Hawaii Accommodation

The majority of visitors to Hawaii stay in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The city has a large amount of beachside accommodation of varying styles and prices, from simple, but often quite pretty hotels with just the basic services to deluxe resort hotels with swimming pools, gyms and all manner of facilities. The Hawaii Polo Inn is a pretty, medium sized hotel by the sea on Ala Moana Boulevard, with its own pool and a relaxed atmosphere. Just along the coast is the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki, a large, modern hotel with excellent facilities, located just at the end of the world-famous Waikiki beach.

After Oahu, the second most popular island is Maui, its resorts and lovely beaches attracting people from all over the world. There is a good choice of accommodation all over the island, much of it around Wailea or Lahaina. Just ten minutes or so from Lahaina, the lovely resort of Kaanapali is home to a couple of ideal getaways, Kaanapali Beach and Resortquest Kaanapali Villas, both of which are situated right by the beach, with excellent facilities including pool and tropical gardens.

Hit the link below for immediate access to our range of hotels available for booking online.

Hawaii Communications

Dialling Hawaii from outside the USA:
Your international prefix + 1 + 808 + number

Dialling Hawaii from inside the USA:
1808 + number

Public phones are operated via coin or phonecard. They accept 5, 10 and 25 Cent coins. Telephones located at major establishments such as hotels and airports also accept credit cards. Phonecards are available at convenience stores and at the airport.

To make a reverse charge call you will need to dial 0 to speak with the operator. Instructions for making reverse charge calls are displayed in public phone boxes.

A main post office is located at:

1111 Lunalilo St
Honolulu
Hawaii
Tel: +1 (1)808-000-1111

Internet access is widely available through Internet cafés in major towns and cities and good quality hotels. Access in hotels is generally the most reliable, although it is usually more expensive than that available on the highstreet.

There are numerous local newspapers scattered throughout the islands. Honolulu alone has several periodicals, including the Honolulu Star Bulletin, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Weekly. The Hawaii Herald is read predominantly by the Japanese American members of Hawaii society. Press from the mainland US is widely available, mainly drawn from the West Coast.

Hawaii Entertainment

Most of the excitement in Hawaii takes place in Honolulu in terms of nightlife and cultural events. Maui has some good restaurants and bars but it lacks the wild clubs or theatres that Oahu provides. The other islands such as Big Island are fairly uneventful at night. For further information on specific events contact:

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakava Ave

Tel: +1 (1)808-923-1811

The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra performs at the Neil Blaisdell Concert Hall and can be a great formal evening out. Tickets range from USD10-USD50. Tel: +1 (1)808-792-2000.

The University of Hawaii football stadium is used as a venue by a lot of touring international artists, including some big name acts. Contact the university on Tel: +1 (1)808-486-9300 for information on who's playing.

In the Aloha Tower Market place, Pier Bar provides the setting for some of the best live music in Honolulu, if not the islands. Ring ahead, Tel: +1 (1)808-536-2166 to find out who is playing.

You might not associate Hawaii with the opera, but the Hawaii Opera Theater puts on some excellent performances from January to March. Tickets cost USD23-USD77. Box Office: Tel: +1 (1)808-596 7858.

The Honolulu Theater for Youth puts on some great productions for children at various locations around the islands between July and May. Tickets cost USD10. Tel: +1 (1)808-839-9885.

The Kuma Kahua Theater Troupe perform theatre productions relating to life in Hawaii half a dozen times a year. Booking in advance is advised. Tickets cost USD12-USD15. Tel: +1 (1)808-536-4441.

Honolulu has several cinemas, two of the most popular of which are:

The Varsity Twins Theater
1106 University Ave, Honolulu
Tel: +1(1)808-973-5835
Showing international films, mostly in English

The Kahala Mall
4211 Wai'alen Ave, Kahala
Tel: +1 (1)808-732-7736
Multiplex with 8 screens.

The best place for nightlife in the islands by far is Waikiki, which has a huge number of clubs catering to most musical tastes.

Nick's Fishmarket
2070 Kalakava Ave, Waikiki
The most upmarket dance lounge open to the early morning. The intimate atmosphere attracts an elegant crowd so dressing up is advised.

Nashville Waikiki
Ohana Waikiki West Hotel, Waikiki
A night not to forget. Featuring country music with free dance lessons, pool tables, dart boards and line dancing. The massive dance floor will be packed every night with lessons starting at 19h00.

