Waikīkī surf and Pacific history on Oʻahu
Honolulu is the gateway to Hawaii and the easiest island base. Waikīkī's beach and gentle waves made surfing famous, and Diamond Head, an old volcanic crater, has a short trail with views over the whole coast. Pearl Harbor's memorials, including the USS Arizona, tell the story of the 1941 attack, while ʻIolani Palace recalls the Hawaiian monarchy. Beyond the city, Hanauma Bay is a sheltered snorkelling reef and the North Shore draws big-wave surfers in winter. Eat poke, plate lunches and shave ice.