Car Hire Honolulu - Mini guide to Honolulu

Balmy weather, Hawaii 5-0, a melting pot of Asian cultures and crammed with tourists, Honolulu is an exciting and popular destination, with a whole island wilderness nearby for escaping.

The action in Honolulu is definitely centred along Waikiki beach, southeast of the city. Lined with swanky high-rise hotels, with a dramatic backdrop, it attracts over 50,000 tourists a day. If you’re into crowds, there’s a great sipirt here and unbeatable nightlife, with fine restaurants, bars and clubs. Kahanamoku Beach is calmer and Kapahulu Groin is world magnate for boogie boarders. Kapiolani Park contains the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo.

Nearby Diamond Head, one of the highest points on the island, is quite dramatic and offers good views. Beaches are Hawaii’s premier drawcard and the pick of Oahu are Slaughterhouse Beach (people watching) Honolua Bay (snorkeling) and Hookipa Beach (windsurfing).

China town is a fascinating blend of Asian cultures, highlights include a Taoist temple and a Shinto shrine. Foster Botanical Garden is also lovely and includes the ornate Buddhist Kuan Yin Temple.

Pearl Harbor, which attracts millions of American visitors every year, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a somber reminder of America’s entry into WWII. Alternatively the Asian-inspired Valley of the Temples is a fine cultural attraction.

The major suburbs in Honolulu are: Chinatown, Kaalawai, Kahala, Kaimuki, Kalihi, Waialae and Woodlawn.