Hanohano Room
Sheraton Hotel, Waikiki
30 stories above Waikiki, must be the best setting and the best view for a night club. The late-night jazz and weekly jam sessions by Hawaii's most famous and popular musicians make this a romantic spot for any honeymoon. Only open Saturday nights.

Banyan Courtyard
Waikiki
The location for Hawaii Calls first radio broadcast and now home to many of Hawaii's most talented entertainers. Nightly shows start at 17h30-23h00.

January
Mid-January sees over 100 of the world's top golfers descending on Oahu for the week-long Sony Open in Hawaii, the only full field PGA golf tournament held in Hawaii.

March
The Annual Kona Brewer's Festival takes place in Kailua-Kona on Big Island every March with masses of independent breweries, gourmet cuisine, music, dance and general festivities.

June
In mid-June, the best of the dancing girls take part in the King Kamehameha Hula Competition on Oahu, a festival of over 20 hula groups competing in both traditional and contemporary dance.

September
September is the best time to come to Hawaii if you want to see traditional cultural events. The Aloha Festival is a huge celebration of Hawaiian music, dance and numerous other cultural exhibits and performances.

November/December
Held from the end of November to early December, the Hawaii International Film Festival features films from around the world, with a special emphasis on the US, Asia and the Pacific. Cinemas on all the major islands show films as part of the festival.

Hawaii Excursions

Most visitors to Hawaii tend to stay on the main islands of Oahu, Big Island or Maui, but some of the smaller islands offer some fantastic scenery and you should try to get to at least one of them during your stay to get a taste of the "real" Hawaii.

For more information and the opportunity to book sightseeing tours online, visit the link below:

Nicknamed the Garden Island due to its allegedly being the wettest place on earth and therefore one of the lushest, Kauai has been the backdrop to South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. The island provides some of the best hiking to be found on the islands with its sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, plunging canyons and beautiful beaches.

Smaller towns mean that the tourist population is greatly reduced and as a result it is a great place to escape the crowds.

Quiet and somewhat off the beaten track, the island of Molokai is much less built up than Oahu or Big Island and is thus considered to be the most typically "Hawaiian" of the archipelago.

Home to some lovely, secluded beaches and dramatic mountain scenery, this is another ideal place for getting away from it all.

The tropical surroundings are further enhanced by the presence of a large coconut grove named Kapuaiwa. Planted in the 1860s and fed by underground springs, this once huge grove remains impressive today, even though only a few hundred trees remain of the original one thousand.

Privately owned by the Robinson family since the 19th century, the island of Niihau near to Kauai is home to around 300 people, most of them employed by the Robinsons on their cattle ranch.

Dubbed the Forbidden Island, Niihau is officially closed to outsiders, the only way of accessing it by invitation or by (very expensive) helicopter trip. The island is a native Hawaiian reserve, where the Hawaiian language is still widely spoken, and amenities are very basic. If you can manage to wangle a visit there, you'll be rewarded a unique experience.

Hawaii Families

Hawaii is a brilliant holiday destination for families, with plenty to entertain kids. Most of them are likely to be quite content to splash around in the sea, but if they get bored with the beach, there's plenty to keep them occupied inland too.

Waimea Falls Park
- daredevil diving
This massive amuseument park, located at Haleiwa, covers more than 1,800 acres and is full of attractions. The ruins of early Hawaiian civilisation are surrounded by more than 2,500 tropical plants and trees. Activities on offer include cliff diving off a 45ft high fall and you can take part in Hawaiian games and dances. The park has its own horses which are used on the tours. You can also tour the park by kayak, mountain bike or 4WD jeeps. At the full moon, night time walks are held in the grounds under the stars.
59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, North Shore, Oahu
Tel: +1 (1)808-638-8511
Admission: a full ticket (USD24) gives you entrance to all the activities.

The Dole Plantation's Pineapple Maze
- a maze-ing
The world's largest maze (according to the Guinness Book of Records) is a great advert for Dole, but good fun for kids of all ages nonetheless. The massive pineapple-shaped maze is constructed of 21 varieties of pineapple plant in various stages of growth. There's also a gift shop selling all sorts of pineapple related paraphernalia.
64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, Oahu
Tel: +1 (1)808-621-8408
Open: 09h00-17h00. Admission to maze: USD5, adults; USD3, children.

