|
|
Showing 1 - 9 
out of 9 
page 1 out of 1
- Gift Shop with Many Native Handmade Items
- Great Wedding Locations
- Walk Where Movie Stars have Walked
Covering an area of more than 4,000 acres, Kualoa Ranch located on Oahu's windward coast in close proximity to the town of Ka'a'awa. The area offers very scenic views. The majestic ... morecliffs and spires of the Kualoa Mountains, an ancient fishponds on the south side of the ranch, lush greenery, fantastic views of Chinaman's Hat, all set the backdrop of the ranch. The beautiful scenery is also the reason why the ranch has been the location where many movies have been filmed in the past including Jurassic Park, Godzilla an 50 First Dates.
Many activities and educational programs are also undertaken at the ranch. Horseback rides, ATV (all-terrain vehicle tours), movie tours, Jungle expedition, Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden tour, hula lessons and snorkeling excursion are just some of the many activities and programs undertaken at the ranch. It is possible to find different packages depending on the activity.
Kualoa Ranch is located in the Kualoa Valley. The history of the valley is very interesting. The land sold in 1850 by King Kamehameha III to Dr Gerrit P Judd and his brother-in-law who started a sugar mill. The area was taken by the military in 1941 and built the Kualoa Airfield. The area is today under the Morgan family name who are Dr Judd's descendants. The name of the ranch was given in 1927. In Hawaiian, the name means "long back" which describes the ranch beautiful valley and mountain peaks.
There are also lots of legends and myths that surround the Kualoa Valley. For example, it is believed that the ranch's Moli'i fishpond had been built by Menehune, a legendary little people of Hawaii in just one night. You can also embark on a legend and legacy tour. The tour takes visitors through the foothills of the majestic Kualoa cliffs while the guide explains the legends and stories of the area. The Kualoa Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Type: Attraction, Geological Feature, Hike, Historic, Mountain, Plantation / Ranch, Scenic Lookout, Landmark, Scenic Road
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Equipment rentals, Food for purchase
|
- Beautiful coral reef and abundance of marine life
- Snorkeling
- Swimming & sunbathing
Hanauma Bay Beach Park on the southern shores of Oahu was named the best beach in the United State in 2004. The beach is a protected cove with a stretch of white sand and tall palm ... moretrees. Because of the shape of the bay, the water is mostly kept calm providing ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling and also making it very accommodating for kids of all ages. No surfing or body boarding is allowed on the beach.
The curved bay had been declared a protected marine wildlife conservation area and underwater park in 1967. A rich coral reef extends throughout the cove and into deeper water. The marine life is diverse and abundant, making snorkeling and scuba diving, particularly fun and exciting. As a protected site, visitors watch a short video of the bay's history and wildlife before entering the beach. The bay floor is the crater of an ancient volcano that flooded as the exterior walls collapsed letting the ocean water rush in.
The bay is often full and finding parking can sometimes be difficult. Most amenities can be found at the beach. Gift shops also provide the opportunity for obtaining souvenir. Non-Hawaiian residents have to pay an entrance charge of $7.50 dollar, which is waived for Hawaiian residents, children under 12 and active military persons. Opening hours of the beach is at 6:00 am daily with the exception of Tuesdays when the beach is closed.
As a protected marine conservation area, no fishing is permitted neither is it allowed alcohol on the beach or intervening with the marine life. The sun is quite blistering at the beach therefore it is recommended having sun glasses, sun cream and other such items.
Type: Beach, Geological Feature
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Equipment rentals, Food for purchase, Lifeguards, Lockers / storage, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers, Wheelchair access
|
- Spectacular view of the surrounding
- Hiking to the top
- Learning about the history of Diamond Head
Type: Geological Feature, Hike, Mountain, Park, Scenic Lookout, Volcano, Landmark
|
- Festival in Haleiwa town
- The shops, galleries, and restaurants
- Haleiwa town
A great destination, particularly for water sport lovers, Haleiwa Town has much to offer. It can be reached in under an hour's drive from Honolulu International Airport and Waikiki. ... moreIt is located on the north shores of Oahu island. The town grew out of the inspiration of business man, Benjamin J Dillingham, who about a century ago opened a lodge in the middle of nowhere and named it Haleiwa meaning " House of Iwa"
His
plan which involved placing railway tracks for transportation of products from his sugar plantation was to capitalize on his investment with a hotel where visitors would come to spend quality time and enjoy the nearby beach. Residents and visitors rode the train for years as the town grew, it adopted the name Haleiwa.
