Honolulu, Oahu

On average, Honolulu gets only 51 cm of rain per year, while Hauula on the northeastern coast gets up to 203 cm. Remember to bring a light, waterproof jacket when you go exploring the island. You should pack good footwear with traction if you plan to hike. Otherwise, a snorkel, mask and fins are all you'll need.

Honolulu has a spicy cultural mix that is reflected in its South Pacific-influenced food scene. The city's Chinatown, well over a century old, offers stall after stall of freshly stir-fried Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Singaporean food.

Elsewhere on the island, you can buy warm banana fritters from roadside vendors, along with freshly picked mangoes, papayas and coconuts—whose milk can be guzzled right from the shell.

In Honolulu, you can visit the historic Queen Emma Summer Palace, a beachside aquarium containing only indigenous fish, and then indulge in high-end shopping at shops including the Chanel and Hermes boutiques.

At the Ala Moana Center, you'll find handmade Hawaiian quilts and traditional foods like kalua pig in the food court. Just a few stores away, discover the latest bikinis at Victoria's Secret or indulge in a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

Outside Honolulu, Oahu is home to countless smaller communities, each with its own distinct charm. The North Shore's Haleiwa, once a plantation town, is now a second home for bronzed and shaggy-haired surfers determined to conquer the world's gnarliest waves. In Haleiwa, the relaxing vibe invites you to quench your thirst with shaved ice, satisfy your hunger with fish tacos and poke around its funky shops for sarongs, jewelry and surfboards.

The Koolau Range is 2.7 million years old, standing 960 metres tall at its highest point. It also serves as the divider between Central Oahu and the Windward Coast. Even taller is the 3.9-million-year-old Waianae, also known as Mount Kaala, 1,227 metres above sea level.

As for plant and animal life, the vast selection found on the Hawaiian Islands was brought here by early explorers and settlers, as well as transplanted by birds and sea life. The species of plants and animals still present today are those that were able to adapt and survive. Many of these are now on endangered lists and are only found in Hawaii.

Looking for a taste of the culture that makes this state so unique? Head out to a luau. There are many luaus offered here, often at oceanfront sites, featuring hula dancers, traditional roasted pig feasts, tropical drinks and Polynesian music. You can also watch fire dances and catch other entertainment from the various islands, including Samoa, Tahiti and Fiji, that influenced the settlement of Hawaii.

Oahu is known as The Gathering Place. The nickname comes from the fact the islands were settled by Polynesian sailors who used the stars to navigate the Pacific. They arrived on the islands in voyaging canoes with experts on such topics as medicine, building, farming, plants and animals.

Following the traditions of their own native lands, they used plants, trees, teeth, bones, shells, bark, birds’ feathers and flowers in sophisticated ways to make clothing, cure their ailments, decorate and entertain themselves. That's how leis became a part of Hawaiian life: they signify grief, marriage, even peace treaties, depending on the flowers used. Leis can be found all over the island, especially in Honolulu's Chinatown.

During the 1800s, industries such as whaling, sugar and pineapple farming flourished on Oahu. Plantation owners brought in workers from Japan, Korea, China, Puerto Rico, Portugal and the Philippines, contributing to the rich ethnic mix that currently makes up modern Hawaii. Some of these residents settled in Chinatown, which is still a neighbourhood worth exploring today.

The Hawaiian Islands were governed by separate kings until Kamehameha the Great won the Battle of Nuuanu on Oahu (at what is now known as the Pali Lookout) and united the islands. Seven monarchs followed before Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1959. Honolulu's Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii's last king and queen, is a National Historic Landmark that you can tour with a guide. It is the only royal palace within the United States.

The 20th century saw the islands become one of the world's major tourism destinations, and some of the hotels built in the early 1900s, like Waikiki's landmark "Pink Palace," remain popular.

To learn about the origins of Hawaiian culture, take a trip to Honolulu's Bishop Museum—Hawaii's State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Built in 1889, this Victorian building predates Hawaii induction as a U.S. state by almost 70 years. Here, you learn about the Polynesian dance commonly known as the hula, and read the first description of surfing by one of Captain James Cook's crewmembers in 1779. In addition to its Hawaiian and Polynesian Halls, visitors find a planetarium, the kid-friendly Mamiya Science Adventure Center and the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame. Even if you're hoping to soak in more sun and then history, many visitors also tour the Pearl Harbor site. This location, representing and important day in U.S. history, is considered a must-see by travellers to the area.

The Waikiki Trolley also offers affordable transportation to Oahu's major tourist attractions on its four lines.

For a change of pace from Waikiki, rent a car and explore the 180 km of Oahu's pristine coastline. Discover secluded beaches and stop for lunch with the locals to get a real taste of Hawaiian life and culture.

Tours are another great way to get around and experience some of Oahu’s best attractions. Transportation from your hotel (or at a nearby pickup point) is usually included.

Rental car shuttles and other shuttle services are located outside the baggage claim area, 2nd sidewalk with signage directing you to the shuttle pick up area. Taxis are located outside the baggage claim area at the closest sidewalk to the doors of the airport.

Departure

Smiling WestJetters will be happy to assist you at our transborder check-in counters located in the main terminal, Lobby 4 of the international departures area. WestJet counters open three hours prior to departure and close 15 minutes after departure time. Guests can also check in and select their seats ahead of time by using WestJet's convenient Web check-in service.

Services in Honolulu International Airport's main terminal include restaurants, gift shops, business centres, duty free and WiFi access. Please note that these services are only open during certain hours.