Honolulu- A Hawaiian Paradise -

It can be easy to forget about the humble island of Hawaii. The most recent addition to the United States joined the rest of America in August of 1959, but aside from a few iconic surfing movies and the presence of some awe-inspiring volcanoes, the lack of mainland attachment has hindered Hawaii from reaching its full potential. Honestly, Hawaii has every right to be the quintessential vacation destination for landlocked Americans, and possesses more than enough culture and adventure to please any wayward traveler; so what’s the deal? Hawaii’s reputation for beautiful surf and pristine islands isn’t simply talk. America’s only island possessing stateship is our own little piece of Asia-inspired paradise, touting beaches that put Florida and California to shame, and the distinct old-world feeling of New Zealand. It’s an infectiously lovely place to be, whether looking for a temporary change of scene at one of the hotels in Honolulu or a permanent paradise.

Getting a Taste of the Island at Diamond Head

Diamond Head is an inactive Volcano on the far eastern side of Waikiki. While it may be a tourist attraction, it provides the perfect backdrop for a series of hiking trails that allow participants to get a feel for the many different components that come together to make up Honolulu. Whether using Diamond Head as background eye candy for a photo op from the beach, or making the trek to the top of the volcano, Diamond Head stands as one of the important must-see attractions of Hawaii. While appreciating the volcano from afar is rewarding and showcases the unique natural beauty of the island, hiking to the top of the volcano over a series of testing switchbacks and even decommissioned military tunnels takes hikers to the top of Diamond Head where the real scenery unfolds. Honolulu is often thought of as a metropolitan area built in the middle of a beautiful island environment. Seeing how seamlessly the city has been incorporated into the environment makes the flight from the mainland alone worth the expense.

Country within a Country: Honolulu Chinatown

Hawaii has the largest percentage concentration of Asian citizens in the entire United States. Whereas Asians account for approximately 5 percent of the total U.S. population, that percentage reaches nearly 40 percent when isolating Hawaii. Native islanders account for another 10 percent. As a result, Honolulu’s sect of Chinatown is impressively authentic in its representation of Chinese culture in the marketplace setting. It may not be as big as the Chinatown in New York City, but it’s even more delightful. You won’t find flooded corridors of Chinamen shoved shoulder to shoulder between merchant booths trying to purchase fried quail, but you’ll find some delicious fried quail, and realistically, Chinese markets are significantly more enjoyable with room to breathe. The experience is still wholly authentic, touting a variety of goods only found in Chinese markets, and makes for a nice break from the scenic beauty of the beaches. There’s also a string of restaurants where locals gather to eat savory Hawaiian-style dumplings and rare fresh fruit like Durians. It’s easy to see why Honolulu’s Chinatown is one of the city’s top attractions.

Falling in Love at Manoa Falls

If Diamond Head is the most popular dry hiking destination in Honolulu, Manoa Falls is the most popular jungle hiking destination. The jungle in Hawaii is bursting with gorgeous vegetation and flora distinct to Hawaii. The jungle is lush and wet, living in the perpetual mist of Manoa Falls. When the temperature is high and the humidity rises, brave hikers can take a dip at the bottom of Manoa Falls. In 2002, a landslide occurred resulting in restricted access to the pool area, but hikers still regularly use the pool – just avoid getting caught (and really that’s the fun in it anyway). At night, the falls are the perfect place to sneak away with a loved one for a romantic night beneath the stars. With only the pulsing falls lulling in the background, there’s nothing more lovely than the indomitable quiet of nighttime in Honolulu.

Why Waikiki?

Waikiki is a beachside neighborhood located in Honolulu. It’s home to beautiful white sand beaches, upscale dining, and various public places like KÃ…Â«hiÃ…Â Beach Park, KapiÃŠÂ»olani Park, Kahanamoku Lagoon, Ala Wai Harbor, and Fort de Russy Military Reservation. What Waikiki is really known for is its shopping district bordering the ocean. Surfing in Waikiki is party of everyday life. Ala Moana Center is located in close proximity to Waikiki and contains many high-end retail and designer stores. It is one of the most visited shopping destinations in Hawaii. It is also close to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Waikiki is the perfect place to spoil a date, or meet that special someone for the first time. Set dining expectations high when venturing to this illustrious neighborhood, because Hawaii’s affinity for delicious cuisine is fully realized in Waikiki. Hawaii is famous for being one of the most delectable dining destinations in the United States. As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is home to the best of the best, much of which is concentrated in Waikiki.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Japanese aircrafts attacked Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. The event that escalated World War II, dragging the entirety of United States armed forces into the fray, stands as a memorial to all who were lost many years ago. The tour starts with a 30-minute video explaining what happened at Pearl Harbor and giving context to the memorial. Once the video has concluded, attendees board a ferry that travels five minutes to the USS Arizona Memorial. Here, attendees pay respect to the lost lives of Pearl Harbor. It’s a sharp juxtaposition to the merrymaking to be had on land, but reminds us of the fragility of life, reinforcing that we are only human.

Honolulu is unique because it takes travelers away from the United States without a passport or visa. It feels distinctly un-American. Walking down the streets of Honolulu, our optics are treated to new sights and new people, our ears to new music and unfamiliar language. Truly a retreat in every sense, visiting Honolulu is always rewarding, surprising, and ultimately revitalizing. Comment below and tell your stories from Honolulu. What unexpected sites did you see? What places became the setting of unforgettable memories?