Honolulu Zoo
- animal island
The zoo is home to 900 animals ranging from African Savannah lions to tropical birds. The petting zoo and weekend educational activities that include Moonlight Tours, Snooze in the Zoo and Breakfast with the Keeper will delight children of all ages, and the zoo encourages parents to leave them there for the day, allowing parents to spend a day doing adult tasks... such as sunbathing.
151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-971-7171
Open: daily 09h00-16h30. Admission: USD6, adults; USD1, children aged 6-12 accompanied by adults; free for under 6s; USD25 for family pass.

Hawaii Health & Safety

The water is safe to drink in hotels and resorts, although you shouldn't drink from open streams or ponds. There is no risk of contracting malaria in Hawaii but mosquitoes can be a pest and you should use a mosquito repellent during your stay. Try to avoid staying in the sun for protracted periods and wear a hat and appropriate factor sun cream as long as you are out in the day. Drink water regularly to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Pharmacies are usually located inside markets or drugstores. You can obtain most medicinal drugs easily throughout Hawaii, but make sure that you are carrying appropriate documentation for any prescription medicines you require. Medical insurance is highly recommended. No healthcare agreements between the United States and other countries are available. All visitors will need to pay for any type of health care, which is expensive but of a very high standard.

The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu is the largest hospital in the state and has an accident and emergency department as well as outpatient departments covering any medical eventuality. The Queens should be able to advise on where you can obtain medical care elsewhere in the state.

Queens Medical Center
1301 Punchbowl St
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-538-9011
Tel: +1 (1)808-547-4311 (Emergency)

With most people sticking to resorts and the main tourist sites there is little danger of being a victim of crime during a trip to the island group. You should always ensure that your personal belongings are secure whenever you venture out into a public place, particularly locations that are likely to be crowded. Keep an especial eye on personal effects on the beach. Any items left unattended are at risk from thieves.

While Hawaii is a very warm and welcoming society, there are some locals who resent the presence of outsiders on their islands. If you encounter any hostility, avoid escalating the situation and leave quietly.

More pertinent problems are related to the activities that people indulge in on the island. Personal injuries caused by reckless or unsupervised use of waterports equipment in particular are not uncommon. Items such as jet skis should only be used with consideration for others, and you should ensure that you are fully competent in the use of any watersports equipment before attempting to use it unsupervised. With Hawaii being very much a holiday destination of choice for beach lovers the local authorities take a dim view of people taking to the water drunk.

On the same note always heed local advice concerning tides, currents and weather. All can be unpredictable and can represent serious risks. You should also always bear in mind that Hawaii is a volcanic chain of islands and seismic and volcanic activity is always a risk. You should be familiar with the correct emergency procedure to minimise risk and panic in the event of any natural occurence of this type.

Finally the most common injury incurred by tourists is sunburn. You should not underestimate how serious this can be. Do not spend longer in the sun than is recommended by the posted "burn time" each day, and always use an appropriate sun cream or blocker and wear a hat. Make sure that you are well hydrated at all times.

The main police station is located at:

801 South Beretania St
Tel: +1 (1)808-529-3111

Hawaii Money

Currency: United States Dollars (USD). USD1=100 cents
Notes: USD1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and USD1
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are usually accepted in major hotels and business establishments

You can exchange currency at all banks, bureaux de change at the airport and hotels. Banks or bureaux de change offer the best rates of exchange while hotels usually offer the most unfavourable. The best option is to carry a debit or credit card.

One of the easiest ways to obtain money is to draw cash from ATMs using an international credit or debit card. Check with your bank which ATM systems are compatible with your card. ATMs are widespread around Honolulu and even in some hotels. However, international travellers should note that they will often be charged for using this facility per transaction. If you do withdraw cash from an ATM therefore you should withdraw substantial amounts seldomly, rather than small amounts often. You should check with your bank before travelling as to exactly what charges you will incur for each ATM transaction.

Traveller's cheques are also accepted in major establishments and should be in United States Dollars.

International Bureaux de Change include:

American Express
677 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-585-3238

American Express also has travel desks at several major hotels in Honolulu.

Bank opening times vary, but core hours are 09h00-16h00 Mon-Fri, with some branches opening at 08h30 and some staying open as late as 19h00. Many banks are open on Saturday mornings but most are closed all day Sunday.

Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank have branches with ATMs throughout Hawaii.

Bank of Hawaii
2228 Kalakaua Ave
Waikiki
Honolulu

Hawaii Phrasebook

English is spoken throughout Hawaii, but you're bound to come across some Hawaiian phrases and an effort to remember a few will be appreciated, even if it's just "aloha".

