The first and foremost thing you should keep in mind before moving to Hawaii is that it is an island. Even if you are in the largest island of this archipelago you must realize that you can circumvent the whole island within 5 hours. But regardless of the small area, the main concern is the shipping cost required to move to Hawaii from the mainland. This is because freight charges across the ocean are very high. Thus it is advisable to buy new things from Hawaii than to ship everything. The things, which you would require just after reaching Hawaii or which might not be available there locally, should only be transported.

Costs will be higher on moving to Hawaii if you have a family. Transport cost will be more because more tickets need to be purchased. If there are several people accompanying, you will need a large apartment, which will be expensive. The daily need and expense will rise. Conversely if you are single, a small apartment will do. The transport cost will be low in comparison.

If you have a steady job while moving to Hawaii then the high cost of living will not be very difficult to bear. But if you are looking for a job then moving to Hawaii is not a wise decision in this recessive economy. Hawaii is well known for its unemployment and lack of jobs.

The cost of living in Hawaii is very high. The main reason behind this is most of the groceries and stationeries are imported. Thus you should always consider this fact before deciding anything.

Many factors might change depending on where you live in Hawaii. Depending on the island the temperature, type of environment varies. There prevails a huge climatic difference between the two sides of the same island. For example in the Big Island, the Kona side or west side experiences temperature ranging from 75-95 degree Fahrenheit and slightly humid to dry weather. Occasional rainstorms might occur sometimes. But climatic condition is drastically different on the other side of the island that is the Hilo side. On this side 95% rainfall occurs and the climatic condition is very much similar to that of Seattle if it would have been warm throughout the year.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and exotic places on earth. The tropical environment there is truly awesome. This island has endless beauty and has always attracted huge number of tourists throughout the year. So no doubt you will enjoy your stay in Hawaii. But you must consider your economic condition before deciding to move there.

The Honolulu area boasts a wide range of communities and neighborhoods, sure to suit almost any lifestyle. From master-planned communities with a resort lifestyle in inland areas, to waterfront communities on the coast, there is something for everyone Oahu.

Honolulu is another popular place that is located on the island of Oahu. Honolulu is a large city in Hawaii that offers a diverse lifestyle for most anyone that is looking for beautiful scenery, vast coastlines, plenty of mountains, and luxurious green foliage. Honolulu is just as popular to live as the big island of Hawaii, and Oahu. It gives the same amount of city life and paradise living as all of the other islands. People will experience beautiful weather all year round, condominiums on the beach front, friendly communities, easy access to many beach areas, shopping centers, and restaurants. Most stores are near enough for people to just walk to. People who live in Honolulu will get a natural blend of living on a paradise island, along with the large urban city life.

People who are looking to buy real estate in Honolulu will have a large amount of town homes and condominiums to choose from. The city also has large high rise condominiums with resort style living arrangements. Most condominiums come furnished, so people can save a lot of money by not having to buy their own furniture, or moving their furniture from one state to another. They can save all of that money to buy them a better condominium or town home. There are also many condominiums that offer large big screen televisions in the homes, as well as maid service, and room service. A person could live the ultimate luxury in a beautiful home. For people with more meager budgets, they can still find homes that are within their price range that will afford them many amenities that will fit their needs.

People who are looking to buy a home in Honolulu can find affordable property on the beach fronts, just as much as they can on the inlands. Many of the beachfront property homes are more luxury style homes that cost more, but there are still homes that can be affordable. Townhomes are sometimes cheaper to buy than condominiums. Townhomes are just as luxurious as condominiums, and they are usually two story homes. Townhomes may even be cheaper than most private homes. People can find many different types of homes and floor plans that can fit their preferences. If people are looking for a home in a certain location, and the location is more important to them, they can find many affordable homes that will fit in their budget. Many people are not looking for the luxurious lifestyle. They are just looking for a home that are near schools, shopping centers, and beaches for convenience. Luxury and beach living may not be as important to them. Other people are just happy to be living in such a beautiful paradise, and do not mind living in a more modest smaller home. Honolulu has plenty of smaller homes that are available for people on a smaller budget, or for people who enjoy owning their own homes.

When a person lives in a large community of town homes and condominiums, they will have many options for recreational activities that will make their lifestyle more convenient. People will have the luxury of sitting out on the verandas while grilling hot dogs, or they can sit out by the pool in the courtyards and mingle with other residents. There are many fun activities to explore while living in place that gives many diverse activities to their residents. Most communities have spas, saunas, fitness areas, barbecues, and tennis courts. The surrounding areas have plenty of shopping centers that are within walking distance, as well as easy access to the beach areas. There are also plenty of restaurants, and some condominium communities have restaurants inside their courtyard areas. There will never be too little or too much for people to do in their communities.

The high rise condominiums also have gorgeous views from the top floors of the units, and the hallways that give residents panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean. There are also many communities that are located on golf courts inside a golfing resort style condominium. There are many people who enjoy being in close proximity to sports activities that they can just walk to. The inside of the condominiums will have the most modern type of appliances, hard wood floors, plush carpets, new painting, ceiling fans, chandeliers, and large spacious areas for a lot of furniture. The floor plans in many of the condominiums have large two and three bedrooms with extra office space, and dining room areas.

