Take a walking tour of Honolulu and you’re sure to realize for yourself what makes this city so special. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii and home to about 70% of the state’s population—around 1 million people in the metropolitan area. Honolulu, a modern city rooted in deep history and surrounded by scenic, natural beauty, is defined by its contrasts. Here, historical buildings stand next to trendy restaurants, cultures blend to create new experiences, and you’re never more than a 20-minute drive from Hawaii’s beautiful natural rainforest.
The city of Honolulu holds deep significance in Hawaii’s history. Aside from being the longtime capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and home to the Hawaiian royal family, Honolulu was also the center of trade, attracting merchants from Asia and North America.
The legacy of the Hawaiian monarchy is still very present today in buildings like the Iolani Palace, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and other historical sites constructed by its kings and queens. Honolulu’s status as a longtime trading port has also made it a highly cosmopolitan city, where traditional Hawaiian culture blends with influences from all over the Pacific. This can be seen especially in the city’s food scene, which fuses traditional Polynesian-style cuisine with Japanese and American techniques.
Honolulu is also unique as a metropolis surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Diamond Head, an enormous volcanic crater, towers over the city and provides incredible views if you make the hike up. You can also hike to Manoa Falls, a stunning natural waterfall that is only a short distance outside of Honolulu and surrounded by rainforest. For a mix of urban sightseeing and pristine natural exploration, the city really can’t be beaten.
To make the most of your trip, check out our Self-Guided Honolulu Walking Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
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