Hawaii Restaurants & Bars

You won't go hungry in Hawaii. Locals love to eat, and tourists have to eat out, so there are plenty of eateries that cater to both groups. Restaurants in Waikiki often tend to be expensive, touristy, or both, but some are still delicious. Honolulu fine-dining establishments mostly serve Pacific-fusion cuisine, as this is what island chefs do best. In the middle price-range, there are lots of good sit-down Asian restaurants. Pick one by looking: if a Korean restaurant is full of Koreans, it's probably a winner. For those looking to fill up on a minimal budget, cheap and cheerful Chinese food, Korean barbecue, sushi and plate lunch (an entrée served over two scoops of sticky rice) places are literally everywhere.

As most people stay in Honolulu, this is where the majority of our listings below are concentrated, with just a couple of selections for Maui and Big Island.

PRICE GUIDE: (average cost of a main course): = less than USD10 = USD10-20 = USD20+

Oahu - Upmarket

Meritage
500 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu -
Tel: +1 (1)808-529-8686
A relatively new player on the Honolulu restaurant scene, Meritage serves French and Italian cuisine made using fresh local ingredients. Frequent special events include wine tastings and live music; otherwise the mood is upmarket casual.

The Pineapple Room
Macy's, 3rd Floor, Ala Moana Center
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-945-6573
Owned by local celebrity chef Alan Wong, The Pineapple Room serves elevated takes on Hawaiian favourites. Superb food, service to match, and prices at the low end of expensive make this the place to come for poi, kalua pig, and Keawe-grilled meats at their finest. Go at lunchtime for cheaper prices.


Oahu - Local Restaurants

Kakaako Kitchen
Victoria Ward Center
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-596-7488
Order from the counter, take a number, and sit down until your food comes at this bustling diner that's a favourite with locals and tourists alike. The draw? A wide selection of consistently delicious salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees and local specialities. Bring an appetite - the portions are gigantic!

Zippy's
1725 South King St
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-973-0877
Cheap, quick, and surprisingly good, Zippy's is a great alternative to fast food. The diverse menu includes Asian, Hawaiian and American items. This location has both dine-in service and a takeout counter, and is open 24 hours.

Oahu - American

Planet Hollywood
ANA Kalakaua Centre, 2155 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-924-7877

For over a decade the Planet Hollywood chain has been dishing out its blend of American food in movie Americana surroundings. The menu is pretty familiar, burgers, fajitas and so on, but kids in particular love the ambience.

Oahu - Buffet

Todai
1910 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-947-1000
East meets West, Las Vegas-style, at this oversized Waikiki all-you-can-eat restaurant. Todai is always packed with tourists, but plenty of locals gorge themselves here as well. The 160-foot-long buffet features 40 varieties of sushi, assorted Asian seafood specialities, a few land-based items, and desserts.


Oahu - Chinese

Legend Vegetarian Restaurant
100 N Beretania St, 109 Chinatown Cultural Plaza
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-532-8218
An enormous picture window gives this Chinatown restaurant the atmosphere of a fishbowl, at least until the sun goes down. But vegetarians and those in search of healthy Chinese food shouldn't miss Legend Vegetarian. The menu is made up of delicious faux meat dishes that actually taste like meat. No alcohol is served.


Oahu - Italian

Donato's
2756 Woodlawn Drive
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-988-2000
Tucked away on the second floor of suburban Manoa Marketplace, Donato's serves the best Italian food in Honolulu. Everything is prepared from scratch under the watchful eye of Chef Donato himself. If dinner is outside your budget, go for drinks and dessert to escape the tourist hordes in Waikiki.


Oahu - Indian

Café Maharani
2509 S King Street Honolulu -
Tel: +1 (1)808-951-7447
There's not much in the way of atmosphere at Café Maharani; all their attention goes into the home-style Indian food. Order a la carte or choose between four prix fixe meals, but don't miss Café Maharani's amazing flatbreads. No alcohol is served.


Maui

Mama's Fish House
799 Poho Place
Paia
Maui
Tel: +1 (1)808-579-8488
Widely regarded as one of Maui's best restaurants, Mama's fish house serves high-end preparations of the freshest local seafood available. The menu even lists the fisherman and vessel that hauled in your dinner. The delightfully tacky faux-Polynesiancreates a relaxed atmosphere in which locals and tourists alike eat, drink, and have fun - at least until the bill comes.

