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- 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
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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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- The Amida Buddah
- The meditation pavillon
- The various wild life
Located on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, The Byodo-In Temple at the foot of the Ko'olau mountains had been established on the 7th of June 1968 to
commemorate the 100th anniversary of ... morethe first Japanese immigrants arrival to the island. The temple is a smaller replica of the 900 years old Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan, which has been designated as a United Nations world heritage site.
The temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple where people of any faith can go for worship, meditation, or to admire its beauty. The temple has a three meter lotus Buddah inside which is covered in gold and lacquer. The Amida Buddah is thought to be the largest figure carved outside Japan. The hall and the entire artistry reflects the essence of the culture of the Fujiwara aristocracy. On the outside, a large brass peace bell can be seen and the temple is surrounded by Koi ponds covering an area of 8000 square meters.
A
plush landscape gives a sense of serenity and tranquility. wildlife in the surrounding includes peacock, black swans, turtles, and other animals. The Byodo-In Temple has gained increased popularity as many sequences of famous TV series had been filmed there including: Hawaii Five-O, House of the Rising Sun, ABC series Lost and many others. Various events can be organized at the temple such as weddings, concerts, funerals, classes and so on. The Byodo-In temple is a landmark of Hawaii reflects all of Hawaiian heritage.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic, Temple, Landmark
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