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- 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
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- The throne room
- The blue meeting room
- Lili'uokalani piano
Built in 1882, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United State. King David Kalakaua along with his wife, Queen Kapiolani, took inspiration for its architecture when on a ... moreEuropean tour. A popular tourist attraction and a National Historic Landmark, Iolani Palace was
the residence of two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani. In
1893 after the monarch had been overthrown, the castle started to be used as the capitol building of the provisional government and for the State of Hawaii until 1969. In 1978, the castle underwent restoration work and opened to the public as a museum.
Originally, the construction of the palace was as a traditional Ali'i residence having only ceremonial places, no sleeping room, a throne room, a reception, and
a state dining room. Other houses around the palace were used for sleeping and for retainers. Kamehameha III slept in a cool grass hut near the palace.
When David Kalakaua took the throne, the original palace was in poor condition with termite damages. He had the building razed. He commissioned the construction of a new palace as the official palace of the Hawaiian monarchy. The architectural features of the Iolani Palace are nowhere to be seen anywhere else in the world. A style known as American Florentine. It consists of a grand hall that faces a staircase made of koa wood on the first floor, ornamental plaster is used to decorate the interiors, a throne room, a blue meeting
room that has a large portrait of King Louis Philip of France, a dining
room, an upstairs private library, and bedrooms of the Hawaiian monarchy. The piano made of koa wood where Lili'uokalani used to play for guests can also be seen.
Iolani Palace is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Visitors can learn the history surrounding the monarchy in Hawaii and embark either on a guided
tour or without guide.
Type: Cultural, Historic, Museum, Landmark, Royal Palace
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- Bodyboarding and bodysurfing
- Picnic at the beach
- Snorkeling
Sandy Beach Park on the east side of Oahu is well known for two good reasons, the beautiful beach sand and powerful shore breaks. Getting to this beach will have you drive along the ... morelava cliff side of Koko Head crater. The beach is just beyond the popular Halona blow-hole. During the summer period when the beach is often calm, the offshore reef that protects it also provide very good conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The soft sand, the gentle water and the ease of entry into the water attracts families with small children seeking to spend some fantastic moments on the seaside.
Sandy Beach is not almost always gentle. In fact, the locals in Hawaii call it "the beach of broken necks". It is listed as one of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii. You must always be on the look out for red warning flags and signs posted on the beach warning of the dangers of strong currents, high surf, sharp coral, and dangerous shore breaks. Sandy beach is popular among experience body surfers and body boarders.
In the winter months, there are powerful shore breaks and rip tide currents during high surf. You should avoid swimming in front of Keawaakio Cove even when the water seems calm because of rip tide currents.
Sand Beach Park does not provide scenic views like many other beaches in the surrounding, but it does provide a lot of thrill. One of the things you will notice is that the sand on the beach seems to get everywhere. On your hair, nose, ears, swimwear, even after having taken a shower, you will still be brushing off sand.
The beach has all the facilities of a modern beach including lifeguards. there is not much shade on the beach but a grassy area with some picnic tables can be found which is perfect for relaxing, taking photos or watching the waves.
Features: Bathroom, Lifeguards, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers
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- Spectalar moments watching The Eddie competition
- Jumping of the Waimea cliff
- Body boarding and snorkeling
Waimea Bay has become renowned worldwide since the 1950's when adventurous surfers challenged the powerful waves that forms on its coast, hence giving birth to the big wave-riding ... morephenomenon. Waves at Waimea Bay can reach 20 feet or more in height. Surfers from all over the world gather at the location in the months of November through February, the big wave season, to take part in the thrill and excitement.
Waimea Bay is home to the Quicksilver competition, in honor of Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian Waterman. The Quiksilver contest only takes place during massive swells. Several other famous competitions take place at Waimea Bay or the beaches in the vicinity. One such competition is the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing also known as the Super Bowl of surfing which happens between the months of November and December.
Despite being renowned for the big waves and surfing competitions at its beach, Waimea Bay is also a beautiful place to enjoy the beach. During the summer months, the water is calm and give the perfect opportunity to swim in the crystal clear blue waters or undertake any other water activities such as canoeing, scuba-diving, wind surfing and more.
