Honolulu is a city-country jurisdiction of the American state of Hawaii. It encompasses the combined urbanized district of Honolulu as well as the rest of O'ahu islands in Hawaii. The northwestern islands of Hawaii are also part of the Honolulu City-County. As of the 2000 census, Honolulu is the 11th largest municipality in the United States.

The name Honolulu means 'place of shelter' or 'shelter bay'. The city is nicknamed the 'Crossroads to the Pacific' and is also referred to by its name meanings, most often 'Sheltered Bay'.

Despite the city's location in the Tropics, it enjoys a cooler weather because of the moderating effect provided by the oceans that surround it. The city has been classified as having a semiarid climate by the Koppen Classification system. It enjoys plenty of sunshine and warm weather year round. Temperatures vary little from month to month.

The city is one of the most popular summer and holiday destinations in the US and around the world. It is beaches are lined with hotels and resorts that attract visitors year round. The city is also renowned for its culture and heritage. It enjoys a diverse population with the majority coming from Hispanic, Asian and Southeast Asian migrants.