Sure, it's got the wide beaches,
waving palms and balmy weather of Waikiki, but Honolulu ('Sheltered Bay') isn't
just a stage-set for beachcombing. It boasts a long history as the Hawaiian
Islands' capital and a beguiling multi-ethnicity that emerges most toothsomely
in a feast of different cuisines.
It might be part of the USA, but
tropical Honolulu is more laid-back than any mainland capital. With its blend of
sunny charm and legislative gravitas, the downtown area is surprisingly
fascinating to explore - make the effort to drag yourself away from the
Gidget-and-mai-tai scene of Waikiki.