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Oahu Sights
Location: North Shore
La'ie is a peaceful little seaside village located on the northeastern tip of the island. It's most widely known for it's large Mormon influence. In 1865 the Mormons bought 6000 acres of land and eventually built a temple similar to the one in Salt Lake City.
Laie Falls is a 15-foot falls on the La'ie Ridge Trail. It is the first major stop on the hike and where more hikers take a dip and then head back out.
La'ie is a peaceful little seaside village located on the northeastern tip of the island. It's most widely known for it's large Mormon influence. In 1865 the Mormons bought 6000 acres of land and eventually built a temple similar to the one in Salt Lake City.
Laie Falls is a 15-foot falls on the La'ie Ridge Trail. It is the first major stop on the hike and where more hikers take a dip and then head back out.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
The ancient Hawaiians used this bowl-shaped crater for very different purposes than it is used for today. They called it Puowaina which means hill of human sacrifices. It is believed that the kapu breakers where killed at a hidden heiau. Now the area is sacred for another reason. It is home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Over 33,000 soldiers lie in rest under the endless rows of stone markers. A large marble memorial is dedicated to more soldiers missing in action.
The view from Punchbowl is also inspiring. When you first enter Punchbowl bear to the left and continue up the hill until you reach a lookout which offers views of Diamondhead.
The ancient Hawaiians used this bowl-shaped crater for very different purposes than it is used for today. They called it Puowaina which means hill of human sacrifices. It is believed that the kapu breakers where killed at a hidden heiau. Now the area is sacred for another reason. It is home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Over 33,000 soldiers lie in rest under the endless rows of stone markers. A large marble memorial is dedicated to more soldiers missing in action.
The view from Punchbowl is also inspiring. When you first enter Punchbowl bear to the left and continue up the hill until you reach a lookout which offers views of Diamondhead.
Location: North Shore
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most stunning views of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountain Range. The wind will literally knock you off your feet at this spot though. So take off your hats and hold on to the kids.
Aside from its obvious beauty, this spot is the site of one of King Kamehameha's most gruesome victories. In 1795, Kamehameha the Great's troops drove Oahu's men up the hills only to force them off these cliffs and to their deaths. Following that battle, Kamehameha was able to finish his quest and unite the islands. It is rumored that over 100 years later nearly 500 human skulls were found at the base of the mountain.
Make sure to bring your camera and a jacket. The lookout is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily as weather permits. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking.
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most stunning views of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountain Range. The wind will literally knock you off your feet at this spot though. So take off your hats and hold on to the kids.
Aside from its obvious beauty, this spot is the site of one of King Kamehameha's most gruesome victories. In 1795, Kamehameha the Great's troops drove Oahu's men up the hills only to force them off these cliffs and to their deaths. Following that battle, Kamehameha was able to finish his quest and unite the islands. It is rumored that over 100 years later nearly 500 human skulls were found at the base of the mountain.
Make sure to bring your camera and a jacket. The lookout is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily as weather permits. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking.
Location: North Shore
Massive, bone-crunching waves and surfers on every corner - that's probably what one thinks of when they hear "North Shore." Fact is, those gigantic 30-foot waves are prevalent in the winter months but calm down in the summers to allow for glorious diving and snorkeling conditions.
The crowds certainly gather in the area's top beaches like Sunset, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay to soak in the rays and watch daring surfers. But the North Shore has plenty to offer every visitor. Take a trip to Haleiwa, a rural community which serves as the area's center. There you'll find plenty of surfing-themed restaurants and stores. There are also plenty of historical and cultural spots to enjoy.
Massive, bone-crunching waves and surfers on every corner - that's probably what one thinks of when they hear "North Shore." Fact is, those gigantic 30-foot waves are prevalent in the winter months but calm down in the summers to allow for glorious diving and snorkeling conditions.
The crowds certainly gather in the area's top beaches like Sunset, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay to soak in the rays and watch daring surfers. But the North Shore has plenty to offer every visitor. Take a trip to Haleiwa, a rural community which serves as the area's center. There you'll find plenty of surfing-themed restaurants and stores. There are also plenty of historical and cultural spots to enjoy.
Location: Central Oahu
Pearl Harbor is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan on December 7, 1941. Today it is still an active Naval Harbor as well as the final resting place of the USS Arizona. The USS Arizona is a memorial to the 1,177 young sailors who died during the Japanese sneak attack on December 7, 1941. Once known for its wealth of pearl oysters, hence the name Pearl Harbor, the area is now a solemn reminder of the tragic day. The visitors center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving. A 23-minute video is shown before you take a short boat ride out to the memorial. The entire experience is about 75 minutes. You can only get the free tickets at the visitors center. However you can pick them up and return at your tour time. No purses or bags of any sort are allowed on the boat - so leave them behind.
Visitors can also tour the USS Missouri Battleship and the Bowfin Submarine.
