The area from Makapuu south of the Koolau Mountain range summit to the western edge of Halawa Valley constitutes the city of Honolulu. Honolulu city is the capital of Hawaii and a seat of Honolulu County. It is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, just south of the Tropic of Cancer in the Pacific Ocean. Punchbowl an extinct volcano is located in the area. Honolulu which means “protected harbor” serves as center point of the Pacific Ocean with ship and air connections to the U.S. mainland, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also the main port for the Hawaiian Islands and an important center for military defense with several bases, including the Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Millions of visitors are drawn annually to Honolulu's mild, semitropical climate and to the beautiful beaches of Waikiki.
The climate is very favorable for tourists as millions of visitors are attracted to the beautiful beaches of Waikiki. The trade winds keep the city pleasant until the "kona" or southerly winds blow for a few weeks in the summer. Honolulu has only a few degrees difference between summers and winters.
Area: 86 square miles (2000) (City and county area in 2000: 600 square miles)
Elevation: 15 feet above sea level
Average Temperatures: January, 72.9° F; August, 81.4° F; annual average, 77.2° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 22.02 inches
Population: 371,657 (as on July 2005)
Attractions:
- Honolulu Zoo
- Waikiki Aquarium
- Sea Life Park
- Foster Botanical Garden
- Bishop Museaum
- Iolani Palace
- Honolulu Academy of Arts
Festivals
- Narcissus Festival in January or early February
- The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from January to March
- Prince Kuhio Day on March 26
- Honolulu Festival in March
- The Hawaii Invitational International Music in April
- Pan Pacific-Matsuri Festival in June
- King Kamehameha Celebration in June
- Ukulele Festival in July
- Aloha Festival in September