Big Island

Sam Choy's Kaloko
73-5576 Kauhola Street
Kailua-Kona
Big Island
Tel: +1 (1)808-326-1545
If Alan Wong is the most-celebrated Hawaii chef, Sam Choy is the most-beloved. Sam lives in Kona, and when he's not on the road overseeing his culinary empire, he's often back in the kitchen at his first restaurant. Sam Choy's Kaloko dishes up local specialities for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bars abound in Honolulu. Most of the best are concentrated in Waikiki and Moiliili/the University area. The Waikiki scene is dominated by nightclubs, but there are plenty of worthwhile bars as well. As a rule, a night out in Waikiki will be expensive, but there are cheap drinks to be had if you look around. Expect to mingle mostly with tourists and servicemen. The area just below the University of Hawaii at Manoa is home to a handful of fun, relatively cheap bars, all within spitting distance of each other. Students and locals make up most of the crowd here.

Legend's Sports Pub
411 Nahua Street
Waikiki
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-922-7486
Cheap drink specials and no cover charge make this Waikiki sports bar a good place to throw a few back without putting much of a dent in your wallet.

Nashville Waikiki
2330 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-955-7494
Homesick US servicemen drink whiskey and shoot pool to the strains of Lynard Skynard at this southern-themed Waikiki basement bar. The complete lack of pretension makes Nashville's a fun place to come.

Magoo's
1015 University Avenue
Moiliili
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-949-5381
With a huge selection on tap, Magoo's is the place in Honolulu for beer. Be sure to ask what's on special - a pitcher of local microbrew at Magoo's sometimes goes for the price of a 12 ounce glass of Budweiser in Waikiki. The crowd is a boisterous mix of locals and college students. Magoo's serves pizza of average quality, but you can bring in excellent poke (cubes of raw tuna with onion and seasonings, pronounced POKE-EY) from next door.

Bedroq Bar and Grill
2535 Coyne Street
Moiliili
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-942-8822
Looking for a packed bar? Visit Bedroq on a Thursday night, when beers cost 25 cents. Pool tables, video games, darts, and an outdoor balcony draw a decent crowd any day of the week.

Mai-tai Bar
Ala Moana Center
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808-947-2900
This Old Hawaii-themed bar is a bit of a tourist trap, but the couches make it a worthwhile stop. Spend an afternoon sipping tropical cocktails on the Mai-tai bar's comfy furniture and you may never settle for a booth or a barstool again. The crowd picks up in the evenings - arrive early if you want to lounge.

Dave and Buster's
1030 Auahi Street, next to Ward Theater
Honolulu
Tel: +1 (1)808- 589-2215
Two floors of pool tables and video games draw hordes of pre-teens to Dave and Buster's, but the place is so huge you can always find something to play. Drinks are expensive.

Moose McGillycuddy's
844 Front Street
Lahaina
Maui
Tel: +1 (1)808-667-7758
A hot spot for new DJ's and local Maui bands, with a good choice of drinks and happy hour every day from 15h00-18h00.

Hawaii See & Do

The islands of Hawaii are packed with things to do and see, ranging from the famously beautiful beaches to stunning natural scenery and Polynesian cultural attractions. Most visitors stay on the island of Oahu, which has the greatest number of obvious sights. It's worth looking further afield nonetheless, as the other islands still have plenty of appeal.

The Go Hawaii Card gives you free entry to over 25 Oahu attractions, as well as shopping and dining discounts, free tours and a guidebook. The card is available from Mailboxes Etc. (758 Kapahulu Ave. Tel: +1 (1)808-733-7800 or Tel: +1 (1)800-887-9103) and costs: 1 day: USD59, adults; USD39, children 2 days: USD109, adults; USD59, children 3 days: USD159, adults; USD99, children 5 days: USD219, adults; USD139, children 7 days: USD269, adults; USD179, children

For more information and the opportunity to book sightseeing tours online, visit the link below:

It can't be denied that most people come to Hawaii primarily to enjoy its infamous beaches. And whether you want to surf, dive or simply crash in the sun, you'll find your perfect beachlife here.