People who do not want to live in the city of Honolulu can find real estate in the smaller community areas near Honolulu, such as Manoa, which is located in a beautiful valley like setting. Manoa is a smaller and more quiet community for people who enjoy more seclusion from the large urban living. Manoa also has many homes and condominiums to choose from. Manoa is also close to the University of Hawaii for many students who want to be close to their universities. People who live in Manoa also enjoy views of the mountains, valleys, hills, and beaches. There are large shopping areas that are nearby within walking distance for most people who live in Manoa. There are also other community areas that are closer to Diamond Head, which is Pauoa. Pauoa is a more luxurious style area where the upper echelon type of people enjoy living. People will find large luxurious mansions, and large high rise condominiums in this area.

Honolulu is also close to all of the cultural centers, such as Chinatown. People who live in Honolulu will be treated to the most dynamic ocean views. The beach covers most of Honolulu, so people who live in Honolulu will have easy access to the beach areas, no matter where they live. People from all walks of life will enjoy living in Honolulu. It is one of the most popular places to buy real estate on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean.

It is not at all easy to shop around for a home, as so many factors have to be considered.  Do you prefer a big home or a small home?  How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want your home to have?  Where do you want it to be located, in the outskirts or in the city?  There are just so many questions that need to be answered and we all can conclude that buying a home is certainly very exhausting.  However, you can make the selection process a lot easier if you’ll try to follow the following guidelines:

One step that you need to do before looking for a mortgage provider or bank that offers the most attractive rate in your locality is to know what mortgage you should obtain.  There are several types of mortgage, and you should find it necessary to compare all of them to know which is ideal for you.  A few of the types of mortgage include Bridge Loans, FHA Loans, Fixed Rate Mortgage and Adjustable Rate Mortgage.  Aside from knowing what mortgage to choose, you also have to make a decision as how many years are you willing to pay your mortgage.  If you want to pay a minimal amount monthly, then you should choose a 30-year payment plan, or if you want to finish paying off your mortgage faster, a 10-year or 15-year payment plans is what you should get.   

Once you’re done determining what mortgage to take, you now have to obtain a credit report from the three major credit bureaus, which includes Transunion, Equifax and Experian.  You may ask an annual credit report from these credit bureaus free of charge.  Mortgage companies need to take a peek at your credit reports, as they will use them as their basis in deciding how much interest rate should be applied on your mortgage.  If you find any wrong information on your credit report, you have the right to rebut and ask the credit bureaus to check on it.  If you will not make a move to correct it, this might affect your application as well as the interest rate on your mortgage.  Along with your credit report, you also have to submit your proof of address, latest pay slip, and other proofs of income.   

After obtaining a credit report, you at least have to know what your credit rating is. If your rating is between 300 and 620, this means your rating is low, between 620 and 700, you have a fair rating, and between 700 and 850, you have an excellent rating.

When you’ve accomplished all the steps mentioned above, you can already approach a bank or a mortgage provider that you think offers the best deal.   

The purpose of the deposit is to assure the seller that you are serious in your offer. That's why it is sometimes called earnest money. Once the money is put up, it's at risk to you. If you back out of the deal, you stand to lose the deposit. Therefore, you want to offer enough to satisfy the seller that you are serious, yet not offer so much you could suffer a serious financial loss if the deal doesn't go through.

The more you put up as a deposit, the more serious the seller is likely to think you are. However, some buyers feel they can make up for a weak offer with a big deposit. They hope to impress the sellers with a large amount of cash.

These days, however, sellers are rarely so impressed. The truth is that the deposit money is not at as much risk as it used to be. In most states you, as a buyer, often have weeks to conduct inspections and approve disclosures. During this time you can usually back out of the deal with no loss of deposit.

Even after having signed off on all reports and disclo­sures, savvy buyers often leave contingencies that offer them a back door out without penalty. In some cases, the only way the seller can even­tually get your money is to go to court and sue for it—not something most sellers will do while they are trying to sell their home. (Many contracts now offer a "liquidated damages" clause that makes it easier for the seller to claim your deposit, but harder to sue you.)

That doesn't mean you can't lose your deposit if you back out of the deal—you can. It's just that savvy sellers know it's not a slam dunk for them to get it and, hence, are not so impressed with it.

My own suggestion is that you put up between $5000 and $10,000 depending on the size of the deal. Most sell­ers accept that this is enough to hold the property for the month or so it takes to close and are okay with it. If the deposit is an issue with the sellers, they will usually come back asking you to increase the amount, usually after all the disclosure and inspection contingencies have been removed. If you still want the property in Hawaii, you can increase your deposit at that time.

Spouting horn is a blowhole that constantly spurts out water on the lava shelf. This is a must see sign if you happen to visit Kauai. It is very similar to the geyser found in Yellowstone Park. When the waves hit against the lava shelf, the water will be forced out from the blowhole. The water will reach a height of 50 feet when it is gushed out from the blowhole. When the water gushes out from the blowhole, a groaning sound will be made. In the past, there is a blowhole called Kukiula Sea plume in the region. However, the hole was bombed because the salt-water spray causes damages to the sugar cane crop.

