Honolulu Things to DoHonolulu, Hawaii RestaurantsHonolulu, Hawaii ShoppingHonolulu, Hawaii Annual Events
Honolulu, Hawaii Attractions & Things to Do
Let the warmth of the sun and the Hawaiian people wash over you as you embark on your Honolulu adventure. Swim, surf, snorkel, and canoe at Waikiki Beach. Experience the thrill of the view from the iconic volcanic crater at Diamond Head. Treat your taste buds to the tantalizing native delicacies found at a traditional luau. Learn about Hawaiian royalty at Iolani Palace, a National Historic Landmark. Oahu awaits your arrival with majesty and mystery.
Honolulu Things to Do Honolulu, Hawaii Restaurants Honolulu, Hawaii Shopping Honolulu, Hawaii Annual Events Honolulu Things to DoWarm ocean breezes, sweet-scented flowers, and an endless supply of things to do are the hallmark of Honolulu, Hawaii where your perfect Polynesian island vacation begins. Activities include surfing at Waikiki Beach, hiking Diamond Head, exploring Pearl Harbor, golfing on championship courses, shopping and dining. Waikiki BeachThink of Hawaii and it's nearly impossible not to conjure up visions of Waikiki Beach. The quintessential Hawaiian beach, Waikiki covers two miles along the Oahu coast where you'll enjoy everything from swimming and surfing to snorkeling and canoeing. Along with hotels and restaurants, Waikiki Beach is bordered by expansive Kapiolani Park, home to picnic areas, recreational facilities, and the most famous of volcanic craters, Diamond Head. www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/waikiki.html [top] Diamond HeadSituated on Oahu's southeast coast, Diamond Head is the Big Kahuna of volcanic craters. Quiet for 150,000 years, the crater is 3,520 feet in diameter and boasts a 760-foot summit. You can make your way to that summit via the Diamond Head Trail, which features two sets of stairs and a 225-foot tunnel that is not lighted. Once you arrive at the top, you will be very glad you made the climb. The views of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu are truly breathtaking. www.hawaiiweb.com/html/diamond_head.html [top] Pearl HarborIn the words of President Franklin Roosevelt, December 7, 1941 was a day that will live in infamy. That was the day that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and brought the United States into World War II. Pay homage to those who lost their lives by visiting this very special memorial and National Historic Landmark. An abundance of historical information is available along with several tributes to ships that were involved in the attack, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the USS Missouri Battleship. www.pearlharbor.org [top] North ShoreThe North Shore is the north-facing coastal area of Oahu island that sits between two points, Kaena Point and Kahuku Point. It's known for its massive waves that are a magnet for surfers from around the globe. There are many special surfing spots on the North Shore, such as Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Ehukai Beach, also known as the Banzai Pipeline. Every December, the North Shore hosts three competitions, which are considered the Triple Crown of Surfing. http://www.northshoreoahu.org [top] Aloha Stadium Swap MeetHawaii's largest open-air flea market, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is the place to come for some really great deals. Open three days a week and located only 20 minutes from Waikiki, this Aloha State premiere discount warehouse outlet features more than 700 local merchants selling everything from eclectic art pieces to local snacks to made-in-Hawaii souvenirs. If you're in the market for a gift for a friend or family member back home, Aloha Stadium Swap Meet will surely have it. http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net [top] Manoa FallsOahu is home to many wonderful waterfalls. But Manoa Falls is one that you must be sure to put on your tropical to-do list. Nestled at the bottom of the Ko'oaus Mountains, Manoa Falls is easy to reach. Take a 1.5-mile hike through a rainforest that is not very strenuous and you'll find yourself face to face with this picturesque site. It's definitely worth the trip as you'll get to see the cascading water tumble down a vertical cliff 150 feet into a small pool comprised of large rocks.http://www.hawaiiweb.com/html/hiking/manoa_falls_trail.html [top] Foster Botanical GardensDivided up into six different sections, Foster Botanical Gardens will astound visitors with its amazing variety. Check out old and new orchid species at the Lyon Orchid Garden and primitive plants found around the globe at the Prehistoric Glen. You will also be treated to two dozen trees that have been designated as “exceptional trees." This designation is based on such criteria as age, rarity, aesthetic quality or historical and cultural significance.http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/hbg/fbg.htm [top] Hanauma Bay Nature ParkSince 1967, Hanauma Bay Nature Park has been