Ala Moana Mall. Alternatively, the Bishop Museum provides an excellent historical background in Hawaiian history. In the evening, take in a concert, luau or show.

Day 3—Visit Pearl Harbor in the morning, spend time on the beach in the afternoon, catch a free hula show on Waikiki Beach or spend the evening with Elvis and Lady Gaga at a Rock-A-Hula performance.

To help you make the most of your time in Honolulu, we've designed three different itineraries. PLAN A

Trolley, Sand and Seafood

Make a dinner reservation at Orchids. Then hop aboard the Waikiki Trolley for a two-hour tour of Honolulu and Waikiki. You can stop wherever the aloha spirit moves you, then re-board and continue the trip.

For lunch, take your pick of noodle shops in Chinatown. Afterward, head for Waikiki to lounge on the famous beach and people-watch.

You can get in a bit of souvenir shopping at the Ala Moana Shopping Center (do treat yourself to an aloha shirt). Then freshen up before taking a taxi to dinner at Orchids.

PLAN B

Windward Coast Crawl

This plan requires a rental car. Call Roy's in Hawaii Kai for a dinner reservation, then pack your beach things and a change of clothing for the evening. Set out for the Pali Highway (which branches off Nuuanu Avenue in the center of town) and drive up to the well-marked Nuuanu Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of the windward coast. Continue down the windward side of the mountain and follow the Pali Highway all the way to Kailua. Pick up some food and find a quiet beach for a picnic.

When you're ready, backtrack on Kailua Road to Kalanianaole Highway and turn left so you can circle back to Honolulu by a different route. Take time to admire the scenery: Makapuu Point (you can hike the easy trail to the lighthouse), Sandy Beach (watch the daredevil boogie and body boarders), and the Halona Blowhole scenic turnoff (try spotting the island of Molokai from there and, in winter, humpback whales). Hanauma Bay lies a short way past the Halona Blowhole, and if you have time for another swim or just want to rest your eyes on the view, make a stop there.

The Honolulu suburb of Hawaii Kai is just a few minutes away. If you have dinner reservations for Roy's, stop in at your hotel to freshen up before enjoying this glamorous restaurant where people go to see and be seen.

PLAN C

Honolulu, Past and Present

Start early and reserve a spot on a late-morning tour of the Iolani Palace. Then put on your best walking shoes and take a cab or trolley to the Bishop Museum to look at the feather capes, crowns and other artifacts of Hawaiian royalty. Head to Iolani Palace for your tour. Afterward, walk or ride back to Chinatown for lunch or try one of the many good Asian restaurants along King or Beretania streets. When you're stuffed, grab a cab to the Hawaii Nature Center and arrange to be picked up at least a few hours later.

Hike one of the beautiful rain-forest trails at your leisure. Freshen up, then head over to Waikiki for an umbrella-topped drink and relaxing entertainment. Afterward, take a walk in the sand and dine at the restaurant of your choice.

DINING

Dining Overview

If the physical surroundings of Honolulu don't tempt you to stay a few extra days, the food will. Hawaiian regional cuisine, an easy blend of Asian, Polynesian, U.S. and European traditions, pleases a wide variety of tastes, and the local chefs are inventive. You'll find scrumptious cross-cultural dishes based on fresh local ingredients—especially seafood, vegetables, herbs and fruit—as well as pure Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Laotian, French, German, Portuguese and Italian favorites.

Good restaurants are plentiful in Waikiki, especially downtown, but don't overlook food trucks and hole-in-the-wall places in the city's different neighborhoods.

Few Honolulu restaurants offer the types of foods that were prepared by the early Hawaiians. It's mostly at a luau that you'll encounter lomi salmon, kalua pig, poi (taro ground into a purple paste) and laulau (salted pork, chicken or fish, wrapped in a taro leaf and baked). A word about the luau, the traditional Hawaiian feast whose main dish is a roasted kalua pig: There are some excellent ones, and there are some real losers, but they all tend to be pricey. In any case, one luau is usually plenty. The best luau we've found is at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. You might want to ask other visitors which ones they've attended and seek a recommendation.

Standard fare for most Hawaii residents these days is the inexpensive plate lunch available in many cafes and from outdoor lunch wagons, where they are served in a paper box that is perfect for a casual outdoor meal. A plate lunch typically consists of a serving of fried meat, chicken or seafood, macaroni salad, two scoops of white rice and sometimes corn or pickled cabbage. There are a number of these operations serving shrimp along Kamehameha Highway. Look for the sandwich-board signs and tented picnic tables. Dining there is a no-frills atmosphere, but locals and tourists alike keep going back for more.

For a tasty and less-filling local treat, try saimin (Japanese noodle soup), shave ice (snow cones), malasadas (hot Portuguese donuts sprinkled with sugar) or manapua (Chinese steamed buns filled with red pork).

In restaurants, breakfast is generally served 7-9:30 am, lunch 11 am-2 pm and dinner 6-10 pm.

Expect to pay within these guidelines for a meal for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$20; $$$ = US$21-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.

