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- 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
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- 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
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- 42- acres of Cultural Fun
- Twirl Poi Balls and Play Tititorea
- Sample Tahitian Coconut Bread
During the day, visitors to the Polynesian
Cultural Center can experience life from seven Polynesian cultures as interpreted
by natives from those cultures in centers set up as if ... morethe visitors were
visiting those islands. Over the course of a few short hours, you will feel
like you have been to all the islands.
For example, at the Island of Samoa, visitors
can see living quarters, cooking huts and a chief’s home all built without
nails, learn to crack a coconut using only a small rock, and watch barefooted-young
maidens climb coconut trees.
Alternatively, at the Island of Tonga,
experience spear throwing, learn to play the large native drums, and challenge your friends to native games like lafo.
On the other hand, visitors to the Fiji
Island can view the interior of a six-story high Fijiian temple, but be careful
entering the wrong door can end with death. See the weapons that these
islanders use to fight their battles, and experience the opportunity to fight
with them.
There are seven villages just waiting to be
explored, but that is not all. As you start to get hungry for dinner, you can
experience a Hawaiian luau, a prime rib buffet or the contemporary island
all-you-can-eat buffet.
After dinner, make sure to stay for the
evening show. This Broadway style show is part Polynesian dance, part native music
and all accented with blazing fire knives.
Type: Attraction, Cultural
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Food for purchase, Parking
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- USS Arizona memorial
- Shrine room with the names of victims engraved on the walls
- Sunken USS Arizona battleship
Japanese forces on the 7th of December 1941 made a sneak attack which crippled much of the United State Navy and abruptly brought the United State fully engaged into the Second World ... moreWar. The Pearl Harbor attack was undertaken when in need of oil and other raw materials, the Japanese engaged in a war against China in mid-1937 and other oil and mineral rich countries of the East Indies, and South East Asia has as allies Germany and Italy.
With peace negotiations ending in November 1941, the United State secret agency expected the Japanese to attack into the Indies, Malaya, and the Philippines but did not anticipate an attack east as well. Japanese aircraft carriers reached the US fleet at Pearl Harbor, launching an aerial strike that resulted in sinking 5 out of 8 US battleships, and the others badly damaged or sinking, the majority of the Hawaii-based combat planes were damaged and more than 2400 Americans lost their lives.
The USS Arizona memorial is part of World War II valor in the Pacific National Monument that commemorates the events of that day. 1,102 sailors and marines of the 1,177 crewmen of the USS Arizona were killed during the Pearl Harbor attack.
In 1949, the Pacific War Memorial Commission was created and charged to build a memorial which was erected on the site of the submerged hull. The memorial stands to represent the American pride before the war, the depression after the attack and the rise to new heights after the war.
Along side and perpendicularly docked to the USS Arizona is the USS Missouri. It was moved to Pearl Harbor from the west coast of the United State. On the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the Japanese surrendered to General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz of the United State army effectively ending World War II.
Each year, millions of visitors embark on the Pearl Harbor tour, which provide a whole day tour of four historic locations that includes, the USS Arizona memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and park admission, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Type: Cultural, Historic, Memorial, Museum
Features: Bathroom, Food for purchase, Lockers / storage, Parking
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- 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
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- 80 Feet High Waterfall
- Surrounded by Dense Forest and High Cliffs
- Accessible Only through Helicopter
Sacred Falls is nestled in dense forest and
surrounded by lush green vegetation and hill rocks. It gets its name from a
massive 1,370-acre state park in which it is situated. It is ... morea beautiful
and enchanting 80 high (24m) high waterfall that drops into a water pool below.
Due to its unparalleled beauty, it was once the most popular waterfall in the
entire Island of Oahu before an unforgettable tragedy struck in 1999.
On Mother's
Day of 1999, a lot of people had gathered in the narrow Sacred Valley to celebrate the occasion
when all of sudden, boulders and collapsed from surrounding cliffs collapsed
into the valley. Due to the narrow track, people were unable to escape and as a
result, 8 of them died at the spot and almost 50 were seriously injured. The Hawaiian government closed the park to the general
public after that instances and there is no chance that it will open in near
future. Therefore, the helicopter tour is the only way to site this beautiful
fall.
