Attractions & Landmarks

On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1,100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8am-3pm daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.

Across the street from the Sunset Beach Elementary School is the Ehukai Beach Park. It's here that the Banzai Pipeline separates the men from the boys (or if you ask some, the smart from the stupid). Known for its notorious waves which can swell to triple overhead in winter, it's every surfer's dream and nightmare. Even if experienced in water sports, it's preferable to venture in during Spring and Summer, when the waters are calmer.

Stand on the deck of this imposing old structure that has been painstakingly cared for and extensively renovated. The "Mighty Mo" is where General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed the end of World War II in September of 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The great vintage battleship now sits at permanent anchor across from the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Admission: USD16 Adults, USD7 Children ages 4-12. Adult admission for guided tours starts at USD22. Visit the Arizona Memorial first to get a sense of the complete story.

This Pearl Harbor memorial park is dedicated to World War II submarines and their valiant crews. The park takes its name from a particularly distinguished sub, the USS Bowfin SS-287. Tour the narrow corridors and compartments where the crew worked, ate, and slept on nine hazardous missions. In addition to the Bowfin exhibit, there is a waterfront memorial. Also visit the Battleship Arizona and Missouri memorials.

At the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell—ring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely. Admission: USD2 for adults; USD1 for children and seniors.

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the city's liveliest districts, containing every aspect of a big city within a fifteen block area. During they day, plenty of shop-owners open their doors for tourists and locals to browse at their leisure. When the shopping is done and your appetite is worked up, fill your belly with Dim Sum or go a bit further out to find Korean, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese restaurants waiting to calm your hunger. When the day is done, relax at a bar and have a few drinks with some friends, or go out and see a show. Chinatown theaters present everything from stand-up comedy to vaudeville, musicals, silent films, and plays.

Located on the second floor of the Chinese Cultural Plaza, this place is a bit of a hidden treasure. Several exhibits of Chinese art are displayed, ranging from traditional formal dress to ornate screens. Films play in a room to the side. The staff here consists of one mild-mannered security guard whose job it is to sign people in and out. Any questions can be addressed to the tourism office, located a few doors down.

This crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. The historic trail to the 761-foot summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike to the top. Stay on the trail, wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen, take along water and bring a flashlight to light your way through the tunnels. Those who reach the summit are rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view of O'ahu. The tunnel gates close promptly at 6p. Admission: USD1 per person, USD5 per vehicle.

All that is left of the vast Dole plantation is a pictorial display of the pineapple's history and a country store offers fresh pineapples and gifts. In the back, nearly two acres of rich, red earth have been turned into the world's largest maze (recognized by the Guinness Book of Records) with a path 1.7 miles long. It is built from 11,400 tropical plants, including hibiscus and fragrant plumeria; in the center is a garden in the form of a golden pineapple. Maze admission is USD5 for adults and USD3 for children ages 4-12.

This company offers a variety of entertaining cruises in the waters off Honolulu and beyond. Its most popular activity is the Pacific Splash Barefoot Fun Cruise, which lasts or about three hours. Dolphin-watching cruises depart each morning and whale-watching cruises happen several times a day during the winter (December 15 through April 30). Sunset dinner cruises and extended voyages are also available.

After visiting the Iolani Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, it's hard to miss out on the thirty story First Hawaiian Center, also featuring in Test Drive Unlimited. The tallest building in the state of Hawaii, this triangular shaped structure sure has some great views of the Pacific! Even in the heart of the busy financial district, your eyes get to feast on some greenery and waterfalls—courtesy the Center. The oldest bank of Hawaii and a flourishing Contemporary Art Center are nestled within.

Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon. Admission: non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle.

Every year Hawaii promotes national as well as international art and culture through The Hawaii Arts Season. Only two days are dedicated to special events saturated with the arts. Numerous dance performances, musical concerts, plays, and exhibitions are organized to celebrate diverse world cultures. Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii's Big Island...all buzz with the art fever.

Look out for the firecar! Believe it or not, railroad signs in Hawaii used to sport this warning, instead of the standard 'Railroad Crossing.' At the time, though, the signs were all in Hawaiian. The railway was once the island's main mode of transportation, but this is the only operating branch that remains. It offers charter rides throughout the week as well as two scheduled rides on Sunday. The train holds up to 200 people and a separate parlor car can be attached for your privacy. Tour the former Ewa Plantation, ghost towns and other island landmarks. Call for prices and reservations.

