Honolulu, Hawaii - Cruise Stories

~Honolulu, Hawaii~

Home to nearly half a million people, Honolulu is Hawaii’s state capital and only major city. The city of Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer a wealth of historic, cultural, and scenic attractions. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are two of the city’s enduring symbols.

Pearl Harbor, the site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the “Punchbowl,” are haunting reminders of the tragic events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor forced America into World War II. Honolulu is also home to the historic Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s last royals.

Britain’s Captain William Brown was the first foreigner to ever sail into Honolulu Harbor. In 1794, the captain reached Honolulu and established it as a port.

Since William Brown’s arrival, the port became a major destination for merchant ships, especially those following routes between Asia and the Americas.

Another historical fact about Honolulu, Hawaii, is that the USS Arizona Memorial marks the final resting place of many of those killed during the Pearl Harbor attack. A total of 2,403 lives were tragically lost, and approximately 1,102 soldiers who perished still rest below the attack site, now marked by the memorial.

The USS Arizona Memorial is part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial site. You can visit this location during a trip to Honolulu to learn more and pay respects.

Before becoming a US state, Hawaii was the “Kingdom of Hawaii” and had a royal family. Due to this, royal residences were constructed. Iolani Palace in Honolulu remains today and is known as the only royal palace in the United States.

This iconic Oahu landmark was constructed in the 19th century. It was inhabited by the royal family until they were overthrown in 1893. Exploring the palace is a must when in Honolulu and is one of the many romantic things to do in Oahu.

One of the most famous Honolulu landmarks is the Bishop Museum. This museum is also notable as one of Hawaii’s largest and the biggest museum in the state dedicated to Hawaiian history. In addition, the museum houses the biggest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts in the world.

The museum was opened in 1889 and is officially known as the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Exhibits to see cover Hawaiian culture and the history of Oahu. There’s even a planetarium!

Hawaii is known for its breathtaking beaches, and if looking for the best beach, this is one of the Honolulu, Hawaii, interesting facts you won’t want to miss! Waikiki Beach, in the Honolulu neighborhood of Waikiki, is the most famous beach in Hawaii.

It’s one of the most visited beaches too, welcoming about 10 million people annually. When in Honolulu, hanging out on Waikiki Beach is a must-do activity! It’s also one of the best places in all of Oahu to watch the sunset and a famous Waikiki landmark.

Along with visiting the renowned Iolani Palace while in Honolulu, you can explore the Queen’s former summer residence. The Queen Emma Summer Palace acted as the royal family’s summer residence between 1857 and 1885.

Tropical plants and manicured gardens surround the beautiful building. Exploring this landmark is a must!

A handful of scenes were filmed outside of Hawaii, in Singapore, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. The 2010 remake of the show also featured many scenes filmed.

Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the Pail Lookout, and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches.
A draw card to visitors of all ages, from all corners of the globe, Honolulu’s appeal ranges from its magnificent beaches, countless well-stocked shops, tempting restaurants, and a multitude of historic, cultural, and scenic attractions.