3660 on the Rise 3660 Waialae Ave. This restaurant has been recognized as a hot spot for dining in Honolulu, and its wine list and martinis also draw kudos. Chef Russell Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 Siu and co-owner Gale Ogawa have put together a wonderful Phone: 808-737-1177 restaurant. Favorites there include ahi katsu, roast rack of macadamia https://3660ontherise.com nut-crusted lamb and warm chocolate souffle. Tuesday-Sunday 5:30- 8:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 3660 Waialae Ave., Honolulu. Phone 808-737-1177. https://3660ontherise.com.

Alan Wong's 1857 S. King St., Third Floor This may simply be the best in Pacific Rim cuisine—and quite possibly Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 Hawaii's best restaurant, period. It's the flagship of Chef Alan Wong, who has garnered several awards for his delectable dishes featuring Phone: 808-949-2526 fresh seafood and other island favorites. Creative specialties can be http://www.alanwongs.com sampled from the tasting menu, or enjoy ginger-crusted monchong and Keahole lobster lasagna. Specials vary nightly. Daily 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. 1857 S. King St., Third Floor, Honolulu. Phone 808-949-2526. http://www.alanwongs.com.

Haili's Hawaiian Foods 760 Palani Ave. Plate lunches at this landmark restaurant include real Hawaiian favorites such as pork and chicken laulau, squid luau, poke (marinated raw fish), Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 kalua pig and haupia—a sweet, gelatinous coconut pudding. And don't Phone: 808-735-8019 forget the poi. This is the real thing, and one of our favorites for traditional Hawaiian food. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 10 http://www.hailishawaiianfood.com am-2 pm. $. No credit cards. 760 Palani Ave. (off Kapahulu), Honolulu. Phone 808-735-8019. http://www.hailishawaiianfood.com.

Helena's Hawaiian Food 1240 N. School St. A five-minute drive from the Bishop Museum, this tiny restaurant has been serving up a range of Hawaiian favorites since 1946, including lomi Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 salmon, pipikaula short ribs and kalua pig cooked in a traditional imu, or Phone: 808-845-8044 underground oven. It has been featured on the Travel Channel's Man http://www.helenashawaiianfood.com vs. Food. Tuesday-Friday 10 am-7:30 pm. 1240 N. School St., Honolulu. Phone 808-845-8044. http://www.helenashawaiianfood.com.

Roy's 6600 Kalanianaole Highway The headquarters of acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, whose classical French training and Asian heritage put Hawaiian regional cuisine on the Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 culinary map. Don't expect quiet conversation—Roy's is a noisy, bustling Phone: 808-396-7697 place. Do expect delicious hibachi-grilled salmon, a sunset view over http://www.royshawaii.com Maunalua Bay and unpretentious, impeccable service. There are six locations on the island, the newest is Roy's Beach House at Turtle Bay. Other locations include Ko Olina on the island's west side and Waikiki, though the Hawaii Kai locale is our pick. Daily from 5 pm. $$$. 6600 Kalanianaole Highway (in Hawaii Kai Corporate Plaza), Honolulu. Phone 808-396-7697. http://www.royshawaii.com.

The Willows 901 Hausten St. Around since 1944, this delightful alfresco restaurant has waterfalls, ponds and a sailing-sized replica of a Hawaiian canoe. Lunch and Honolulu, Hawaii 96826-3034 dinner buffets offer Hawaiian dishes such as lomi salmon, chicken long Phone: 808-952-9200 rice and kalua pork, as well as potato salad, roast turkey and prime rib. http://www.willowshawaii.com Valet or self-parking. Daily 11 am-2 pm and 5:30-9 pm. $$-$$$. 901 Hausten St., Honolulu. Phone 808-952-9200. http://www.willowshawaii.com.

American

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar 298 Beachwalk Drive Breezes flow through the tall louvered windows on the second floor overlooking the busy corner at Beachwalk and Kalakaua at this serene Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 whitewashed restaurant. Treat yourself to a macadamia nut encrusted Phone: 808-923-8785 deep sea monchong (catch of the day). Its delicate fishiness is tickled by https://www.tommybahama.com/restaurants/waikiki wasabi soy beurre blanc and anchored by fragrant almond rice. Pair it with a glass of big, buttery Truchard Chardonnay Carneros. The restaurant also features a children's menu that ventures beyond the usual chicken fingers. Shop for the perfect casual dress or linen camp shirt in the main floor store on your way out. Daily from 11 am. $$$. 298 Beachwalk Drive, Honolulu. Phone 808-923-8785. https://www.tommybahama.com/restaurants/waikiki.

Little Village Noodle House 1113 Smith St. Don't let the name fool you; there is much more on the menu than just Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 noodles. Do try the honey walnut shrimp; pot stickers; Mongolian beef; twice-cooked pork with cabbage, bamboo shoots and bell pepper Phone: 808-545-3008 sauteed in Sichuan hot bean sauce; and mango pudding. This place is http://www.littlevillagehawaii.com so popular, it's always packed with appreciative locals. Monday- Thursday 10:30 am-9:30 pm, Friday-Sunday 10:30 am-10 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 1113 Smith St. (Chinatown, downtown Honolulu), Honolulu. Phone 808-545-3008. http://www.littlevillagehawaii.com. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar 2552 Kalakaua Ave. This upscale seafood restaurant delights Waikiki diners. The food is so good that even if you're not an avid sushi fan, the exotic and compelling Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 blend of tastes may convert you. Try the mango and crab-salad hand Phone: 808-931-6286 roll, lobster and crab ravioli, or the Asian shrimp cake with ginger-lime http://www.sanseihawaii.com cilantro pesto. The wine list is excellent, the sushi bar seats 12, and a traditional steak house, which dry-ages its meat in-house, is also on the premises. Sunday-Thursday 5:30-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30 pm- 1 am. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2552 Kalakaua Ave. (Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa), Honolulu. Phone 808-931-6286. http://www.sanseihawaii.com.

