The capital city of Honolulu is an historic city of almost one million people. It has both charm and excitement.

iolani palace

state judiciary

barracks

kawaiahao

Hawaii is the only US State to have been ruled by its own monarchy. Iolani Palace in the heart of downtown Honolulu was one of three residences of the Hawaiian royalty and was completed in 1882. It remains the only royal residence in Hawaii. Set in a peaceful garden setting with giant banyan trees, Iolani Palace is open to the public for guided tours and offer a glimpse of the decorative throne room and other fine collections of Hawaiian pomp. Opposite the palace is the State Judiciary Building with the fine bronze statue of King Kamehamahama at its front. Also in this original "block" is the impressive Kawaiahao Church, built from 1836-1842 from 14,000 coral blocks.

wharf

downtown

china town

view

To the north east of Downtown Honolulu is the inspiring Bishop Museum. Don't let its out of the way location deter you from visiting - the museum has the most extensive and important collection of historical relics from Hawaii and Pacific and is a fantastic place to learn about the Polynesian people and their ancient way of life.

Further west, in a huge protected bay, is Pearl Harbor, the most visited tourist attraction in Hawaii.

uss arizona

honolulu

tantalus view

One of the most peaceful drives on Oahu is just minutes from the bustle and congestion of Honolulu. Tantalus Drive winds its way into the hills of the Honolulu Forest Reserve at the foothills of the Koolau Mountain range which hems Honolulu into the coast. Rising to a summit of 2000 feet, Tantalus Drive offers spectacular views of Downtown Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. There are several walking trails into the forest reserve which offer real solitude and a glimpse of the verdant tropical forest and flora.


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Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:

Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide

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