The Varied Neighborhoods of Honolulu

Honolulu is the largest city of Hawaii and looks likeOpting to be merchants rather than workers, the
any other big city with tall buildings. It is alsoAsian community established its own businesses
known as "Los Angeles" of the Pacific. Honolulu isand created a thriving district known as
famous for its rain forests, deep canyons, valleysChinatown. Chinatown was destroyed by fire in
and waterfalls, a nearly mile-high mountain range,both 1886 and 1900 but the residents rebuilt the
coral reefs, and gold-sand beaches.area. Tourists visit this area to experience the
The city is approximately 12 miles wide and 26vibrant atmosphere, the scent of spices and
miles long, running east to west, roughly betweenflowers, and the exotic items displayed in open-air
Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Within the citymarkets.
are Seven hills laced by seven streams. Within theWhen you visit, make sure to explore the Cultural
city, the Mamala Bay area is surrounded by thePlaza and the Maunakea Marketplace. This is also
quiet suburbs of Hawaii Kai to Kama'ainavery famous for being home to the University of
neighborhoods like Manoa. The western downtownHawaii. The Lyon Arboretum is admired for its
of Honolulu is a compact district dominated by thenatural beauty; the Manoa Marketplace is the
Asian community, who settled here as far backmost popular marketplace and plays host to a
as in the 1850s.number of great restaurants and specialty shops.