Visit the bustling, tropical city of Honolulu, which blends the beauty of nature with striking modern architecture.

Local Culture and Flavor

• Situated on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu, Honolulu is the state capital and a core destination for international business, trading, tourism, politics and military defense. Fertile soil and tropical weather contribute to the bounty of fields that grow Honolulu’s hallmark crops: pineapple and sugarcane.

• The city has a rich history and is home to a diverse group of people. Even with the various languages and customs that compose Hawaiian culture, it’s a common practice among local residents to incorporate words from the Hawaiian language into everyday conversations. Expect to be welcomed with a warm “aloha”-greeting. When expressing gratitude, people will thank you with the customary “mahalo.”

Past and Present

• After the Polynesians settled in the Hawaiian islands around 400 B.C., both foreigners and local civilizations fought for control of O'ahu. Over time, the bay of Honolulu attracted visitors which, in turn, spurred economic growth on the island. When the United States annexed the Hawaiian islands in 1898, it realized Honolulu’s advantageous location as a military post and built a strong base there, which continued to grow in size and importance throughout the early 1900s.

• On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor and other U.S. military bases were bombed by the Japanese—“a date which will live in infamy,” according to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The next day, he asked Congress to declare war on Japan, which brought the United States into World War II.

• Present-day Honolulu is a modern, multicultural destination that attracts tourists from around the world. Its remarkable history, breathtaking scenery and heavenly climate are just a few of the many reasons why this tropical oasis continues to enchant those who visit.