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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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- Strong trade wind that can sweep you of your feet
- Very beautiful panoramic scenery
- Fantastic picnic area
Located about a 5 mile drive from downtown Honolulu, Nu'uanu Pali lookout offers one of the best scenic views of O'ahu. At a height of a 985 foot cliff of the Koolau Mountain Range, ... moreKing Kamehameha defeated the O'ahu army in 1795 on that location. It includes breathtaking views of Kanoehe Bay, Chinaman's Hat, and Hawaii Pacific. The location has also made history in the Hawaiian Kingdom struggle, and offers visitors a thrilling experience with strong trade winds that can sweep you off your feet and great panoramic scenery.
Since ancient times to present day, Nu'uanu Pali has been vital as the traversal section that connects the leeward side, and Honolulu to the windward side. Settlers made villages and populated the Nu'uanu valley for thousands of years. Of importance is also the Nu'uanu reservoir. It consists of small bodies of water that have various species of catfish. The river bed offers great opportunity for picnicking.
Stories told include superstitious tales that two black stones near the Nu'uanu Valey represent a pair of goddesses who are guardians of the passage down Pali. Visitors often left flowers to ensure a safe passage, and parents buried their new born umbilical cord for protection against evil.
The landscape is made up of big trees and dense forest. The terrace thousands of feet above the Oahu coastline, at occasions covered with clouds, overlooks areas of Kanoehe and Kailua. The University of Hawaii marine biology research center and Coconut Island are also visible. Continuing through the Pali tunnel, you can reach Windward Oahu and either to the beach town of Kailua or toward Kaneohe.
Type: Scenic Lookout, Scenic Road
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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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- Predominantly mormon community.
- Polynesian Cultural center, the most paid visitor attraction in Hawaii, is located here.
- The La'ie Hawaii temple, found in La'ie, is the 5th oldest mormon temple in the world.
Just between Hau’ula and Kahuku lies a small town on the northeastern shore of Oahu, by the name of La’ie. It is mainly a residential community and has a population of 6,138 as per ... morethe 2010 census over an area of 2.1 sq. miles, resulting in a population density of 2,900 people per mile. The zip code used for this town is 96762.
La’ie was a pu’uhonua, a sanctuary for fugitives long ago. The name La’ie actually means the leaf (La) of a certain type of plant called a screwpine (Freycinetia arborea). This plant was considered to be sacred to Kane, the god of the Earth, god of life and god of forests.
The community is predominantly mormon, and the cultural attractions of the town include the Mormon temple located here, the La’ie Hawaii temple, which is the 5th oldest mormon temple in all the world. The Polynesian Cultural center, a large open museum and park which features the cultures of seven Polynesian island nations. It is the most paid visitor attraction in all of Hawaii and also the state’s largest living museum. Also located here is the Hawaii campus of Brigham Young University. A small shopping square can also be found.
One thing you should definitely check out, however, is La’ie point (or Laniloa point), which is a lithified dune protruding out into the ocean. To get there, take the Kamehameha Highway onto Anemoku Street toward the ocean. Take a right, and follow Napaka street till the very end. Accompanying this dune, will be two other lithified dunes, namely Kukuihoolua and Mokualai, which lie just offshore. Close by, you can find Pounders beach (La’ie Beach Park) and Hukilau beach.
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- A Fun and Refreshing Waterfall Swim
- A Short and Easy Yet Sensational Hike
- Beautiful Botanical Garden
As the highlight of Waimea Valley, the 45-foot tall Waimea Falls offers the amazing experience of swimming at a Hawaiian waterfall. Mountain waters rumble down a rocky cliff into a ... morecool pond where you can escape the hot Hawaiian sun. A short hike through lush Hawaiian rainforest will have you seeing native plants and flowers, native sites, and much more! Snap amazing photos of plants you can only find in Hawaii, and learn about the wealth of cultural history that can be found on the way to the breathtaking Waimea Falls.
2 million years of wind and rain helped carve out Waimea Valley where the majestic Waimea Falls sits. Ancient Hawaiians grew crops in the fertile soils of the valley, and ancient temples, or Heiaus, were first introduced in this area around the 12th century. The area of Waimea on Oahu was once a very spiritual place to ancient Hawaiians, and is one of the few places where you can experience Hawaii’s rich cultural past! Ancient Hawaiians used Waimea Falls for ancient games of skill by climbing the slippery rocks of the falls and for breath-holding contests!
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Food for purchase, Lifeguards, Parking
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- 45 feet high Waimea Falls
- Botanical garden with more than 5000 plant species
- 78 Archeological sites for history lovers
The Waimea Valley is indeed the most beautiful
place on the island of Oahu and it makes you understand the meaning of your
earthly existence. It is a massive natural park that spreads ... moreover an area of 1800 acres. The visit to
this place enables you to appreciate the nature and learn more about Hawaiian history
and culture. The park is also a natural sanctuary for rare plants and birds
exclusive to Hawaii.
The
park also contains 78 archeological sites that unveil the living style and
culture of ancient people of Hawaii. These sites include fishing area, shrines,
houses, religious sites and agricultural farms etc. Storyboard displays present
at some of the excavated sites explain the history and significance of that particular
site. Tourists can indulge in many activities that continue with the cultural
theme such as local Hawaiian games, Hula lessons, history walks, kapa
demonstrations, lei making, listening to music, making stories with kupa and
arts and crafts.
The
park also offers a spectacularly beautiful botanical garden with rare
collection for lovers of natural beauty. There are more than 5000 species of tropical
and subtropical plants including endangered native plants as well.
However,
the 45 feet
Waimea falls is the most popular attraction of the park. The water falling form
such an height creates an absorbing and mystic atmosphere enough to captivate
the watchers. You can also enjoy swimming in cool and crystal clear waters of
the pool.
Type: Attraction, Botanical Garden, Geological Feature, Hike, Mountain, Park, Scenic Lookout, Waterfall
Features: Drinking water, Showers
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- 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
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