honolulu

honolulu — noun

1. the capital city and largest urban centre of the US state of Hawaii, located on

1.nounA2
Definition

the capital city and largest urban centre of the US state of Hawaii, located on the island of Oʻahu and serving as the main gateway for travellers to the Hawaiian Islands

Example

Christopher flew into Honolulu last night for a week of meetings.

proper noun as destination after 'into'

Honolulu is home to the state capitol building and the ʻIolani Palace.

Common collocations
  • in Honolulu
  • to Honolulu
  • from Honolulu
  • visit Honolulu
  • fly to Honolulu

Grammar Patterns

usually preceded by 'in' or 'to' for location

Usage Note

When referring to the city as a destination, use 'to Honolulu' (e.g. 'fly to Honolulu', 'move to Honolulu'). When describing location, use 'in Honolulu'.

Common Mistakes

I visited Hawaii and stayed in Honolulu city.
I visited Hawaii and stayed in Honolulu.
Honolulu is the name of the city itself; adding 'city' after it is redundant.

2. the most populous city and primary seaport of Hawaii, with a population of rough

2.nounB1
Definition

the most populous city and primary seaport of Hawaii, with a population of roughly 400,000, serving as a major hub for Pacific shipping, commerce, and tourism

Example

The port of Honolulu handles container ships from Japan, China, and the US mainland.

apposition: 'the port of [city]'

With nearly 400,000 residents, Honolulu is by far the largest city in the state of Hawaii.

collocation: 'largest city in [region]'

Common collocations
  • port of Honolulu
  • city of Honolulu
  • Honolulu County
  • downtown Honolulu
  • Honolulu International Airport

Grammar Patterns

used with 'of' in apposition: 'the city/port of Honolulu'

Usage Note

Honolulu is both a city and the seat of Honolulu County, which covers the entire island of Oʻahu. The name comes from Hawaiian 'honolulu', meaning 'sheltered harbour' or 'calm port'.

Common Mistakes

Honolulu is an island in Hawaii.
Honolulu is a city on the island of Oʻahu.
Honolulu is a city, not an island.

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the city of Honolulu
  • the island of Oʻahu

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-PolynesianHawaiianEnglish

The name Honolulu comes from the Hawaiian language: 'hono' (shelter, harbour) and 'lulu' (calm, sheltered). Together they mean 'sheltered harbour' or 'calm port', describing the natural protection of Honolulu's harbour. The Chinese name 檀香山 (tánxiāng shān, literally 'sandalwood mountain') was historically used by Chinese traders who came to the islands for sandalwood.