Fun trip!!

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.

The Polynesian Cultural Center hosts this annual festival and competition in honor of hula, which locals and visitors agree is one of Hawaii's most memorable gifts to modern culture. The festival showcases the best of past and present-day hula. For a day in January it will showcase hula halaus (Hawaiian for hula dance troupe) from all over the state of Hawai'i. This slice of local flavor is not to be missed - especially, for lovers of dance. Ticketing information is available through the Polynesian Cultural Center.

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.

Kick back and relax in an air-conditioned tour bus as a certified tour guide takes you around the notable points of Honolulu. There are nearly a dozen organized tours, a Waikiki Trolley day-pass, and an option to design your own tour. Popular tours include the Pearl Harbor & Punchbowl Crater Tour (USD41 for adults) and the Circle Island Beach & Dole Plantation Tour, which is a full-day excursion to all the most famous aquatic landmarks on the island. Call for more information.

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.

Located inside the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this dolphin habitat draws visitors from up and down the island of Oahu. Dolphin Quest offers a variety of programs and encounters for everyone from children to couples. Guests and visitors have the chance to learn about these extraordinary creatures through fun and educational programs. To learn more, visit their website.

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.

In approximately 15 activity packed hours, this charter company flies passengers to one of four neighboring islands (Maui, Hawai'i, Kaua'i or Moloka'i) for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The price is $177 per person or, if you wish to go by helicopter, $290 per person. At least five major attractions are visited in each tour. The most unique adventure is the Kalaupapa Mule Ride, which takes place on the tiny island of Moloka'i and costs $290 per person.

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.

This is a bit of a local secret. It offers excellent snorkeling, mostly nearby the reef formation known as Three Tables. Scuba divers also visit the cave and the waters past the reef. The beach is located on the North Shore, nearby famous Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. It's in a residential part of the island, and gets only occasional visits from tourists. Snorkelers would do well to make the journey here, however, as the underwater sights are vivid and plentiful. Note: As with all Hawaii beaches, conditions are changeable. Exercise caution, especially during winter months.

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.

The menu of services and treatments at this luxury spa is extensive. Guests are encouraged to pamper and revitalize their bodies and faces. Some treatments, such as the Milk and Honey Body Mask, hint at old-style Grecian splendor while others such as the Ihilani Cool Ti Leaf Wrap, are straight from Polynesia. The spa is known for its water treatments. It offers underwater massage using warm seawater as well as a variety of hydrotherapies including Roman Pools and Vichy Showers.

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.

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.