Day 2 - Honolulu

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Honolulu is located on the polynesian island of Ohau in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. It is the capital of the Hawaii, the 50th and youngest American state. In tropical Honolulu the surf is always up and the weather is always warm. Hawaiis biggest city offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, sports, and shopping all in one place. With Americas only royal palace at its core and Pearl Harbor just around the corner there is a lot of history to discover. Visit the Bishop Museum to learn about the Polynesian voyagers who came here hundreds of years before Captain Cook dropped anchor in 1778. The native Hawaiians and first Europeans were drawn to the majestic profile of the Diamond head volcano which still an attraction today. Whenever youre in the city the backdrop of Li ahias the locals called the crater is a constant reminder of Hawaiis explosive beginnings. Climb the short trail to its circular rim for commanding views over the island and its picutre-perfect coastline.

Go to the top of Aloha Tower to see how Honolulu has become a modern urban center. The capital is the gathering place where residents of Hawaii do business but tourists mainly come here for its beaches and watersports. Honolulu means sheltered bay and any day of the year you can swimming stand-up paddle boarding and sailing in the harbor. Ala Moana Beach Park is the quieter alternative to popular Wakiki lays on the beach or if your start felling active its surfing lessons or rent a canoe to explore the bay. Stroll over the boulevard to buy everything from upscale fashion to flowery local graments to brighten up your wardrobe. You cant miss the stature of the fearless warrior king Kamehameha who unified the Hawaiian islands in the late 18th century. Admire the American Florentine architecture of lolani Palace and visit the Holika barracks. For lunch try a Japanese fushion dish the largerly Aisan American population of Honolulu has left its mark on the cuisine and culture of the island. Visit Kapiolani Park with its ancient banyan trees and attractive beachfront the park is home to historic Honolulu Zoo, so take the kids to see friendly gaints and exotic birds. Set aside a day for pearl harbor to see the remnants of the US Pacific Fleet that was crippled by an air raid on December 7th 1941. To the east of Pearl Harbor the warm turquoise waters of Kaila Beach are wating to take your mind off wolrdly affairs. Cool off with shave ice, the local version of a snow cone. Head back to downtown Honolulu for sunset and watch a hula dancing show in the romantic capital of Hawaii. Honolulu is a convenient stopover on your way to other Hawaiian islands but also a great destination in itself come the experience the true meaning of Aloha which is more that just Hawaiian for hello. It means a warm welcome, love, best wishes, and even goodbye but it never means farewell.