So to clear up some confusion, the island is called Oahu. Honolulu is the capital. Waikiki is the tourist area where most of the hotels, timeshare resorts, and shops are. For example, we usually do a timeshare exchange to vacation on the island of Oahu rather than stay in a hotel. Now that we got that geography out of the way, here are some tips on what to do and see.

North Shore – Try something new and get out of the touristy area for the day and take a bus to drive up north on the island. You’ll get to see the mountains and hillsides of the island and the ocean. Most people picture Honolulu as either a giant beach or a big city. If you stay in Waikiki, that’s about all you see. And for all you “Lost” fans, the North Shore is where they filmed quite a bit of the show. Grab a bite to eat in one of the small eateries near the beach. During the Winter (from November to February), this is the prime surfing season and this area becomes the host to pro tournaments. The waves can be 20 feet high!

Luau – Yes, the dancing, the leis, the fire-throwing and more; Just like you saw on the “Brady Bunch” show. We enjoyed Germaine’s Luau. We have been before and we look forward to doing it again. It’s more than a show but a step back in time to see the island culture and fellow Americans, the Hawaiians. The kids will love the show, how can they not? The food on the other hand…you might want to pack some snacks for the kids, just in case. Our kids weren’t big on the pig or poi.

Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial – I highly recommend this but unfortunately many visitors won’t be able to see it. You must see this historic site marking the sneak attack by the Japanese on America in World War II. This is a must see; A beautiful memorial to those heroes we lost during that fight. USS Arizona is a battleship used during that battle. My tip, plan this day in advance and get your tix online. There will most certainly be a line when you show up. Don’t procrastinate, it’ll book up on you and your vacation will be over. I have heard this from other people. Don’t visit Hawaii and miss this. And when you get tix, get there early.

Diamond Head – This is the famous view from Waikiki Beach and former site of volcanic activity. Don’t worry, you can hike it. The view from the top is fantastic. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, not sandals, and sun protection for the hike. The higher you go, the sun gets stronger and hotter. After the hike there’s a “Shave Ice” truck waiting for the over-heated hikers so be sure to bring some cash. This is by far not the best Shave Ice but it sure did taste delicious after a long, hot hike. If you want a great Shave Ice recommendation it is Waiola Store (named after the street it’s on). He blends the ice in a very unique manner that makes the Shave Ice have a creamy flavor to it. I don’t know how they do it!

Waikiki Beach – Ok, time to hit this area but be sure to come by at night. Make sure you stop into the many art galleries so you can see what the local artists are up to. I love this area in the evening. It is so alive with the the energy and artists (spray paint art, charcoal artists, oil painters and more) on the street. And enjoy the human statues.

Aiea Loop Trail – A great scenic hike in the middle of the island at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a secret gem. It covers more than four and a half miles of trail. Take in views of Diamond Head, the Waianae Range, Pearl Harbor, and, if you have a bit of luck you just might see Honolulu.

Duke’s Restaurant: OK, time to eat. Duke’s is near and dear to me. I love this place. I have always found the service to be as wonderful as the food. On our first years ago staying in a timeshare exchange, we ate at Duke’s on the advice of the concierge. It’s got the best location sitting right on the beach. It’s a great atmosphere, wonderful fresh seafood, and really good. The fish is always so fresh and they make it different ways and the waiters always have nice suggestions on how to get the fish prepared. How about the Tuna with Wasabi? Even if you go for an appetizer and some drinks, you’ll love it.

Being a beautiful blend of modern amenities and rich culture, Honolulu gives its visitors a chance to enjoy the scenic glory as well as the great Hawaiian food. It is one of the most popular holiday attractions across the globe as it offers something to everyone, from historically significant Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach to flourishing art and classy shopping malls.

Further talking about Honolulu, you can’t forget to mention the magical feel of staying at the shore of Pacific Ocean, effervescent night-life and plentiful options to shop around.

Don’t Miss On The Following While You Are In Honolulu

Explore The Waikiki Beach – Waikiki, also known as ‘spouting waters’, is the first place to attract the travelers. You find apt hotels and vibrant beaches here. Waikiki has almost every kind of tourists like sunbathers, surfers, boarders, swimmers, catamaran and anyone who is crazy about water sports. This place offers you a perfect night-life to enjoy with several beach activities that keep the fun going on with live music and nigh-parties, even after sunset. Other interesting places include Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium which can be too much fun for families.

