PEARL HARBOR
There are four main visitor attractions in Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, the USS Missouri Battleship, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. The visitor centers and museums for the Arizona Memorial and the Bowfin Submarine are located next to each other, on the shore of Pearl Harbor, not far from the Aloha Stadium. A shuttle bus transports visitors from the Arizona/Bowfin area to Ford Island so they can tour the Missouri Battleship and visit the Pacific Aviation Museum. The bus stop for the Ford Island shuttle is located between the USS Arizona Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. There is no extra charge for the shuttle if you have purchased a ticket for the USS Missouri Battleship Tour or the Pacific Aviation Museum.
QUEEN KAPIOLANI PARK
Queen Kapiolani Park is a beautiful park right in Waikiki. This park offers an array of Waikiki attractions and activities. There is an exercise course, walking paths, exceptional trees including 100 year old banyan trees, picnic areas, entertainment, the Honolulu Zoo and The Waikiki Aquarium. This is a perfect park to spend some quality time relaxing.
HONOLULU ZOO
The Honolulu Zoo , located in Kapiolani park has a lot of animals to see including: Lions, rhinos, giraffes and other African species in the African Savannah, There are four other areas of the park highlighting animals from each area including native Hawaiian species. The zoo has a night time program called “zoo by moonlight”.
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM
The Waikiki Aquarium is also located in the area of Kapiolani Park. The Waikiki Aquarium offers interactive exhibits and features a Hawaiian reef tank and a touch tank for children. The Waikiki features more than 420 species of aquatic animals and plants to explore. all of these Oahu attractions located in this area are a great way to spend the day.
DAMIEN MUSEUM
The Damien Museum offers exhibits where you can learn about the life of Father Damien and his work with patients suffering from Hansen’s Disease
ATLANTIS SUBMARINES
Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! Discover Oahu’s undersea world aboard a high-tech submarine. Atlantis Submarines allow you to explore artificial reefs full of bright tropical fish and a wreck of a small coastal freighter, as well as an old passenger plane. This is a convenient adventure in Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
DIAMOND HEAD CRATER AND SCENIC LOOKOUT
Explore one of Oahu’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Within walking distance is Diamond Head Crater and Lookout. Not only will you see Waikiki like never before, you can also see whales in the winter months and Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. Hiking to the summit is an adventure and the view from the top is breathtaking.
MANOA FALLS
If you enjoy hiking, the hike to Manoa Falls takes you through a rainforest trail and a bamboo forest. When you reach the end of the trail you will be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall and quiet pool at the bottom. Swimming is discouraged. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch in a Hawaiian Rainforest.
CHINATOWN
As the first Chinese immigrants started arriving in Oahu in 1852, they began moving into urban Honolulu and established a community in the area that is now known as Chinatown. This section of downtown Honolulu offers art galleries, open-air-markets, upscale Pacific Rim restaurants and traditional noodle shops, giving Chinatown it’s own unique flare. This is one of the nice historic Oahu attractions. You can contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for historic walking tours.
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Phone: (808) 533-3181
ALOHA TOWER
The Aloha Tower Is located on the waterfront in downtown Honolulu. This is one of Honolulu’s most recognized landmarks. The tower was built in 1926 and was the tallest building in Hawaii until the mid 1950’s. The Tower still serves as an active control tower for the bustling Honolulu Harbor and it is now also a fantastic marketplace.
IOLANI PALACE
Completed in 1882, The Iolani Palace is the only Royal Palace in the United States and was restored several years ago. Visitors can now visit the Royal residence of King David Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Located at S. King and Richards street in Honolulu. Phone: (808) 538-1471.
KING KAMEHAMEHA STATUE
The King Kamehameha Statue is located right across the street Iolani Palace. This is a replica of the original Kamehameha Statue. It stands in front of the State Capitol building.
BISHOP MUSEUM
The Bishop Museum is recognized as the pre-eminent museum of the Pacific. The Museum features the world’s foremost collection of Polynesian cultural and historical artifacts. This is a must see cultural experience for those interested in Hawaiiana and Polynesian history. The galleries display and interpret artifacts and customs from Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia and describe Hawaiian culture and history in detail. A daily planetarium show explains how ancient Polynesians navigated by the stars. The Bishop Museum is located at 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu. Phone: (808) 847-3511
HONOLULU ACADEMY OF ARTS
The Honolulu Academy Of Arts is Hawaii’s oldes and largest art museum. The museum features an impressive collection of Asian, European, Pacific, American and African art displayed in over 30 galleries, surrounded by 6 garden courtyards.