Yauatcha 2330 Kalakaua Avenue Yauatcha manages to remain modest and welcoming while exceeding every dining expectation. Set on the Grand Lanai level of the Honolulu, Hawaii International Marketplace, the serene, contemporary decor accented by Phone: 808-739-9318 blue glass panels and subdued lighting serves to focus attention on the http://www.yauatcha.com/waikiki exquisite dim sum creations, creative cocktail menu and extensive tea selection. Attentive and knowledgeable servers can guide you through the many unique and flavorful choices. Remember to leave room for the delicate patisserie to finish a memorable meal. Sunday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm. $$$. 2330 Kalakaua Avenue (Third Level), Honolulu. Phone 808-739-9318. http://www.yauatcha.com/waikiki.

Chef Mavro 1969 S. King St. After taking La Mer to new culinary heights, chef Georges Mavrothalassitis struck out on his own with this serene slice of Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 Provence-meets-Pacific. He promptly won the prestigious James Beard Phone: 808-944-4714 award for culinary excellence. You'll see why when you try any dish on http://www.chefmavro.com the ever-changing menu, which makes this one of our favorites for a special meal. Chef Mavro's Grand Tasting Menu with wine pairings changes seasonally and is focused on local and regionally sourced foods. No children under 5. Tuesday-Saturday 6-8:30 pm. Reservations recommended. Collared shirts and long pants preferred for men. $$$$. 1969 S. King St., Honolulu. Phone 808-944-4714. http://www.chefmavro.com.

The Pig and the Lady 83 North King Street Chef de cuisine Keaka Lee has put down deep roots in Chinatown with Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 the successful launch of this busy Korean/Hawaiian fusion restaurant. Not only do diners line up for the LFC twice fried chicken wings with Phone: 808-585-8255 "money sauce," free range duck pho with hand cut rice noodles, and http://thepigandthelady.com smoked pork jowl with black garlic char sui sauce, they also gather for community-based fundraisers. It's fitting since the restaurant is located in a building that was historically, and is still currently, used to welcome immigrants. Make sure to try the constantly changing sorbet in flavors such as black sesame custard and mango. Monday 10:30 am-2 pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 am-10 pm. $$$. 83 North King Street, Honolulu. Phone 808-585-8255. http://thepigandthelady.com.

Assaggio Hawaii Kai 7192 Kalanianaole Highway The extensive menu at this restaurant offers the option of smaller entree portions at lower prices. We recommend the calamari salad vinaigrette Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 and the veal saltimbocca Romana. Although located in a shopping Phone: 808-396-0756 center, it has a nice view of the marina and a relaxed feeling. Five http://assaggiohawaii.com/index.php? additional locations maintain slightly different hours. Sunday-Thursday option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=109 11 am-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. 7192 Kalanianaole Highway (Koko Marina Shopping Center), Honolulu. Phone 808-396-0756. http://assaggiohawaii.com/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=109.

Auntie Pasto's 1099 S. Beretania St. Red-checkered tablecloths and a line of people waiting on the sidewalk to get in distinguish this small, unassuming restaurant in Waipahu. We Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-1623 suggest the chicken piccata with a side order of garlic bread and Phone: 808-523-8855 tiramisu for dessert. Monday-Friday 11 am-10 pm, Saturday and http://www.auntiepastosrestaurant.com Sunday 4-10 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1099 S. Beretania St., Honolulu. Phone 808-523-8855. http://www.auntiepastosrestaurant.com.

Cafe Sistina 1314 S. King St. The owner of this trattoria has painted its walls and ceilings with murals Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 in the Italian Renaissance style, which might make you feel like you're dining in the Sistine Chapel. The Northern Italian cuisine is superb with Phone: 808-591-9933 classics such as linguine puttanesca and meat lasagna, as well as http://www.sistinarestaurant.com contemporary fare such as pollo gorgonzola—chicken with pancetta and mushroom in a pink gorgonzola whiskey sauce with penne. Also on the extensive menu: Spanish paella, opakapaka Mediterranean and vegetable mushroom risotto. You'll have a hard time choosing. Monday- Saturday 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Sunday 5:30-9:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. 1314 S. King St., Honolulu. Phone 808-591- 9933. http://www.sistinarestaurant.com.

Vegetarian

Mocha Java Cafe 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. The hum of the blender is constant at this cafe, where you can load up your smoothies and milk shakes with papaya and other tropical fruit. Honolulu, Hawaii The crepes—stuffed with bananas and cream, veggies in curry sauce Phone: 808-591-9023 and chutney, or scrambled eggs and low-fat cheese—are a diner's http://www.wardvillageshops.com/store/mocha- delight. The menu includes chicken and fish as well as plenty of java-caf/2137048980/2138839339 vegetarian and vegan options. Monday-Saturday 7 am-9 pm, Sunday 8 am-5 pm. $. 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. (in Ward Center), Honolulu. Phone 808-591-9023. http://www.wardvillageshops.com/store/mocha-java- caf/2137048980/2138839339.