There is a legendary story behind the spouting horn. The legend claims that a lizard that got stuck under the blowhole causes the groaning sound made by the blowhole. The lizard, known as mo’o always wander around the shore at the spouting horn. A man called Liko came to the sea and swim at the beach. When the lizard saw the man, it preyed on him. The man quickly swims into the lava shelf so that the lizard cannot catch him. The lizard wanted to eat the man so he swam into the lava shelf. The lizard was trapped in the blowhole so he keeps on groaning. This is why there is a groaning sound when the water gushes out from the spouting horn blowhole. If you visit the spouting horn, you will be able to see the rainbow over the spray. You can bring your camera to take picture of the rainbow effect on the spouting horn blowhole spray. You should stay on the railing to avoid falling into the lava shelf. There has been a case where tourists fall into the lava shelf and get serious injuries.

There are several public restrooms nearby to the spouting horn. If you want to make your trip memorable, you can purchase souvenir from the gift shop. Various kinds of gifts can be found at the souvenir shops including jewelry, handicraft items and etc. You should take your time to browse the souvenirs at the shops. In the area, there are many Hawaiian chickens. Most of the Hawaiian chickens that roam around the area has colorful feathers. You can also observe whales and dolphins in the location. You can reach spouting horn by taking the Highway 50. After you drive past the marker 11, you can turn into Koloa Road. After that, you should head towards the Poipu Road.

Try to get recommendations from Hawaii real estate agents or other professionals. Look for inspectors who belong to trade organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Make sure the inspector or his or her company has been in business for several years at minimum.

Since having home inspections is such a new field, the inspectors themselves tend to be new at it. Most states have not yet begun licensing home inspectors, although that is sure to come eventually. Currently in many areas all that a person needs to do to become an inspector is print up some business cards and hang out a shingle.

You should consider the background of the inspector. Many are from the building trades, former contractors of one sort or another. However, just because a person knows how to build a new house (or put in plumbing or an electrical system) does not mean they know what to look for when inspecting an existing dwelling.

Your best bet is probably a former city or county build­ing inspector. Often when these people retire, they become private home inspectors, and they usually are good at it. They've seen all sorts of homes as public inspectors, and they usually are up-to-date on the current building code.

Additionally, you may need specific inspections cover­ing such areas as soil, roof, or structure. Your best bet here is someone who has an engineering degree in the field.

Be wary of hiring inspectors who are themselves involved in building or repairs. For example, if the roof inspector you hire happens to be a roofer, his or her opin­ion is always subject to suspicion. Is this person saying the roof on the property is bad because it really is or because they are looking to get a roofing job? A generally good rule to follow is to hire only those companies for inspections that do not do repair work themselves.

Recently I've noted a number of inspection companies that have found a clever way around this safeguard rule. They claim that they do not do any repair work. This may be a fact; however, they will then recommend another company (in which they may have an interest) that does this type of repair work. This is still a bit like letting the wolf and his brother into the hen house. The best bet is to go for an inspector who, if he or she recommends repair companies, simply hands you a list of names and phone numbers without comment and lets you check them out.

Windward Oahu

Oahu's east part is called Windward, for the locals; it signifies everything that lies east of the Koolau Range. From here, Kailua and Kaneohe are a drive away from Honolulu downtown when traveling for twenty minutes in the Pali Highway. This part of the island is very different from downtown Honolulu. It is more rural and country. The pace is very slow and laid back, as residents lifestyles can attest to this relaxing way of living or hanging loose.

The vegetation here is also different, it is greener and lush as the winds and rain gets here from the east, and the mountain range serves as a wall to hold the clouds. There is more rainfall in this part of the island, but it is also more green and beautiful. This side offers many bed and breakfasts' to stay and very nice vacation rentals - some of the best in Oahu.

The beaches have white sand, and you can hike through the Valley of Temples to the Sacred Falls. These gorgeous and amazing waterfalls are one important attraction in the area. The north shore is home to Mormons, and you can get to know their customs, but here you can also find the Polynesian Cultural Center. At this center, all the islands of the Polynesia are exhibited.

Some of the best bays for windsurfing are found at the windward side. Lanikai sand beach and many golf courses are found here as well.

Kailua

In Kailua, you will find some of the best beaches in Oahu - the finest. You get here after a short twenty-minute drive on the Pali, unless you hit rush hour and be delayed by traffic.

One great attraction of the area is the Kailua beach park, a famous park that offers the best windsurfing. Here you can find the necessary gear rentals and even a surfing school. Tours can be booked from Waikiki.

Lanikai Beach offers safe calm waters to the visitor, year-round. Here you can swim, sail or sunbathe to your content. The country allure of the area is perfect for people who work in town, but still prefer this way of living. Here you can find some great bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.

Kaneohe

Curiously called the bedroom town, Kaneoche serves to many commuters, as home. Military personnel also live here. One of the most attractive places in this area is the Kaneohe Bay. The waters are calm, clear, and reef protected. Gilligan's island was filmed in the tiny island that sits in the middle of the lagoon.

If heading outside Kaneohe, and taking route 83, you will be able to stop and visit the Haiku Gardens. In addition, the Valley of Temples is also in that direction. The Haiku gardens date back to the mid 1800s. Here you will find ponds, gorgeous flowers, and ornamental trees. The area is popular to celebrate weddings, but also popular with tourists who love strolling the beautiful grounds that offer a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

One unique place to visit is the Valley of Temples. This place is a cemetery, which houses the remains of Christians and Buddhists. To the left of the beautiful sanctuary, a Christian church sits, and a Buddhist temple sits inside the valley. This temple is a replica of the old Byodo in temple of Uji, Japan, which was nine hundred years. It was built one hundred years after the first immigrants from Japan arrived in 1968.

