Set in the picturesque environs of Laie, the Laie Hawaii Temple - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers peace and calm to all visitors. The church also conducts programs for the youth.
When the water is calm, Sunset Beach Park is a lovely swimming spot. The tide pools, located in a sheltered spot on the point of the beach, are great for snorkeling during calm days. It should be mentioned that, as with most beaches on the North Shore, the surf here gets dangerously high during the wintertime. It also "cranks" sometimes during the summer. If you are not a strong swimmer or avid surfer, definitely check the local surf report before driving to this North Shore park.
This 4000-acre, former working ranch in Windward Oahu has been turned into a giant outdoor activities park. Facilities include horseback riding, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, freshwater fishing and a shooting range. You can tour the movie sets used in filming Jurassic Park and Godzilla, or relax on Secret Island, a secluded fantasy beach. There's even a petting zoo for the kids. Reservations are required.
On this lush 400-acre (161.8-hectare) preserve, all of the world's foremost tropical regions are grouped geographically. A staggering variety of rare and endangered plants thrive here, with particular emphasis placed on native Hawaiian flora. Facilities include hiking trails, campgrounds, a visitor center and a lake. A variety of educational programs such as guided nature hikes are offered. Camping is allowed on weekend nights (Friday through Sunday).
All that is left of the vast Dole Plantation is a pictorial display of the pineapple's history and a country store that offers fresh pineapples and gifts. In the back, nearly two acres of rich, red earth have been turned into one of the world's largest mazes with a path 1.7 miles long. It is built from 11,400 tropical plants, including hibiscus and fragrant plumeria; in the center is a garden in the form of a golden pineapple. Try their fresh pineapple ice cream on your way out.
Also known as Lēʻahi, 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 Oʻahu's charming landscape, including some exceptional views of its beaches and locales.
Oahu's balmy weather makes it the perfect place for an evening stroll, or better yet a romantic carriage ride. This company offers carriage rides through Waikiki nightly, from 6:30p-11p. Each ride is approximately 20 minutes and passengers may choose to be dropped off anywhere they choose (as long as it is convenient to the route). All day rentals are also available for special occasions; contact the office for details. The location for the rides change in December.
Established in 1981, this non-profit organization has the sole purpose of spreading the environmental gospel to residents and visitors of the Hawaiian Islands. Almost entirely volunteer-operated, the center facilitates hands-on environmental education for school children, families and the general public. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of educating children. Hopefully, with a change in the attitudes of youth toward nature, the future of the environment stands a chance. There is a gift shop on-site.
Set in the picturesque environs of Laie, the Laie Hawaii Temple - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers peace and calm to all visitors. The church also conducts programs for the youth.
On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet (1.83 meters) below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8a-1p daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.
Also known as Lēʻahi, 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 Oʻahu's charming landscape, including some exceptional views of its beaches and locales.
This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.