Honolulu Hawaii - State Capital Guide

History

Early Harbor History

Honolulu, meaning "sheltered harbor" or "calm port" in Hawaiian, grew from a small settlement into a major port city. In November 1794, Captain William Brown of Great Britain became the first foreigner to sail into what is now Honolulu Harbor. The settlement began to grow in the early 19th century after Kamehameha I chose it as a residence location near Waikiki in 1810, making it an important strategic position for the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Capital Status (1850)

In 1845, Kamehameha III moved the permanent capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu. King Kamehameha III formally declared Honolulu to be the city and capital of his Kingdom on August 31, 1850. This official designation marked the beginning of Honolulu's transformation into the political, economic, and cultural heart of Hawaii.

Modern Era

Honolulu continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as a major port and trading center. The city became the capital of the Territory of Hawaii in 1900 and remained the capital when Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959. Today, Honolulu maintains its status as Hawaii's state capital and the seat of government for the entire state.

Government Structure

Honolulu operates under a mayor-council system of municipal government, established when the consolidated city-county of Honolulu was created under the city charter adopted by the 1907 territorial legislature.

The Mayor

The Mayor of Honolulu serves as the chief executive officer of the City and County of Honolulu. The mayor is elected by universal suffrage to no more than two four-year terms and has the following powers and responsibilities:

• Full control over appointment and removal of administrators
• Absolute control over all department heads
• Veto power over the Honolulu City Council
• Substantial control over the budget and city finances

City Council

The Honolulu City Council is the primary legislative body of the city-county government, consisting of 9 members elected by district. Since 1972, councilmembers have been elected by the city's nine districts rather than at-large. The council exercises legislative power and has some executive powers including:

• Setting real property tax rates
• Setting, controlling, and auditing the county budget
• Establishing county agencies and commissions
• Passing local ordinances and resolutions

Legislative Process

A majority of the nine councilmembers constitutes a quorum. Five supporting votes are usually required for council action, though six affirmative votes are needed for certain matters, such as overriding the mayor's veto. Bills that pass third reading are sent to the mayor, who must either approve or veto the bill. Bills become law only after the mayor's approval.

Demographics & Population

Honolulu is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, reflecting its unique location and multicultural heritage.

Population

• Urban Honolulu Metro (2024): 998,747 people
• City of Honolulu Proper: 34.5% of Oahu's population
• National Ranking: 56th among 817 U.S. incorporated places with 50,000+ population
• Growth Rate: 0.88% annually

Racial & Ethnic Composition

• Asian: 52.9%
• White (Non-Hispanic): 16.98%
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 8.55%
• Hispanic/Latino: Significant minority population
• Other races and mixed heritage: Substantial percentage

Key Demographics Notes

Honolulu's Asian population includes significant numbers from Japan, Philippines, China, Vietnam, and other Asian nations. Pacific Islander communities include Native Hawaiian (3.2%), Samoan (1.5%), Marshallese (0.5%), and Tongan (0.3%) populations. This diversity reflects Hawaii's historical ties to Asian and Pacific nations through trade, immigration, and cultural exchange.

Attractions & Cultural Sites

Honolulu offers world-class attractions reflecting its unique position as a historic center of Hawaiian culture and a major international destination.

Historic & Military Sites

• Pearl Harbor Historic Sites - Complex featuring the USS Arizona Memorial (free entry), Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin), Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Visitor center tours and USS Arizona Memorial access are free.
• Iolani Palace - Historic royal palace of Hawaiian monarchs
• Hawaii State Capitol - Modern architectural landmark and seat of government

Natural Attractions & Beaches

• Diamond Head (Lē'ahi) - Iconic volcanic crater overlooking Waikiki. The hike is 0.8 miles each way, ascending 560 feet to stunning panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. Now a State National Park.
• Waikiki Beach - World-famous beach with excellent surfing, oceanfront shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Attracts over 7 million visitors annually.
• Kailua Beach - Located on Oahu's windward coast, featuring pristine 2-mile white sand beach ideal for kayaking, body boarding, windsurfing, and swimming.
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - Protected marine sanctuary and beach for snorkeling
• Manoa Falls - Scenic waterfall and hiking trail in the Manoa Valley

