Honolulu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. Situated on the picturesque island of Oahu, Honolulu is the heart of the economy and the gateway to the rest of Hawaii’s natural treasures. Honolulu epitomizes the classic tropical getaway with its magnificent Waikiki beach, azure blue water, swaying palm trees and hypnotic locals. The beautiful waters of Honolulu give you the opportunity to indulge in a range of activities from swimming, snorkeling and surfing.

A little info on Hawaii's most crowded city

The South Shore of Oahu is a very different place than the countryside up north. Seventy-five percent of Hawaii’s population is on this island with most of it concentrated in Honolulu. The South Shore has the definite hustle and bustle of an overcrowded city, combining with hundreds of thousands of tourists at any given moment. The surf down here is crowded--not only with surfers, but kayakers, bathers, body boarders and pretty much anything else that floats.

Entertainment is at a maximum here. Honolulu is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs. This is party central for the island. Everyone, even from the North Shore, cruises down here to party at night.

This is a small island, and it basically experiences the same climate as the rest of Hawaii with a few minor variations. It's a tropical ocean climate that stays pretty warm all year with trades usually the dominant wind source. There is patchy rain during the summer months, but it is more or less dry. Winter brings more variable conditions with passing cold fronts and Kona winds.

The water here stays pretty warm all year, dropping into the mid-70s during the winter and rising well into the 80s during the summer months. So South Shore surf season only calls for trunks and a shortboard to maybe a mid-range on bigger days.

There are a few hazards down here. The surf is not as heavy as it is up north, but it can still get sketchy at some of the shallower reefs. Be careful of the crowds: collisions are common, so make sure to cover your head and face if you fall. There are occasional sharks in the area, but attacks are rare. Also keep an eye out for jellyfish. Some of the more dangerous species such as the box jellyfish and Portuguese man-o-war frequent the area. Notify a lifeguard immediately if you happen to get stung.

The city itself offers you a colorful array of attractions, festivals and activities to keep you entertained and occupied from the numerous shopping precincts, exotic restaurants, Diamond Head volcanoes, Punchbowl Crater and Honolulu Zoo to the Aloha Tower, Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Foster Botanical Gardens and the many museums and art galleries. If you want to explore the gems of Honolulu, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation that usually have breathtaking ocean and city views. Whatever your reason for traveling, be it for business, leisure or romance, there is a perfect place for you to stay that will suit all your needs. Choose from the following to find the best accommodation deals so you can truly enjoy Honolulu.