Exploring the surrounding is another experience. Not far is the town of Haleiwa with shops and restaurant. A botanical garden and cultural attraction can be found nearby in Waimea valley and is home to very beautiful Waimea Falls. Waimea Bay nevertheless, still attracts surfers from all over the world seeking excitement and adventure and to take part in the most famous competitions in surfing.
In other seasons, the beach provides the perfect conditions for body boarding or body surfing. Another activity that is often undertaken is cliff diving from the popular 'Waimea cliff".
Overlooking Waimea Bay Beach Park is the Saints Peter and Paul Church, a popular landmark on the North Shores of Oahu. It can easily be seen from the beach. Humpback whales and dolphins can also be spotted particularly at dawn from the beach. The beach also has a nice grassy area, which is great for playing football or just relaxing in the shade of trees when it is too hot.
Nearby Waimea Bay Beach Park is also other attractions such as the Botanical garden home to the beautiful Waimea Falls. The town of Haleiwa is also not very far when shop, restaurant provides the opportunity to have some wonderful time. You may also want to try the famous cool shave ice.
Type: Beach, Park, Scenic Lookout
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Lifeguards, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers
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- Beautiful view of the mountain and Chinaman's Hat
- Spectacular green wall
- Apua fishpond
Just at the edge of Kane'ohe Bay off of Kamehameha Highway, on the Windward side of the island is Kualoa Regional Park. This is a perfect location for having a relaxing time at the ... morebeach. It is never crowded, the water is calm and you have stunning views of the Kualoa Mountains and Chinaman's Hat. The location itself is considered as being sacred by the ancient Hawaiians since whale bones used to wash on shore in the location. The bones were used for making jewelry and valuable tools. In Hawaiian, Kualoa means "long ancestral background". Hawaiian chiefs used to bring their children to the park to teach them about their heritage and tradition. Today, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kualoa has a very narrow beach and a shallow ocean bottom near the shore with some rocky patches. There is a very little reef area. It does not ideal for swimming. You should also keep a look out for the Portuguese-Man-of-War (Jellyfish) and the stinging limu (seaweed). High surf and strong current are possible, so, you should always monitor the ocean conditions. On the south end of the park, there is a stone barrier which makes it a very nice area for a dip. Two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Moli'i and Apua, can also be found there. About 30 campsites are located in the park. A permit is required if you want to use the camping site.
The main attraction of the Kualoa Regional Park is the beautiful view of Mokoli'i Island (Chinaman's Hat), the nickname was given because the island looks a bit like a coolie hat when watched from offshore. Kualoa Regional Park also has a very large grassy area perfect for a picnic. All throughout the park are scattered ironwood and wiliwili groves and paved paths that go all the way to Apua fishpond and the Ancient Molii Pond.
Kualoa Regional Park is a great escape for recreation, big parking space, many parallel beaches, restrooms, showers, Kualoa ranch is just across the street if you want to buy a snack or go horseback riding. The area is always nice, and breezy being surrounded by mountains from all sides. It is also very popular with tourists.
Type: Beach, Park, Scenic Lookout
Features: Bathroom, Camping, Food for purchase, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers
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- Kamehameha day, the 11th of July
- King Kamehameha statue
King Kamehameha (1756-1819) is Hawaii greatest king and responsible for unifying the island under one rule and set the stage for the Hawaii monarchy rule. Born in the district of Kohala ... moreof the big island, He is recognized as the warrior king and four statues have been made as a tribute to his accomplishments. The one in downtown Honolulu has been just in front of the old judiciary building, another can be found in the statuary hall in Washington DC, the original statue is at Kapaau, his birthplace, and another one is found in Hilo.
The original statue was sculptured by Thomas R Gould, an American sculptor, in Rome, Italy, in 1879. It was then cast in bronze in Paris and shipped from Germany. On its way, the ship had a fire on board and sank near the Falkland Islands. Another statue was made from the original mold and shipped to Hawaii. In 1883, the statue was dedicated by King Kalakaua.
On the left hand, the statue holds a spear as a symbol of the kingdom capacity and willingness to defend itself from any type of aggression. The right hand is widely extended as a gesture of friendship and welcoming. The statue stands eight and a half feet tall, depicting Kamehameha royal garb. The helmet is made of rare feathers and it is clothed in a gilded cloak.