Ka'aawa to Laie

Ka'aawa coast extends to the Turtle Bay Hilton, as a series of continuous beaches. The only road there is conveniently located winding along the coast, and you can pull over and enjoy the views, take pictures of them, or just stay a while and go for a swim. A few small towns are located throughout the coast going up to the North Shore.

The drive up the coast is pleasant, and you will be able to stop at the Kim Taylor Reece's Gallery. The photographer offers one of the best renditions of Hawaiian life, Hawaii's Hula, and the local customs, captured with his lens. There is a sign at the left side of the road if you look for the place. Contact number is 293-2000.

Laie

Laie translates to Leaf of the Vine. It was founded by missionaries. The Mormon missionaries built a temple and so they built what is known today as the Bringham Young University campus. Mormon rules are strictly enforced here. Visitors are not allowed to smoke, drink alcohol or caffeine drinks, or wear any offensive or revealing articles of clothing. This church manages the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the same rules apply. The temple is white, was built in 1919, and is now open to the public from 9 am until 9 pm.

The most popular attraction on Oahu has to be the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here visitors can get information and learn about the heritage and richness of the Polynesian culture. An exhibit displays each Polynesian island. The Polynesian Cultural Center is very large. During the day, you can visit the shows and exhibits and during the evening, you can enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the river. You can also buy souvenirs at the interesting marketplace. One great evening presentation takes place at 7:30. This is when the Polynesian islands are presented in a huge dome, featuring traditional music, and dancing. This is a very popular place to visit in Oahu - a must see on your vacation list.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is open every day, but not on Sundays. The hours are from 12:30 pm to 9 pm. It is important to mention that Laie is the last stop visitors will hit before heading to the North Shore that has a supermarket, a bank, and a few restaurants.

The Beaches and Parks

Waimanalo Beach

This is the perfect beach for its beautiful surroundings. This beach features turquoise waters that are calm, palm trees, fragrant pine trees, and the finest white powdery sand. The sunrise in the early morning hours complete the perfect picture. If any beach is worth spending your total vacation is this one. You can stay at the Sunrise studios.

The Valley of the Temples

Just as mentioned before this is a replica of the Bodo-Yin temple that was built on the 100-year anniversary marking the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple has been featured in the television series Magnum P.I. Here the groundskeeper is very friendly and will be delighted to show you his fish, birds, and gorgeous wild peacocks, with which he has a friendly camaraderie and they seem to obey his commands. A great place to visit.

The Kailua Beach

This is another beautiful beach and one that is very popular with the visitors; however, it only gets very crowded during the weekend. During the week, it is not as busy. Lanikai is the southeast end, and many neighborhood families like to frequent this part. It is a great picnic spot due to the many shade trees and the wide lawns. Nearby, at mere steps away from the beach you may find many vacation rentals and some great bed and breakfasts. This is a more calm side of the beach.

On the other side, there is the north end and this is where all the water action happens. Here you can windsurf and swim to your content. The water is very clear and inviting. There is a windsurfing school nearby that offers classes and all the necessary windsurfing equipment.

The Moku Lua islands are nearby. These are small islands situated off Kailua Bay. You can rent a kayak and paddle to the small of the islands, which is accessible to visitors. Here you will encounter a variety of sea turtles and wild life.

The Kualoa Park

This beach park offers a great view of the coastline. In the 1980's it was remodeled and now it offers wide lawns, picnic areas, restrooms, and beautiful palm trees around it. Coral and sand make for a beautiful beach, and only at a distance of six hundred yards, you can see Molulii island, also popularly known as Chinaman's Hat. This island can be accessed by renting a kayak, or even on rafts or a surfboard. There is a small beach, that most likely is deserted and a cave.

The Kualoa Ranch

This is another great spot to visit and you will find the entrance after the Kualoa Regional Park, shortly after it and on the mauka side. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, tennis, mountain biking, or just admiring the beautiful surroundings. There is a petting zoo and an original Hawaiian village here as well. One important thing to mention is that some scenes of the popular movie Jurassic Park were shot in this area.

The entrance to the ranch is shortly after the Kualoa Regional Park on the mauka side.

The Maleakahana Beach Park

You will find this park just ahead from the Cultural Center, up the road. The park is only one mile long and you can camp here. There are good campground facilities and the forest offer great shade from the rain and the wind. The beach sand is white and here you can swim all year round. If you are camping, a permit is needed to put up a tent. You can also rent a vacation home if you are not in camping at the beach mode. There is a uninhabitated island off Maleakahana Bay. The locals refer to it as Goat Island. Here you will find three small beaches that are white and sandy. If there is very low tide, you can walk from the shore; however, caution is important, as it can be rough sometimes, depending on weather conditions and tidal waves.

The Oahu South Shore

South Shore Oahu takes you from Hanauma Bay and all the way to the Ewa plains. If taking a short tour, it will start with Pearl Harbor, following a tour of the closest surroundings in Honolulu and ending in Haunama Bay. The valleys that are situated behind Honolulu take you to the Koolau mountains, where you can find trails for hiking, waterfalls, ridges, and many other gorgeous views.

