HONOLULU Honolulu Airport is world famous for the novel way in which it welcomes its visitors. A sweetly scented floral chain is placed around the neck of all those who arrive and the friendly smiles of the local people are irresistible. Normal routine is cast aside and dreams become reality. The Hawaiian Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and are the 50th State of the United States of America. The island of Oahu is situated in the centre of the archipelago. The modern city of Honolulu is the capital of both Oahu and all the other islands and it is also the starting point of numerous excursions. King David Kalakana had the Iolani Palace built, a magnificent Victorian structure situated in the centre of Honolulu and the only royal palace in the USA. The Nuuanu Pali Valley is of great importance in Hawaiian history. It was there that a decisive battle took place when King Kamehameh arrived from Maui and triumphantly drove the troops of the O´Ahu chief into the mountains, a battle that gave rise to the political union of the Hawaiian Islands. Close to Honolulu, Pearl Harbour was the scene of a major military tragedy. During an unexpected attack practically the whole of the American Pacific fleet was bombed by the Japanese and destroyed. The attack on the U.S. naval base was the ultimate reason that the United states eventually took part in the Second World War. In winter the most dedicated surfers collect on Sunset Beach to experience the world's most sought-after waves some of which are as high as the tallest church steeples and between Kawela Bay and Haleiwa each winter the best surfers in the world meet for the Surfing World Championships. ‘Aloha!' is Hawaii's magical word. It means ‘Welcome', ‘Good-Bye' and also ‘Love'. Life is so simple in paradise!