Honolulu

 

Honolulu spans Oahu's southern shoreline and is Hawaii's economic, political, and social hub. It's where most of Hawaii's residents live and work and where creatives have rediscovered the beauty of Hawaii's culture and applied it to hotel interior design and Kakaako murals. Known simply as “Town,” Honolulu also includes one of the most well-known neighborhoods — Waikiki.

Honolulu is home to a melting pot of ethnicities and authentic Hawaiian culture, and its landmarks are one of a kind. It is famous for its resort-lined white beaches, which beckon tourists from all over the world. But the city is more than just surf and sand. From admiring natural landmarks to indulging your inner foodie to learning about the native culture, there is something for everyone.

Honolulu real estate is some of the most sought-after in all of Hawaii. It has a lot to offer everyone, from young professionals and growing families to retirees. Homes vary greatly in style and character and include spectacular oceanfront homes in Diamond Head, rainforest living in Tantalus, vintage houses in Manoa, and gated luxury homes in Hawaii Loa Ridge.

What to Love

• Crown jewel of Hawaii's economy and culture
• Attracts tourists from all over the world
• Good balance between bustling city life and access to outdoor activities

Local Lifestyle

Honolulu may be a bustling city, but the residents still enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle compared to cities on the mainland. Most people are friendly and welcoming and love enjoying their free time. There is an abundance of leisure activities to choose from, whether it's exploring cultural landmarks or hitting one of the nearby beaches. Shopping and entertainment options are plentiful, especially in Downtown Honolulu. You'll find people of all ages, social classes, genders, and nationalities mingling on the sidewalks.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

From the eclectic food scene in Chinatown to barefoot fish tacos, you'll find almost anything in Honolulu. Fresh seafood and fruits are readily available, as are various international cuisines. House Without a Key is a local staple where people watch the sunset over drinks. The restaurant serves upscale Hawaiian food like local fish tacos, short ribs, and Hawaiian snapper.

Bali Oceanfront ticks all the boxes for high-end dinners while enjoying the views of the Waikiki shoreline and Diamon Head. La Mer is a sophisticated spot in Waikiki that serves French cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Shoppers will love the International Marketplace in Waikiki, which houses high-end shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, and Michael Kors. You'll find more fashion houses like Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Yves Saint Laurent on Luxury Row. Salt at Our Kakaako offers a variety of boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and occasional events.

The Ala Moana and Ward neighborhoods offer more boutique shops and eateries you won't want to miss. The Ala Moana Center is the ninth-largest open-air shopping center with 350 shops, 160 dining options, rotating art exhibits, and live hula shows. Ward Village features 130 stores, 40 eateries, and a 16-screen movie theater.

Things to Do

Honolulu is home to great surfing spots, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Beach Park, Sandy Beach, and Ala Moana Bowls. Even if you don't want to surf, you can indulge in a variety of other water-related activities. Hanauma Beach is a local favorite for snorkeling, created by a collapsed volcanic crater.

Visit the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium for family-friendly fun. Mammals and reptiles are a spotlight at the Honolulu Zoo, and the kids will love the jungle gym by the snack bar and the Sumatran tiger area. The Waikiki Aquarium showcases Hawaii's marine life and hosts a signature summer concert series on the lawn.

History buffs will fall in love with Downtown Honolulu, which is home to multiple Hawaiian historical landmarks such as the King Kamehameha I Statue, Iolani Palace, and Kawaiaha'o Church. You can catch a concert by your favorite artists at the Blaisdell Arena.