The National Memorial of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater is the final resting place of more than 37,000 soldiers, including one of Barack Obama's grandfathers. It is the largest military cemetery in Hawaii. Plaques document the reconciliation with Japan, and veterans from both former warring nations regularly meet here. Around 7 million visitors make the pilgrimage each year. From the ocean-facing rim of the crater, you get a stunning panorama of Honolulu, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the airport with its famous Coral Runway.

At the last turnoff toward Punchbowl Crater, the scenic Tantalus Drive begins. It winds through an upscale residential neighborhood before twisting through lush rainforest up to the 700-meter-high Mt. Tantalus. Along the way you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Honolulu, find plenty of hiking trails, and can watch a spectacular sunset.

You can easily reach Honolulu Downtown by bus — lines 19 and 20 go straight to the Aloha Tower. If you drive, be prepared for pricey parking. After 4 pm and on weekends, rates drop a bit.

A detour through Chinatown is a must, but make sure to head out before dark. You'll find cheap eats here, though you may want to be selective about hygiene.

Next up is the Aloha Tower. The 56-meter-tall tower was built in 1926 and was the tallest building in Hawaii for many years. A free elevator ride takes you to the observation deck for a wonderful 360-degree view — over Pearl Harbor, the airport, and the high-rises of Downtown Honolulu. The iconic "Aloha" lettering once welcomed newcomers arriving at Piers 7 and 8. The former customs and immigration halls now house the Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Down at the harbor you'll find the Hawaii Maritime Center, currently closed until a new investor is found. Old sailing ships line the piers, and toward downtown there are charming brick buildings with pubs and restaurants. Via Bishop Street or Alakea Street you can walk straight into Downtown Honolulu.

First we visit St. Andrews Cathedral, built in 1867 with many components shipped from England. Then it's on to Iolani Palace — the only royal palace in the United States. Commissioned by King Kalakaua, it was built between 1879 and 1892 and was the first building in Honolulu to have electric lighting. Nearby stand the Iolani Barracks with the statue of King Kamehameha, which once housed the royal guard. Kawaiahao Church is the oldest church in Hawaii, constructed from coral blocks between 1836 and 1842. The surrounding area is full of beautiful historic buildings.

Kuhio Beach Park is a section within Waikiki Beach where Kalakaua Avenue runs right along the shore, making it easy to access. Showers and restrooms are available here. Unlike much of Waikiki Beach — where you often have to find your way between the hotels — all beaches in Hawaii are public by law. Waikiki Beach stretches about 3 km and is divided into several sections. Most of the fine white sand was actually imported from Molokai.

We watch the sunset at Kuhio Beach Park. As the sun goes down, the tiki torches are lit — just like every evening. Tonight there's also a youth parade. There's usually some kind of entertainment on the beach at sunset; check with your hotel for the current schedule.

For dinner, we head one street over to the Kings Village Shopping Center (Kaiulani Ave) and eat at the Rock Island Cafe Honolulu, a 1950s-style diner. Delicious, affordable, and a must for Coca-Cola fans and collectors.