Museums & Cultural Centers

• Bishop Museum - Premier museum of Hawaiian history and natural history
• Honolulu Museum of Art - Leading fine arts institution
• U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii - Military history and heritage
• Polynesian Cultural Center - Interactive cultural museum celebrating Pacific Islander cultures

Historic Neighborhoods

• Chinatown Historic District - Featuring historic buildings, shops, herbalists, lei makers, antique dealers, temples, and restaurants. Epicenter of local dining and nightlife.
• Downtown & Arts District - Home to Aloha Tower, financial district, and cultural venues

Economy & Employment

Honolulu's economy is driven by tourism, military defense, and government, with strong contributions from healthcare, real estate, and professional services.

Major Industry Sectors

The four major industry sectors in Honolulu County are:

• Government: Largest economic sector (~22.5% of GDP, $15.6 billion)
• Real Estate & Rental Leasing: ~17.8% of GDP ($12.4 billion)
• Accommodation & Food Services: ~7.1% of GDP ($4.9 billion)
• Health Care & Social Assistance: ~7.0% of GDP ($4.9 billion)
• Retail Trade: ~6.0% of GDP ($4.2 billion)

Tourism Industry

Tourism is Hawaii's largest industry, representing roughly a quarter of the state economy. As of 2019, the visitor industry supported 216,000 jobs statewide, generated nearly $17.8 billion in visitor spending, and contributed over $2 billion in tax revenue. The primary source of tourism income spreads across services, transportation, and retail trade sectors.

Military & Defense

The defense sector is Hawaii's second-largest economic contributor after tourism. Major military installations include Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, and Schofield Barracks Army base, providing stable revenues less affected by normal business cycles.

Major Employers

The hospitality sector is the largest single employer in Honolulu, offering jobs across all skill levels. Government agencies, military installations, and education institutions are also major employers.

Education & Universities

Honolulu is home to Hawaii's premier public and private higher education institutions.

University of Hawaii System

• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa - Flagship public research university serving as the main campus of the UH system. Offers over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools, with enrollment exceeding 17,500 degree candidates including undergraduates, graduates, and professional students. Houses the main offices of the UH system.
• Honolulu Community College - Public community college serving the Honolulu area
• Kapiolani Community College - Public community college in Honolulu

Private Universities

• Hawaii Pacific University - Private college serving Honolulu
• Chaminade University of Honolulu - Private Catholic university

University of Hawaii System Overview

The full University of Hawaiʻi System operates 10 campuses across six islands, offering associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through three universities, seven community colleges, an employment training center, three university centers, four education centers, and various research facilities.

Climate & Geography

Honolulu enjoys a tropical semi-arid climate with mild temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Temperature

• Warmest Month: August, average ~78°F
• Coolest Month: February, average ~72°F
• Annual Temperature Range: Only ~6°F difference between warmest and coolest months
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Highs of 84-88°F (29-31°C)
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Highs of 79-83°F (26-28°C)
• Ocean Temperature: Ranges from 75°F (24°C) in February to 82°F (28°C) in September-October

Rainfall & Precipitation

• Annual Average Rainfall: 425 mm (16.7 inches)
• Wet Season: October to April (winter months)
• Dry Season: May to September
• Driest Month: June (0.43 inches)
• Wettest Month: December (2.85 inches)

Climate Features

• Mild temperatures throughout the year (average highs 27-32°C / 81-90°F)
• Moderate humidity levels
• Persistent northeasterly trade winds
• Significant rainfall variations within short distances
• Infrequent severe storms
• 271 sunny days per year on average in Honolulu County

Geography

Honolulu is located on the southeastern coast of Oahu Island. The urban Honolulu area extends approximately 10 miles (16 km) along the southeast coast and 4 miles (6 km) inland into the foothills of the Koolau Mountain Range. The City and County of Honolulu covers 597 square miles (1,545 sq km) and comprises all of Oahu and surrounding islets. Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island, measuring 44 miles (71 km) north to south and 30 miles (48 km) east to west, with 227 miles (365 km) of shoreline. The island consists of two extinct shield volcanoes: Waianae in the west and Koolau in the east.