Oahu has some of the most impressive beaches. Apart from Waikiki, Honolulu's other main beach, Ala Moana Beach Park is a favourite of local families, who set up elaborate cookouts. Its shallow, man-made lagoon is great for swimming out of reach of the waves. To escape the crowds, drive twenty minutes to one of the several beaches in Kailua, which is popular with windsurfers. Oahu's North Shore is the place for serious surfing. Hanauma Bay's calm clear waters make it one of the best places in the world for snorkelling and Three Tables and Shark's Cove provide some of the best settings for diving. Hire shops are available throughout the island to set you up for the day.

Maui boasts some world-famous beaches including Slaughterhouse Beach, Honolua Bay and Hookipa. If you want to get away from it all, Secret Beach on Kauai is well-named, not being the easiest place to get to. It is popular with alternative, hippy types.

Wherever you decide to go, beware of powerful currents and riptides and check the local news for weather and jellyfish warnings. If you decide to head off the beaten path, remember that some secluded surf spots are locals-only: Invade their territory at your own risk.

One of the world's most famous beach destinations, the tiny strip of coastal Honolulu that is Waikiki is so packed with things to see, do, eat and buy, that 90% of tourists spend their whole visit there.

It's true that, whether you want to learn to surf, prefer to lie back and soak in the sun, go clubbing, or shop till you drop, Waikiki can cater for your needs. However, there are better beaches, better restaurants, better bars, and more genuine Hawaiian experiences elsewhere. If you stay on Oahu, your hotel will almost certainly be in Waikiki, and you'll no doubt have fun here. But always bear in mind that Hawaii has lots more to offer and it would be a shame to miss out on it all.

The best way to reach the North Shore is to drive the spectacular Kamehameha Highway along the coast to the laid-back surfing town of Haleiwa. In town, you can eat, browse the souvenir shops, or outfit yourself for a trip to the beach.

Depending on the season, beaches like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are either pleasant swimming spots or roaring cauldrons of oceanic fury. In case of the latter, stay out of the water, but kick back on the sand and watch some of the world's best surfers do their stuff. If you don't have access to a car, Haleiwa is about a two-hour bus ride from Honolulu.

Just up the beach from Waikiki, this jagged peak is the remnants of an ancient volcanic cone. When the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, Diamond Head was converted into a military base, complete with gun emplacements looking out onto the harbour.

The hike to the summit takes you along the inner crater wall, through a series of unlit tunnels, and out onto an observation platform with a 360 degree view of Honolulu. On a clear day, Maui is visible to the north. Most people won't find the 2.8 km hike too challenging, but bring a torch and plenty of water. Restrooms and parking are available at the trailhead.

Although many visitors to Honolulu are likely to spend the majority of their stay on the beach, the city does have some cultural attractions worth seeking out if you feel like a change of pace.

Completed in 1882 by King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, Iolani Palace is the only true royal palace in the United States. It served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchy until Queen Liliuokalani surrendered to US forces in 1893. 364 South King St. Reservations are recommended for the 45-minute guided tour. Open: Tue-Sat 09h00-14h15 (last tour). Admission: USD20, adults; USD5, children; children under 5 not admitted. Purchase tickets at the Iolani Barracks - pick-up tickets 30 minutes prior to tour. Tel: +1(1)808-522-0832 (reservations).

The Bishop Museum houses an enormous collection of Pacific Island artefacts, providing an interesting overview of Polynesian culture. The museum was founded by Charles Reed Bishop in 1889 in memory of his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. 4858 Bernice St. Open: daily 09h00-17h00. Admission: USD14.95, adults; USD11.95, children. Tel: +1 (1)808-847-3511.

Billed as Hawaii's favourite visitor attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center introduces the various cultures of the region through recreations of seven Polynesian villages with interactive games and displays of traditional crafts. Although obviously thoroughly touristy, it does provide an interesting introduction to Polynesia in an animated way.

Attractions include watching islanders carve tiki figures, wield fire knives and climb four-storey trees in bare feet amid 42 acres of beautiful tropical land. In the evening, there are shows enacting war dances and wedding ceremonies as well as a luau (the traditional Hawaiian feast featuring roast pig).

Because this is such a popular feature on the tourist circuit, it tends to get booked up in advance, so reservations are required. Since seating for the night shows is determined by the order that reservations are made, book as far in advance as possible, even before you leave home if you can. 55-370 Kam Hwy, Laie. Open: Mon-Sat 12h30-21h00. Admission (night show only): USD40, adults; USD24, children. Higher charges apply for dinner packages and luau. Tel: +1 (1)808-293-3333.

