Oahu

Hawaii's capital, its largest city and the center of commerce, history and entertainment, is a true metropolis with Polynesian flavor. Although visitors might prefer to laze on the beautiful beaches or to explore the natural wonders of the island, a visit to The Big Pineapple, as it is known, should not be passed up, as you do not want to miss the dining options, the student scene, the historical sights or the cultural delights.

ʻIolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States. The last king of Hawaii was David Kalakaua, who ruled the kingdom in the late nineteenth century. Hawaii became an American territory in 1900 and, almost 60 years later, was declared the 50th American state.

The two-mile stretch of beach south of central Honolulu is the island's main resort area and, thus, one of the biggest draws for tourists who flock here for laid-back vibes, gentle surf, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping. Lying in the shadow of the Diamond Head makes not only stunning views but also an easy access to one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks.

The United States naval base at Pearl Harbor was surprised by a Japanese military strike on the morning of December 7, 1941: all eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, more than 2,000 Americans lost their lives, and this very attack led to the American involvement in World War II. Today, a memorial reminds of those who died in the assault, while two museums and outdoor exhibits present the historical happenings and their backgrounds. The visitor centre in general also features exhibits and interpretive programs for other Pacific National Parks: Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai, American Memorial Park in Saipan, and War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam.

Sample a traditional Hawaiian luau feast and learn about Polynesian island culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The luau has been an opportunity for Hawaiians to celebrate the good things in life with friends and family for generations, so the bright and festive luau clothes turn any frown upside down.

People from all over the world dream of catching waves on the shores of Hawaii, and a trip to the islands would not be complete without this adventure. Once upon a time, surfing was a sport reserved for royalty, but today, thankfully just about anybody can take lessons and, thus, experience the thrill of the ocean up close — try out Hans Hedemann Surf School.

Experience the gracefulness and the beauty of aquatic mammals and sea turtles with this unique tour where you'll get a chance to encounter dolphins, whales, and turtles. Wild Side Specialty Tours offers personal and high quality tours with many different options.

The Honolulu Zoo is home to over 900 different animals from the tropics, including Komodo Dragons, orangutans, elephants, primates, and a variety of African mammals. Distributed on 42 acres of tropical greenery, the aviary is especially charming, as visitors can here admire a variety of native Hawaiian birds, including the nene and 'apapane.

The Bishop Museum provides excellent exhibits of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, including Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms. The museum was founded in 1889 in honor of the royal Kamehameha family and it is definitely one of the must sees when visiting Honolulu.

The sprawling Cultural Plaza in Chinatown is a shopping square surrounding a courtyard that hosts an incense-enveloped shrine and the Moongate stage for holiday performances. Near the canal, you will meet local members of the community who play cards and mah-jong.

For peace and relaxation away from the bustle of tourist areas, head to the Foster Botanical Gardens and walk among a variety of placating bromeliads, orchids and other tropical plants. Many of the trees are still in residence from 1853, when Queen Kalama leased a portion of her land.