Splash-happy activities at this popular attraction include a beach volleyball court, an arcade, a huge wave pool and an adults-only whirlpool and bar area. Slide fanatics have a few heart-stopping rides to enjoy, among them the free-fall Cliffhanger and the Wild Waianae Coaster. Admission is USD34.99 for adults, USD24.99 for children between 3-11 and USD14.99 for seniors.

This graceful pink, tile-roofed California-Spanish mission style structure built in 1929 is Honolulu's City Hall. 'Hale' (pronounced HA-lay) means "house" in Hawaiian. The open interior courtyard is patterned after the Bargello, a 13th century palace in Florence, Italy. Public space in the high-ceilinged lobby is often used for art exhibits, concerts and other public events. Between mid-December and the beginning of January, huge statues of Santa and Mrs. Claus in Hawaiian attire, penguins, reindeer and other winter decorations cavort across the expansive lawn and fountains. Admission is free.

Since the first days of Honolulu's European colonization, this port has been a hub of commercial activity in the Pacific. Steamships, sailing boats, whaling ships and seagoing merchants choked the waters just offshore, and Hawaiian boys regularly swam out to meet and greet the incoming vessels. Today, you'll see more pleasure cruisers than anything else, but the Harbor remains in the center of everything. Regular Boat Days bring back the festive tradition of the old days, when full-scale celebrations were held upon a ship's arrival and departure. The Aloha Tower stands as a majestic beacon just behind the harbor. Restaurants, condominium complexes and shops line the waterfront, and thousands of people visit for business and pleasure each day.

It's the stuff of romantic daydreams...you step off your plane in Hawaii to be greeted by a lovely islander who presents you with a gorgeous flower lei. Make someone's dream come true and arrange an authentic Hawaiian lei greeting right at your arrival gate at the Honolulu International Airport! You'll be presented with beautiful, fresh flower leis, and offered assistance to baggage claim or directions to your connecting inter-island flight. Make your trip unforgettable, or surprise friends or family on their arrival with this wonderful island custom. Group discounts available.

City Square is a hub for malls, whether Ala Moana or Kahala but come July and it's also the venue for one of the biggest street markets in these parts. From popcorn to fresh produce to some of the best street food in Hawaii, The Honolulu Street market has something for everyone. Every weekend from the 30th of June to the last weekend in July, old residents and new, tourists and travelers all add something to the market, and take back an experience that's all their own.

Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately old three-story building is a real treat to tour. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. The Palace Galleries showcases jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes and reservations are suggested. Admission for Grand Tour is USD20 for adults and USD5 for children aged 5-17.

Located just adjacent to Honolulu International Airport, this service allows visitors to see Honolulu and the island of O'ahu from high above. Owner/Pilot Pat Magie and his wife Debbie own two sturdy DeHavilland "Beavers." They take off and land in beautiful Ke'ehi lagoon, providing views of the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges, the exquisite beaches on all sides of the island and dramatic Diamond Head reigning over Waikiki Beach. Prices start at USD119 per person for a 1/2 hour flight and USD220 per person for a one hour tour. A complimentary van services several stops in Waikiki.

This patch of wetlands is home to four of Hawaii's endangered waterbirds and an essential wintering ground for many migratory species. It is open to visitors during the non-breeding season for the endangered Hawaiian Stilt approximately October thru Februaryirds. During this time, visitors can participate in a free, 90-minute guided tour of the fresh water marsh. This protected fresh water marsh has benefited from volunteer projects which assist staff in improving the habitat for the endangered birds that nest here. It's also a popular destination for school field trips. The refuge is located about two miles southeast of the Turtle Bay Resort.

Built by Christian missionaries in the 1830s and 1840s, this church has always frequented by Hawaiian royalty. The handsome gray edifice, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was constructed of 14,000 coral blocks. The upper gallery houses a collection of portraits of Hawaiian monarchs. Traditional Hawaiian-language services are held here every Sunday. The pews at the rear are still reserved for descendants of Hawaii's royalty. Free tours of the church are offered on weekdays from 9a-1p and on Sundays after morning services. Call for reservations.

This small harbor and park area is a favorite with fishing boats and pleasure cruisers. Voyager Submarines and Ali'i Kai Sport Fishing are two of the notable marine activity companies with a home base at this port. There is also a fish market, a high-tech research facility, a small park and a dolphin center on the premises. The area has a rather gruesome history; in pre-contact Hawai'i, it was used as a human sacrifice spot. (This is not a fact that is commonly shared in the tourist guides or cruise ship brochures.)