Maui's reputation as the most beautiful island in just about the whole world is well-deserved. The mega-resort of Wailea, the island's main city, Lahaina, or its extinct volcano Haleakala are all highlights of a trip here.

One of Maui's most popular attractions, though, is its luau, the traditional Hawaiian feast, much hyped, but an unmissable part of a visit to the islands. Maui's Old Lahaina Luau is generally acknowledged to be the best in the archipelago. A greeting with beautiful lei, made of fresh flowers, and tropical drinks gets you into the swing of things before the pièce de resistance makes its entrance, the Kalua Pua'a (roast pork), cooked in a special underground oven or imu. Once your appetite is sated, you can sit back and enjoy the show of hula dancing while the sun sets over the coconut trees.

1251 Front St. Cost: USD82.29, adults; USD51.04, children. Starts: daily 18h00. Tel: +1 (1)808-946-1000 (bookings must be made in advance). If you can't make it to Maui, there are luaus on Oahu and the other main islands too.

A ferry service connects Maui with its neighbour islands Molokai and Lanai.

Hawaii has more than its fair share of golf courses - around 80 in fact - and the islands are a popular destination for golfers of all levels. One of the best of these, Koolau Golf Club, is on Oahu, set amid the tropical rainforest. Even if you have doubts about the environmental benefits of such a set up, it can't be denied that this is a spectacular setting in which to play a round. It's a tough course, considered one of the most challenging in the US - all the more reason to give it a try. 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, Oahu. Tel: +1 (1)808-247-7088.

Named number one course in the state of Hawaii and included in the Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses, the Prince Golf Course on the island of Kauai is another of the most challenging courses you'll come across. Named after Prince Albert, the course struggles uphill, across ravines and over some wicked sandtraps. Princeville, Kauai. Tel: +1 (1)808-826-5070.

For many people the highlight of a trip to Hawaii is the chance to swim with dolphins. At the Sea Life Park on Oahu visitors can receive a personal dolphin training lesson, in which they learn about dolphin anatomy, physiology, training and conservation. Equipped with a dive mask, visitors then get the chance to swim next to the dolphins and experience a high-speed dorsal fin drag.

For guests who prefer to stay on dry land, Sea Life Park has all sorts of other forms of entertainment, including watching dolphin shows both above and below the water, a reconstruction of a Hawaiian reef complete with sharks and tropical fish, and large stingray and turtle lagoons.

Sea Life Park Hawaii, Kalanianaole Hwy. Open: daily 09h30-17h00. Admission: USD24.96, adults; USD12.48, children. Swimming with dolphins: USD125.99. Sessions are held four times a day. Advance booking is required and children must be older than 13. Tel: +1 (1)866-365-7446.

Erupting continuously since 1983, Kilauea Volcano (the name means "spewing" in Hawaiian, aptly enough) is a stunning sight and one that shouldn't be missed. The ongoing eruption is rather less spectacular than you might think, the lava is oozing rather than flying out of the volcano's vents, and flows underground for much of its passage to the sea.

If you can afford it, the best way to see this natural phenomenon is by helicopter, which flies directly over the crater. From the air it is also possible to see the slow growth of the island, as lava from the Puu'O'O vent reaches the sea, and solidifies. Safari Helicopters cost approximately USD199 per person. Tel: +1 (1)808-246-0136.

The battleship Arizona was one of the main casualties of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The aerial bombardment on the US's Pacific fleet at anchor was one of the most significant turning points in the war, drawing the US into concerted action.

2,500 people lost their lives in the lightning attack, and of the 2,400 US casualties, more than half came from the crew of the Arizona. Today the wreck and the area above it is designated a national memorial, and respected as a war grave. The on-shore visitors centre has some small exhibits that fill you in on the Arizona and Pearl Harbour, and there is a short movie that details the events of that fateful day. A boat takes you to the memorial itself, a platform that floats above the submerged ship. Open: 07h30-17h00. Admission: free. Tel: +1 (1)808-422-2771 (ext 119).

Hawaii Transport

Hawaii has become a huge international tourist spot and as a result transport is very efficient. Public transport on Oahu in particular is very good. On the other islands, you may need a car to get around independently.

Honolulu International Airport
Honolulu International (Tel: +1 (1)808-836-6413) on Oahu is the main airport although several major US airlines do offer direct service to the Big Island, Kauai and Maui but prices rise steeply. Getting to and from Honolulu International airport is simple.