One place of interest is Mount Tantalus, part of the South Shore. To get there, a drive up the winding road of Round Top Drive will take you to its top. The road changes name to Tantalus Drive about half way there. The viewpoint will give you views over Waikiki, and Diamond Head. The road curves left after that and will offer views of Manoa Valley and the Ko'olau mountains. If looking to the west part you will have incredible views of Punchbowl Crater and the Waianae mountains, in addition as being able to see the airport.

The Pali Lookout is the best viewpoint in Oahu. This point is reachable through the Pali Highway - 61 - and after that following a tight road that takes you through the rainforest. Breathtaking views of the Koolau range will surround you. This is also a historical point, as Kamehameha the Great won a battle here in 1795. Although the old Pali road is closed, it can be seen from here. There are many legends about this old road.

The Oahu South Shore will offer a variety of sceneries that are breathtaking, gorgeous beaches, interesting hiking trails, and the many sights that Pearl Harbor and Honolulu offer.

Pearl Harbor 

This memorial commemorates the date of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked this harbor. The memorial was done in 1962, but in 1980, it became a national park. The best way to appreciate the depth and richness of the area is by taking a guided tour. The area receives more than a million and a half visitors yearly, and it is considered one of the main attractions in Oahu. From the Honolulu or Waikiki area, it will take about forty-five minutes to drive here. About thirty percent of visitors, come from around the world, but most visitors are American.

This memorial is available from Sunday through Saturday and from the hours of early morning - 7.30 am until 5 pm. Film and documentaries of the attack to the USS Arizona are offered around 8 am. The last program is about three in the afternoon. It includes a movie, boat ride, interpretative programs given by the rangers there, and it lasts about two hours and a half. There is no need for reservations, but it is better to come in the early hours to avoid long lines and crowds. The memorial is closed during the holidays of Christmas and New Year, and on Thanksgiving Day.

Here, you can also see the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, which is next to the memorial parking lot, and the USS Missouri. Here you can learn about the history of submarines dating back to 1776, and how they were used in war. Visitors can look below deck of this famous submarine. The USS Bowfin launched in 1942, on December 7th, and it took out forty-four enemy ships in its time. It was called the Pearl Harbor Avenger. This museum is managed by a non-profit organization called the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association.

The USS Missouri was called the Mighty Mo. This was the last Iowa class warship that was built in the United States. The ship was brought to Pearl Harbor and it went through renovations and restoration so it could be viewed by the public as part of the museum. An extended tour of the area will lead you to the Mighty Mo.

The Manoa Valley

The University of Hawaii is located here, so this is an easy to find area. Here there are many research centers as well as coffee shops where students conglomerate. The area offer views of older homes with beautiful tropical gardens. The lush greenery of the area is due to the frequent rains. Steep ridges surround the area. Here the visitor will delight in the Lyon Arboretum, a gorgeous botanical garden that is a short hike of distance. However, the short hike is part of the beauty of the area, as you will go through the tropical forest and the bamboo groves, to end at a gorgeous waterfall. If visiting the area it is advisable to bring a raincoat, as it rains frequently, and proper shoes as the road will be wet and muddy at some points. Here you can stay at the Manoa Valley Bed and Breakfast.

The Lyon Arboretum

This arboretum is located at 3860 Manoa Road. The contact number for information is, 988 7378. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 3 pm and the admission is free. You can take bus number 5 to get there or book a tour, which is offered twice a month, but on Saturdays - 988-3177 is the number for scheduling.

This is one of the most gorgeous areas of Honolulu which you can take a bus to it, and enjoy the beauty of the residential area as well. This lush and green area receives tons of rain during the year. The end of the valley offer very secluded and quiet surroundings. The arboretum date back to the 1920s, when a botanist named Harold Lyon founded it. This botanist travel the world and each time brought different species to the area. The area is large - about 194 acres of beauty - and you can tour it on your own, and aim to reach inspiration point. The University of Hawaii uses part of the area for research.

Diamond Head Area

One of the most popular landmarks in Oahu is the Diamond Head Crater. It is recommended to hike it early in the morning as the hike is about thirty to forty minutes long and it is up hill. In the morning, the sun will be at your back, which will be good to take pictures of the gorgeous views.

The Diamond Head volcano was the last active one in the Island. The last eruption was 350,000 years ago. This volcano was named in 1825, due to the finding of crystals on the slopes, which sailors thought to be diamonds. It would be very hard to search in the type of soil here, due to the volcanic origin.

However, in the early twentieth century the United States government decided to take this point as strategic point for defense and tunnels where created for defense spots. These tunnels have never been used. Two narrow and dark tunnels take you to the top of the mountain for a while, when you hike it. Interestingly, the National Guard and the FAA are situated in the inside of this crater, and regulate Pacific air traffic from there.

Kahala

From Waikiki and going east on Diamond Head Road there is the most affluent neighborhood in Hawaii - Kahala. The homes in the area are very expensive, especially during the 1980s when prices skyrocketed in the area, as Japanese businessmen bought and sold homes here as an investment. This made the property taxes unbearable for some long-time residents in the area, who had to leave. Even in a bad economy, the homes here sell for seven figures. You can also find vacation rentals here. Kahala has a good mix of older homes and new homes, which are very luxurious.

