Visiting Honolulu offers a chance to explore local culture and see some of the best places in the city. The city offers many interesting attractions, as well as a nice climate all year round.
The Iolani Palace is the former residence of Hawaii’s royalty. It has been restored to its former splendor. Visitors can enjoy tours and audio tours that teach about Hawaiian history.
The Bishop Museum is the most comprehensive museum in Hawaii. It houses more than 18,000 pieces of art and historical artifacts. It also features works from Hawaii’s emerging artists. It offers workshops and lending programs to local artists. It also features workshops on Hawaiian history, art, and culture.
Another popular Honolulu attraction is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It features cultural exhibitions and games representing Polynesian islands. There are six villages in the center, each representing a different island. You can explore the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii, and Fiji.
Another great Honolulu attraction is the Diamond Head Trail. This hike offers great views of the Waikiki Beach area and the Koolau Mountains. The trail also leads to a 150-foot waterfall. You can also stop in at local shops and restaurants along the way.
Waikiki Aquarium is a great attraction for those who love animals. The zoo features more than 100 species of exotic animals. The zoo also offers special events for the holidays. The zoo has a “Snooze at the Zoo” program, which includes a hot breakfast.
Ala Moana Center
Located on the southeastern shore of Oahu, the Ala Moana Center is a 2.4 million square foot open air shopping center. This mall is the largest of its kind in the world, and it has almost 300 stores. The mall also hosts several live performances and events.
The Ala Moana Center is a great place to shop, dine, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Its outdoor areas are open throughout the year. Its waterfront trail offers panoramic views of Waikiki.
If you’re looking for a great dining experience, consider visiting Foodland, which is a notable restaurant on Oahu. It has several different food stations. These include the Naples Pizza Style Station, a wine tasting bar, and a shave ice station. You can also try the Goma Tei, a Japanese ramen restaurant that serves noodles and a unique broth. This is an inexpensive meal that will satisfy your hunger.
Another popular place to eat is Mai Tai Bar. This bar has plenty of seating and has been voted as the best bar on Oahu in recent years.
The Ala Moana Center also hosts a hula show on its stage. Depending on the day, this show may be free or tickets may be required. There is also an arcade and bowling alley. The mall is also home to many shops and boutiques.
Another place to visit is the Hawaiian State Art Museum. It showcases the arts and culture of Hawaii. You can also visit the Bernice Pauhj Bishop Museum, which is located in a historic building.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a historic site that commemorates the attack that took place on December 7, 1941. The Pearl Harbor Historic Area is made up of many sites and museums, many of which are free to visit. You can take a guided tour or go on your own.
The National Park Service operates the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and it’s free to visit. However, there are some museums that require admission. These include the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Pacific Submarine Museum, and the Bowfin and Submarine Museum.
The USS Arizona Memorial is located on Ford Island. The memorial honors the crewmen who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The memorial is made of tall white marble pillars. There are two exhibit halls, a gift shop, and a 23-minute film.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is located behind the USS Arizona Memorial. It was the last battleship to be built in America. It served in three wars, and participated in the Korean War and Operation Desert Shield. It’s 887-feet long, weighs 45,000 tons, and was used to surrender Japan to the Allied Powers on September 2, 1945.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is located in Waikiki. It’s open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. It’s also free to visit, and there is plenty of free parking. The visitor center features two world-class museums, which are called the “Road to War” and the “Attack” galleries.
Iolani Palace, Honolulu
Iolani Palace is the former royal residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was built in 1882 and was the official residence of King Kalakaua. During the time of the Hawaiian Kingdom, it served as the center of Hawaiian political life.
The Palace is a landmark in Honolulu and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It was built in the American Florentine style.
The palace contains a basement gallery where regalia worn by Hawaiian kings is housed. A quilt made by Queen Liliuokalani is still on display at the palace.
Visitors can choose from self-guided or docent-led tours of the palace. The docent-led tours are more interactive than the self-guided tours. The docent-led tours are offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
There are also self-guided exhibits located in the basement gallery. These exhibits are a good way to learn about the history of the Hawaiian monarchy. These exhibits include ancient feathered cloaks, regalia and crown jewels.
The palace also hosts classes and events on the grounds. It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable footwear. For children under 5 years old, there is no charge. Kids 5-12 years old are charged $10.00. If visitors are interested in learning more about the palace, they may contact the reservations office for additional information.
Iolani Palace is located on the corner of King and Bishop Streets. There is limited parking on the palace grounds. Guests are required to park in metered parking spaces.
Bishop Museum
Located on Oahu, the Bishop Museum is a fantastic place to explore Hawai’i and Polynesian culture. The museum features historic pieces from all Pacific Islands. It also features a wide variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. It is the perfect place for kids and families to learn more about Hawaii’s history.
The main building of the Bishop Museum is filled with ancient artifacts and beautiful woodwork. You will also find displays of kahilis, feathered capes, and military helmets. The museum also displays the personal effects of Hawaiian royalty.
The museum also features a planetarium, which features live shows and programs. The Watumull Planetarium is the oldest of its kind in Polynesia. You can also purchase timed admission tickets. The planetarium shows last from 25 to 45 minutes.
