Whether you come to Honolulu as a stop on your cruise ship itinerary or you fly in to Hawaii, there is plenty to see and do in this beachside city and beyond. Ships dock right next to the five-story tower of the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which is a shopping center, cruise terminal and focal point promenade all rolled into one.  When you disembark from your ship, you will see the Hawaii Maritime Center next to the pier, with exhibits on all sorts of maritime history, from sailing and whaling to a real Polynesian canoe. Just a short walk away you'll find Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in America, where the last Hawaiian monarch ruled until 1893. Other sights you will find just a short walk away include Kawaiahao Church, which houses a royal burial ground, Mission House Museum, and America’s oldest Chinatown.

 

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If beautiful - and famous - beaches are your passion, it doesn't get any better than Waikiki Beach. Located  just a few miles  south of the cruise ship terminals, Waikiki Beach boasts everything from white sand and tall palm trees to trendy restaurants, shops and hotels. For a less social beach experience, Ala Moana Beach Park has beautiful sand and calm waters perfect for swimming. Serious surfers prefer the north shore of Oahu, where beaches from Haleiwa to Kahuku offer the best surfing during the winter months. The beaches of Lanikai and Kailua are just a twenty-minute drive from Honolulu, and the clear turquoise water and white sand – along with the spectacular drive along the cliffs of the Kalanianaole Highway to get there – are a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. For a magnificent view of the beaches - as well as of the surrounding area - consider climbing up the famous Diamond Head Crater. Take a taxi or shore excursion to Diamond Head, where you can look down into the extinct volcano, or out to the amazing scenery.

Click for more about Oahu, including current weather conditions, books and guides.
For complete cruise schedules,itineraries and prices to Hawaii for all cruise lines for 2008, click here.

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