For shopping, the Kahala Mall is near, at the start of highway 72. It offers a very quiet and relaxed atmosphere and a variety of trendy shops, restaurants, and movie theaters.

The Beaches

The south shore beaches have a lot to offer.

The Kahala Beach

This beach goes down Kahala Avenue, right behind luxurious homes. This beach is public and there are many access paths along the way.

Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Oahu - if not the most beautiful.

It is advisable to get there early, as the parking lot will be full very fast. One of the positives to this beach is that its round shape came as a result of a crater that sank. There are also reefs that protect the swimmers from currents in high surf, so people can swim and snorkel in safe waters. If you are familiar with some of Elvis Presley's movies, Blue Hawaii was filmed there. One negative is that the reef almost died due to the improper handling of the reef natural treasures by tourists. A preservation project is being funded and the fee is $5 dollars at the gate; on Wednesday morning, the park is closed.

Sandy's beach

This beach is located along the coastal road going east from Hanauma Bay. The currents here are very strong, and there are many accidents caused by the strength of the ocean, usually involving visitors that do not know well the area. There is a high shore break in this part that may injure people; however, locals come here to bodysurf. The lifeguards at this beach are very busy compared to other beaches on Oahu.

Makapu'u beach 

This very small beach is situated after the Makapu'u viewpoint. Surfing is great here, as well as boogie boarding, or body surfing. However, in the winter months it may be dangerous as the surf is very high and the reef and sharp rocks become exposed.

If in the area, look to your right and you will spot two islands that are uninhabitated - Rabbit Island is the larger of the two. It serves as home to thousands of birds. The other one is called Turtle Island and it is very green and flat. This one is also a seabird sanctuary.

Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is where everything happens. It is the center for financial and economic growth. Here you will find a blend of old and new, of history and progress, marked by Fort Street Mall, which is where the division of the old and new sections of town happen.

In the Honolulu financial district, you will find mostly banks, business towers, and insurance businesses. The First Hawaiian Bank is the newest tower and the tallest in this area. It stands tall at 470 feet. The old merchant district is situated in the area that sits between the ocean and King Street, going ahead towards the Aloha Tower.

Before becoming a state of the United States of America, Hawaii was running under five big corporations that were called the Big Five. These corporations handled land, agriculture, insurances, and the industries of sugar, pineapple, and other. All major commerce went through these industries, until the year 1960. After statehood, tourism became more of the leading industry.

There is much to see in Honolulu, and guided tours are the best way of seeing it all. You will be able to enjoy the culture, rich history, and modern sights as well. Mostly, sights tours will take you from west to east, from Chinatown to downtown Honolulu, to the Aloha Tower and right to the Iolani Palace.

Part of the Honolulu historical district are the Palace, the mission homes of the past, The State Capitol, and the governor's residence - known as the Washington Palace. If you do not want a guided tour, another option is to take the Waikiki Trolley, which will stop frequently and you will be able to go in and out during the day. The trolley drivers will also give some information of the area and historical significance. The mission homes, the law museum, and the Iolani Palace are great places to visit. This gives you a more flexible way to enjoy the area and learn about its rich culture and history. You can sight see the entire day.

The lunch hour in Honolulu is full of activity as everyone comes out to eat at the many eateries throughout and ethnic restaurants. However, do not expect rush hour or the frenzy pace of big cities, as the pace here is still relaxed and slow. There is such a thing as Aloha Friday, where everyone dresses down and get ready to enjoy the weekend.

The Iolani Palace

Iolani translates to Royal Hawk. The construction of this palace started in 1879, when King Kakakaua was ruling. It ended in 1882. The palace was built boasting the elegance and luxury of the European imperialism, which King Kalakaua was fond off; therefore constructing a very impressive residence. It was also the first building on Oahu to receive electricity. What is amazing is that this occurred four years before the White House was electrified. It also had a phone line directed to the Royal boathouse. There were other impressive features - for the time - such as flushing toilets, and expensive grand crystal chandeliers and gold decor designed specifically for the grand throne room. Other features included ironwork and glass brought from San Francisco and columns of Corinthian design. It is testimony of the old days when Hawaii was a kingdom; later it became a USA territory, and then a USA state.

King Kalakaua died in 1891 and Queen Liliuokalani, his sister took over. This was the last empress that desperately tried to keep her kingdom, but was overtaken by businessmen, the military, and held prisoner for nine months in the palace. The Royal dining room ended up as a conference room for the Senate and the House of Representatives. Later, the State Capitol was built and the palace went through some renovations. Today, you can take a guided tour; however, pictures are not permitted. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday from the hours of 9 am until 2 pm. You need a reservation for the tour - 522-0832.

Chinatown

Situated between River Street and Fort Street Mall, Chinatown came about to be as a result of the immigration of Chinese laborers in the nineteenth century. These laborers were brought under contract to work the sugar plantations and pineapple farms. They ended up staying in this section and opening shops and markets, after their contract was up. Here you also found gambling, prostitution, and drugs, especially in Hotel Street, a center for these activities. Even that the police and neighborhood board has tried to do more to revitalize this street, it is not considered a safe area, especially at night.

