Honolulu  Overview

The first people to settle the Hawaiian Islands were probably Polynesian sailors from the Marquesa Islands in the South Pacific. They arrived around 900 AD, followed by other seafarers from Tahiti and New Zealand. Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer, was the first European to land on the shores of Hawaii on 18 January 1778. Initially, the locals welcomed these foreigners until they realised they brought deadly diseases with them. Within a century, European disease wiped out 80 per cent of the Hawaiian population. more...

Honolulu  Activities

One highlight of the stellar Bishop Museum is its new Science Adventure Center, which presents the worlds of volcanology and oceanography in kid-friendly fashion. The interior of a huge volcano can be explored and then climbed to get a lofty perspective of its erupting crater. ‘Hawaiian origins’ is an exhibit featuring an underwater tunnel that puts you deep under the ocean where dozens of cool, high-tech toys let kids interact with the marine environment. The museum’s enormous collection of Polynesian artefacts, insects, animals and marine life is another main attraction. Phone: +1 808 847 3511. more...

Honolulu  Events and Festivals

Ala Wai Challenge: on the final weekend of January, Waikiki’s Ala Wai Park is transformed into a free-for-all of traditional Hawaiian games. Visitors who tramp down to this beachside park will find hundreds of locals engaged in spear throwing, tug of war and other fun activities. more...

Honolulu  Sightseeing

Hawaii’s largest museum is also the premier cultural and natural history centre of the entire Pacific region. The collection of cultural and natural artefacts from Hawaii and the Pacific contained in the Bishop is unsurpassed and well worth a half day of exploration. Among the eclectic items are thousands of relics, pieces of art, royal feathered capes and specimens from the animals kingdom. The daily hula show is particularly good, as are the planetarium shows. Phone: +1 808 847 3511. more...

Honolulu  Transport

You'll likely be flying to Honolulu, arriving at the Honolulu International Airport located four miles (6.5kms) west of the city. Most of the major US airlines and many other international carriers fly regularly into Honolulu, especially from Asia. Its spacious terminal has a full range of services and amenities for passengers including banking facilities, airline lounges, business centres and information booths. more...

Honolulu  Travel Tips

Every visitor over 21 years can bring 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 3 pounds of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits or wine, and US$100 worth of gifts. You may not bring any plant or food of any kind, even canned goods. Visitors are allowed to bring US$10,000 cash in and out of Hawaii, but larger amounts of cash must be declared to customs officials. more...