The Original Pancake House 1221 Kapiolani Blvd. Much more than pancakes (which are golden brown and delicious), this Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 restaurant serves good cheesy omelettes as well as crispy hash browns. For a one-of-a-kind treat, try the popular Dutch-Baby pancake—it is Phone: 808-596-8213 definitely worth the 20-minute wait. Another favorite is the homestyle http://www.originalpancakehouse.com corned-beef hash. There is a second location at 1414 Dillingham Blvd. Daily 6 am-2 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1221 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu. Phone 808-596-8213. http://www.originalpancakehouse.com.

Liliha Bakery 515 N. Kuakini St. A favorite Honolulu mainstay since 1950, Liliha Bakery sells thousands of coco puffs, puff pastry shells stuffed with creamy chocolate filling and Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 topped with a buttercream frosting called Chantilly. Try the newest Phone: 808-531-1651 version that includes green-tea frosting. Liliha also serves pancakes, http://www.lilihabakeryhawaii.com Portuguese sausage and eggs, grilled mahimahi and beef stew. Tuesday from 6 am, Wednesday-Saturday 24 hours, Sunday 6 am-8 pm. 515 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu. Phone 808-531-1651. http://www.lilihabakeryhawaii.com.

Wailana Coffee House 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. Nothing fancy, just a coffee shop in Waikiki that stays open around the clock and serves great food, including beef stroganoff, mahi-mahi, navy- Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-1632 Phone: 808-955-1764 bean soup, Asian stir-fry, lots of pies and breakfast all day long. Window https://www.facebook.com/Wailana- booths are primo. Daily 24 hours; closed midnight-6 am on Tuesday. Coffee-House-140400426440 Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards. 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. (at Ena Road), Honolulu. Phone 808-955-1764. https://www.facebook.com/Wailana-Coffee-House-140400426440.

Majestic Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 6, 1 Aloha This elegant three-deck ship provides a smooth-as-silk ride over the waters off Waikiki Beach and—unlike other dinner cruises—beyond Tower Drive Diamond Head and along the Kahala coastline where Hawaii's rich and Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 famous live. A variety of cruise experiences are offered, such as a Phone: 808-973-9800 dinner buffet that includes crab legs in season, a fireworks cruise and a http://www.atlantisadventures.com sunset appetizer cruise. Complimentary round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Daily 9 am-4 pm. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 6, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu. Phone 808-973-9800. Toll-free 800-381-0237. http://www.atlantisadventures.com.

Star of Honolulu Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8, 1 This 1,500-passenger, four-deck cruise ship offers a variety of dining experiences—all with spectacular views. Top of the line is a seven- Aloha Tower Drive course French meal served on the top deck in an elegant private-club Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 atmosphere with etched glass, marble fixtures and wraparound Phone: 808-983-7827 windows. The menu includes Maine lobster and a delicious tenderloin of http://www.starofhonolulu.com beef topped with wild mushrooms, sweet-potato swirl and black-truffle demi-glace. The luscious dessert menu changes seasonally. The entertainment is live jazz. A more casual option one deck below includes a five-course steak-and-lobster dinner and a Hawaiian-themed show. The deck below that offers the same show and a steak-and-crab dinner. Other packages available include the Friday night fireworks show. Departs daily at 5:30 pm from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Reservations required. Dress code strictly enforced: No shorts, T-shirts or flip-flops. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu. Phone 808-983-7827. Toll-free 800-334-6191. http://www.starofhonolulu.com.

SECURITY

Personal Safety

Honolulu is no more dangerous than most major U.S. cities, with low rates of violent crime. Be aware, however, that some sections of the leeward coast are especially popular with thieves. Pickpockets sometimes target vacationers, so hold tight to purses and expensive cameras, and avoid showing off expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash. There is a large homeless population, but they keep to themselves for the most part and there are few panhandlers on the streets.

Also, don't assume your rental car is secure. Thieves frequently break into parked cars at beaches, tourist attractions and major shopping centers. Never leave anything valuable inside your car, not even for a few minutes, even if it's locked.

If you go to the beach, don't spread out your towel, dump all your belongings on it and run for the water. Even the locals don't do that. Travel light. Keep an eye on your things, and don't let your guard down. Watertight cases big enough to hold room keys and some cash are available at surf shops.

We recommend avoiding the downtown district on Hotel Street near Chinatown at night unless you are with a large group, and take special care if you visit the Waianae Coast on the west side of the Waianae Mountains. The beaches along this stretch are some of the most beautiful on the island, but violent attacks and robberies have taken place there on occasion.

Also, be aware of your surroundings on the streets of Waikiki. Drive-by purse snatchings are rare, but they do occur. Save your strolls on Oahu's beaches or on Waikiki's less-traveled streets for the daytime and early evening. If you go hiking, stick to marked trails. Always use sunscreen and wear a brimmed hat to the beach. Sunglasses with 100% ultraviolet protection are imperative year-round.

