Honolulu is on the south shore of Oahu (part of the Hawaiian island chain) and the capital city to Hawaii. In Honolulu, you will find Hawaii’s most historic places, landmarks, treasured monuments, world-class shopping, and a flourishing arts and culture scene. Some of the known names and places are the historic Chinatown, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, the statue of King Kamehameha I, Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head, Waikiki neighborhood and Aloha Tower to name a few. For these reason, Oahu, “the Gathering Place”, lives up to it name and is home to the fusion of east and west cultures. There are so many places to visit in Oahu and the time you spend at each one varies with your personal enjoyment and preference. Ultimate Excursions invites you to take a closer look at 5 of the best.
- The Waikiki neighborhood
Image Credit: www.gohawaii.com
The Waikiki Neighborhood is famous for its iconic beaches, fine dining, and nightlife and shopping but it was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Waikiki is the gathering place for visitors around the world and home to many of the hotels and resorts. Although the nightlife if vibrant, Waikiki offers fun for the whole family with the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. You can also learn about the history of Waikiki by reading the surfboard markers along the Waikiki Historical Trail. Location: the South shore of Honolulu http://www.gohawaii.com/en/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/honolulu/waikiki/
- Diamond Head
Image Credit: dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument
Diamond Head, otherwise known as Leahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian, was named by 19th century British sailors who believed they found diamonds on the crater’s slopes. The 760-foot crater used as a lookout for the military beginning in the early 1900’s was named a National Landmark in 1968. Today, Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, is a hiking destination with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore but most important is the hike is a moderately challenging with two options to reach the top that include more than 100 stairs, underground dark tunnels and old military bunkers requiring a flashlight. Location: Honolulu, HI 96815 http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
- Iolani Palace
Image Credit: www.iolanipalace.org
The Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdoms last two monarch from 1882 to 1893 and is now a national historic landmark. The palace symbolized the promise for the Hawaiian Kingdom and was influenced by the European architectural styles with the first electric light system, toilets that flush, and intra-house telephones. The palace was used as the capitol building from 1959 (Hawaii became the 50th state) to 1968. The building was renovated and reopened in 1978 for public viewing. Location: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 http://www.iolanipalace.org/
- Aloha Tower
Image Credit: aloha-hawaii.com
The Aloha Tower opened in 1926 and served many purposes a few being navigation landmark to those at sea, a clock to those in-land and offered a spectacular view of the harbor while being a lookout station for the military during World War II (WWII). At one time, it was the tallest building in Honolulu but today it serves as a welcoming landmark for visitors, a docking port for cruise ships and a marketplace for residents, students and visitors from around the world. Aloha Tower is the most recognized building in the state of Hawaii and the second most famous landmark. Location: 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Suite 3000 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 http://www.alohatower.com/
- Pearl Harbor
Image Credit: pearlharboroahu.com
Pearl Harbor is still an active naval base but is widely known for the 1941 attack by Japan that catapults WWII. It is the most visited site on Oahu and offers numerous attractions, memorials, exhibits and sites to visit or learn of the tragedy of war. There are options for a self-guided tour, audio tour, a boat ride to the Arizona memorial and even a short movie of the events. This location is not one you just show up to because most programs and events are sold out so plan ahead for this tour and read the things to know (very important). Location: Pearl Harbor, HI 96818 https://pearlharboroahu.com/
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