Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon.
Also known as Le'ahi, this crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. Framing the fabric of the island, the crater is riddled with a tracery of vents and volcanic remnants. The historic trail to the 761-foot (231.9 meter) summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 0.8 mile (1.3 kilometers) hike to the top. Adorned with craggy corrugations and tufts of sun-bleached grass, Diamond Head affords astounding views of Oahu's charming landscape, including some exceptional views of its beaches and locales.
Stand on the deck of this imposing old structure that has been painstakingly cared for and extensively renovated. The "Mighty Mo" is where General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed the end of World War II in September of 1945. The great vintage battleship now sits at permanent anchor across from the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. You can visit the Arizona Memorial first to get a sense of the complete story.
This Pearl Harbor memorial park is dedicated to World War II submarines and their valiant crews. The park takes its name from a particularly distinguished sub, the USS Bowfin SS-287. Tour the narrow corridors and compartments where the crew worked, ate, and slept on nine hazardous missions. In addition to the Bowfin exhibit, there is a waterfront memorial. Also visit the Battleship Arizona and Missouri memorials.
Located just a few short blocks from Waikiki Beach, this is a great place to learn about Hawaii's amazing ocean world. You can see 400 different species of aquatic life at this small but mighty museum, including monk seals, sharks and sea turtles. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to narrate tours and answer questions. The aquarium has a good gift shop where you can ask about special events and excursions. It offers some terrific educational and community outreach programs.
At the base of the Ko'olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple from Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell—ring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely.
If you have a desire to learn about the natural treasures of the sea, then this establishment in Waikiki is the place to visit. There are fascinating exhibits on how coral and pearls transform into beautiful jewelry and works of art. Other exhibits showcase endangered plants and birds of the islands, and there's a wonderful area devoted to Hawaii's volcanic past. There is a for-sale area where you can pick up local arts and crafts made from the natural materials of the Hawaiian Islands.
Founded by order of King Kamehameha III in 1836, this band has remained a part of Hawaii's life throughout its evolution from a monarchy to a territory to the 50th of the United States. It is the only full-time municipal band in the country. It travels extensively, performing at various locations the world over. It also performs at Iolani Palace on Friday at noon and every Sunday at 2pm at Queen Kapiolani Park. Call or check the Web site for information on other performances.
Located just a few short blocks from Waikiki Beach, this is a great place to learn about Hawaii's amazing ocean world. You can see 400 different species of aquatic life at this small but mighty museum, including monk seals, sharks and sea turtles. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to narrate tours and answer questions. The aquarium has a good gift shop where you can ask about special events and excursions. It offers some terrific educational and community outreach programs.
Primarily catering to Japanese tourists, Kato Golf Tours arranges golfing packages at the many renowned courses in Oahu. Whether you're a businessman with a few extra days on the island or a newcomer to the zen of golf, Kato Tours can arrange your perfect day on the green. The company takes all the hassles out of setting up tee times, arranging partners and coordinating transportation. It also provides information on all of the golf courses on the island.
This beautiful city is blessed with scenic beauty and is worth exploring for its beaches and lovely parks. The Diamond Head State Park is one such landmark that is home to the major landmarks i.e. Diamond Head State Monument and the crater that was formed nearly 300,000 years back. Explore this park and learn more about volcanoes and related topics during this visit. Check website for more details.
Also known as Le'ahi, this crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. Framing the fabric of the island, the crater is riddled with a tracery of vents and volcanic remnants. The historic trail to the 761-foot (231.9 meter) summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 0.8 mile (1.3 kilometers) hike to the top. Adorned with craggy corrugations and tufts of sun-bleached grass, Diamond Head affords astounding views of Oahu's charming landscape, including some exceptional views of its beaches and locales.