Experience Hawaiian Art – Visiting the Arts District is a must for art lovers. In the nearby area, Hawaiian Theater is also located where you can watch performances organized by cultural institutions. A stroll at Nuuana Avenue and Bethel Street near the Hawaiian Theater offers you a variety of galleries. Par excellence original paintings await you at Pegge Hopper Gallery. The other eye-catching place is Ramsay Museum that is famous for its brilliant pen and Indian ink work that is visible with a magnifying glass. The other art galleries to visit are the Arts at Marks Garage or the Chinatown Boardroom.

Enjoy Hawaiian Food – For people having penchant for food, Honolulu is an apt place to go. You have a wide range of food items that you might not have tasted yet. The traditional flavors of Hawaii include coconut, banana, sugar cane, and pineapple. Everything that you can associate with tropical climate is available here. Hawaii is a mixture of different Asian cultures like Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Samoan and a part of Portuguese. Therefore, the restaurants here are distinct and diverse, serving everything from traditional Hawaiian food and local dishes to your national food. Hawaii also offers you a variety of chicken dishes, like Japanese- Chicken Katsu and Filipino- Chicken Adobo. It is also famous for its sweet bread recipes. Regarding the drinks, a holiday to Honolulu is incomplete if you don’t try a Mai Tai, a mix of rum, orange and lemon.

Go On Shopping Spree – Honolulu boasts of having the world’s largest open air shopping center, which comprises nearly 260 stores, several restaurants and clubs. You will get everything from jewelery to kids wear there. Buy amazing men and women aloha wear, surf wear, along with varied Hawaiian themed attire. In addition to this, you can also buy classy gifts and cards during Christmas season. It also has chic boutiques that can make you carry an extra bag while returning back from Honolulu.

Don’t Forget To Visit Pearl Harbor – This is a key place in American heritage and history as it withstood the Japanese attack during second World War. You can study the tragic big battles that were shot and sunk. There was a huge loss of life and visiting the memorial, makes your visit, an emotional one. The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Kawajahao Church, artifacts of the Bishop Museum, and the Mission Houses are some of the other historically important places to visit.

A vibrant epicenter of Hawaii, Honolulu is home to the state capital. This sprawling city is nestled on the southeastern shores of Oahu, with some mesmerizing beaches to offer including the world famous Waikiki. It has something for everyone from historic landmarks and treasured monuments to world class shopping and a flourishing art and culture scene.

Waikiki, known as ‘spouting waters’ in Hawaii, is located on the south shore of Honolulu. It is one of the most populous places with a collection of individual beaches offering every activity possible from sunbathing to snorkeling. The calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for surfing lessons and much more like go on a canoe ride, or go snorkeling along the Waikiki Beach. Experience the arts and culture of Hawaii at one of many cultural festivals and events held throughout the year. Whether you’re surfing up a storm or sleeping on the sand, there is plenty to experience in Waikiki. Other attractions here are Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium which offer fun and enjoyment for the whole family. Even after the sunset, the fun keeps going on with the amazing nightlife and live music.

At the edge of Honolulu is an attraction that has a life of its own – the Pearl Harbor. The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is the most-visited tourist sight in Honolulu. The building is the final resting place of the USS Arizona, which sunk in the attack by Japan, bringing the US into the World War II. The tour, which includes a ride to the memorial, takes visitors on an emotional roller coaster. Honolulu is home to some of Hawaii’s most historical places. These are Iolani Palace, the Kawaiahao Church, the Mission Houses and the treasured artifacts of the Bishop Museum. Other iconic landmarks are the Aloha Tower, the King Kamehameha I Statue, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the historic Hawaii Theater.

Honolulu is also Hawaii’s hot spot for arts, culture and entertainment. Go on the Chinatown art walk and stroll along Nuuanu Avenue and Bethel Street near the historic Hawaii Theater to discover a variety of galleries. The Pegge Hopper Gallery has a notable collection of original paintings and affordable prints. The Ramsay Museum is known for its fine pen and Indian ink work which you can view with a magnifying glass. Or just wander into one of the many other eclectic art galleries, like the Arts at Marks Garage or the Chinatown Boardroom, and discover an artist for yourself.

Honolulu dining is distinct and diverse as it’s the melting pot of ethnicity. The restaurants here feature everything from traditional Hawaiian food and local Pacific Rim fare to your favorite national restaurants. It is a great place for people who love to shop. It has everything from open-air malls and high-end retailers to charming boutiques and local specialty stores. You might need an extra bag while returning.

Fun Activities to Do When Visiting Honolulu Hawaii

• Relax and stay in Waikiki. Almost every visitor of Honolulu goes to Waikiki. It is the tourist district of Honolulu where you can find great hotels and amazing beach views. You have a lot of options to choose from. Select your guesthouse from prestige to budget-friendly hotels. Millions of visitors go to this place every year. It is a popular destination where you can enjoy nightlife and beach activities.