For complete information visitArizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan on December 7, 1941. Today it is still an active Naval Harbor as well as the final resting place of the USS Arizona. The USS Arizona is a memorial to the 1,177 young sailors who died during the Japanese sneak attack on December 7, 1941. Once known for its wealth of pearl oysters, hence the name Pearl Harbor, the area is now a solemn reminder of the tragic day. The visitors center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving. A 23-minute video is shown before you take a short boat ride out to the memorial. The entire experience is about 75 minutes. You can only get the free tickets at the visitors center. However you can pick them up and return at your tour time. No purses or bags of any sort are allowed on the boat - so leave them behind.
Visitors can also tour the USS Missouri Battleship and the Bowfin Submarine.
For complete information visitArizona Memorial
Location: North Shore
This area used to be an adventure park where you could see cliff-diving shows, ride ATVs and trams and go kayaking. It was shut down and turned over to the Audubon Society in 2003 which turned it into a botanical garden.
You can still take a dip at the 40-foot Waimea Falls though - when it's flowing. It's a 3.5-mile hike to the falls where changing rooms and a lifeguard await. Make sure to bring plenty of bug spray. The mosquitoes are deadly.
This area used to be an adventure park where you could see cliff-diving shows, ride ATVs and trams and go kayaking. It was shut down and turned over to the Audubon Society in 2003 which turned it into a botanical garden.
You can still take a dip at the 40-foot Waimea Falls though - when it's flowing. It's a 3.5-mile hike to the falls where changing rooms and a lifeguard await. Make sure to bring plenty of bug spray. The mosquitoes are deadly.
Location: North Shore
This rock formation located on the mountain ridge above Kahana Bay was thought to be a large headed dog by the Hawaiians. They had never seen a lion. The Westerners added the name later. Legend says that the "crouching lion" was Kupua, a relative of Pele, who wished to follow Hi'iaka (Pele's sister) but was turned to stone.
On the left is the Crouching Lion restaurant. From the street edge of the parking lot, look above and to the left of the restaurant at the rock formations to find the "Crouching Lion."
This rock formation located on the mountain ridge above Kahana Bay was thought to be a large headed dog by the Hawaiians. They had never seen a lion. The Westerners added the name later. Legend says that the "crouching lion" was Kupua, a relative of Pele, who wished to follow Hi'iaka (Pele's sister) but was turned to stone.
On the left is the Crouching Lion restaurant. From the street edge of the parking lot, look above and to the left of the restaurant at the rock formations to find the "Crouching Lion."
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
The Diamond Head Lighthouse, originally built in 1899, spreads light nearly 18 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. The house's Fresnel lens burns at 60,000 candle power. Perched on the side of the extinct volcano Diamond Head, the lighthouse lays down a red sector to warn vessels to stay away from the reefs at Waikiki.
The Diamond Head Lighthouse, originally built in 1899, spreads light nearly 18 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. The house's Fresnel lens burns at 60,000 candle power. Perched on the side of the extinct volcano Diamond Head, the lighthouse lays down a red sector to warn vessels to stay away from the reefs at Waikiki.
Location: Windward East
This little cone-shaped lump of lava off Kualoa Point is officially called Mokoli'i but has earned the nickname Chinaman's Hat from its resemblance to the straw hats that the Chinese immigrants wore. In the past, this little chunk of land was part of a Oahu, but through years of erosion it has separated. You can still reach it though. It is possible to walk there from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide. You can also surf or kayak there.
The island supports an interesting array of sea life and a small beach in a secluded cove. You can also attempt to climb the cinder cone, but it is steep and arduous, so proceed with caution. From Mokoli'i you can get stunning views of the Koolau Mountains, Mokapun peninsula, Kahaluu, Kaneohe, and Kailua.
This little cone-shaped lump of lava off Kualoa Point is officially called Mokoli'i but has earned the nickname Chinaman's Hat from its resemblance to the straw hats that the Chinese immigrants wore. In the past, this little chunk of land was part of a Oahu, but through years of erosion it has separated. You can still reach it though. It is possible to walk there from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide. You can also surf or kayak there.
The island supports an interesting array of sea life and a small beach in a secluded cove. You can also attempt to climb the cinder cone, but it is steep and arduous, so proceed with caution. From Mokoli'i you can get stunning views of the Koolau Mountains, Mokapun peninsula, Kahaluu, Kaneohe, and Kailua.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
Built in 1878 in Glasgow Scotland, The Falls of Clyde is the only surviving fully-rigged, four masted sailing ship left in the world. This historic ship sailed routes all over the Pacific including from Hilo to Seattle. In 1899 she became the first four masted ship to fly the Hawaiian flag. In 1973 this majestic vessel was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. As many as 50,000 people a year would walk the decks.
