Schmap Honolulu Neighborhood Guide

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Honolulu - Neighborhood Guide
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Honolulu is an ultra-modern city full of enormous diversity. The county of Honolulu is home to 800,000 people of all races and cultures. It is what gives O'ahu the nickname, "The Gathering Place."

Waikiki

Waikiki Beach stretches from the slopes of Diamond Head to Ala Moana and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. The beach itself is a great spot for the whole family. There is a near-shore break for the children, while the more experienced swimmers surf the waves outside.

The main thoroughfare of Waikiki is Kalakaua Boulevard. Most of the hotels, shops, and restaurants are gathered along this well populated strip. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is a must-see for anyone who likes to shop. For inexpensive souvenirs, haggle your way around Duke's Lane, a cramped and raucous gathering place for local vendors and tourists on the bargain prowl. Dine on pho, sushi, fresh seafood or gourmet buffets at area restaurants. As for accommodations, Waikiki hotels are some of the best in the world. You can find everything from upscale, five-star establishments such as the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel to lodgings at less than $50 a night at places such as the Aston Aloha Surf Hotel.

Ala Moana

This diverse area is probably the first place business travelers will see, thanks to the presence of the enormous new Hawai'i Convention Center. Of course, mention must be made of the world famous Ala Moana Shopping Center, the Hawaiian Islands' premier shopping mall. Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Restaurant Row, the stomping ground for the corporate lunch and Happy Hour crowd, is known as the "gateway" to downtown Honolulu.

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of Honolulu's most colorful and exciting neighborhoods. The area has been a major gateway for immigrants to Hawai'i for more than 120 years. Chinese medicine and Eastern religion have a huge presence, with Taoist, Buddhist and Shinto temples sandwiched between herbalists, shops, and restaurants. Highlights of Chinatown include Maunakea Marketplace, a local shopping plaza complete with its own ethnic food court, and the Chinese Cultural Plaza, a spacious open-air courtyard inhabited by jewelers, Asian restaurants and cultural organizations.

Downtown/Waterfront

From the steely skyscrapers and luxury highrises that rise up along the waterfront to the restored palaces and fascinating museums on Beretania and Bernice Streets, the downtown area proves Honolulu to be much more than the glitzy tourist town that Waikiki would have us believe. Landmarks are numerous, but a few that can't be missed are the grand and graceful Aloha Tower, bustling Honolulu Harbor and stunning Iolani Palace. After the sun goes down, the Honolulu Symphony and Hawaii Opera Theatre offer entertainment to a cultured, affluent crowd. The Aloha Tower Marketplace probably throws more parties, festivals and celebrations than any other place in Honolulu.

Manoa Valley/Makiki

Manoa Valley, where the University of Hawaii is situated, is typical of the valleys resulting from the erosion caused by lava flows in Hawai'i. One of the best places to view Honolulu and the Ko'olau mountain range is from the Manoa Cliff Trail. The main attraction of the valley itself is the University of Hawaii, a research university founded in 1907 and the only one of its kind in the state.

Manoa and the nearby neighborhood of Makiki comprise one of the cultural hot spots on the island. While this district isn't marketed or publicized as a cultural destination, it is home to several galleries, museums and theater companies. Among the hidden jewels in the area are The Contemporary Museum, one of the best art museums in Hawaii, and Manoa Valley Theater, a spirited community theater group.

East Honolulu--Diamond Head Kahala, Hawaii Kai

There are several major tourist attractions spread out through this area. Diamond Head is great for hikers. This peak can be seen from many vantage points in Honolulu, but for outdoor enthusiasts, there's no better way to experience it than by hiking to the summit and gazing down at the island below. Kahala Mall, Hawaii Kai Towne Center and the Hawaii Kai Golf Course are other area attractions.

Experts agree that Hanauma Bay, on the eastern tip of the island, offers some of the world's best snorkeling. However, if you prefer more privacy, try snorkeling or diving in Hawaii Kai. And if you'd prefer to view sea creatures from the safety of land, head over to Sea Life Park.