Ali`iolani Hale is an important historical building in downtown Honolulu; originally designated as a new royal palace, it was completed in 1874, and currently houses the Judiciary History Center of Hawaii. The structure is modeled on the architecture of the Italian renaissance masters, and a golden statue of King Kamahameha I has been erected on the lawn. The Center is the hub of legal activity and education, and is open to the general public. Other government offices are also housed alongside it in Ali`iolani Hale.

The sole outpost of tourism on Oahu's Leeward shore is this lovely little marina and resort district. It is the site of a golf course and the lovely JW Marriott Ihilani. Shops and restaurants are also located at the marina, and the Ihilani spa is world class. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities and watersports, including fishing, sailing and diving excursions. People who want a more active scene can take the 30-minute drive to Honolulu's metropolitan center.

Everything from family luau to canoe races to romantic dates happens on this little outcropping of land. It's actually a peninsula at the end of the much larger Ala Moana Beach Park. Tourists visit this place to watch the sun set, jog or walk the shoreline, or take pictures of the gorgeous scenery. Locals swim, play football or Frisbee, and 'talk story' (Pidgin for gossip) on sunny afternoons. Festivals often take place here, and occasionally, dramatic troupes stage outdoor plays or concerts.

Tucked in the back of lush Manoa Valley is this waterfall, which is commonly thought to be one of the most beautiful sights on O'ahu. It rushes over a precipice and drops 100 feet to the pool below. The briskly cold water makes a refreshing change from the sticky Hawaiian air. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately an hour and is not particularly difficult. The trail can get slippery during the rain, but on sunny days, it's clearly marked and easy to follow.

This mausoleum was built in 1865 by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, the final resting-place of their young son who died tragically at the age of 4. Spread over 3 acres beside a tiny chapel, the mausoleum was later thought a more fitting burial ground for the deceased royalty of Hawaii, and several bodies were shifted from their previous graves to Mauna'ala. Locals consider this one of the most sacred grounds on the island, so be sure to conduct yourself appropriately when visiting, so as not to hurt their sentiments.

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes missing in action. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

North Shore Shark Adventures will fulfill your thrill-seeking fantasies. After an initial safety instruction briefing, the tour sets sail. If you're lucky, you might spot Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, humpback whales and dolphins. Then the piece-de-resistance, being lowered in the water from the safety of a cage and getting a glimpse at sharks ranging from 5 to 15 feet in length. It's also a good leap of faith for those who have a phobia of sharks. Tourists are encouraged to bring their snorkels, masks and underwater camera. As safety is a priority, the boats are limited to 6 passengers, so make your reservations early. They have variable rates and discounts. And if you notice the word Kailolo on the boat, it just means "water crazy"!

For an experience that will give you chicken skin, take the Pali Highway to this spectacular lookout, one of the windiest spots on Oahu. Historians hotly debate the legend that says that in 1795, King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, forced thousands of his opponents to jump from the cliff to their deaths. From the lookout point high among the eerie spires of the Koolau Mountains, you can see a panoramic view of Windward Oahu. Admission is free.

The Pacific Aviation Museum, located in Hangars 37, 54 and 79 of Pearl Harbor's Ford Island, offers visitors a chance to relive the heinous Pearl Harbor attack in a safe and comfortable museum setting. An introductory film depicts the event in graphic (albeit black and white) detail. Then revelers are ushered into row upon row of dioramas and other exhibits that shed more light on the intricacies of what actually happened on that fateful day. Outside, the experience continues. A replica debris field, complete with smoking wrecks, is on view, as well as actual shrapnel marks and an actual bomb crater. A stable of historical aircraft completes the museum's collection. See website for proposed additions, museum news, online souvenir shopping and more.

Admission: Adults $14, children $7, guided tour $7.

The tragic occurrences and subsequent world-changing events associated with this naval base make it a crucial part of American history and heritage. While the harbor is quite large, the Visitor's Center and Arizona Memorial are the hubs of tourism. Both places are free to enter, and both draw huge crowds. Several tours are available through activity brokers or tour companies. To reach Pearl Harbor from Waikiki Beach, take Nimitz Highway past the airport to Highway 99, and continue past the naval community.

One of Hawaii's top visitor attractions, this tropical 42-acre site showcases seven Polynesian regions: Fiji, Hawai'i, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. Visitors enjoy frequent crafts demonstrations, musical performances, games and more. The famous Canoe Pageant reenacts the myths and legends of Polynesia through song and dance, all atop floating canoes. A spectacular show, Horizons, is presented nightly. There's also an IMAX theater. Entertainment packages start at USD54 for adults, USD37 for children ages 5-11. Shuttle bus transportation from Waikiki hotels is available for an extra charge.