Built in 1878 in Glasgow Scotland, The Falls of Clyde is the only surviving fully-rigged, four masted sailing ship left in the world. This historic ship sailed routes all over the Pacific including from Hilo to Seattle. In 1899 she became the first four masted ship to fly the Hawaiian flag. In 1973 this majestic vessel was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. As many as 50,000 people a year would walk the decks.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
This majestic statue of one of Hawaii's most beloved and revered rulers is one of three which were cast in Paris from a model made by American artist T. R. Gould. Kamehameha the Great was the first to unify all the islands and welcome westerners to his lands.
The statue, located in front of Ali'Iolani Hale, was dedicated in 1893 as part of King Kalakaua's coronation ceremony. The other two statues are located in Kohala on the Big Island and in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. Every year on his birthday, June 11, handmade leis are draped all over the statues to honor the king.
This majestic statue of one of Hawaii's most beloved and revered rulers is one of three which were cast in Paris from a model made by American artist T. R. Gould. Kamehameha the Great was the first to unify all the islands and welcome westerners to his lands.
The statue, located in front of Ali'Iolani Hale, was dedicated in 1893 as part of King Kalakaua's coronation ceremony. The other two statues are located in Kohala on the Big Island and in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. Every year on his birthday, June 11, handmade leis are draped all over the statues to honor the king.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
Kapiolani Park, named after the queen of the same name, is a triangular stretch of grassy land presided over by Diamond Head crater. This park is chock full of amusements from the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo to the Waikiki Shell, home to many outdoor concerts and shows. There are also tennis courts, soccer fields, an archery range, and even a 3-mile jogger's course, which encompasses part of the Honolulu Marathon Course.
Local families and tourists alike enjoy the shady picnic sites and open grassy areas. The Royal Hawaiian Band provides free concerts every Sunday afternoon in the Kapiolani Bandstand.
Kapiolani Park, named after the queen of the same name, is a triangular stretch of grassy land presided over by Diamond Head crater. This park is chock full of amusements from the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo to the Waikiki Shell, home to many outdoor concerts and shows. There are also tennis courts, soccer fields, an archery range, and even a 3-mile jogger's course, which encompasses part of the Honolulu Marathon Course.
Local families and tourists alike enjoy the shady picnic sites and open grassy areas. The Royal Hawaiian Band provides free concerts every Sunday afternoon in the Kapiolani Bandstand.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku lived from 1890-1968. He was born and raised in Waikiki and was a full-blooded Hawaiian, representing the culture to millions of people. He was an Olympic champion winning three gold, two silver, and one bronze metal in four Olympics between 1912 and 1922. He is known as the Father of International Surfing having introduced the sport to the Eastern seaboard. He is recognized as the "Hawaiian Ambassador of Aloha". During his lifetime, the Duke was a movie actor, political figure, and true hero. His statue is located on Waikiki Beach where many honor him by placing leis on his statue.
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku lived from 1890-1968. He was born and raised in Waikiki and was a full-blooded Hawaiian, representing the culture to millions of people. He was an Olympic champion winning three gold, two silver, and one bronze metal in four Olympics between 1912 and 1922. He is known as the Father of International Surfing having introduced the sport to the Eastern seaboard. He is recognized as the "Hawaiian Ambassador of Aloha". During his lifetime, the Duke was a movie actor, political figure, and true hero. His statue is located on Waikiki Beach where many honor him by placing leis on his statue.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
Honolulu Harbor, located on Mamala Bay, is Hawaii's major port facility, handling over 11 million tons of cargo annually. The harbor serves as Hawaii's primary distribution center to Oahu and the rest of the state. Hawaii imports 80 percent of its required goods with 98 percent shipped via water.
Honolulu Harbor's immediate proximity to downtown Honolulu means that ships, cargo, crew and passengers have available to them the most up-to-date services found anywhere in the world.
Honolulu Harbor, located on Mamala Bay, is Hawaii's major port facility, handling over 11 million tons of cargo annually. The harbor serves as Hawaii's primary distribution center to Oahu and the rest of the state. Hawaii imports 80 percent of its required goods with 98 percent shipped via water.
Honolulu Harbor's immediate proximity to downtown Honolulu means that ships, cargo, crew and passengers have available to them the most up-to-date services found anywhere in the world.
Location: Waikiki and Honolulu
This 7.5 acre garden was once owned in part by the Hawaiian monarch Queen Liliuokalani. is Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden. Portions of this 7 ½ acre garden once belonged to Queen Lili'uokalani, last reigning monarch of Hawai'i. She bequeathed her land to Honolulu to be used for public enjoyment.
This garden is devoted to native Hawaiian plants but is by no means spectacular. However, it does have access to the lovely Nuuanu Stream and Waikahalulu Waterfall which run through the grounds.
This 7.5 acre garden was once owned in part by the Hawaiian monarch Queen Liliuokalani. is Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden. Portions of this 7 ½ acre garden once belonged to Queen Lili'uokalani, last reigning monarch of Hawai'i. She bequeathed her land to Honolulu to be used for public enjoyment.
This garden is devoted to native Hawaiian plants but is by no means spectacular. However, it does have access to the lovely Nuuanu Stream and Waikahalulu Waterfall which run through the grounds.
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