A swim in the island's freshwater streams may not be a good idea. Many contain bacteria that cause leptospirosis, a relatively rare tropical disease spread by animal urine, which can cause headaches, fever, nausea, red eyes and even liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure, internal bleeding and death. Inquire locally before swimming in freshwater and pay attention to posted warning signs.

Also watch for jellyfish warning signs on the beach and avoid the water when you see them. A nasty sting can ruin a fun vacation. Many snorkelers and swimmers carry a bottle of vinegar with them to provide instant relief.

Doctors-on-call centers can be found in several Honolulu hotels, including the Princess Kaiulani Hotel and the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Several hospitals are located near downtown and Waikiki, including Straubs and Queens.

If you need a pharmacy, try Long's Drugs, Walgreens or Walmart. There is a Long's Drugs branch in Ala Moana Center, and they are found near many hotels. You can often find a pharmacy in supermarkets such as Safeway, Star Markets and Foodland.

For people with disabilities, Honolulu is a fairly easy city to get around in. Most hotels offer rooms with disability access, many street- corner sidewalks have ramps, and most city buses have wheelchair lifts and tie-downs.

The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii can be reached at 808-595-6123. https://www.facebook.com/people/Nfb- Hawaii/100004729748674

Handi-Van provides transportation for people with disabilities. US$2 per trip. Please note that Handi-Van is only intended for those whose applications for the service have already been approved by DTS. Phone 808-456-5555. https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/default/183-site-dts- cat/1881-thehandi-van.html.

Sprint Relay Hawaii is a statewide relay service that connects TTY and telephone users. Phone 1-844-882-3160. http://www.relayhawaii.com.

For more information and pamphlets on available services, contact the Disability and Communication Access Board. 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 101. Phone 808-586-8121. http://hawaii.gov/health/dcab/home/index.htm.

Do pay attention to how Hawaii place names are pronounced. For instance, you'll be told to take the Highway to get to Kailua. That's not "like-like," as in rhymes with Ike, but is pronounced "Lee-KAY-Lee-KAY."

Don't refer to highways by their numbers. Except for the H-1, the H-2 and the H-3, residents call highways by name. Kamehameha (Kam) Highway, Farrington Highway, the Pali Highway, the Likelike Highway, Kahekili Highway and Kalanianaole (Kal) Highway probably all have numbers, but hardly anyone knows them.

Don't walk around in your bikini. Believe it or not, people in Hawaii don't wear bathing suits all day long. Have a modest coverup available for quick runs to the ABC store. Gentlemen, no one likes those sleeveless shirts except you.

Do take a surfing lesson (try tandem surfing) or take a ride in an outrigger canoe. Remember, this is where surfing was invented.

Do keep a fully charged cell phone handy, especially if you are going out on excursions or hikes. The global positioning capabilities of late-model phones have been the key to rescuing many missing hikers in Hawaii's rain forests.

Do take your shoes off if you enter someone's home. It’s a local custom and sign of respect. You'll see a slew of footwear outside or just inside the door.

Do take a lei-making class or try your hand at pounding tapa (the bark of the paper mulberry tree, which was used by early Hawaiians as cloth). These local crafts are an important part of Hawaii's culture. Go early to most luaus and you will usually have a chance to observe and try them.

Do learn the shaka sign (make a fist, extend thumb and pinkie, hold it up about head height, and swivel the wrist back and forth quickly). It's a local sign of greeting, agreement, or just to let someone know that everything is going well. Also useful as a thank-you when drivers let you change lanes.

Do wait your turn in the line-up if you go surfing. Local surfers don't appreciate line jumping.

FACTS

Geostats

Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S. Passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.

Population: 390,738.

Predominant Religions: Christian, Buddhist.

Time Zone: 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-10 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.

Telephone Codes: 808, area code;

Currency Exchange

ATMs are readily available at banks and shopping centers throughout Honolulu. If you need to exchange currency, the main branches of most banks downtown and in Waikiki handle those transactions. Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-3 or 4 pm. Some stay open late one evening a week or open for half a day on Saturday. Some supermarkets now have bank branches open during store hours. Technically there is no sales tax in Honolulu, but a general-excise use tax of 4.712% is added to all goods sold. An additional 9.25% transient accommodations tax is charged, as well as a 0.5% surcharge, making the total tax on a hotel room about 13.75%. Tip 15%-20% for good service provided by waitstaff or tour guides. For bellhops, tip at least US$1 per bag, and leave US$2-$3 per night for housekeeping at hotels.

Weather

There is no "best" time to visit Honolulu, though summer can be hot and humid. The city's climate is warm and sunny most of the year, though residents do notice a seasonal change, with temperatures dropping to an average of 75-80 F/25-2 C in early November. Things stay that way through May, before the temperature goes soaring to above 90 F/32 C, where they stay until October. Trade winds blow across the island most of the year, and the air only gets uncomfortably humid when trade winds stop and Kona winds from the south take their place. Kona winds also bring vog—volcanic smog—to Honolulu, thanks to the Big Island's constantly erupting volcano. Vog can cause breathing problems, itchy eyes and uncomfortably dry nasal passages, but it also creates more intense sunset colors.

