Five Things to Explore in Honolulu

If you live in Honolulu, where do you go on vacation?  Based on a recent study from WalletHub, the answer might be “nowhere”.  The personal-finance site rated the Hawaiian capital as America’s best city for a staycation.

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It’s not hard to see why.  Honolulu is certainly the most exotic state capital I’ve visited.  There are things to do and see and experience in Honolulu that are unlike anything you’ll find from Boston to Sacramento:

History

Downtown Honolulu has plenty to intrigue history buffs, and it’s easily walkable in the warm Hawaiian weather.

The Iolani Place is the only former royal residence on U.S. soil.

The King Kamehameha Statue honors the warrior who unified the Hawaiian Islands.

Kawaiahao Church reflects the early Christian missionary influence in Hawaii; it’s known as the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific”.

Scenery

Colorful flowers and lush greenery.  Golden sunsets and silvery moonsets.  Banyan trees.  Rainbows appearing everywhere.  Honolulu is an uncommon treat for the eyes.

Diamond Head State Monument boasts a volcanic cone and a historic hiking trail.

Lyon Arboretum features a botanical garden with tropical plants.

Puu Ualakaa State Wayside offers sweeping views from its Tantalus Lookout.

Water

There’s swimming, sailing, surfing, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, whatever water sport strikes your fancy.  And of course simply strolling the beach at sunset, or at sunrise, or at any time.

Waikiki Beach is home to soft sand and spectacular sunsets.  It’s known for its surfing and its waterfront hotels.  Celebrities from Amelia Earhart to Frank Sinatra have been drawn to the landmark beach.

Wildlife

Seals and sea turtles, whales and dolphins, and bright beautiful birds bedeck the skies and waters of Honolulu.

The Honolulu Zoo features a variety of exotic animals.

The Waikiki Aquarium showcases marine species native to the Pacific.

Food

From fresh and juicy tropical fruits for breakfast, washed down with smooth Kona coffee, to the fabulous feast at the Royal Hawaiian Luau on Waikiki Beach, accompanied by Mai Tais, Honolulu is a unique culinary experience.

Other great choices include fabulously fresh seafood and outstanding Japanese cuisine.

Back home in Virginia, my travel companion and I even tried (unsuccessfully) to replicate a pizza we had in Honolulu (and if you object to pineapple on pizza, my recommendation is to withhold final judgement until you’ve tried it in Hawaii!).

bonus:  Pearl Harbor

Okay, technically Pearl Harbor isn’t in the city of Honolulu.  But it’s close, and a must-see.  In addition to paying their respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, visitors can tour the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the U.S.S. Bowfin submarine, and the U.S.S. Missouri, the battleship on which Japan formally surrendered at the end of World War II.

Aloha!