Honolulu, Oahu

Favorite thing: Honolulu is the most famous town in Hawaii, a typical US town in the middle of the pacific, with skyscrapers, rush hours & nightlife

Of course the Waikiki-Beach is a must see, but the real romantic, secret, hawaiian beaches can be found somewhere else...

Make sure that you see the east coast (beautiful coastline) and the north shore (Haleiwa the surf city) of Oahu, and the large pineapple fields inland.

Fondest memory: One of the greatest battles fought during WW II (in the Pacific Theater) was on the island of Iwo Jima. A victory here by the Americans would bring them that much closer to the Japanese islands and thus end the war. The allies won the battle for this island, but one of the most memorable pictures you saw was the American flag being raised by the Marines on Mt. Suribachi...Marine Henry Oliver Hansen was one of the men who raised the flag...he is buried in the National Cemetery of the Pacific.

Favorite thing: The word "ALOHA" is etched in large letters that can be seen for many miles around O'ahu.

The Aloha Tower is has always been a symbol of greeting to tourists arriving and leaving O'ahu via Honolulu Harbor.

Built in 1926 the Tower stands 184 feet tall and was the tallest building in the Hawaiian Islands until the 1960's.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace surrounds the Aloha Tower and has a number of the usual kind of kitschy touristy shops you would expect as well as a great brewpub which I can't quite remember the name of...

Fondest memory: The Observation Deck Hours are 9am until Sunset, daily - located on the 10th floor of the tower and best of all the admission is FREE! :-)

Even better, there is a free trolley bus service from Waikiki to here as well!

Favorite thing: The 50th state is located five hours (by flight) from the mainland. Not a problem at all...you can find everything you need (although a bit expensive), especially on the island of Oahu.