From one of the many available lookout points, it's hard not to marvel at the otherwordly beauty of Oahu. The majestic Koolau Mountains, ancient lava flows, and world-class beaches, are just a few highlights of the island's spectacular natural setting.

Honolulu
With more than 850,000 people in the metropolitan area, Honolulu is the 16th largest city in the United States. The city of Honolulu includes downtown Honolulu (the heart of business and government), Waikiki (the city's urban resort area), and the adjacent east Oahu suburbs.

In the past 10 years, Honolulu has evolved into a sophisticated metropolis. With a first-rate symphony orchestra, two ballet companies, several modern dance companies, and numerous museums--including the celebrated Bishop Museum and The Honolulu Academy of Arts--Honolulu has rightly earned a place on the world's cultural map.

The city has also emerged as a top player on the culinary stage--fashioning its own innovative fusion fare, appropriately named Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. In addition, Honolulu is a shopping mecca with nearly every name in fashion opening a regional outlet. For shopping bargains and rare finds, Honolulu's Chinatown hosts numerous arts and crafts shows, featuring local featherwork, wood carvings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, paintings, and sculptures.

In Polynesian times, Honolulu (meaning "sheltered bay")was a small fishing village. But Honolulu's accessible waterways attracted increasing numbers of whalers and trade ships, ultimately distinguishing the village as a major port of call. It wasn?t long before Honolulu emerged as a major commercial hub in the Pacific. Host to thousands of whalers and seamen, it played a key part in the triangular trade among Asia, America, and Europe.

Today Honolulu remains a significant commercial force, a somewhat surprising reality considering it is the most geographically isolated "big city" in the world. However, it is also one of the most scenic cities, making it a lucrative tourist attraction and favorite getaway spot.

Waikiki
Perhaps Hawaii's most famous location, Waikiki was once the royal capital of Polynesian Hawaii's Oahu. Now, this urban beachside burgh contains over 30,000 hotel rooms, condominium rentals, residential high-rises, and is centrally located near the major city of Honolulu. Three east-west thoroughfares wind their way through Waikiki. Kalakaua Avenue offers front door access to major hotels, shops, and restaurants. Kuhio Avenue is one block inland and offers a long, mildly unattractive vista of mid-range hotels, condos, restaurants, and shops. Ala Wai Boulevard intersects an almost uninterrupted flow of high-rise residences and condominiums. While Diamond Head offers dramatic views of Waikiki's incomparably beautiful Crescent Beach and Bay.