By James Scott Bankston
The capital of America's 50th state, the compact city of Honolulu is a crossroads in the Pacific and one of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth. It offers numerous entertainment and cultural opportunities for travelers of all ages, as well as a mixture of races and nationalities from all over the world. Honolulu is most visitors' introduction to the laid-back "Aloha spirit," for which Hawaii is famous.
Pearl Harbor
Site of the Japanese air raid that forced the United States into World War II, Pearl Harbor today is home to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the USS Missouri--site of the treaty signing that ended World War II--and the USS Arizona Memorial, which honors the men who were killed here.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Also known as "The Punch Bowl" due to its location in an inactive volcanic crater, this is the last resting place of many American troops killed in the Pacific theater in World War II.
Diamond Head
This extinct volcano provides spectacular views of Honolulu and the island of Oahu.
Waikiki
The entertainment hub of Honolulu, this district is jam-packed with hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and crowded beaches.
Iolani Palace
The only royal palace in the United States, this building served as home to Hawaii's monarchs, territorial and state capitol, and the headquarters of the fictional "Hawaii Five-O."
Chinatown
This exotic neighborhood includes shops, markets, temples, restaurants and a botanical garden.
Bishop Museum
This natural, historical, cultural and anthropological museum houses several centuries-worth of artifacts dealing with Hawaii and Polynesia.
About the Author:
James Scott Bankston, of Austin, Texas, has been a writer and editor since 1985. His work has appeared in Citysearch.com, the Austin Chronicle, and various Demand Media sites. He has a B.A. with a double major in English and history from Sam Houston State University.