November-April is considered the island's rainy season, even though the rain showers often come and go in a matter of minutes. The combination of rain and sun makes conditions ideal for stunning rainbows, which can often be seen arching over mountain valleys. Most of Oahu's rain falls in the higher elevations and on the island's windward side, ensuring contoured slopes covered with thick verdant rain forest.

Hawaii also has a hurricane season lasting from late summer through fall, but Honolulu residents rarely experience anything more than somewhat stronger winds and some flooding in low-lying areas. It's not a good idea to go hiking in a rainforest when the National Weather Service posts a hurricane advisory, as flash-floods can wash over hiking trails with no warning.

Every few years, Waikiki is evacuated because of a tsunami warning, but so far, the giant waves have not materialized on Oahu.

Even if you're in Honolulu on business, you can leave your suit at home. Muted-color aloha shirts are the order of the day, every day, for bank tellers as well as CEOs. Friday is known as Aloha Friday in the business district, when many people don aloha wear, including women, who wear beautiful, brightly colored muumuus to work and on outings.

Generally, you can wear shorts and a T-shirt into most places with no problem, but do wear something on the dressy side if you dine at any of Honolulu's elegant restaurants or dance away the evening at a nightclub. Finally, men should under no circumstances wear long black socks with shorts; it's a sure sign of a malahini (newcomer or visitor). Tucking in your aloha shirt when worn with shorts is another no-no, although it's acceptable with trousers in a more formal situation.

If you're planning to venture off the beaten track, you'll be glad you took some mosquito repellent. You've heard this before, but it's important: Slather on plenty of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) if you go to the beach or just for a walk in the sun, and be sure to reapply often.

During the winter, a sweater can be useful at night, and an umbrella might come in handy for both winter rains and summer sun. If you don't take an umbrella for the sun, at least wear a visor or hat. Telephone

Hawaii (all islands) has only one area code (808), and all calls on Oahu are local calls, so just dial the seven-digit phone number. Calls to the other Hawaiian islands are charged as local long distance and require that you dial 1, then 808, then the seven-digit phone number.

Pay phones are becoming rare but one can usually be found at a hotel. Local calls and even some international calls are now free with most hotel rooms with a daily limit of one hour, but check with reception first to confirm. Cell phone coverage generally is good on Oahu and decent on the other islands. If you've got a U.S. nationwide calling plan, you shouldn't incur extra roaming fees. Check ahead of time with your provider to see whether you should expect any problems or extra charges. International visitors might want to arrange with their provider for a roaming package for their cell phone. Only hands-free devices may be used by motorists.

Most hotels, Starbucks and McDonald's in Waikiki offer free Wi-Fi, and you can connect with free airport Wi-Fi upon arrival and departure.

Hawaii libraries offer free Wi-Fi with a Hawaii library card. You can obtain one on the spot by showing a valid ID and paying US$10 for a three-month pass. The closest library to Waikiki is the McCully-Moiliili Public Library, 2211 S. King St. Phone 808-973-1099. http://www.librarieshawaii.org.

U.S. Post Office 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. The Ala Moana Shopping Center post office is convenient and centrally located on Level 1. There are additional branches in downtown Honolulu Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 and in Waikiki on Saratoga Avenue.The online map shows them all: Phone: 808-532-1987 https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction.action#paginationTop. Ala http://www.usps.com Moana office open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. Phone 808-532-1987. Toll-free 800- 275-8777. http://www.usps.com.

Honolulu has one main daily newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. It can be found in convenience stores, at sidewalk pay boxes and in most hotel lobbies.

Honolulu's city magazine, called Honolulu, and its sister publication, Hawaii Business, can be found in bookstores and convenience stores. Midweek, a free twice-weekly publication with lots of local and insider information, is available at pay boxes.

News racks on Waikiki sidewalks are full of free visitor publications offering entertainment and sightseeing discounts, as well as maps and calendars of current events. This Week Oahu, 101 Things to Do on Oahu and Spotlight's Oahu Gold are just a few of the offerings.

Transportation

For the most part, Honolulu is dependent on automobiles. However, there is a good bus system called TheBus. Its US$5.50 unlimited ride pass is the best deal in town for public transportation. Honolulu is also easy to explore on foot, if you take it in segments: downtown and Chinatown in one segment; historic Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace and the Mission Houses Museum in another; and Waikiki in yet another.

If you don't want to hoof it, the Waikiki Trolley is a great option. Single or multiday passes allow you to hop aboard the trolley to explore much of Honolulu and its outlying areas. It's worth the price of a pass to avoid the headache of parking a rental car in Honolulu.

Check with your concierge desk to see if your hotel offers a free local shuttle. Many do, and they are a great way to get around.

For more distant locations such as Hanauma Bay, North Shore and the windward side of the island, you'll need to take TheBus or rent a car.

Air

Daniel K Inouye Intl (HNL) 300 Rodgers Blvd., #12 Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Formerly known as Honolulu International Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) spans around 4,520 acres. The airport has 3 Phone: 808-836-6533 terminals and 4 runways. It also has a 12,000 feet Reef Runway, the http://hawaii.gov/hnl world's first major runway built offshore. 27 airlines serve at this airport and to check for more details visit http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/flights/airlines/. To check arrivals and departure at HNL, visit the following link http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/flights/. Eight Federal Government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TSA, Drug Enforcement Agency, etc. are available at the airport. HNL handles noise monitoring, stormwater controls, soil remediation, and spill prevention as part of environmental management. For more information, contact 808-836-6411.

