Sign in Using FacebookHonolulu Guide » More About Honolulu: Overview
Overview
Polynesian settlers are thought to have put down roots in what is now Honolulu as early as 1100 C.E., although the city's recorded history really begins in the 1790s when Englishman William Brown sailed into present-day Honolulu Harbor, opening up the area to trade for merchants journeying between Asia and North America. The city's importance was further solidified in 1809, when King Kamehameha I moved his royal court there. Honolulu became the permanent capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1845, marking the beginning of the construction boom that would solidify Honolulu as Hawaii's metropolis.
As Hawaii's export business grew steadily in the late 19th century, the interests of businessmen and Hawaiian nationalists began to conflict. This led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, at which point Hawaii became a US territory. By the time statehood came in 1959, Honolulu had already played a pivotal role in history, sustaining the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The military's presence in the city in the 20th century has helped to transform it into the internationally-oriented city it is today. In recent decades, a growing movement to reclaim Hawaiian sovereignty has arisen, spurred by the US government's 1993 apology for complicity in an unjust overthrow of the monarchy.
The one-two punch of air travel and tourism has changed the face of Honolulu in the 20th century. Over 6 million visitors come to the Hawaiian Islands annually, and the great majority of them pass through the capital city. Only 12.5% of Hawaii's population are native Hawaiians. For the most part, citizens of Honolulu embrace this constant influx of tourists and emigrants, choosing to celebrate new customs and ideas rather than creating rifts in this tightly-knit community. Visitors often describe the warm welcome they receive in Honolulu and Hawaii in general.
While tourism is crucial to Honolulu's wellbeing, the city has made efforts in recent years to diversify its economy. Jobs in government, trade, transportation, and construction provide employment to thousands on Oahu (Honolulu County occupies the whole of the island of Oahu). The once-booming sugar industry left the island in 1996, but another traditional Hawaiian export, pineapple, is still generating profits. The Dole Plantation, a crucial component of the Dole Food Company, Inc., is still a fixture here. Fresh pineapples are harvested by hand year-round, ensuring markets around the world are kept stocked.
Waikiki, the coastal area southwest of downtown Honolulu, is often what non-natives picture when they think of Hawaii: sun-drenched coastline, sky-blue waters, luxurious hotels, and a never-ending stream of tourists. This gorgeous – if stereotypical – vision of the city complements Honolulu's thriving arts and historical districts. Small galleries and museums such as the Bishop Museum and The Contemporary Museum display traditional Hawaiian arts as well as cutting-edge pieces by internationally-renowned artists. Attractions such as 'Iolani Palace and Kawaiaha'o Church showcase Honolulu's rich history and the integral role it played in Hawaii's transition from independent kingdom to US state.
In addition to its other charms, Honolulu is also a culinary treasure trove. Hawaii's native diet, rich in fish and fruit, is experiencing a resurgence thanks to its naturally healthy properties. Restaurants like Roy's and Alan Wong's serve up the finest island food to curious visitors and in-the-know locals. However, Hawaii's geographic position between East and West has resulted in a wide array of cuisines making their way to Honolulu. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and New American fare are all well-represented in some of the city's most acclaimed eateries.
Honolulu is a traveler's dream – that rare place that has managed to gracefully incorporate its beautiful traditions, fascinating history, and unmatched landscape into sophisticated city life. Locals, too, enjoy the interface between new and old, original and exotic, that Honolulu offers at every turn. Any trip to the islands demands adequate time set aside to experience this unique and lovely place.