Buses
Airport Waikiki Express provides transportation from the airport to any hotel in Waikiki every 25-30 minutes between 06h00-10h00 and after 10h00 every 20-25 minutes. Adult tickets are USD8 one way or USD14 return. There are additional charges for large items such as bikes and surfboards.

A cheaper option is the public city service, "The Bus" No.19 and 20, costing USD2. Both services run every half hour or so. Both buses on their Eastbound route go to Kalihi Kai (via Nimitz Highway), downtown Honolulu, the Honolulu Civic Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center and end in Waikiki. The number 19 Westbound route goes from the airport and ends at Hickam Air Force Base, number 20 Westbound goes to the Arizona Memorial, Aloha Stadium, Aiea and ends at Pearlridge Shopping Center.

Taxis
There are taxi ranks at Honolulu International. Expect to pay around USD25 to USD35 for a taxi from the airport to Waikiki.

Bus
"The Bus", Honolulu's public transport system, claims to be the best in the USA, although you may get a different opinion from morning commuters on the busy lines. But the fact is, if you can't, or don't want to rent a car, The Bus will get you almost anywhere on Oahu. Drivers are helpful to tourists and, if you're not sure about where you'll have to get off you can ask them to give you a shout when your stop is approaching. Timetables and other information are available from "The Bus" company, Tel: +1 (1)808-848-5555.

Standard adult fare is USD2. You'll pay more if you don't have the exact amount, as no change is given. Tickets are available at "The Bus" office or at convenience stores. The fare includes one paper "transfer", which will allow you to board any second bus for the next two hours. Ask for your transfer when you pay, and keep it until it expires. If you're going to be in Honolulu for more than a few days, or plan to ride the bus a lot, look into getting a monthly pass (USD40).

Bus services on other islands are limited and sometimes non-existent. Organised bus tours visiting a variety of places including volcanoes, beaches, museums and shopping centres cover all the islands but can be expensive.

Air
Inter-island flights between Honolulu (Oahu) and Kauai (Lihue city), Maui (Kahului city), Big Island (Kona and Hilo cities) are convenient and quick. The Oahu-Maui flight takes a mere 20 minutes while Kauai to the Big Island takes 40 minutes. There are flights between the main islands several times a day. Competition between airlines has pushed prices down recently. Hawaiian Airlines (Tel: +1 (1)808-838-1555) and Aloha Airlines (Tel: +1 (1)808-484-1111) are the two main companies operating internal flights, although they have recently been joined by several other smaller airlines that now offer similar services - making it well worth shopping around.

Ferry
The QEII stops in Hawaii in January every year as do many other luxurious trans-Pacific cruise ships. Transport between islands is very quick and reasonably cheap with inter-island ferries operating regularly between the major islands and between Maui, Lanai, Lahaina and Molokai.

Bicycle
Cycling is a great way to see the smaller islands and many hotels offer bike hire. You can find private outlets on all the islands - very cheap and not the best of equipment but enough to give you a great day out.

Having a car is not as essential in Hawaii as it is in mainland America. That said, renting a car gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, and is the only way to access some remote spots. Traffic can be horrible in Honolulu, especially downtown and on the H-1 freeway but drivers are courteous and more laid-back than on the mainland. Lay off the horn unless it's an emergency - this isn't New York. Break-ins and car theft are problems, so lock your doors, roll up your windows, and don't leave valuables in plain sight.

Rental rates are generally lower then those found on the US mainland and there is about every type of car available to hire. Generally, a credit card is required for rental and drivers aged 25 or under will incur an insurance surcharge. You will need a valid national driving licence - check with the car rental firm for further rental requirements.

The national speed limit is 88-112 km per hour (55-70mph) on highways, 56-64km per hour (35-40mph) on major roads outside towns and 24-40 km per hour (15-25mph) in built up residential areas. Distances and speed limits on American roads are measured in miles. Be aware speed restrictions are more severe than European drivers in particular are used to. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left-hand side. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt at all times.

Major car hire firms can be found at the airport and in the city centre.

Taxis are plentiful and run on most of the bigger islands. Use your common sense as you would back home and check the driver is using a meter. If he isn't, agree a fixed price before you go. Prices vary according to the season and time but cab drivers are generally pretty fair to tourists and won't try to cheat you. Vacant cabs patrol the streets downtown and in Waikiki; elsewhere you'll probably have to call one. The easiest number to remember is The Cab, Tel: +1 (1)808-422-2222 (just dial Tel: 422-2222 from a local phone).