Uncover the mysteries of Hawai’i, the land with countless stories waiting to be discovered. Journey to Honolulu and come face to face with its hidden historical gems and unprecedented beauty.
Dive into dazzling blue waters and bask in tropical rainbows that connect the island’s lush forests to its crystalline coastlines. Experience luxurious hospitality from cordial locals who stand ready to show you Hawaii as only a native can.
Feel the romance of a sunset so perfect it just about brings tears to your eyes, or watch technicolor panoramas that spread before you on a hike up Diamond Head’s famed summit trail.
Immerse yourself in the culture of these majestic isles and set off on a journey unlike any other you can find. From Hula dances to traditional luaus, discover Hawaiian fantasy worlds where nature stands sovereign and captivates all within her sight! Step away from day-to-day life and explore Honolulu’s secrets – a place where adventure awaits around every corner!
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Honolulu Facts for Kids
- Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii.
- It is located on the island of Oahu.
- The population of Honolulu is about 350,000.
- The city is known for its beautiful beaches and year-round warm weather.
- The official language is English, but Hawaiian is also spoken.
- The city is home to the famous Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
Important Facts and Information
The city of Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, got its name from the Hawaiian language, meaning “sheltered harbor” or “calm port.” Prior to the arrival of foreigners, the harbor was known as “Kulolia.” According to oral history and artifacts, Polynesian migrants were the first to occupy the area.
The first foreigner to arrive in Honolulu was Captain William Brown of the English ship Butterworth in 1784. The following decades saw a rivalry between Kamehameha I and the chiefs of Oahu.
After capturing Oahu in 1809, Kamehameha I moved his royal court to downtown Honolulu.
This marked an important milestone for both Kamehameha I and the history of Hawaii, as it established Honolulu as a major port and commercial hub in the Pacific Ocean.
He named the harbor “Fair Haven,” but it was later called “Brown’s Harbor” by other arriving captains. The exact date of the transition from “Brown’s Harbor” to “Honolulu” is not recorded. In the 19th century, Honolulu became the most important harbor in Hawaii, with sandalwood and whales as major exports.
Hawaii’s capital was established in 1850 by King Kamehameha III. It later served as the capital for the Territory of Hawaii, the Republic of Hawaii, and, eventually, the state of Hawaii in 1959.
Facts on Geography, Population Size, and Weather Conditions
Positioned on Oahu’s southeastern shore, Honolulu is the United States’ most isolated major population hub. A city of captivating topography and tropical summer climes, over a hundred beaches circle its borders.
Its inhabitants are a multiethnic cohort: Japanese, Filipinos, Koreans, Chinese and Vietnamese Americans, amongst many other groups. As such, it is a perfect conduit for global commerce in both the eastern and western hemispheres.
Honolulu is also the nation’s sole city to boast a royal palace; the streets dotted with Buddhist temples only add to its unique charm.
Economy And Tourism
Tourism, military research, and manufacturing are major contributors to Hawaii’s economy, with much of it focused on Honolulu. Primarily known for its diamond head (Lēʻahi) and Hanauma Bay, Honolulu is a gateway to many tourist attractions.
These include the Diamond Head, an iconic volcanic cone whose English name was mistakenly awarded by British sailors; Hanauma Bay, whose Hawaiian name translates to ‘bay’; the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor; and International Market Place, which opened in 1956 as an open-air shopping hub.
With so much to explore and experience, Honolulu is certainly not one to miss when visiting Hawaii.
Culture
With the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts and natural history specimens in Honolulu, Bishop Museum believes in the power of imagination.
The Honolulu Museum of Art stands apart as it exhibits the largest display of Western and Asian artwork.
Those passionate about botany can explore nature at its finest in the gardens spread across the city, such as Foster Botanical Garden and Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden.
Honolulu has a special place in musical appreciation, being home to The Honolulu Symphony, founded in 1900, which is the second oldest U.S. symphony orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains.
To get into the rhythm of Hawaiian music, people visit The Hawaii Theater or Neal Blaisdell Center Concert Hall for concerts and events.
For wildlife admirers, there is no better place than the Honolulu Zoo offering its own distinctive experience.
Fascinated by marine biology? Visit Waikiki Aquarium, which functions both as an aquarium and an operating lab.
Honolulu also hosts Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) featuring East-meets-West style films produced across the Pacific every year, attracting numerous visitors far and wide.
Notable People
Honolulu is a city steeped in history and international renown. From the 44th U.S. President Barack Obama to the 10th President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos – a rich list of influential people has passed through this Hawaiian location.
Time has seen Honolulu become home to many celebrities, from singers Nicole Scherzinger and Bruno Mars upon their birth to current resident actor Jason Momoa. This paradise spot on the surf’s edge is a true testament to how important its past is for its present inhabitants.
The cosmopolitan blend of cultures makes it an attractive destination for tourists around the world who are lured in by its enthralling mix of heritage sites, tropical flora, and golden beaches. With such high-profile residents shaping its landscape, Honolulu continues to be one of America’s premier cities that you do not want to miss out on visiting!
