Honolulu

Situated on the southeast tip of O'ahu island, Honolulu carries a lot of reputation on its shore-hugging shoulders.  Nicknamed "The Big Pineapple", Honolulu holds the titles of "capital city" and "largest city" in Hawaii.  Make no mistake, this is no small, sleepy island town.  

Aloha Tower, located at Pier 9, is an iconic landmark in Honolulu.  A free elevator ride up the ten or so stories yields great city views.

Originally intended as a royal palace, this government building is called Aliiolani Hale and is currently home to the State Supreme Court. The King Kamehameha the Great statue up front is also worth a look.

Waikiki Beach. One and a half miles of soft sand, lawn chairs, beach towels, and bodies. 

Although the high rises and buildings situated behind Waikiki may have changed over the years, but it still remains one of the most popular beaches on Oahu.

Meet Duke Kahanamoku, the multiple medal-winning Olympic champion who introduced surfing to the world.

Surfboard parking lot!

Despite the modern invasion of high end stores like Gucci, Prada, and Tesla, there are a few cute little beach side shacks renting surfboards and selling snacks.

Warm blue waters teeming with paddle boarders, surfers and swimmers.

Brought over from India, banyan trees have thrived here in Hawaii's mild climate and make for great pictures with their broad leafy canopies and long dangling roots.

Sunset over Honolulu Harbor and Sand Island (which doesn't seem to have much sand!).

A Honolulu evening looking out over the harbor.