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- 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
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- Great for surfing very powerful waves
- Beautiful coral reef, nice for snorkeling
- Swimming
Sunset beach on the north shore of Oahu offers a combination of nice surfing conditions, beautiful sun and soft nice sand at the beach. The sand is golden, and there are palm trees ... morethat line up the beach providing shade. In the summer the water is calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A tide pool also can be seen where people often collect shells and observe marine life. The best place to snorkel is in the offshore tide pool around the protected area of the beach.
The winter period is most active. Many surfers converge to Sunset beach which is a world famous beach. Waves can reach 30 feet high, there are very powerful currents. The currents known as Sunset Rip runs on every big swell. Many well known international surfing competitions take place at the beach. Sunset Beach is not the place for beginners. The powerful current sucks back the water with great force that it could potentially hurl inexperienced surfers deep into the ocean.
Sunset Beach is about 2 miles long not very far to two other popular surfing beaches, Ehukai Beach and the Banzai pipeline. The powerful current is such that you may enter the water in a certain area, and just a few minutes later find yourself further down the beach. There are different amenities including lifeguards. Sunset beach is also a very nice place for watching the sunset, which is also the reason the beach was given the name Sunset Beach.
Features: Bathroom, Lifeguards, Parking, Showers
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- Very beautiful scenery
- Nice clear and warm water perfect for paddle boarding
- Turtles and hammerhead sharks
Kane'ohe Bay is a sheltered body of water in the mainland Hawaiian island. It is located on the windward, northwest coast of Oahu. About 8 miles (12.8km), it's a reef-dominated embayment ... morethat provides a spectacular view and lots of recreational features. Visitors come to the sandbar island by boat. It is often not crowded. At the backdrop, the Ko'olau Mountains and Chinaman's hat offers picture perfect opportunity. The water is warm and very clear, there are also no waves. The area is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or just enjoy the sand and coral beach. Several beaches surround the area, you can find a nice cozy spot where you have all the privacy you want and enjoy the serenity. Many local residents with boats find the location also as the perfect place for having a barbecue.
Kane'ohe Bay consist of five islets, the sandbar (Ahu o Laka), Kekepa (Turtleback rock), Kapapa, are islets on the reef barrier. Two prominent islands are found within Kane'ohe Bay, Mokoli'i (Chinaman's hat) and Moku o Lo'e (coconut island). Dozen of popular and TV series had been made in the Bay, Pearl Harbor and Gilligan's island and 50 first date are among the most. The location was also chosen by the Hawaiian Chief to build their sacred fishponds. The sandbar in Kane'ohe Bay appears during low tide and during high tides it is completely submerged under water.
Kane'ohe Bay is also a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. Thousands are born on the island every year, marine scientists from all over the world come to the bay to study the sharks who spend their first few months in the shallow waters before swimming out to deeper waters. The sharks can grow to a length of 13 feet. Turtles can also be seen swimming near the bay.
Kane'ohe Bay does is not ideal for swimming, the bay is mostly visited for the extraordinary view and for relaxing. The bay is protected from the strong trade winds induced waves by a large barrier reef. The result is that the conditions make it perfect for the growth of patch reefs and fringe reefs throughout the bay. There are no facilities in the islets, but the beaches on the main islands, Mokoli'i and Coconut island, there can be found a few facilities such as showers, picnic tables.
Features: Picnic tables, Showers
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- Ancient Hawaiian Traditions
- An Educational Trip
- The Birthing Site of Kauaiian Kings
All the Kauaiian kings were born in Pohaku Ho’ohanau,
otherwise known as the Royal Birthstones. This site is very sacred to the
Hawaiian people, and it was made important by having ... moreall of the kings necessary
to be born right there. They had a stone for the woman in question to leave
again, and then another for her to put her legs on while giving birth to the
Kauaiian king. Located in Wailua River State Park, this historic place actually
once housed a grass shack where the pregnant woman would stay until the day of
birth.
You’ll find stairs leading to a cemetery nearby that dates
back to the 1890’s, but the Pohaku Ho’ohanau is located next to the Holoholoku
Heiau. A flat stone as found in front of this historic site where it’d cover a
dog that had been sacrificed to show the site was forbidden to all commoners.
A ritual after the birthing even took place for all new
Kauaiian born kings. When people give birth, an umbilical cord has to be cut,
and here that is no different, except that it was placed in a crack in the rock
wall. The Ancient Hawaiians would use this to determine if the child would later
become a thief. If a rat took it, then yes. If not, then no. Experience
Hawaiian history by visiting Pohaku Ho’ohanau on your trip.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Geological Feature, Historic
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