North Honolulu--Pearl Harbor, Pearl City, Ewa

Aside from Waikiki, this district may be the one most often visited by tourists. Site of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack, it is currently among the most famous naval attractions in the country. Millions of people visit the Arizona Memorial, Bowfin Memorial Park and "Mighty Mo" each year, learning about or revisiting the horror—and the heroism—that made this place what it is. Locals and in-the-know tourists often bypass Ala Moana Center and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in favor of Pearl City's famous Pearlridge Center.

Windward O'ahu

If you visit Honolulu or even read about it, you'll likely find that the term "Windward" is tossed around quite a bit. Windward, to clarify, is the Eastern shore of the island. It's a quiet, laid-back place, devoid of all the glitz and noise of Honolulu. Locals will also tell you that it's the best part of the island.

There are no major hotels or malls here, but there are plenty of restaurants and shops, and there seems to be a B&B tucked under every hillock and at the end of every drowsy street. Kailua Beach Park offers some of the world's best windsurfing, while Lanikai is simply one of the world's best beaches. Oh, and golfers...are you paying attention? Three words: Ko'olau Golf Club. It's the best on the island; Golf Digest said so.

Leeward O'ahu & Central O'ahu

Like Windward O'ahu and East Honolulu, Leeward (that's Western to all you mainlanders) is a quieter district with a few outstanding visitor attractions. Smart tourists-—at least, the ones who can afford it-—pooh pooh the jam-packed hotels of Waikiki, knowing that true paradise awaits at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at the serene Ko'olina Marina. Near Ko'olina is Hawaiian Waters, a water amusement park on a grand scale. At Makaha Beach Park, swimmers, surfers and sun-worshippers congregate every day in the spring and summer months. In winter, daredevil surfers test their skill against swells that reach 20 or 30 feet.

Central Honolulu isn't much of a visitor destination, although the famous Dole Plantation draws its fair share of tourists.

North Shore

It seems like every Hawaiian island has its own North Shore, where surfers from round the world come to brave the big waves in winter time. The Big Island of Hawaii has one. Kaua'i has one. But Honolulu has something that the others do not. That something is Baywatch. Since the popular show came to the funky little town of Haleiwa, things have never been the same.

Even without the publicity boost though, the North Shore is one of Oahu's most popular areas. It has great beaches, famous parks and a mellow lifestyle. It has Waimea Valley Adventure Park, where you can hike and ride horses and watch people dive off cliffs, and it has the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can shop and eat at buffets and watch scantily clad Hawaiian men shinny up palm trees. What more could anyone ask for?

Whatever it is, it's probably somewhere on O'ahu. This island metropolis is truly in a class all its own.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Ala Moana

Honolulu
United States

This diverse area is probably the first place business travelers will see, thanks to the presence of the enormous new Hawai'i Convention Center. Of course, mention must be made of the world famous Ala Moana Shopping Center, the Hawaiian Islands' premier shopping mall. Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Restaurant Row, the stomping ground for the corporate lunch and Happy Hour crowd, is known as the "gateway" to downtown Honolulu.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: cinnamint

Photo: Oliver Regelmann

Photo: Marek Konecny

Photo: Shane Robinson

Photo: Shiva Sundaram

Photo: Todd Beltz

Photo: Yuki

Photo: Michael S Preston

Photo: soupnyc807

Photo: Bryan Gonda

Photo: Nicolas Martin

Photo: Brian

Photo: Kevin S. Pratt

Photo: Katherine Finch

Photo: JT THOMAS

Photo: poldoleo75

Photo: Paula Marina Castro

Photo: saner4

Photo: Jacopo Gonzales

Photo: Jessica Barnes

Photo: Clayton Wakida

Photo: Matt Lasecki

Photo: Kristin Licitis

Photo: suenolke

Photo: Earl Sod

Photo: Jon Inazaki

Photo: docrock

Photo: Himanshu Pandya

Chinatown

Honolulu
United States
Chinatown is one of Honolulu's most colorful and exciting neighborhoods. The area has been a major gateway for immigrants to Hawai'i for more than 120 years. Chinese medicine and Eastern religion have a huge presence, with Taoist, Buddhist and Shinto temples sandwiched between herbalists, shops, and restaurants. Highlights of Chinatown include Maunakea Marketplace, a local shopping plaza complete with its own ethnic food court, and the Chinese Cultural Plaza, a spacious open-air courtyard inhabited by jewelers, Asian restaurants and cultural organizations.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: cre808

