Honolulu, Hawaii Facts

As of 2006, the population of the Honolulu was 377,357, with the total metropolitan area consisting of 909,863 people. It was incorporated as a city on April 30, 1907. The average temperature reaches a high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July and a low of 66 degrees in January. The city's elevation is exactly at sea level, and its nickname is "The Gathering Place."

The area that is now Honolulu was believed to have first been settled around the 12th century. However, the first foreigner to discover the city did not do so until 1794--it then quickly became an important location for merchant sailors. Honolulu became the permanent capital of Hawaii in 1845. Shortly thereafter, Americans began to have a presence with the arrival of missionaries who established businesses.

Honolulu County, which encompasses the city of Honolulu, features a diverse population. As of 2007, the largest percentages were 45.0 percent Asian and 25.4 percent Caucasian. Additionally, Native Hawaiians made up 8.4 percent of the population, and Hispanics numbered 7.4 percent. The remainder of the population is comprised of a variety of races.

Honolulu, along with the rest of Hawaii, is regarded as a popular tourist destination due to its warm, sunny climate and the natural beauty of the city and surrounding areas. Popular tourist destinations include Pearl Harbor, which was the site of a Japanese bombing raid during World War II. Other tourist attractions include the Waikiki Aquarium, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.

Several major events occur in Honolulu. The Honolulu Marathon takes place every December and attracts 28,000 runners. The World Invitational Hula Festival is a cultural event where people come to learn about Hawaiian history and customs. The Aloha Festivals are additional events where Hawaiian heritage, including music, dance, and food, can be experienced.