The 11th of June is known as Kamehameha day and recognized as a state holiday. On that day, the statue is adorned with beautiful flower leis, on the statue stretched arm are placed yellow and pink plumera and garlands of royal ilima are placed on the neck to signify strength and power. The statue of King Kamehameha is a tribute to a Hawaii greatest king who unified the island and ruled the kingdom for decades.
Type: Attraction, Landmark, Statue
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- 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
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- 21 portrait of Hawaiian dynasty
- Historical santuary
- Royal pews and fresh water pool.
Designated as a US National Historic Landmark in 1962, Kawaiahao Church was considered at certain points as the national church of the Hawaiian
Kingdom and the chapel of the royal ... morefamily. The name of the church, Ka wai a hoa means "the waters of Hao" since its location is that of a spring of fresh water pool which was in the care of a high chiefess Ha'o.
The church upper gallery is adorned with 21 portraits of Hawaiian royalty and King Lunalilo's grave is found in the courtyard of the church. The sanctuary of the church, known as Kauikeaouli dock, in memory of King Kamehameha III, is of great historical significance. Inside the sanctuary to the right and left at the entrance is the royal pews within which can be seen four symbols of royal ranks. Kings and queens of the Hawaiian dynasty sat in those pews.
The church ground is full of endemic plants of Hawaii. They include the ti, which are often planted around dwellings and thought to ward off evil, the koki'o ula'ula considered as a laxative and used for cordage and sennit,
and the Ohi' a Lehua which has hair like filaments.
The church was dedicated after a ceremony on the 21st of July 1842. Construction took five years to complete with funds that had been mostly
contributed by the community. The church is testimony of a long history. Hawaiian royalty prayed within its walls, they sang hymns, married, and christened their children. Many original missionaries are buried on the grounds surrounding the church and it was also the place where many went to pray during 9/11.
Type: Cultural, Historic, Landmark, Church
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- 20 feet High Arch Entrance
- Located on Beautiful Kaimana Beach
- 100 meter by 40 meter saltwater pool
The War Memorial Natatorium was constructed in
1927 in the honor of 102 Hawaiian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the
motherland in World War 1. The Memorial is located next ... moreto the Kiamina Beach
across Kapiolani Park in Oahu Island. The Memorial's main center of attraction
is a giant arch that features four stone eagles standing proudly at the top. The
arch is actually a massive 20 feet high entrance and the entire Natatorium has
been constructed in Hawaiian Beaux-Arts Architectural Style.
The
memorial also features a 100 meter by 40 meter saltwater swimming pool. The
memorial was inaugurated on August 27, 1927 and then Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku was the first person to swim in the pool. The
Memorial was taken over by US Army that used it for training purposes after the
attack on Pearl Harbor. However, Army returned the Memorial to Honolulu County
after refurbishing it in 1949.
Due to negligence on the part of authorities, the condition of the park has gradually
deteriorated but it is still in use. On August 11, 1980, the natatorium was included in National Register of Historic Places listings in Oahu.
Type: Attraction, Beach, Historic, Memorial, Landmark
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- A vast variety of books
- Nice and calm reading area
- The mural room with artwork of Hawaiian legend
The Hawaii State Library was constructed in 1913, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978. The library holds more than half a million books; the entire Hawaii ... moreState Public Library System together has more than three million books. The State Library is located in downtown Honolulu in close proximity to Iolani Palace.
The architect of the building was Henry D. Whitfield and the American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie helped fund the construction. The main building of the library is a four-story rectangular structure with a six-story tower in the rear. At the entrance of the building are 200 feet high Tuscan columns and an 18 foot arch. A bronze sculpture had been cast by Barbara Hepworth, it is known as "Parent I and Young Girl" and is located on the lawn in front of the building.
The Hawaii library system began in 1879 initially as reading rooms. During that period, only men were allowed to check out books because the main purpose of the library was to keep the seamen out of trouble. The library had then some 5000 volumes. In the 1930's the library was expanded by architect Charles William Dickey, who includes two wings creating an open-air courtyard in the center of the building. The second floor of the library is an official Federal Depository Library that houses federal documents. Also on the second floor is Hawaii's only patent and trademark depository library. In the center of the library, the courtyard lined with palm trees offers the perfect and peaceful setting where many visitors find perfect for relaxing or for reading a book. In the library mural room are artworks depicting ancient Hawaiian legends.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic, Landmark
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