• Shop at Honolulu Malls. Go to the largest shopping mall in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center, Honolulu. It is the world’s largest open air shopping center. It boasts more than 260 stores, restaurants and clubs. Ala Moana Center is a shopping mall where you can find varieties of items to buy. Also, located here is Ala Moana Beach Park, which is the second largest park in Honolulu, Hawaii.

• Visit the Arts District. For arts junkies, visiting the Arts District near Chinatown is a must. Located at Arts District is the historical Hawaiian Theatre. There are also other performing arts venues you can visit. Art events are also held at Arts District organized by different cultural institutions.

• Eat Hawaiian Dishes. Foods in Honolulu will make you crave for more Hawaiian dishes. Local Hawaiian foods are inspired by various Western and Asian dishes. For food enthusiasts, you will enjoy having lunch or dinner at restaurants in the city. You can choose from varieties of foods you haven’t tasted yet.

• Check out Pearl Harbor. This place is a popular tourist hub because of its role for American heritage and history during the World War II. At Pearl Harbor, you can see big battleships shot and sunk during the war. Also, you can go on board and see other battleships like the USS Missouri. It will be a great experience to see how the soldiers lived inside the ships during those times.

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The Pacific’s Shopping Paradise – Honolulu

Guess what Hawaii’s #1 activity is. It’s not surfing, night clubbing or visiting world class attractions, although these are all favorites – it’s shopping! More tourism dollars are spent on shopping than any other activity in Hawaii. As a self-confessed, shopaholic with Australia’s big city stores just a short drive from home, I can’t wait for my annual trips to Honolulu where I can satisfy all of my shopping cravings.

If you too love to shop, you are going to be in heaven in Honolulu! Hawaii’s largest city and home to Waikiki, offers a vast sea of stores, including the world’s very largest open-air shopping center.

Here are some of my Honolulu shopping tips…

Sure, Hawaii has lots of beautiful sights to see around the island, but this is where those serious about shopping stay. Even locals from neighboring Hawaiian Islands fly over to Oahu for shopping weekends in Honolulu. This way can get to the best shopping destinations on foot and on the Waikiki Trolley. Learn how to use the Waikiki Trolley and other Honolulu transportation. Read my article: Getting Around Honolulu. For duty free shopping in Waikiki, check out DFS Galleria near the Royal Hawaiian hotel. This luxury retailer caters to travelers and has one of the largest duty-free shops in all of Hawaii. The Galleria now includes nine new luxury boutiques on Waikiki’s Fashion Mile (Luxury Row). For the largest variety of quality items in one location, visit the world’s largest outdoor shopping center: Ala Moana Mall.

The mall has more than 290 shops and eateries and is located across the street from family-friendly, Ala Moana Beach Park. You’ll find everything here from fine jewelry and haute couture to surfwear and kids clothes. For the most Hawaiian themed clothing and souvenir store, head to Hilo Hatties. This locally owned store, has some very good deals, rack after rack of aloha wear for men and women, gift and souvenir items and during the holiday season, you can find beautiful Hawaiian Christmas items and cards (tip – a few days before Christmas, they knock off as much as 75%). Honolulu locations: Hilo Hattie’s flagship store is at 700 North Nimitz Highway, and they have a store at the Ala Moana Mall. Take their free shuttle (detailed at their site) to either location, or take the Waikiki Trolley to their Ala Moana location. For super discounts on designer clothes, try Ross’ Dress for Less. You’ll pay 20-60% less on designer and brand name clothing and other items (like jewelry and housewares) than you typically pay at department and specialty stores. This is a national chain, but they carry many Hawaiian style clothes too. The most conveniently located Ross’ on the island (there are six total) is at Ward Centers in Honolulu.

If you want to do a bit of shopping you can head to the Pearlridge Center, this shopping mall hosts events throughout the year and you are bound to find something you like there. In the month of September there are health drives, chess clubs and so much more. Of course if you just want to shop then this mall is also the place for you. Packed full of world-famous shops and outlets as well as local stores, the Pearlridge Center is a great day out for all the family and you can shop till you drop!

The People’s Open Market is a more traditional way to shop and was created to provide the locals with fresh and cheap agricultural and aqua cultural products, amongst other food items. This market also helps give local businesses the chance to grow and for you to select and buy very fresh products. The People’s Open Market attracts more than a million customers every year despite being open for only one hour once a week. The market traders have to comply with State and Federal government rules and regulations in order to sell their products, so you know you are getting high quality food items at prices much lower than those elsewhere. Head to this wonderful market and experience the opportunity and pleasure of buying traditional Hawaiian products while soaking in the wonderful atmosphere.

