Honolulu, HI

Honolulu is Hawaii's capital and its largest city with more than 375,000 residents. Located on the island of Oahu, it is both urban and coastal. Honolulu is Hawaii's only incorporated city; the rest are run by county governments. More than 25 percent of Honolulu residents were born in another country -- mostly from Asia --leading to the city's cultural diversity

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Honolulu is the state's center for business and trade. Honolulu's economy is also supported by the U.S. Armed Forces, tourism, and manufacturing. Many countries, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia, have consulates in the city.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Honolulu offers a variety of neighborhoods:

• Town Center, an area with typically small, newer, apartment-style homes. This nautical community is mostly home to renting families with children.
• Portlock, a wealthy, highly educated area that contains mainly midsize (three to four bedrooms), single-family, older homes. This quiet area is home to many executive-level professionals.
• Kahala, an urban, quiet community with midsize, single-family houses. This walking-friendly community is in the top 15 percent of the wealthiest communities in the United States.
• Kaimuki, a funky part of town comprised of a variety of age groups living in smaller, single-family homes.

Other districts include:

• Downtown Honolulu: This is the business hub of Hawaii, with financial and commercial interests.
• The Arts District Honolulu: Located in the eastern section of Chinatown, the Arts District runs 12 blocks and offers numerous ethnic eateries, theaters, shops, and arts-related businesses.
• Capitol District: This is home to state governmental agencies and buildings, including Honolulu Hale (also known as City Hall) and the state capitol. The Capitol District is in the eastern end of the downtown region.
• Kaka'ako: Historically the industrial area of Honolulu, Kaka'ako has enjoyed revitalization and redevelopment and now has two large shopping centers: Ward Warehouse and Ward Centre. Kaka'ako is located between downtown and the Waikiki District.
• Waikiki: Tourism rules in Waikiki. With hotels, shopping, nightlife, and Waikiki Beach, Waikiki is a popular tourist district. The world's biggest open-air shopping center-Ala Moana Center-is located here.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Honolulu is central to Hawaiian music and culture:

• Honolulu Symphony was founded in 1900. Today the symphony is made up of professional musicians who perform a regular calendar of concerts.
• Honolulu Academy of Arts is a premier art museum featuring more than 50,000 works. The academy also runs a private art school, the Academy Art Center at Linekona.
• Hawaii State Art Museum takes pride in acquiring and displaying works of art by local artists. The museum also displays traditional Hawaiian art pieces.

BEST BETS

Bishop Museum: Honolulu's largest museum, Bishop Museum is home to the state's largest collection of historical artifacts of Hawaiian and Pacific culture.

Honolulu Zoo: Located in Queen Kapi'olani Park, the Honolulu Zoo has more than 1,200 animals as well as the Waikiki Aquarium,. More than 750,000 visitors visit each year.

Honolulu Botanical Gardens: This consists of five different botanical gardens throughout the city, including:

• Foster Botanical Garden. The oldest of the botanical gardens, this garden spans nearly 14 acres and is located in downtown Honolulu.
• Ho 'omaluhia Botanical Garden. On 400 acres, this lush garden is home to many tropical floras, but the focus is mainly on the preservation of Hawaii's native plants.
• Koko Crater Botanical Garden. This natural paradise covers 200 acres.
• Lili 'uokalani Botanical Garden. Just north of Foster Botanical Garden, this garden covers 7.5 acres of land that were once picnic grounds. This garden focuses on native Hawaiian plants.
• Wahiawa Botanical Garden. This 27-acre ravine is covered with plants that thrive in a cooler, humid environment.

EVENTS

The annual Honolulu Festival is hosted by the nonprofit Honolulu Festival Foundation to promote harmony between the economic and ethnic cultures in Hawaii. The festival celebrates a blend of Hawaiian and Asian cultural traditions with educational programs, exhibits, and performances.

EDUCATION

Honolulu's universities include:

• University of Hawaii at Manoa
• Chaminade University
• Hawaii Pacific University

GETTING AROUND

There are two main highways in Honolulu: Nimitz Highway (Hawaii 92), which runs from Pearl Harbor past Honolulu Airport to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, and Interstate H-1, which runs alongside the mountains of downtown. Flying in and out of the city is easy, thanks to Honolulu International Airport. TheBus is Honolulu's public transportation system.