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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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- 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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- 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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- Very good for kayaking
- Very nice area for relaxing at the beach
- Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay, located on the north shore of Oahu between Kuilima Point and Protection Point covers an area of about 5 miles of beach and 12 miles of hiking trails. The area is one of ... morethe last underdeveloped of Oahu. The area is recognized for very nice rock formations. The turtle Bay beach is sandy, but the ocean bottom is rocky and has sharp limestone all along its length which makes for poor swimming conditions.
Surfing, diving, kayaking, and fishing are the activities most undertaken at Turtle Bay. The area just behind the reef in the near shore waters is the best location for surfing. In the winter months, November to February, the waves are very big, and there is a strong current.
The small island of Papa'amoi can be found on the west side of Turtle Bay. Just near the bay is the Turtle Bay resort. Guests at the resort prefer to go swimming to the neighboring Bayview Beach because there, the ocean bottom is sandy, and the area is protected from high surf. There are also two championship golf courses at the resort
Not many people use the beach at Turtle Bay so it is a quiet place often perfect it you are seeking for a location to relax or have a picnic. There is plenty of shade. Ironwood trees line the back shore of the beach. Turtle Bay has also been a favorite location in the neighborhood for weddings. It is a very romantic place and provide some beautiful sunrise and sunset.
There are no facilities or lifeguards at the beach.
Features: Parking, Picnic tables
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Kukaniloko Birthing Stones is
located near the Wahiawa and covers an area of 0.5 acres. It is
one of the most sacred and significant sites and features more than 180 sacred
stones. ... moreThis is the place where the Hawaiian chiefs known as Alii came
to give birth to their children and future heirs. any children born on this
location was certain to get a high rank in the society in some shape or other.
The history of the sacred stones dates backs to 1100 AD when high
chief Kapawa was born at this royal birth site. Furthermore, it was also
believed that the women who would give birth to their children here will not
suffer from any labor paing.
While visiting this site, it is recommended that you do not touch or misplace anything. It is a sacred location and local people still treat it with utmost respect.
Type: Historic, Scenic Lookout
Features: Drinking water, Parking
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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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- 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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- Great for swimming
- Nice learning environment
- Beautiful marine life
Ko Olina Lagoons are located within the Ko'Olina Resort Area. Four man-made lagoons protected from high surf and the ocean by rock barriers. These lagoons known as Kolola, Hanu, Nai'a ... moreand Ulua have beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by grass and shaded picnic area. The Ko'Olina Lagoons are on the southwestern shore of Oahu. Being protected from high surf, the lagoons are safe for swimming all year round. The four lagoons are connected to each other by a paved walkway which also provide a nice environment for taking a stroll along the shoreline.
The lagoons are a great location for beginners to learn how to surf, body boarding or snorkeling. The water is almost considered to be too calm by some more experienced to practice such sport. Snorkeling the lagoon also is not very interesting since there are exciting reef or coral to explore and the visibility is often not so great since the snorkeling area can get a bit crowded. If snorkeling almost, you can see many different types of fish. There are even some stories of people swimming with turtles in the lagoons. The lagoons have a sandy bottom so entering the water is very easy. While in the lagoons care should be taken near the rock barriers, and you should avoid climbing on them. The rocks are slippery which could be dangerous. Similarly, the current is often strong between the barriers which poses a danger of being dragged into the open ocean.
Near the four man-made lagoons are properties that are gradually being developed, there are beautiful palm trees everywhere and the whole landscape is very picturesque. Ko'Olina Lagoons have all the facilities of a modern beach including lifeguards, parking is almost limited. It is a beautiful place for gathering with the family and enjoying the beach.
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Food for purchase, Lifeguards, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers, Wheelchair access
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- Watching the pipeline
- Riding the pipeline
- Braving the wave
The Banzai Pipeline is well known among surfers and found at Ehukai Beach. It literally is a surfing break that takes the shape of a tube. The reef break occurs when ocean waves start ... moreto break as they reach the
shallows of a reef. They form caverns on the inside, hence creating giant air bubbles that pop in front of the wave as it lurches upward just before breaking.
Four types of waves are associated with the Banzai Pipeline. The most commonly surfed, the left (meaning that the wave breaks from the left from the perspective of persons watching on shore), the peak occurs when the reef is hit by a north swell (the highest tipping point of the wave when it begins to curl). The peak becomes an A-framed wave as the pipe starts to close out a bit and peeling to the left. The Backdoor pipeline is also quite famous and occurs as the pipe is peeling away to the right simultaneously.
The
Banzai Pipeline or simply "Pipeline" or "Pipe" is considered the world's deadliest wave. Many surfers have lost their life trying to ride the wave. The take off zone (the location where the surfer needs to be to catch the wave) is quite small. Many surfers congregate there as it is breaking large. Three reefs activate in progressively deeper waters at Pipeline depending on the increasing size of the approaching ocean swell.
The
name Banzai Pipeline derives from the name of the beach (Banzai Beach) and the surf break (Pipeline) which has been combined. The name Pipeline
was first used in December 1961 as movie producer Bruce Brown filmed at
the location. Mike Diffenderfer, a surfer in the movie production, made
the suggestion to name the break 'Pipeline'. The name was used in Brown's movie "Surfing Hollow Days".
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