From Ala Moana Boulevard, the lights of Restaurant Row can be seen twinkling merrily at night, casting a glow on the hundreds of people that find their way to this dining and entertainment Mecca. With a dozen restaurants, varied shops, several nightlife options and a movie theater onsite, this is one of the top evening visitor's attractions in Honolulu. Popular Row restaurants include Sunset Grill and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. All of the establishments here accept credit cards, though there is no standard in terms of which cards are accepted.

Established in 1854 by some of the original Hawaiian settlers, this magnificent edifice stands out among the high rises and condos of Waikiki. It is obviously a building with a history—you can tell even before reading the placard above the entryway. If the church is imposing and majestic from the outside, it is awe-inspiring from the inside. Full-length stained glass windows and a tiered ceiling ornament the vast interior. Behind the church is the Father Damien museum and a group center for disadvantaged Tongan youth.

Shangri La is a very interesting place in a gorgeous setting created by the late Doris Duke. Influenced by Islamic and other prevalent cultures from all across the globe, Duke decided to conceptualize this abode so as to house the myriad references to the countries she visited with her husband—the actor James Cromwell. Tour the place and visit the in-house artists working there on the conservation projects which are fueled by the Doris Duke charitable foundation. A highly informative website answers a lot of questions.

Operated by Roberts Hawaii, this company books package tours of any of Oahu's eight most popular excursions. Activities include the Grand Circle Island Tour, Ali'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise and the Pearl Harbor Coastal Cruise. Itineraries can last between one and five days. The two-day "Best of Oahu" package costs USD65 and includes the Grand Circle Island Tour and Ali'i Kai dinner cruise. The Wiki Wiki is USD149 and includes the Grand Circle Island and Stars and Stripes tours as well as the dinner cruise and cocktail show.

Hula dancers greet each sunset sailor as passengers depart on the largest of the local cruise ships, The Star of Honolulu. Visitors cruise off Oahu's leeward shore as the sun sinks below the horizon and the twinkling lights of Honolulu and Waikiki emerge in the dusk. There is always a live band and singers. Dine on a feast of steak and crab legs with a complimentary tropical cocktail. Prices for The Sunset Dinner cruise start at USD66 for adults and USD33 for children.

The best of Oahu's attractions are at your fingertips. Low rates are offered on submarine dives, city tours and other popular activities. Day tours to other islands are also available. Visit Maui (The Valley Isle), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle) or the Big Island. The highlights of each island are included in the tour, along with airfare. Single-day tour costs start at around $15 (Pearl Harbor and City Tour) and go up to about $149 (Big Island Circle Tour). Overnight packages are also available. Call for details.

All kinds of events, large and small, are held at this small downtown park. While certainly not the largest of Hawaii's parks, it is the oldest of Honolulu's community parks, and has long been the site of community gatherings and festivities. Events such as the Pacific Handcrafters Annual Christmas Craft Fair and the Intertribal Pow Wow are held here annually. The park is across from the Honolulu Academy of Art in the heart of the city.

Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, this beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire. While much of it has been eroded, trampled by millions of feet, or encroached upon by towering skyscrapers, hints of its original beauty can still be seen in the crashing waves and the warm sand. Come night time, the hipsters strut their clubwear on the beachwalk, and lovers find peaceful little nooks under the cover of sweeping palm trees.

Nature has created only a few spectacles as breathtaking as this one. Located on 1,800 acres above legendary Waimea Bay, the park harbors 6,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species. Peacocks and macaws wander the grounds fearlessly. Giant lily pads—nearly the size of a seat cushion float in serene pools. Guests can hike the trails or opt for guided tram tours. Don't miss the cliff-divers or the hula dancers; both groups perform periodically throughout the day. Admission: USD24 adults; USD12 ages 4-12.

Waimea Valley Audubon Center's mission is to preserve the botanical, cultural and ecological resources of the prosperous Waimea Valley. It is a non-profit organization, which offers visitors various opportunities to discover the valley through elaborate guided tours, educational programs and mountain trails. Nature lovers keen to catch a glimpse of rare birds, flowers and butterflies are up for a treat in this Hawaiian paradise.

This beautiful white historical structure was the home of Captain John Dominis, a rich merchant who built it in the 1840s. Queen Lili'uokalani married his son, John Owen, and also lived here at one time; up until 2001, it served as mansion to the governor, following which a new residence was built in its vicinity to serve this same purpose. Washington Place is now a museum open to people eager to learn of Hawaii's history. The vintage furniture and elegant architecture are its distinguishing features, and it is definitely worth a visit. Admission is free, but donations by visitors are encouraged. Reservations for touring must be made 48 hours in advance.