If you are planning for a vacation where you can breathe some fresh air away from your daily routine, enjoy some mesmerizing beaches as well as majestic mountains, Hawaiian holidays have to be on the top of your list. It offers you everything that you desire from an island vacation. Since Hawaii is a collection of a number of islands, you have a variety of options available in order to plan your vacation. Of all these places Oahu is the most popular destination but other islands like Maui, the second largest island, also offer a lot to its visitors.

The island of Maui has a coastline of approximately 120 miles. There are gorgeous white sand beaches, black sand beaches and even red sand beaches offering great swimming, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking opportunities. Maui combines luxury with simplicity like no other island does. There are some world class resorts where you can get yourself a little pampered.

A variety of activities delight ocean and land lovers alike with hiking, sightseeing and water sports. The seaside streets of Lahaina, Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay and Wailea Beach are some of the most popular destinations among the visitors, while Hookipa Beach is known as one of the windsurfing meccas of the world. You can also enjoy great surfing at Peahi. From Championship Golf Courses to the scenic road to the isolated town of Hana, your vacation is bound to be a memorable one.

Kaanapali Beach has approximately three miles of white sand and crystal clear water. Here a world class open air shopping complex, the Whaler’s Village, is located. It is home to a vibrant variety of 90 fine shops and restaurants and a renowned whale museum and offers free Hawaiian entertainment. One of the most famous attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony off the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puu Kekaa, or Black Rock, held in the evening at sunset.

Other famous beaches like Napili Bay Beach, located on the northwestern coast of Maui, is known for its fine white sand. It lies between two rocky points and is an excellent beach for swimming and other water activities. And Wailea Beach on Maui’s south shore is a long and wide white-sand beach, great for swimming.

Hookipa Beach Park, located on Maui’s famous Hana Highway, is world-renowned for its windsurfing and other oceansport activities. It’s one of the best beaches in the world for windsurfing. If your vacation gets scheduled during the Aloha Classic or Red Bull contests, you can catch some of the best surfing action in the world. After so much action you can head towards the isolated town of Hana that offers some picturesque views, waterfalls and landmarks of historical significance.

Lahaina, a historical town, has been transformed into a Maui hot spot with dozens of art galleries and a variety of unique shops and restaurants. Following Lahaina’s historical trail, the Ala Moolelo O Lahaina, you can walk into the past of this town. Lahaina’s sunny climate and oceanfront setting offers the perfect backdrop for a variety of activities and entertainment. Get a fresh taste of Hawaii Regional Cuisine in some of Lahaina’s fine restaurants.

Hawaii (Island) is an archipelago blending the incredible natural beauty and sharp contrariety. Due to their custom of welcoming- an attitude of openness and friendliness- to the visitors, this multi-cultural community is known as ‘Islands of Aloha’, and attracts the visitors throughout the globe. This ‘Aloha Spirit’ overcomes the differences with dignity and combines all the islands in a single unit. This spirit remains with the visitors as well, even after they return back to their homes.

The Hawaii Island has a god-gifted natural beauty that makes this place a perfect vacation spot. Lush tropical valleys, upland rain-forests, high cascading waterfalls and exotic beaches, there is everything to make this Island a paradise for vacationers. This Island offers the visitors a wide ranging selection of adventurous activities. Hawaii is not just a natural resort, there are some world famous historical landmarks, excellent art galleries, quality dining avenues and fabulous museums as well, offering a different vacation taste to the visitors. Hawaii Island is located in the North Pacific Ocean. It is in fact a chain of eight main islands- Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Niihau. Kauai, and Hawaii (Big island). Let us have a brief introduction of these islands.

Oahu Island: This is the most populated island, and a home to the top vacation spots of Hawaii Island. The capital city- Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, historical Pearl Harbor, Diamond Heads and many more, there is an array of tourist attractions which make this island the ‘Gathering Place’ at Hawaii Island.

Kauai Island: Called the ‘Garden island’, Kauai is well-known for its magnificent scenic beauty. With beautiful waterfalls, dense rain-forests, and quiet streams, this island never dismays the vacationers who come here in search of peace. In the list of major vacation attractions at this Island, there is spectacular Waimea Canyon, valley of Kalalau, Poipu Beach, the Na Pali Coast and many more.

Maui Island: This Island is popularized as ‘Valley Isle’. It offers a long list of vacation attractions which the visitors find appealing. World’s largest dormant volcano- Mt.Haleakala is located at this island. Apart from that, there is the Hana Coast, Iao Valley, Makena, and many more that attract the tourists from across the globe.

