Honolulu
Oahu - Hawaii
...a short remark in advance...
As already mentioned on the overview pages, we visited the Hawaiian Islands in 2000. At the time these pages are created (February 2020), our visit will be almost 20 years ago. Although we have fond memories of our three weeks on the islands, all of our assessments are based on 20-year-old memories. Even though the locations we describe here still exist, the circumstances have certainly changed. We ask you to keep this in mind. All opening hours and entrance fees are as of February 2020.
Hard Rock Café: 280 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
Downtown Honolulu
Description: Honolulu is not only the capital of Hawaii, but also the only major city on the islands and probably the first destination for most visitors. Although there are other airports on the islands that can be reached from the mainland, Honolulu is considered the hub to welcome visitors. As a result, it has the most infrastructure in terms of hotels, restaurants and other entertainment options.
For the GPS: 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813 (Aloha Tower Marketplace), 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (Iolani Palace)
Our rating: We found Honolulu to be a pretty chill city. It was indeed bustling, as in almost every big city, but still we have not perceived it as particularly stressful. The highlight during our walk through downtown was definitely the hula show we witnessed in front of the Aloha Tower. Unfortunately, we missed taking a picture of the Capitol because we didn't find the building very interesting. At that time, we weren't really interested in the state seats of government.
Waikiki Beach
Description: Waikiki Beach, the famous beach ... on one side you have the Pacific Ocean with the surfers and on the other side the skyscrapers filled with hotels, restaurants, designer stores, etc.. Here you really find everything a tourist can expect from a beach vacation.
Our rating: Of course, the spot is attractive, but for us there were several beaches on the islands and also on Oahu that we liked better. Waikiki and also the beach are quite nice, but for our taste it was just much too busy and crowded here. Nevertheless, of course, we held our feet in the Pacific here. That was simply part of the experience.
We also liked strolling down Kalakau Ave with its many stores and the International Marketplace.
USS Arizona Memorial
Description: The memorial commemorates the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. It spans the wreck of the USS Arizona, which sank in the attack here in the harbor, burying 1102 sailors with it. Many of these people were never recovered and remained in the warship. The memorial was dedicated in 1962 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. Each year, more than one million people come here to visit the Memorial.
The visit of the USS Arizona is free of charge including the boat ride. However, due to the large number of visitors, it is advisable to reserve a ticket in advance. These tickets are bound to certain times. Tickets can be purchased here There are also tickets on site without reservation, but you always have to expect not to get a place on the boat, because the tickets are limited.
Our rating: Already in 2000 we were told that we had to be at the Memorial very early to get a place on one of the boats. Since the number of visitors has increased since then, we would also recommend everyone to get a ticket for the crossing to the Memorial beforehand. We were very impressed by the Memorial. Anyone interested in American history should definitely check this out. In addition to the Memorial, there is also a very interesting movie that summarizes the events of 1941.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open daily from 7am - 5pm.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
For the GPS: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
Diamond Head State Monument
Description: The over 656ft high volcanic crater is one of Honolulu's landmarks. Since you can climb it on the side facing Honolulu, it has become one of the city's tourist attractions. The path is easy to walk and at the end you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean all around. Again, you should arrive relatively early, as the hike is very popular and parking is very limited.
Trail length: 1.6mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: 561ft
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: The hike up Diamond Head was one of our highlights in Honolulu. With relatively little effort you get a super great view. We can really recommend this little hike to everyone.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 5$/car or 1$/person
- Not covered by the Anual Pass*
- Daily from sunrise to 6pm. Last start of the hike at 16.30h.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
For the GPS: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
Tantalus Drive Overlook
Description: Tantalus Dr. is located on one of the hills north of the city. Together with Round Top Dr. it forms a loop that provides beautiful views of the city and the Pacific Ocean in the background. The location is especially popular at sunset.
Our rating: Beautiful circular trail above Honolulu. If you have a little time to spare, you will find very beautiful views of the entire city, especially at sunset.
...A relic from a past time...
Kodak Hula Show
The Kodak Hula Show has been gone for many years. However, we have included it here because we want to recommend everyone to see one of the hula shows that can be seen everywhere on the islands.
Hula is just part of Hawaii and we had a lot of fun here, especially during the part when the audience was allowed to dance along.