The Bishop Museum also has a cafe that offers poke bowls and traditional Hawaiian food. There is also a garden area that you can explore. The cafe offers a variety of Hawaiian dishes, including kalua pork. It is located near the museum entrance. The prices are very reasonable.
The Bishop Museum has a large parking lot directly in front of the museum. There is also a bus stop nearby. The museum is located near the cruise ship terminal. The museum is also close to the Ala Moana Center, which is a huge shopping center. The mall has hundreds of shops and restaurants.
The Bishop Museum also offers free parking. You can also purchase a trolley that costs $7 per person.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Whether you’re a first time visitor to Hawaii or you’re an experienced traveler, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Oahu at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Visitors can enjoy shows, cultural exhibits, and a luau buffet. Located on the island of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a non-profit organization that promotes the traditions of six island nations: Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, and Polynesia.
The Polynesian Cultural Center was originally created by the Mormon Church to teach people about the history and culture of the islands. The church purchased a 6,000-acre plantation in 1865, and built a large temple in 1919. The temple served as the base for the church’s teachings, which were later extended to the major island groups of Polynesia.
Polynesian Cultural Center features six island villages, each highlighting the culture of a different Polynesian nation. Visitors can participate in activities like cooking, weaving, sledding, and playing traditional Hawaiian games.
The Polynesian Cultural Center also features a variety of shops and activities. You can learn about the history of the Polynesian culture, as well as shop for gifts. You can also participate in the Pacific Coast Fair, a carnival-style show that features cultural performances. You can also take part in a ukulele lesson.
There are also several restaurants at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Ali’i Luau Buffet is the most popular dining option. This buffet includes lomi salmon, steamed fish, poi, and more. The buffet is served from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Waikiki Aquarium
Located in Kapi’olani Park, Waikiki Aquarium is one of the most popular Honolulu attractions. The aquarium is located next to a living coral reef and boasts a variety of exotic tropical fish and marine life. The aquarium is a great place to visit on a rainy day or as a quick break from the beach.
The aquarium also has a variety of exhibits, including the Giant Clams Exhibit, where visitors can see eight species of giant clams. The clams are huge and have iridescent colours.
Another popular exhibit is the Hawaiian Monk Seal Exhibit, where visitors can learn about the endangered species. The monk seals are solitary animals. They are protected by volunteer groups. When the weather is nice, the seals will swim around the aquarium.
In addition to the Hawaiian Monk Seal Exhibit, the Waikiki Aquarium also features a number of other exhibits. The aquarium has nine displays of syngnathid species, which include pipefish, sea dragons, and colorful seahorses. These animals are fed live plankton and tentacles.
Another interesting exhibit is the Ocean Drifters Gallery. This exhibit features a variety of jelly-like organisms, including white-spotted jellies and moon jellies.
The Waikiki Aquarium also has an exhibit dedicated to sea turtles. These creatures are common marine life and are raised in captivity for a year. They are fed a high-fat diet and protected from predators.
The aquarium is open seven days a week. Admission is free for children under three years of age. Tickets for adults are $12.
Diamond Head Trail
Whether you’re looking for a good day hike or you just want to get a good view of the coast, Diamond Head Trail is a great way to do it. It is a short hike with a variety of views and attractions. It is best to start your hike early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, to avoid being overwhelmed with people.
The Diamond Head trail is located near Waikiki and is a short, easy hike. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm. It is not a difficult hike, and most people can complete it in less than two hours.
The hike has lots of stairs and a long tunnel. You will need to wear good hiking shoes and bring lots of water. It is also a good idea to bring a camera and a hat.
The DLNR oversees the hiking trails on Oahu. There are several lookouts and military bunkers on the hike. Many of these bunkers and tunnels are still intact and still serve as part of the coastal defense system.
The Diamond Head Trail offers panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. It is also a good place to see the volcanic crater, and the lighthouse.
The Diamond Head trail is a 0.8-mile one way hike. There is a small entrance fee for parking. There is also a vendor at the Diamond Head Visitor Center that sells bottled water.
The Diamond Head trail is a popular hike for tourists. It is a good way to see the coast, and the cone-shaped crater. You can also take a self-guided audio tour that provides information about the geology, history, and ecological significance of Diamond Head.
Waikiki
Located on the North Pacific Ocean, Waikiki is the most famous beach on Oahu. It features miles of fluffy white sand beaches bordered by tall palm trees. The beach is a popular spot for international surf contests. There are also many other water sports to enjoy.
Waikiki is an easy place to get around. There are shuttle services that take you to major hotels for a fee. Alternatively, you can rent a car. Despite the hassle of traffic, it is a convenient way to get around.
The area is known for its beautiful beaches and romantic spots. There are eight beaches to choose from. All are fun for both young and old. The best time to visit is during the months of April to October.
You can also take an outrigger canoe ride. The captain will provide you with a short lesson on how to paddle. These are suitable for groups of four to six people. During your ride, you’ll pass by natural attractions, scenic lands, and local attractions.
You can also explore Waikiki’s dining options. Several restaurants feature high-end meats and fresh seafood. You can also try the popular poke bowls. There are also several resort spas in the area.
The best time to visit Waikiki is at sunrise. This is less crowded, so you can enjoy more time on the beach.
