Honolulu is home to the famous Waikiki beach, and gateway to the Hawaiian Islands, a tropical paradise surrounded by the crystal clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sailing in to Oahu's capital, lights sparkle along the shore while a full moon rises over the dramatic silhouette of Diamond Head. Discovered for the western world by Captain James Cook in 1778, the Hawaiian chain is a smorgasbord of pristine beaches, spectacular surfing, lush rainforests, smoking volcanoes, plunging waterfalls, extinct craters and vibrant Polynesian culture.

Honolulu is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city that's the hub of business, politics, education, entertainment and the arts in Hawaii. Fine dining, exciting nightlife, resorts, theatre, museums, concerts, shopping, outdoor sports and cultural events - it offers all the pleasures of a world-class destination blessed with a perfect balmy tropical climate year round.

Honolulu has a fun-loving, relaxed atmosphere - days focus on sun-worshipping or people-watching on Waikiki beach. Learn to surf or relax on a sunset champagne catamaran cruise and watch the moon rise above Diamond Head.

Tour the island of Oahu by hire car or The Bus, alighting at scenic overlooks or local attractions. Serious surfers can catch stunning pipelines on Oahu's famed North Shore.

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre and learn about daily activities and skills of Hawaiian and South Pacific cultures. Complete the day with feasting and festivities at their authentic luau (traditional Hawaiian feast of whole roasted pig) and Polynesian night show.

Stroll through the Waimea Valley's botanical gardens to Waihi Falls, where visitors can swim in the waterfall pool or watch professional cliff divers.

A mile north of Honolulu in the long-extinct volcanic crater known as Punchbowl is the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and final resting place for more than 44,000 US servicemen and women.

Highlights:
• Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial
• Hanauma Bay
• Iolani Palace
• Hike to Makapuu Lighthouse
• Diamond Head Crater
• Byodo-In Buddhist Temple

Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Tel: +1 (800) 464 2924.
Website: www.gohawaii.com

Honolulu has shopping for all tastes, boasting designer and local fashions, international brands and island art and handicrafts.

Boutique stores line Kalakaua Avenue, and major shopping complexes at the Ala Moana Centre, Ward Centre, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre, and the Aloha Tower Marketplace sell designer and local fashions, jewellery, bath and beauty products and swimwear. The outdoor International Marketplace is popular for quality Hawaiian wares, artwork, candy, teas and coffees, soaps and candles imbued with tropical scents.

Savour the wide range of cuisines created by Hawaii's ethnic diversity. Many chefs feature Pacific Rim or Hawaiian regional dishes, taking advantage of readily available fresh seafood and tropical fruit.

Warm throughout the year, with average temperatures of 24 to 29°C (75 to 85°F), year round. Heavy rainfall can occur in some mountainous areas from December to March, but most areas only receive passing showers, while others remain totally arid.

Hawaii

GMT - 10.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

English and Hawaiian.

On the south coast of Oahu island, Hawaii, in the north Pacific.

375,571.

Federal Republic since 1789. Gained independence from the UK in 1776.

Protestant and Roman Catholic are dominant, with minor Buddhist population.

Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. Shaking hands is the most common greeting, and a relaxed and informal atmosphere the norm, with casual dress. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire. Gifts are appreciated when invited to a private home. Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; always ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is banned on public transport, in restaurants, public places and in some bars.

Tipping: Waiters generally expect 10 to 15% gratuity. It should be noted that a cover charge is for admission to an establishment, not a tip for service.