The old plantation town continues to welcome visitors from all over the world, even though the hotel is no longer. In 1984, it was designated as an historic, cultural, and scenic district.
The
town provides a laid back environment, with shops, restaurants, galleries, and the perfect ambiance for spending quality time, taking advantage of the beach nearby and enjoying various water sports, or having an exciting and wonderful experience at Oahu north shores. The town offers various attractions and many different types of activities such as: Golf, gliding, hiking/biking, kayaking, skydiving, horseback riding, surfing and much more.
You will also be able to dine in some great restaurants offering fantastic Hawaiian cuisine, have the opportunity to learn the history and culture of the region from the Polynesian Cultural Center, visit places of interest such as Waimea Valey. Haleiwa town has lots on offer for enjoying Hawaii and the Pacific.
Type: Cultural, Historic, Town
|
- Pineapple garden maze
- Insight on various fruits and plants grown in the region
- Scenic tour of the surounding
Dole Plantation began in 1950 as it operated as a food stand. Since, it has become a very popular attraction on Oahu. Visitors of the Dole Pineapple Plantation can experience a fun ... moreday trip and learn about the history of pineapples in Hawaii. Everything from the agricultural aspect, the soil chemistry, and the tale of James Dole.
Dole Pineapple Plantation is but two miles away from the town of Haleiwa and a
45 minutes drive from Honolulu. The train ride to the plantation offers the opportunity or some scenic views which can leave you breathless.
The Pineapple Garden Maze, which obtained the spotlight in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest maze in the world can also be seen at Dole Plantation. Going through the maze made of green hedges, twists and turns can have you painfully seeking the way
out! The maze covers more than two acres and incorporates 1.5 miles long.
Many different activities can be undertaken while at the plantation. The garden tour will have you explore many other plants and trees, some native to the region others brought to the country. They include, bananas, cacao, coffee, papaya, mango and lei flowers.
The
plantation also has a visitor center where snacks and drinks can be obtained or simply for relaxing. A gift shop provides the perfect opportunity for obtaining pineapple-related gifts and other souvenirs. It is thought that the first pineapples were planted on the island when a
shipwreck coming from Mexico brought with it plants, tools, garments and pineapples. From then on, Spanish explorers started growing pineapples and other fruits. Jim Dole, then pioneered the pineapple industry and established the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Hawaii.
Various
activities are organized on the plantation subject to a small fee. Some
of the activities even include a stop to Pearl Harbor or scenic excursions of the surrounding. Dole Pineapple Plantation is world famous and a distinct attraction of Oahu, Hawaii.
Type: Botanical Garden, Cultural, Historic, Plantation / Ranch
Features: Bathroom, Food for purchase, Parking, Wheelchair access
|
- Scenic view of the surrounding
- Spotting humpback whales and the Hawaiian green turtles
- Great for diving when the water is calm
The Halona Blow-hole located on the island of Oahu off of Hanauma Bay is a rock formation and a blow-hole formed by underwater lava which took the form of a tube and has an opening ... moreon both sides of it. As the ocean water enters the tube, the pressure increases as the tube narrows such that the water shoots upward into the air sometimes to a high of 30 feet or more. The Halona Blow-hole is a popular attraction. The location is very scenic, there are steep cliffs and fantastic views.
The blow-hole is most active during high tide. It is also the best location to go and look out for humpback whales or Honu (the Hawaiian green turtle). When there is no surf and a light northerly wind blowing, diving is possible along the coast. If the waves are breaking, it is recommended to dive elsewhere. The tidal change produces very strong currents known as 'Molokai Express" that can drag a person out to sea. Some persons have lost their life trying to sit on the blow-hole or trying to hold parts of their body into the stream of water. The area is quite dangerous, so it is best to be careful and stay at the lookout point and enjoy the view from a safe distance.
