Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honolulu-Oahu.jpg
Author: Wikijango


Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii. It is located on the southeastern part of the island of Oahu. The city and county of Honolulu covers the entire island. The city of Honolulu has a population of about 370,000 while the whole island of Oahu over 900,000 people. The name Honolulu actually means "a place of shelter" in the Hawaiian language.

The area around Honolulu is said to have been settled as early as the 12th century. In modern times, it became the royal court of King Kamehameha I after he conquered Oahu in 1804, and moved from the island of Hawaii to Waikiki. This was followed in 1845 with the relocation of the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom under King Kamehameha III from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu.

The late 19th century and early 20th century was a particularly turbulent period in Hawaiian history. The monarchy was overthrown, and subsequently Hawaii was annexed by the United States. Hawaii only became one of the states of the United States on 21 August, 1959. Following statehood, Hawaii experienced a tourism boom that fueled its economic growth. Honolulu is the frontline recipient of visitors to the state.

Honolulu, Hawaii
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honolulu.jpg
Author: Manzo Paris


Statue of King Kamehameha I
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kamehameha_I_head_to_waist_5111.jpg
Author: J.JMesserly

Travel to Honolulu

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main gateway to the state of Hawaii. The main (International) terminal is used by most of the American airlines as well as international carriers from the Pacific Rim. The Inter-Island (Domestic) Terminal is used by Hawaiian Airlines, which offers flights to the other Hawaiian Islands. A free shuttle bus provides a connection between the terminals.

To leave the airport, you can take City Bus No. 19 or 20. There is one every 30 minutes. The fare is $2.25 per adult. The bus goes to both the main and inter-island terminals. It takes you to downtown Hawaii as well as to Waikiki. Alternatively, you can also take the Airport Waikiki Express, a shuttle service that goes to most of the hotels in Waikiki. There's also one every half an hour, and it costs $9 one way, and $15 round trip.

Travel within Honolulu

The public bus operator in Honolulu is called, well, TheBus. The fare is $2.25. If you are going to take TheBus a lot, then you might want to consider getting the 4-day Discovery Pass for $25 or the full-calendar-month pass for $50, available at ABC Stores and 7-Elevens. If you are going to have an extended stay in Honolulu, then get the annual bus pass for $550.

Kawaiaha'o Church, Honolulu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honolulu-Kawaiahao-church-front.jpg
Author: Joel Bradshaw

Places of Interest in Honolulu

Sights in Greater Honolulu

Other Sights in O'ahu

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