Chinatown is of Asian influence, and its customs, culture, and language are made very evident to the visitor throughout the entire area. One famous place is a restaurant called Old Wo Fat, which has a colorful appeal and considered a landmark of the area. Unfortunately, in 1907 a fire destroyed many of the buildings in this district, taking with it some history. Here you will enjoy strolling through the many small grocery shops, bakeries, tattoo parlors, noodle factories, lei stands and much more. The Mauna Kea Marketplace is a great place to taste delicious Asian cuisine. If you go towards the ocean, you will find some interesting galleries that sell aloha collectibles. A guided two-hour tour can be booked through the Chinese Historical Society, starting at the Asian Mall around the hour of ten in the morning. Phone is 521-3045.

The Aloha Tower

The Aloha Tower Marketplace is situated at the end of Bishop Street. This high tower is nine stories. It is considered a landmark and was built in 1926. It was remodeled when they remodeled the harbor front. This building has significance. When immigrants and laborers came to work in the plantations, this was the first sign of life in the island. At that time, the residents received the visitors from the ships by dancing a hula and performing music and flower leis. You can still see this building from afar, if you are at sea, and if you go to its top floor, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Honolulu skyline.

This is a stop for many cruise ships, and the area has been restored, offering visitors shops, restaurants, and a brewery. You can access it also by car, trolley, and bus, from Waikiki.

The Gardens and Parks

Despite being a big city, Honolulu has much greenery and many botanical attractions coexisting with the tall buildings and the buzz of city life.

The Foster Gardens

The Foster Gardens are located at 180 N. Vineyard Blvd, to the north of Chinatown.

This is an exotic garden, boasting many old trees and flower, which may date back over one hundred years. This was Royal land, and William Hillenbrand, a German botanist and physician planted one single tree here. The area has grown to be as large as fifteen acres and has twenty-four types of Hawaiian trees and rare trees, herbs, flowers, and spices that came from Asia. Today the federal law protects these species.

The garden is open every day from the hours of 9am-4pm. Guided tours are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at around 1:30 pm. There is a one-dollar fee.

The Lyon Arboretum

This arboretum is located at 3860 Manoa Road, away from downtown. It is worth paying a visit, even that it will take you a good hour to get there by bus. It is in one of the most gorgeous residential areas of Honolulu - the Manoa Valley. This area is green and lush as it receives plenty of rain. The surroundings at the end of this valley are quite beautiful and peaceful.

The Lyon Arboretum was founded in the 1920s, thanks to Harold Lyon, a botanist. The area is considered semi natural, as it boasts many species from all over the world, thousands of them, all coexisting in 194 acres. The University of Hawaii uses part of the park for research. You can walk the park and reach an area called Inspiration Point. The park is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am - 3 pm and the admission is free. You can take bus number 5 to it, and there are also guided tours available, but only twice a month, on a Saturday. There is more than one way to get there to enjoy this sight.

Queen Emma's Summer Palace

This palace is located at 2913 Pali Hwy. It is a New England style home that belonged to the Queen, the wife of King Kamehameha IV. The house was an inheritance from her uncle - John Young II. He constructed this home starting in 1843 and finishing it in 1847. The home almost was demolished after Queen Emma died, but was saved from this awful fate by the Daughters of Hawaii, and organization of women, who restored it and turned it into a museum - 1915. Here you will find many Royal paintings and artifacts that talk about the rich culture and history of Hawaii. Hundred-year-old trees surround the palace as well as beautiful gardens.

The Ala Moana Beach Park

The Ala Moana Beach Park is over one mile long, going from Kewalo Basin to Waikiki. It is very frequented by joggers and sports aficionados such as roller bladers, tennis players ... Although this beach is man made, it is beautiful, very clean, and offers many amenities to visitors and residents. You will find showers, bathrooms, picnic and BBQ area, and lifeguards on duty. It is packed on the weekends.

There is a peninsula to the side of the park that has a peculiar name - Magic Island. Here is where you go around six in the evening to enjoy the gorgeous colors of the sunset while sitting atop a wall - this is a must do activity if you are in the area - an astonishing natural show.

The Bishop Museum

The museum is located at 1525 Bernice Street. This museum was built around 1889. It was constructed in honor of the Princess -Bernice Pauahi Bishop. There is a magnificent collection of artifacts of Hawaiian, Polynesian origin that belonged to the princess. This museum is considered one of the world's scientific institutions, and nationally recognized as such. In addition, you will find much information about the history of the islands, the Hawaiian Kapu system, and items that belonged to several kings. You will also find pieces of history from the missionaries' time and the Asian and European cultures influence on the island. There is an impressive skull of a sperm whale and an original display of a Hawaiian grass hut. You will also find the Hawaiian Hall, which is three stories high and features a New England Style.

Although the entire collection is too large to be displayed all here, the museum highlights the most important and significant pieces. Thousands and thousands of flora, fauna, insects, birds, marine specimens, and artifacts complete the large collection.

This museum is ten minutes from Waikiki if you drive here. You can also take the Waikiki trolley or a bus locally, bus number two. Guided tours are also offered. The guided tour will be a rich source of information on culture and history. You can call 847- 3511for information. The museum is opened everyday from 9 am until 5 pm. This is a must see for any visitor who appreciates history and learning about the rich cultural background of Hawaii.

The Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is located at Pier 7 next to the Aloha Tower. For information, you can call Tel 523-6151. In addition, the local Bus #19 is the one to take to visit it. This museum was opened in 1989. This is where the Royal Boathouse of King Kalakaua was located. This is where the king liked to spend his time. The museum exhibits artifacts that date back to the first settlements of the Polynesians and from that point on, featuring maritime artifacts and items from the steamship days as well. There is a rich collection of history and culture displayed here.

The major attraction is a four-mast ship that dates back over one hundred years. This ship was named Falls of the Clyde. It is important because it is the only one in existence in the entire world. This was a cargo ship that was built in Scotland and sail from 1898 to the 1920. Destined to be wrecked by a Seattle cargo company, it was rescued by residents that brought it to the Honolulu Harbor. Later, it was restored and became the museum's precious treasure. Due to its uniqueness and rarity, it is considered one of the most important attractions here. No other ship like this one is found worldwide, therefore, making it a special piece of history, a great artifact that must be preserved for other generations.

Known as the Hokule'a, this reconstruction of one of the Polynesians canoes used for migration is another big attraction. This canoe became popular when a successful trip was completed starting in Honolulu and all the way to Tahiti. The trip covered six thousand miles in the Hokule'a. Twelve men were aboard and they navigated by looking at the stars and oceanic currents for guidance. They ate only traditional Hawaiian food to survive until they reached their destination. The food items included poi, dried fish, bananas. Since then, many trips as this one has been made to other places such as New Zealand, the Markesas, and other islands. This cultural revival has become popular and other trips continue to be planed using the Hokule'a.

The Honolulu Port

This is where many cruise ships dock, at the Honolulu Cruise Terminal at the Oahu Dock. Many of these excursions include a stop at the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial and at The Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater. You can also take a cruise ship from Honolulu, for example the Pride of America from the Norwegian Cruise Line. Some of the stops that the Pride of America does are in Kahului-Maui, Nawiliwili-Kauai, Kailua Kona-Hawaii, and Hilo-Hawaii. You can take a seven-day cruise of the islands year round. Each stop will open the door to the beauty of Hawaii's culture and to many great spots around the area.

The coast of Oahu is known as Leeward, due to the pattern of the weather in this region. Most times, weather changes will come from the east; however find itself a roadblock - the mountain. Vegetation on both sides of the island differs because of this pattern. Mostly you will see green meadows in the winter season and fields that turn brown during the hot summer. This area is very dry and does not receive much rain.

Oahu is overdeveloped and overpopulated; however, the west coast is not, and people that live in this area want to keep it that way. Residents do not welcome touristic development and although they are friendly, they are tough on visitors. In this way, the area has maintained its natural surroundings and rural setting. The pace of living here is slow and very rural, which residents want to keep this way. People spend most of their time fishing, on the beach and the economy is said to be very slow in this part of the island. The unemployment rate is high, and there is some tension between the locals and the present military. The homes in the area are small and made of wood.

There are three coastal villages that are worth a visit - these are Makaha, Wainae, and Nanakuli. The beaches in these villages are not crowded, are wide, and during the summer months, they are safe if you intend to go swimming. The winter months bring surfing events at the professional level to Makaha beach. In these villages, life is slow paced and you will find families picnicking, and other locals surfing or fishing.

Yokohama Bay is the end of the road. It is far from Kaena point, and you can hike from Yokohama Beach to the north end of Oahu. Back and forth will take about three hours hiking.

Makua 

In 1942, residents of the valley had to leave their homes, farms, and churches, without being able to return to their land; simply, the army took over their land and did not compensate the residents. Hawaii became state in 1959 and Makua was taken over by the state government. The government leased most of it to the US military. This lease will expire in 2029, and the residents that were thrown out of their land have not yet being compensated.

Makua was of significant history and religious value to its residents, and since that time, the military has used the area for military practice and war training. There have been many protests by residents and protest groups, but today the land is ceded - it does not belong to the military or the state. Songs about this brutal appropriation are traditional of the area, and Hawaiians visit the area to find traditional items and materials. The endangered species of the area are gone. In 1996, the state evicted families from the beaches in an encounter that included armed police and bulldozers. Visitors will only see what was the fate of the valley, watchtowers, rusty fences, and warning signs that there is live ammunition in the area.

The Beaches

In the Leeward side of Oahu, you will find beautiful white sand beaches that are not crowded.

The Electric Beach

This is a small beach that is situated opposite to the Power Plant Hawaiian Electric Company - hence the name. It is popular with families since it is wide, sandy, and its waters are calm, suitable for swimming. Locals enjoy having picnics at the beach.

The Nanakuli Beach

If searching for the best spot to practice scuba diving on the island of Oahu this beach is it. For families it offers a playground for the kids, a basketball and volleyball court, and even a softball field.

The Pokai Bay

This is the only beach where you can swim safely all year. You will not encounter much high surf since the bay has breakwaters to protect it from it. Here you will encounter gorgeous views and amazing sunsets.

The Makaha Beach

This is a great spot for surfing in the winter months. It is not crowded and the surf can reach heights comparable to the surf of the North Shore. It takes about one hour driving from Honolulu to this beach.