Security Passengers are expected to arrive at least 2 hours prior to overseas flights and 90 minutes prior to Interisland flights. Ticket counters for passenger check-in are available at Terminal 1 and 2 for all airlines. Curbside check-in is also offered by many airlines. At the ticket lobbies of all terminals, security checkpoints are available. Passengers are required to remove shoes, coats, jackets and metal items from pockets and place them in plastic bins. All electronic gadgets should also be placed in plastic bins. One clear transparent plastic re-sealable bag containing liquids, gels, aerosols in containers of 90 ml capacity or less can be carried. Service animals, state-authorized animals confined for shipment, animals accompanied by authorized law enforcement officials are allowed to travel. To know the transportation procedure of pets, contact the respective airline. Passengers arriving with plants, animals or any agricultural materials should declare them on the Agricultural Declaration Form. Agricultural items will be inspected by plant quarantine officials.

Any inappropriate or suspicious activities should be reported Airport Security at 836-6641.

Connecting Transportation A number of transportation options are available within, to/from HNL. Bus Route 19, 20 and 31 are available from the airport to various other destinations. On the second level roadway, bus stops are located. For details on bus fares, monthly bus pass visit http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/getting-to-from/ground-transportation/the- bus/. Travelers can avail Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle service from the airport. Wheelchair assistance is also provided here. To check pick- up locations and baggage fees check http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/getting-to-from/ground- transportation/robertshawaiishuttle/. Six companies such as Advantage, Avis Rent-A-Car, Budget Rent-A-Car, Hertz Rent-A-Car, and National Rent-A-Car provide rental car service on the airport. These rental car offices are located at the ground level of Terminal 2 parking garage. A-1 Rent A Car, Alamo Rent-A-Car, Dollar Rent-A-Car, JN Car & Truck Rentals and Thrifty Rent-A-Car provide rental car services off the airport. For more details check http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/getting-to- from/ground-transportation/car-rentals/. Passengers can also use taxicab service on the center meridian overlooking the baggage claim area. Open taxi system at HNL is managed by AMPCO Express. Approach taxi dispatchers to avail taxi service. The airport offers free transportation between Gates and Terminals to passengers. Shuttle service is also available for passengers to travel between concourses.

Driving is a good idea if you want to explore beyond Waikiki on your own, but you may want to get a rental car just for a day or two. Finding a parking space in Honolulu is difficult, expensive and often not worth the hassle. Self and valet parking can range from US$30- $45 a day. There is free street parking on Sunday if you can find an empty space. Another inexpensive location is the public lot near the beach behind the Hilton which only charges US$1 per hour during the day. A helpful free app is Parkopedia which shows you the current rates for lots in your area.

The island of Oahu is automobile-friendly, even to those unfamiliar with its streets, but congestion is a problem. Weekday rush hours are roughly 6:30-8:30 am and 3-6 pm. Weekend traffic can also be hairy—it's best to get an early start if you want to avoid the traffic heading to the beach or shopping centers. Honolulu has a number of one-way streets. Two of these—Beretania Street heading from the University area through downtown and King Street going in the opposite direction—are main arteries and great ways to get across town. Ala Moana Boulevard, a two-way thoroughfare whose name changes to Nimitz Highway when it reaches downtown, is good for cross-town trips.

U-turns are also commonplace, even for getting on highways. A good map, such as Bryan's Sectional Maps of Oahu, will help considerably in navigating the area.

You may drive in Hawaii if you are at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers' license issued in the U.S., Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, , a province of the Dominion of Canada, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Foreign drivers' licenses accompanied by an International Driving Permit are valid for one year from the date of your first port-of- entry into the U.S.

The normal minimum age to rent a car on Oahu is 25, but each car-rental company makes their own determination. Some will rent to those ages 21-24, perhaps adding an underage car rental surcharge of US$20-$27 per day.

TheBus Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Covers the entire island of Oahu. Stops are marked with a yellow 808-848-5555 "TheBus" sign. The free DaBus2 app gives real time arrival and route Phone: information. Route maps and schedules are available at all satellite City http://www.thebus.org Hall offices or on the website. Fare is US$2.75 (exact change required; dollar bills accepted) regardless of the length of your journey. Transfers are no longer available but there is a one-day unlimited ride pass available for a very reasonable US$5.50. Pay the driver when you board. Phone 808-848-5555. http://www.thebus.org.

Waikiki Trolley Honolulu, Hawaii These open-air, wooden bench trolleys can be seen zipping all over town on several routes. The Red Line stops at the Honolulu Museum of Art, King Kamehameha statue, Phone: 808-593-2822 Iolani Palace, Chinatown and several additional sights in urban Honolulu (starting every 40 http://www.waikikitrolley.com minutes 8:30 am-5:30 pm). Ticket prices vary, depending on the route. One-, four- and seven-day passes are available for all lines. There are often long waits and unexpected outages on the routes, so don't rely on the trolley if you need to be somewhere on time. If you're not on a tight schedule, they're a lot of fun, but they can get expensive for a family or group. The Green Line visits Diamond Head Crater, the Honolulu Zoo, KCC Farmers Market (Saturday only) and other locations around Diamond Head (starting every 35 minutes 8:30 am-4:30 pm).