Hawaii: Bigger than all the Hawaiian islands combined, it is called ‘The Big Island’. The dominant features of this island are twin towering peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa (both more than 13,000 feet), and a large tropical flower Industry. Very rich in natural beauty, the island attracts the visitors due to its tropical climate and adventurous activities.

Moloka Island is called ‘the Friendly Isle’ and is considered the most endearing trait of the Hawaiian community. Talking about the Lana Island, it is a privately owned Island and a home to numerous first-class accommodations, dinning avenues, golf courses and beautiful beaches. Similarly, Nihau and Kahoolawe islands also attract the visitors with their natural beauty on beaches and dense rain-forests.

One of the most popular and favored holiday destinations among the holiday-makers is the tropical island chain of Hawaii. The State of Hawaii is the only state of the United States which is entirely made of islands. Its location amidst the crystal clear turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean makes Hawaii a tourist’s paradise. The presence of tranquil sandy white beaches, splendid landscapes, pristine tropical forests, majestic waterfalls, incredible active volcanoes and many other attractions make Hawaii unique compared to any other destinations.

Visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island, you will come face to face with an active volcano. This once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the active volcano of Kilauea Caldera, is of great excitement. Kilauea has been continuously erupting since 1983. Mauna Loa, which last erupted in the year 1984, is also located at the Big Island. Loihi, which is erupting since 1996, is another active volcano located underwater at the southern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Of the other three remaining volcanoes on the island, Mauna Kea and Kohala are extinct, while Hualalai, which last erupted in 1801, is considered to be dormant. Apart from the presence of active volcanoes, this island plays a host to several cultural and sport events. You can enjoy the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, the Ironman Triathlon World Championships and the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

Oahu is reputed to be a world-class travel destination as it offers better shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. Apart from these, you can visit important places like the Pearl Harbor, which is the headquarters of the US Pacific Fleet. Another important place being the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of the thousand US soldiers who lost their lives in the Japanese attack in Pearl Harbor during the second world war. If you are a nature lover, you can hike along and explore the notable volcano craters like Leahi popularly known as Diamond Head. This island of Oahu also houses the world famous Waikiki Beach, where you can enjoy several outdoor activities and water sports.

Maui, also known as The Valley Isle, is considered to be the best island in the world. Here you can visit Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, which last erupted in the year 1790. The underwater valley connecting Maui, Molokai Lanai and Kaho’olawe is shelter to an abundance of marine life including the humpback whales. Apart from these scenic beauties you can also visit West Maui, housing exquisite beaches, luxurious hotels and places of historic importance. You can also enjoy boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and several other sports in the beaches located here in Maui.

Kauai, popularly known as The Garden Isle, is Hawaii’s fourth largest island. The presence of tropical rainforests, forking rivers, cascading waterfalls and a 110 mile long white sand coastline give Kauai a scenic importance.

Molokai was once a place of refuge for defeated warriors and those who had violated the strictures of the Hawaiian kapu system. Now it has become popular among the tourists because of its longest white sand beach, barrier reef; black sand beaches, lowland desert, rain forests, fern forests, grasslands, lowland forests, ancient pre-Christian temples and Hawaiian fishponds, which are used as an ingenious form of aquaculture.

Lanai, also known as The Secluded Island and The Pineapple Island, is a place of untouched tranquility. Here you can enjoy Cliff Diving World Championships, which take place at the Southeast region of Lanai’s Kaunolu Point.

Obviously, the costs of apartment rentals are inversely related to the distance from the center of the town, and there is also a big difference between large and small towns. These furnished apartment rentals are a great alternative for corporate relocations while the professional finds a permanent apartment or home, or for the executive on a temporary job assignment who needs housing for just a few months.

In places like Hawaii a thriving tourism industry means Honolulu apartment rentals are scarce during the peak summer months. Honolulu apartment rentals are notoriously high-priced, making it especially difficult to find affordable housing. Short-term apartment rentals are meant especially to cater to travelers. Long-term apartment rentals are calculated month wise.

Apartments for rent in warm climate cities are often quite pricey and can be found in all locations throughout a particular city, and in any budget. Also in many cities apartment dwellers must meet different move-in requirements.

All throughout the country rather than staying at expensive hotels, more and more travelers rent furnished apartments for their lodging needs. Well-heeled professionals occupy high-rent apartments and town houses.

It should be noted that big city living does not always mean affordable apartments for rent. If you’re trying to find an apartment in a large city you must know which apartment rentals are new and contact these apartments for rent quickly. One survey that was conducted recently proclaimed San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle and Washington DC some of the top cities to find apartments for rent.