Neighborhoods & Districts

Honolulu comprises several distinct neighborhoods and districts, each with unique character and attractions.

Waikiki

Honolulu's most famous neighborhood, home to world-renowned Waikiki Beach, attracting over 7 million visitors annually. Features excellent surfing, oceanfront hotels, luxury restaurants, designer shopping, and an active nightlife scene. The area has become synonymous with Hawaiian tourism.

Kailua

Located on Oahu's windward coast, Kailua (meaning "two seas" or "two currents") is the largest residential community with lower cost of living than downtown Honolulu. Features the pristine 2-mile Kailua Beach with turquoise waters and white powder-soft sand, ideal for kayaking, body boarding, windsurfing, and swimming.

Manoa

A residential neighborhood just 3 miles east of downtown Honolulu, situated in a valley on the slopes of the Koolau Mountain Range. Home to the University of Hawaii's flagship Mānoa campus, Manoa hosts a mix of young students, families, and local residents.

Chinatown & Downtown

Located on the western edge of the financial district, Chinatown features historic buildings housing shops, herbalists, lei makers, antique dealers, temples, bars, and restaurants. The area has become an epicenter for eclectic and innovative dining. Downtown hosts Aloha Tower, the state's bustling financial and government district, and is home to many of the island's best bars, clubs, venues, and restaurants.

Sports & Recreation

Honolulu is home to major collegiate athletic programs and offers abundant recreational opportunities.

University of Hawaii Athletics

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa athletic programs represent Honolulu with teams called the Rainbow Warriors (men) and Rainbow Wāhine (women). The nicknames originated in 1923 during a football game against Oregon State when a rainbow appeared over Mānoa Field during an upset victory.

Athletic Programs & Achievements

• Football: The Rainbow Warriors football team competes in NCAA Division I FBS. Hawaiʻi was the only undefeated team in the 2007 season before losing in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2008.
• Men's Volleyball: Won NCAA championships in 2021 and 2022, defeating BYU 3-0 and Long Beach State 3-0 respectively
• Conference Membership: UH competes in the Big West Conference for most sports. Joined Mountain West Conference as full member in 2026.
• School Colors: Green, white, black, and silver

Recreational Activities

• World-class surfing at multiple beaches
• Hiking trails throughout the island
• Snorkeling and diving at Hanauma Bay
• Kayaking in windward waters
• Golf courses throughout the metro area
• Water sports: paddleboarding, windsurfing, body boarding

Transportation & Airports

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

• Status: Largest airport in Hawaii and busiest non-Australian airport in Oceania
• Passenger Traffic: Nearly 22 million passengers in 2024
• Hub Airline: Hawaiian Airlines (10th largest U.S. airline)
• Location: Honolulu, Oahu

Flight Connections

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport offers non-stop flights to major U.S. cities including Anchorage, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle-Tacoma. International flights connect to Guam, Manila, Tokyo (Haneda & Narita), Nagoya, Kansai, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, and Vancouver.

Inter-Island Flights

From Honolulu you can fly to neighbor island airports: Kahului, Kapalua, and Hana (Maui); Lihu'e (Kaua'i); Ellison Onizuka Kona International, Hilo, and Waimea-Kohala (Hawaii Island); Lana'i (Lana'i); Molokai and Kalaupapa (Molokai).

Connection Procedures

All international arrivals must clear Immigration and Customs in Honolulu before proceeding to connecting flights. If connecting between domestic and international flights, passengers must change terminals (approximately 15 minutes on foot, faster/slower with free airside bus).

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources