One of Honolulu's greatest pleasures is be able to walk from your hotel room, jump on a surfboard and ride the gentle rollers at Waikiki. Surfboard rental shops dot oceanfront Kalakaua Avenue, making it easy to surf whether you're in town for business or leisure. Morning is best on the beach; far fewer people in the water mean a safer, more enjoyable experience. In Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island, you can take a surf lesson at the Kahalu'u surf break, where small surf schools abound. If the water proves too calm for surfing, rent a stand-up paddleboard instead.
The streets of Honolulu, especially Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue, are filled with swanky, brand-name shops tailored to foreign visitors. You'll also find small surf shops, boutiques and tourist souvenir stores, as well as the ubiquitous and inexpensive ABC Stores where you can buy postcards, drinking water, sunscreen, sarongs and beach mats. In Hilo, walk along historic bayfront and peruse the numerous galleries, antique stores, a futon shop and surf shops.
In oceanfront Kailua-Kona, visitors can walk to several restored historic sites, including oceanfront 1880s-era Hulihe'e Palace, summer home of King Kalakaua and family. The Moku'aikaua Church, across the street, was Hawaii's first church and still has an active congregation. Ahu'ena Heiau, fronting the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, honors the god Lono and is of considerable significance to Native Hawaiians. Visitors to Honolulu should not miss Iolani Palace, the country's only royal palace. The resplendent residence was once home to Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch. Sadly, was she was imprisoned there during the overthrow of the monarchy in 1898.
Hawaii's large cities mean visitors and locals alike can feast on the some of the world's best Pacific Rim cuisine. Taking advantage of freshly caught fish and locally grown greens and other ingredients, this style of food has been made famous by Roy's, whose first restaurant opened in Honolulu in the 1980s. Diners in Honolulu, Kailua-Kona and Hilo can choose from sushi bars, Thai restaurants and Japanese noodle shops. Cafe Pesto in Hilo serves outstanding pizza, calzones and salads.