The Pink Line shuttles between several hotels in Waikiki and Ala Moana Center every 10 minutes. The Pink Line accepts one-way fares at US$2 per person. Maps are available at the DFS Galleria Waikiki, Ala Moana Center and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center trolley kiosks, as well as at many hotels.

The Red and Green Lines generally end between 4:30 and 5:30 pm, the Pink Line at 8 pm. Phone 808-593-2822. http://www.waikikitrolley.com.

Cruise ships sail into Honolulu Harbor, offshore of downtown, and dock at the cruise-ship terminal at Piers 2 and 11. The Aloha Tower and shopping center are nearby. Chinatown and downtown Honolulu are within walking distance. Taxis line up outside the baggage claim at the airport. It's nearly impossible to hail a cab in the downtown, airport and Waikiki areas. Most restaurants will call one for you, or you can call for one on your own. It's a good idea to phone for a taxi about 20-30 minutes before you need one.

Reputable companies include Charley's (phone 808-233-3333; http://www.charleystaxi.com) and TheCab (phone 808-422-2222; http://www.thecabhawaii.com).

You'll see a lot of mopeds on Honolulu streets—particularly in East Honolulu along the coast road going to Hanauma Bay. They're a fun and breezy way to see the island, but be cautious: Car drivers often resent moped riders, whom they see as impediments to their progress. They are not allowed on the H-1 and H-2 freeways. Age restrictions for driving a moped vary among rental agencies, but if you're age 18 or older and have a valid driver's license, you'll probably be handed the keys. Hawaiian Style Rentals and Tours 2556 Lemon Road Moped and scooter rentals are available for four, eight or 24 hours. The shop requires a deposit, and customers are responsible for any Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-1852 damage, or you can take the all-coverage insurance. Lessons, tour Phone: 808-946-6733 routes, secure locks, helmets and island maps are provided. Daily 8:30 am-5:30 pm. US$30-$85 per day, depending on vehicle and length of http://www.hawaiimoped.com time. 2556 Lemon Road, Honolulu. Phone 808-946-6733. Toll-free 866- 916-6733. http://www.hawaiimoped.com.

For More Information

Recommended Reading

Oahu Revealed by Andrew Doughty. A candid and humorous guide covering everything that makes Oahu interesting. The author has written other such guides to Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

Hawaii Place Names: Shores, Beaches and Surf Sites by John R.K. Clark. Clark is Hawaii's foremost beach authority, former lifeguard and deputy fire chief. Includes narratives told by locals familiar with particular locations.

Lost Kingdom by Julia Flynn Siler. A riveting account of Hawaii's turbulent history through the events surrounding its last queen, Liliuokalani, and Iolani Palace. Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii 733 Bishop St The Chamber is a good source for what's going on in Hawaii. Daily 8 am-5 pm. 733 Bishop St, Honolulu. Phone 808-545-4300. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 http://www.cochawaii.org. Phone: 808-545-4300 http://www.cochawaii.org

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 801 The HVCB is conveniently located in Waikiki, so you can stop in during Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 business hours and stock up on brochures. The bureau's vacation planner, The Island of Oahu, is a good publication—you can download it Phone: 808-923-1811 from the website or pick one up in the office. Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 http://www.gohawaii.com pm. 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 801, Honolulu. Phone 808-923-1811. Toll-free 800-464-2924. http://www.gohawaii.com.

EVENTS

Calendar

There's more to Honolulu than hula contests and the hotel luau. In fact, the city's calendar is filled with options for cultural types, sporting types and those who just want to enjoy the local flavor.

There are plenty of opportunities to hear traditional Hawaiian music. Golf tournaments and football games draw sports fans, but for many, the highlight is the Triple Crown of Surfing. The area's festivals are also fun for visitors.

Some noteworthy events include the Waikiki Spam Jam in April, Lei Day on 1 May, the Lantern Floating Festival on Memorial Day, King Kamehameha Day festival and parade in June, Prince Lot Hula and Ukulele Festivals in July, and the month-long Aloha Festivals in September.

For detailed information about upcoming events in the Honolulu area, contact the Oahu Visitors Bureau (toll-free 877-525-6248; http://www.gohawaii.com/oahu). Alternatively, contact the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Toll-free 800-464-2924. http://www.gohawaii.com.

To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside the U.S. or Canada, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by the U.S. country code, 1.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

January 1 Jan—New Year's Day Public holiday.

18 Jan—Martin Luther King Jr. Day Public holiday.

15 Feb—Presidents Day Public holiday.

31 May—Memorial Day Public holiday.

11 Jun—King Kamehameha Day State holiday when leis are draped over the king's statue downtown.

4 Jul—Independence Day Public holiday. Watch fireworks at Ala Moana Beach Park, Kailua Beach and Schofield Barracks. There's also an outrigger-canoe regatta off Waikiki Beach.

6 Sep—Labor Day Public holiday.

11 Oct—Columbus Day Public holiday.

11 Nov—Veterans Day Public holiday.

25 Nov—Thanksgiving Public holiday.

25 Dec—Christmas Day Public holiday.