Honolulu is one of my favorite cities on the planet. I've lived and worked here for almost 30 years and can't imagine living anywhere else. It's what I consider a true cosmopolitan city. We are ranked 5th in the nation for having a mixed race population which gives the island a flair and flavor rarely found in other cities. I do travel a fair amount to outer islands, the mainland and out of country, but there is no airport I'd rather arrive at than the Honolulu International Airport. Our average daily temperature is 80 degrees, sun is our middle name and we have some of the cleanest air in the world. 72% of our total population lives in Honolulu County.
Honolulu is much like a small town would be if the population were a million. It's slow going to get initially wired into the town, but with the right contacts, a good attitude and a considerate disposition you can go far.
When you step off the plane, it smells different, it could be the air is laden with plumeria, or pikake or the fresh ocean breeze that envelopes you. It's absolute magic. I feel a sense of peace when I arrive. It's more than coming home, it's knowing this is where I am supposed to be.
Driving out of the airport is equally as welcoming. Seeing the majestic Ko'olau Mountain range and the brilliant greens, your occassional rainbow , lite misty clouds, and our huge PINK military hospital, Tripler Army Medical Center. Apparently the General at the time liked the look of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, our pink palace in Waikiki and made the hospital the exact same hue.
My favorite route from the airport is to take Nimitz Highway, to Ala Moana Boulevard and in through Waikiki. The highway begins to wind as you pass the Piers and get closer to Honolulu Harbor. Once you pass the giant cruise ships, you get close enough to the water and then beach to enjoy the view. The first glimpse of the view is at Kewalo Basin, home to sports fishing boats, sunset cruise boats, and the long standing Fisherman's Wharf restaurant.
After Kewalo Basin is beautiful Ala Moana Beach Park containing more than 100 acres of room to play, swim, sun, picnic and have fun. The park is headquarters of competitve ocean going canoe paddlers, fisherman and boaters alike. It is home Magic Island, an extraordinary piece of land with it's very own beach, jutting out into the ocean. If you head to the park's largest parking lot and drive due south towards the ocean once in it, you will be on Magic Island. It's an incredible place to watch a sunset, bike, roller blade or run. You can also see Diamond Head from this location as well as the shoreline of Waikiki.
The trip from the Airport to Waikiki is a road very well traveled and one you'll want to repeat again and again... so, when are you coming to Honolulu?
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