Summer lovin' ... Honolulu's surf scene.
Sun-kissed, world-famous surf and a beautiful beach, all in the centre of a capital city. Honolulu has it all and then some. Add the dramatic volcanic landscape, plenty of sights and people renowned for their hospitality and you have found one of the best places on the map for a quick tropical getaway.
6am
No one can claim to have really seen Honolulu until they've seen it from the summit of Diamond Head, the crater of a long-extinct volcano that provides panoramic views of the city, shoreline and countryside. If there was ever a time to take a picture, this would be it. The 1.3-kilometre trail to the peak - which runs at one stage through a narrow, pitch-black tunnel - ends 170 metres above the crater floor in a series of bunkers that once was part of the island's coastal defence system. The walk is described as steep and strenuous, usually taking one to two hours. Admission: $US5 ($7.80) a car; $US1 for pedestrians.
9am
Honolulu is one of only a handful of places that can boast true city-side surfing and the consistently long-rolling breaks of Waikiki Beach present ideal conditions for first-timers to try their hand. There are plenty of surf schools in and around the beach, with one- to two-hour lessons from $US35-$US80 an hour in a group to $US75-$US175 for private instruction.
11am
The sprawling naval base of Pearl Harbour, about 45 minutes north-west of the centre of Honolulu, was the scene of the surprise Japanese air attack that drew the US into World War II. A short boat ride from the visitor centre will take you to a memorial platform that straddles the sunken remains of the battleship USS Arizona, which went down with more than 1100 sailors on board. Back on shore, a museum offers an in-depth and often emotional retelling of the event. (Free admission.)
Nearby is the fascinating battleship-turned-museum, USS Missouri, on whose deck the Japanese surrendered in Tokyo Bay in 1945. A guided tour - often conducted by retired veterans - is the best way to learn about the history and relevance of this massive weapon of war. (Admission: $US16.)
Those with the time and inclination should also visit the USS Bowfin to see just how cramped and dangerous life was on board a World War II-era submarine. Not for the claustrophobic. (Admission: $US10).
3pm
Shopping until you drop might not be a realistic option with the Australian dollar so weak but you might be keen to browse among brand names and products here that you won't find back home. The Ala Moana Centre is one of the largest malls in Hawaii, with its 260 stores weighted towards fashion and accessories. There are plenty of high-end retailers in Ala Moana but those with serious money to spend should make for the premium boutiques of Luxury Row near the northern end of Kalakaua Avenue.
Also worth a look is the Waikiki Beach Walk retail precinct along Lewers Street, which has plenty of souvenir shops and beach gear.
Get a first-hand look at the US's legendary gun culture with a visit to the indoor shooting range at the Hawaii & Waikiki Gun Club. Instructors will show you how to safely plug away at paper targets with a variety of handguns and military assault rifles. Shooting packages range from $US35 to $US198. No experience is necessary, although you must be 21.
Ala Moana Centre, 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, +1 (808) 955 9517. Hawaii & Waikiki Gun Club Indoor Range, 2142 Kalakaua Avenue, +1 (808) 922 6442.
6pm
Time to head back to the shoreline to watch the sunset - and the beachside bar at the Moana Surfrider Hotel is a great place to do it thanks to its picturesque views and reasonably priced drinks. Dubbed the "First Lady of Waikiki", it has played host to tourists and the rich and famous since 1901. Live Hawaiian music and hula dancers are a regular part of the evening entertainment.
Nearby, in the Outrigger Reef On The Beach hotel you will find the Ocean House restaurant, well regarded for its seafood and Pacific region dishes. Appetisers range from $US9-$US13 and mains from $US19-$US34 but the price is worth paying for the quality of the food and the view.
Moana Surfrider Hotel, 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, +1 (808) 921 4600. Ocean House, 2169 Kalia Road, +1 (808) 923 2277.
Air Pacific has a fare to Honolulu for $998 with an aircraft change in Fiji. Jetstar has a fare for $535 (one-way) from Melbourne (change in Sydney) and $411 (one-way) from Sydney. Air New Zealand will fly you there for $1214 via an aircraft change in Auckland. (Fares are low-season return from Sydney and Melbourne unless otherwise stated, excluding tax.)
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