Diamond Head Kahala

Honolulu
United States
There are several major tourist attractions spread out through this area. Diamond Head is great for hikers. This peak can be seen from many vantage points in Honolulu, but for outdoor enthusiasts, there's no better way to experience it than by hiking to the summit and gazing down at the island below. Kahala Mall, Hawaii Kai Towne Center and the Hawaii Kai Golf Course are other area attractions. Experts agree that Hanauma Bay, on the eastern tip of the island, offers some of the world's best snorkeling. However, if you prefer more privacy, try snorkeling or diving in Hawaii Kai. And if you'd prefer to view sea creatures from the safety of land, head over to Sea Life Park.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Melinda Podor
Photo: hsunaqua
Photo: skeeterbess
Photo: Pua Lehua
Photo: larryjclark
Photo: Charlie Trilles
Photo: Gagan Diesh
Photo: JASON WILLOME

Photo: dmlavinsky
Photo: rb_hawaii
Photo: Christie Ryan
Photo: Jennifer Tiernay
Photo: Lillian Kwok
Photo: Norm Gibson
Photo: aloha-dresden
Photo: Joscelyne Cutchens

Photo: Leonardo Sandrolini
Photo: Andie712b
Photo: Bert Kimura
Photo: good eye bad camera
Photo: Jennifer Anderson
Photo: Nicholas Gattuso
Photo: buffmotherhawaii
Photo: Nathan Z

Photo: selmaandedgar
Photo: David & Cheryl M
Photo: Dan Q
Photo: Waikiki Natatorium
Photo: Dustin Kanske
Photo: jessenicholas1
Photo: John Eloranta
Photo: Daniel Hagan

Downtown

Honolulu
United States
From the steely skyscrapers and luxury highrises that rise up along the waterfront to the restored palaces and fascinating museums on Beretania and Bernice Streets, the downtown area proves Honolulu to be much more than the glitzy tourist town that Waikiki would have us believe. Landmarks are numerous, but a few that can't be missed are the grand and graceful Aloha Tower, bustling Honolulu Harbor and stunning Iolani Palace. After the sun goes down, the Honolulu Symphony and Hawaii Opera Theatre offer entertainment to a cultured, affluent crowd. The Aloha Tower Marketplace probably throws more parties, festivals and celebrations than any other place in Honolulu.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: soundcore2
Photo: Jason C. Yang
Photo: Jason C. Yang
Photo: bexjam
Photo: Tom Feiler
Photo: Erez Morag
Photo: kristin tachibana
Photo: Scott Tadsen

Photo: Patrick Bell
Photo: Andrew Fletcher
Photo: Hawaiian Island Pics

Leeward and Central O'ahu

Honolulu
United States
Like Windward O'ahu and East Honolulu, Leeward (that's Western to all you mainlanders) is a quieter district with a few outstanding visitor attractions. Smart tourists---at least, the ones who can afford it---pooh pooh the jam-packed hotels of Waikiki, knowing that true paradise awaits at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at the serene Ko'olina Marina. Near Ko'olina is Hawaiian Waters, a water amusement park on a grand scale. At Makaha Beach Park, swimmers, surfers and sun-worshippers congregate every day in the spring and summer months. In winter, daredevil surfers test their skill against swells that reach 20 or 30 feet. Central Honolulu isn't much of a visitor destination, although the famous Dole Plantation draws its fair share of tourists.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Manoa Valley

Honolulu
United States
Manoa Valley, where the University of Hawaii is situated, is typical of the valleys resulting from the erosion caused by lava flows in Hawai'i. One of the best places to view Honolulu and the Ko'olau mountain range is from the Manoa Cliff Trail. The main attraction of the valley itself is the University of Hawaii, a research university founded in 1907 and the only one of its kind in the state. Manoa and the nearby neighborhood of Makiki comprise one of the cultural hot spots on the island. While this district isn't marketed or publicized as a cultural destination, it is home to several galleries, museums and theater companies. Among the hidden jewels in the area are The Contemporary Museum, one of the best art museums in Hawaii, and Manoa Valley Theater, a spirited community theater group.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mark
Photo: D'Arcy Norman
Photo: Will Deutsch
Photo: M. Juchter
Photo: David Landsel

North Honolulu/Pearl Harbor

Honolulu
United States
Aside from Waikiki, this district may be the one most often visited by tourists. Site of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack, it is currently among the most famous naval attractions in the country. Millions of people visit the Arizona Memorial, Bowfin Memorial Park and "Mighty Mo" each year, learning about or revisiting the horror--and the heroism--that made this place what it is. Locals and in-the-know tourists often bypass Ala Moana Center and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in favor of Pearl City's famous Pearlridge Center.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Edward Faulkner
Photo: Daniel Johnson
Photo: Kent & Nicole Pippin
Photo: Christian Sormarken
Photo: Kevin M. Scarborough
Photo: JLTphotography
Photo: mkline55
Photo: Andrea W. Boron

Photo: Samalamity
Photo: Gary Gregory
Photo: streetwonder7
Photo: mommykym

North Shore

Honolulu
United States
It seems like every Hawaiian island has its own North Shore, where surfers from round the world come to brave the big waves in winter time. The Big Island of Hawaii has one. Kaua'i has one. But Honolulu has something that the others do not. That something is Baywatch. Since the popular show came to the funky little town of Haleiwa, things have never been the same. Even without the publicity boost though, the North Shore is one of Oahu's most popular areas. It has great beaches, famous parks and a mellow lifestyle. It has Waimea Valley Adventure Park, where you can hike and ride horses and watch people dive off cliffs, and it has the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can shop and eat at buffets and watch scantily clad Hawaiian men shinny up palm trees. What more could anyone ask for?

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: natseawa
Photo: Julie Strand
Photo: Richard A. Sebastian
Photo: Julie Strand
Photo: Alex Wichman
Photo: ptyski
Photo: Billy Yang
Photo: betty moore

Photo: Pam Skaifa Wong
Photo: jgpippin
Photo: Kara McCain
Photo: Merliza Yadao

Waikiki

Honolulu
United States
Waikiki Beach stretches from the slopes of Diamond Head to Ala Moana and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. The beach itself is a great spot for the whole family. There is a near-shore break for the children, while the more experienced swimmers surf the waves outside. The main thoroughfare of Waikiki is Kalakaua Boulevard. Most of the hotels, shops, and restaurants are gathered along this well populated strip. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is a must-see for anyone who likes to shop. For inexpensive souvenirs, haggle your way around Duke's Lane, a cramped and raucous gathering place for local vendors and tourists on the bargain prowl. Dine on pho, sushi, fresh seafood or gourmet buffets at area restaurants. As for accommodations, Waikiki hotels are some of the best in the world.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: wheatpennyjenny
Photo: wheatpennyjenny
Photo: Chelsea
Photo: Ezio Rotamartir
Photo: Jim Elliott
Photo: Kevin Day
Photo: Cori Plucer
Photo: Tessa Lau

Photo: Wolfgang Hürst
Photo: starrjewel13
Photo: jason202
Photo: Tony Peanuts
Photo: Rachel
Photo: Richard C. Clark
Photo: Min Tran
Photo: randy stewart

Photo: Alexander Funke
Photo: aloha2ny

Windward O'ahu

Honolulu
United States
If you visit Honolulu or even read about it, you'll likely find that the term "Windward" is tossed around quite a bit. Windward, to clarify, is the Eastern shore of the island. It's a quiet, laid-back place, devoid of all the glitz and noise of Honolulu. Locals will also tell you that it's the best part of the island. There are no major hotels or malls here, but there are plenty of restaurants and shops, and there seems to be a B&B tucked under every hillock and at the end of every drowsy street. Kailua Beach Park offers some of the world's best windsurfing, while Lanikai is simply one of the world's best beaches. Oh, and golfers...are you paying attention? Three words: Ko'olau Golf Club. It's the best on the island; Golf Digest said so.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Richard White
Photo: Heather Lucas
Photo: Tom Lanik

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Honolulu - Neighborhood Guide"
Honolulu
Honolulu - Historical Background
Honolulu - Where to Stay
Honolulu - Dining & Drinking
Honolulu - Art & Entertainment
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