The Hawaiian name Halona means "peering place". On a very nice day, the view can be very fantastic. From far off on the horizon, the islands of Molokai, Maui and Lanai can be seen. To the right of the blow-hole is located Halona Cove, a small sandy beach that is perfect for swimming when the surf is calm. The site is also known for the famous love scene of Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the film "From here to eternity".
Type: Attraction, Geological Feature
|
- Duke Kahanamoku Statue
- Waikiki beach
- Duke's Canoe Club
Duke Kahanamoku (1890- 1968) was a respected Hawaiian surfer, a champion Olympic swimmer, and a master of canoeing. The duke epitomized Hawaiian athleticism and contributed in making ... moresurfing a very popular sport. Duke Kahanamoku is credited for introducing surfing to the mainland and probably also to Australia, which is the reason why he is known as " The Father of Modern Surfing". The duke was born and raised in Hawaii. As an Olympic champion, he had won three gold medals, two silvers and one bronze medal in four different Olympics between 1912 and 1922. He was recognized as the "Hawaiian Ambassador of Aloha".
The Duke and his surfer buddies started in 1905 a surfing club known as the Hui Nalu (Club of Waves). They were called the "Beach Boys of Waikiki". The Duke's legend started when he broke the world record of the 100-yard freestyle during the first competition that he participated. Besides being an athlete, the Duke also played a role in several Hollywood movies and was elected Sheriff and official greeter of the City and County of Honolulu.
The statue of Duke Kahanamoku is located next to the Waikiki Police Station on Kalakaua Avenue, just opposite to the Regency hotel. Memorabilia and authentic photos of the Duke and of the Waikiki Beach Boys can be seen if you visit the Duke's Canoe Club, which is also a restaurant located on Waikiki Beach in the Outrigger Waikiki hotel.
Type: Attraction, Historic, Landmark
|
- 2 mile Scenic Hike
- 500 foot Climb in Elevation
- Ocean looks Turquoise from Here
Located within the 38-acre Makapuʻu Point State Wayside
Park, is the Makapu'u Lookout. The trail leads from the former Coast Guard
residential area to the summit on a relatively easy ... moresandy path.
From the summit, visitors can watch for
whales from November to April using the provided telescope or their own
binoculars. If it is a clear day, it is sometimes possible to see the blowholes
on Makapu’u Head’s rocky shore from the summit. On almost any clear day,
visitors can see magnificent sea cliffs, Visitors can also often see Makapu’u
Beach Park, Rabbit Island, and Kaohikaipu Island.
Visitors to the park can also take another
short hike to see the Makapu’u Lighthouse. This path starting near the same
trailhead also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Type: Hike, Scenic Lookout, Landmark
|
- Very nice for strolls
- Great for picnic
- Great for camping
Waimanalo Beach Park covers five miles on the windward side of Oahu. The beach has beautiful white sand, the ocean water is crystal clear, it attracts visitors and locals alike as ... moreit is considered as one of one of the best beaches in the area. All along the beach makes for the perfect setting for taking a stroll. Ironwood trees line up all along the beach providing plenty of shade. The beach is at the foot of the Koolau Mountain range that offers the perfect backdrop for pictures.
Waimanalo Beach Park is most popular for sunbathing, swimming, picnics, camping, and beach walks. The reef provides a natural shield from the surf, but beyond the reef is great body boarding and surfing spot. Caution must be taken when entering the water because often the shore break can be quite powerful. During the winter period, if you are camping, bring along a light jacket because when the wind is blowing, it can be quite chilly.
The beach is often empty during weekdays, but can get crowded on weekends. Underwater the view can be quite magnificent, Beautiful coral reef and marine life makes for the perfect snorkeling opportunity. Snorkels would often trick the fish to come out of their hiding place by standing still for a few minutes. The fish are very friendly and often would swim very close.
Waimanalo Beach was the location where Magnum P.I. was filmed. Famous author James Michener wrote the novel Waimanalo taking inspiration from the beach. The beach is also a favorite place for couples recently married. The scenic surrounding makes for very nice wedding pictures.
Features: Bathroom, Camping, Lifeguards, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers
|
|
|
|