|
Hawaii's most visited island, Oahu has much to offer besides the clamor of
humanity in Honolulu, Waikiki. Oahu offers an outstanding array of natural beauty spots and places of cultural interest.
Book your vacation activities through www.hawaiiactivites.com. Hawaii Activities showcases the finest tours, activities and attractions on Oahu.
Hanauma Bay
An excellent spot for snorkeling. There are over 400 species of fish, some of which exist only here.
Address:
7744 Kalaniana'ole Highway (Hwy 72)
Web site: www.gorp.com/gorp/location/hi/
Phone: (808) 396-4229
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: There is a
US$3.00 entrance fee if you are a non-resident; free entrance - if you can show valid local identification. There is a US$1.00
per car parking fee.
Amenities: Lifeguards, concession stand, picnic areas, phones, showers and restrooms.
Dole Plantation
The Plantations main attraction is a gift store selling pineapple related foods and gift products. Behind
the store is a garden filled with different pineapple varieties. Although the garden is quite small, it gives you a chance
to actually see pineapples growing and to see the various kinds of pineapples grown in different parts of the world. Dole
has also developed the "worlds largest pineapple garden maze" which is adjacent to the garden.
Address: 64-1550
Kamehameha Highway (Route 99)
Web site: www.doleplantation.com
Phone: (808) 621-8408
Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Admission: free
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is 42-acre theme park showcasing the centuries-old cultures of Samoa, Tonga,
Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands. Native-born people of each of these places have re-created authentic villages
spotlighting their traditional lifestyles, customs, folklore, music and dance. At dinner time, you'll enjoy a lavish all-you-can-eat
buffet featuring traditional dishes from each Polynesian village. Following dinner, you'll be dazzled by a cast of 174 performers
who present a 90-minute extravaganza.
Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie, HI 96762
Web site: www.polynesia.com
Phone: (800) 367-7060
Hours: Open daily, except Sunday from 12:30 PM to 9 PM.
Admission:There
are several packages available. See their web site (www.polynesia.com) for a detailed list.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
The Arizona memorial is a tribute to American fighting men killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl
Harbor, December 7, 1941. The memorial sits above the sunken battleship. On busy days tickets may all be allocated by 1pm,
and there is often a wait of up to 2 hours for the boat to the offshore memorial. It is best to get your ticket first and
then browse in the museum, which features details of the attack and histories of the ships, planes, and personnel involved.
Near the ticket desk is a panel describing the volunteers for the day . They are usually Pearl Harbor survivors and are available
to answer questions and share their stories.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Drive
Web site: www.nps.gov/usar/ExtendWeb1.html
Hours: Open Daily 7:30 - 5:00
Phone: (808) 422-0561
Admission: free
Waikiki Beach
The world's most famous beach. It runs from Kuhio Beach near the Honolulu Zoo to the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
This beach is open to the public.
Bishop Museum and Planetarium
Bishop museum boasts a spectacular collection of Hawaii's past and the history
of Polynesian warriors and their ancient civilization. In addition, The Planetarium takes an unusual look at how the stars
have influenced our planet, Hawaii and navigation.
Address:1525 Bernice Street
Web site: www.bishop.hawaii.org
Hours: Open Daily 9 - 5
Phone: (808) 847-3511
Admission: Adult $14.95, child 4-12 $11.95, child
under 3 free
Diamond Head State Park Hiking Trail
Diamond Head, the world-renowned landmark, bounds Waikiki Beach on the south. It is actually an extinct
volcano. The trail will lead you to the highest point of the Leahi summit where you will get a superb panoramic view of Honolulu.
The family hiking trail is 0.7 mile long (one-way) and climbs 560 feet in elevation from the crater floor. The Leahi summit
is 760 feet above sea level. Hiking time is approx. 1 ˝ hours round trip. Bring water and start early.
Web site:
www.diamondhead.com
Hours: Open 6:00 - 6:00
Waimea Falls Park
Located in the North Shore across the highway from Waimea Bay Beach Park. Waimea Falls is a lush 1,800
acre historical nature park with archaeological ruins, a bird sanctuary, Hawaiian games site, hiking and picnicking. An open
air minibus winds along trails with knowledgeable guides pointing out magnificent gardens, historical sites and wildlife.
There are Hawaiian cliff diving shows and ancient hula dancing throughout the day. Walking tours are also available.
Hours:
Daily 10 - 5:30
Phone: (808) 638-8511
Haleiwa Town
Haleiwa was originally a whaling town, now it's a rustic, rural, bohemian art and surfing mecca. You'll
also experience the "country in Hawaii" as you drive from Haleiwa to Kahuku on the North Shore. Quaint shops, small town atmosphere
and annual festivals make this an interesting artsy getaway. Try the Matsumoto shave ice or oceanfront dining at Haleiwa Joe's.
The North Shore is known for its beautiful beaches. Famous surf-spot "Pipeline" and Sunset Beach are just a short drive away.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
A 50-acre shopping center of unparalleled beauty. Shop in 200 air-conditioned shops and stroll the pleasant
open-air malls. The Center stage presents special shows and visitor attractions, periodically. Ala Moana also features a huge
selection of restaurants and snack bars for your dining convenience and offers every imaginable store. Ala Moana attracts
international shoppers for their high-end stores and their location in the Pacific.
Web site: www.alamoana.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30.- 9; Sun 10.- 5
Phone: (808) 946-2811
Related Travel Links:
|
