Exploring the Pacific in Honolulu

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the government, transportation, and commercial center for the state, and home to its best known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is definitely not the place to go for a "get-away-from-it-all" Hawaiian vacation. It is as fast-paced and dynamic, and also a good place to learn to surf. But Honolulu has not entirely lost its laid-back atmosphere and culture. Looking for something closer to nature? Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish, is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Or check out the Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of Windward Oahu.

If you’re looking to stay indoors, the Bishop Museum has an excellent collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a number of science-based exhibits. The new Science Adventure Center is centered around vulcanology, with a large simulated volcano in the center that "erupts" regularly. The museum also features a planetarium.

Chef Sam Choy does not skimp on the portions of dishes such as, Mahi-Mahi and Oriental Lamb Chops, which are all served with two scoops of mashed potatoes or rice and a tropical salad. Sam's signature dish is Fish Laulau. For something really special, try the Fresh Island Fish Trio. Sam's favorite saying is, 'Never trust a skinny chef.' He himself weighs in at around 400 pounds. This establishment might well be the quintessential Hawaiian dining destination.

Windsurfers, a breed apart from regular humans and similar to wave surfers, travel from far-distant corners of the world to hit this top windsurfing beach. When the water is flat, they simply sit and wait. When the wind starts, they head here in droves. If you are not a windsurfer, you can still enjoy the warm waters and gentle surf of this famous, beautiful beach. Barbecue facilities, bathrooms and showers are available.

Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon. Admission: non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle.

More than 20 food stands, three sit-down restaurants and a bar are located here. You can choose from any kind of cuisine, including American, Hawaiian, vegetarian and Indian. Fresh fruit smoothies, pastries and daiquiris can all be enjoyed. While there are quite a few standard food stands - Sbarro, Blimpies - the local ones are much more interesting. Little Cafe Siam serves Thai food, the Noodle Co. offers a dozen kinds of sai min, and the Poi Bowl serves a Hawaiian plate lunch. The average cost is $40.

Since 1925 this tower has welcomed people of all nations to Honolulu. It's an imposing structure, nearly 200 feet tall, but its Spanish architecture and bronze embellishments make it much more attractive than the average skyscraper. The wonderful Aloha Tower Marketplace is open daily. Located on Honolulu's historic waterfront, this unique open-air festival marketplace offers over 70 distinctive shops, award-winning restaurants and free nightly entertainment. For shopping, check out Crazy Fish, Black Pearl Gallery, Out of the West, Pipe Dreams, Stone Gear, and Mag-Neat-O. For food/snacks, check out Chai's Island Bistro, Don Ho's Island Grill, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Hong Kong Harbour View Seafood Restaurant, and Bad Ass Coffee Company. Indulge in exquisite island cuisine from the simple to the sublime including steak and seafood, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Rim specialties. Find the perfect gift from the vast array of stores offering island treasures, such as Kona coffee, koa wood accessories, local artwork, jewelry, furnishings, and apparel for the whole family. Free historical tours offered in Japanese and English. The tower is located next to the Hawaii Maritime Museum.

With swells that get as large as 30 feet during the winter months, this beach is a well-known surf spot. Beginning surfers and boogie boarders are discouraged from testing the surf when the waves are high; swimming is unheard-of. Swimmers and boogie boarders should visit during the summer and always be careful of riptides, undertow and unexpected high surf. The area has quite an interesting history. In days gone by, a gang of marauding outlaws hid out in the Makaha valley, wreaking havoc on the unlucky locals and visitors. Of course the outlaws have long since disappeared, but the name, which means "fierce", stuck.

Roy Yamaguchi was one of the first celebrity chefs to develop Hawaiian regional cuisine and remains one of its best practitioners. His restaurant in Hawai'i Kai is famous for its cutting-edge Euro-Asian food and glorious sunset views. There are 25 nightly specials, always including a selection of individual pizzas with exotic toppings, as well as seafood entrees such as Pan Fried Oysters with Lobster Curry Sauce. An innovative and extensive wine list compliments the Pacific Rim cuisine, bottles range from USD22 to more than USD100. There is also a good selection of wines by the glass. Beware, the decibel level in this popular dining spot can be deafening.

Fresh seafood and produce are prepared with Pacific Rim flair at this waterfront gem located at Aloha Tower Marketplace. The Asian-style Osso Bucco with Kabocha Pumpkin is truly a culinary work of fusion art. You will not go wrong with the Bistro Bouillabaisse, the house specialty. For an appetizer, try the Kataifi and Macadamia Nut Encrusted Jumbo Black Tiger Prawns. As day turns into evening, some of the most famous names in Hawaiian music set up a tiny stage on the restaurant courtyard. The haunting harmonies of their voices float away into the Hawaiian dusk, bringing a feeling of peace to anyone lucky enough to be here for it. Tuesday through Friday 11am onwards.

Nature has created only a few spectacles as breathtaking as this one. Located on 1,800 acres above legendary Waimea Bay, the park harbors 6,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species. Peacocks and macaws wander the grounds fearlessly. Giant lily pads—nearly the size of a seat cushion float in serene pools. Guests can hike the trails or opt for guided tram tours. Don't miss the cliff-divers or the hula dancers; both groups perform periodically throughout the day. Admission: USD24 adults; USD12 ages 4-12.

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes missing in action. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

The "Aloha Spirit" is very much in evidence at this friendly, entertaining luau. On Germaine's strip of beach, guests can dance the hula, sip free-flowing Mai Tais and Blue Hawaiians, and stuff themselves on a sumptuous buffet of Hawaiian and American favorites. At the dinner show, performers from varied South Pacific islands entertain the crowd with displays of skill and dexterity.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the government, transportation, and commercial center for the state, and home to its best known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is definitely not the place to go for a "get-away-from-it-all" Hawaiian vacation. It is as fast-paced and dynamic, and also a good place to learn to surf. But Honolulu has not entirely lost its laid-back atmosphere and culture. Looking for something closer to nature? Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish, is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Or check out the Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of Windward Oahu.

If you’re looking to stay indoors, the Bishop Museum has an excellent collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a number of science-based exhibits. The new Science Adventure Center is centered around vulcanology, with a large simulated volcano in the center that "erupts" regularly. The museum also features a planetarium.