a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. It's ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling and features all kinds of marine life along with a very big coral reef. The curvature of Hanauma Bay helps protect visitors from huge waves, allowing them to enjoy the marine and reef life in an environment that's safe. The park also features a beach and hiking trails.http://www.hawaiiweb.com/html/hanauma_bay_beach.html [top] Honolulu ZooIt's all happening at the Honolulu Zoo where you can spend a fun-filled day and never be bored. Discover mammals, birds, and reptiles of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, from chimpanzees, white storks, and ring-tailed lemurs to giraffes, crocodiles, and cheetahs. You'll even get to see Hawaii's state bird, the Nene goose, which used to live in fresh water and now survives on practically barren lava flows.http://www.honoluluzoo.org [top] Iolani PalaceOpulent, innovative, and surrounded by political intrigue, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States that was used by a reigning monarch as an official residence. Located in downtown Honolulu, this National Historic Landmark has been restored to its original stateliness from 1882 when it was built by King Kalakaua. Visitors to Iolani Palace, which has been a museum since 1978, will have a chance to experience Hawaii's glorious royal past.http://www.iolanipalace.org [top] Kapiolani ParkA gorgeous 500-acre park, Kapiolani Park is listed on the State's Historic Register. Highlights include historic Diamond Head, the renowned Kodak Hula Show, Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Shell, which hosts outdoor concerts and shows. Visit http://kapiolani-park.com/. [top] Mission Houses MuseumA National Historic Landmark, the Mission Houses Museum is the main focus of the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society. Learn all about Hawaii's "missionary period," which lasted more than 40 years (1820-1863) and is an important part of the Aloha State's history.http://www.missionhouses.org [top] USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & ParkSubmarine history abounds inside the 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall of the USS Bowfin Submarine & Park. Discover more than 4,000 submarine artifacts, some of which are on display while others are being stored for conservation purposes.http://www.bowfin.org [top] Hawaii Children's Discovery CenterKids love to learn and the Children's Discovery Center makes it easy to do just that via state-of-the-art technology. There are four major galleries, each containing fun interactive exhibits.http://www.discoverycenterhawaii.org [top]Honolulu, Hawaii RestaurantsDelectable Hawaiian cuisine will tempt you at every turn during your Honolulu visit. A wealth of wonderful restaurants offers diverse styles of cooking, from native specialties to seafood to the traditional island meals served at luaus. To whet your appetite, a few of them are listed below. Duke's WaikikiDuke's Waikiki is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. For breakfast, enjoy such house specials as spicy Portuguese sausage and pina colada bread pudding. Lunchtime features a bountiful buffet with sauteéd mahi mahi and Kalua pork & cabbage. Dinner will delight you with everything from crispy coconut shrimp to huli huli chicken. Visit www.dukeswaikiki.com for more information. [top] Hula Grill WaikikiSavor the many flavors of the islands at Hula Grill Waikiki, a delightful plantation-style restaurant on Waikiki Beach. Get your day off to a great start with pineapple pancakes and wrap it up with sumptuous Hawaiian regional seafood along with fresh local produce. Go to www.hulagrill.com for more information. [top] Chuck's Steak HouseCasual dining meets fantastic food at Chuck's Steak House. Featuring incredible views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean, this oceanfront restaurant will draw you in with its in-house cut steaks, fresh island seafood, and all-you-can-eat salad bar. For more information, visit www.chuckssteakhouse.com. [top] LuausMake your Hawaiian dream vacation immensely memorable by attending one of several authentic Oahu luaus. Paradise Cove offers classic Hawaiian music and entertainment along with a mouthwatering menu featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes. Soak up the cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands at Germaine's Luau. Enjoy a terrific show that highlights ancient Hawaii and a tempting meal of yummy local favorites. [top] Auntie Pasto'sAuthentic Italian cuisine is served for lunch and dinner at Auntie Pasto's. Savor all your favorites, including chicken parmesan, puttanesca pasta, and shrimp scampi. Plus, you'll discover a fine line-up of salads and pizza. Go to www.auntiepastos.com for more information. [top] Big City DinerAll three meals of the day are served up fresh and hot at Big City Diner. Breakfast brings local egg dishes like Loco Loco Moco. For lunch, munch on a classic hamburger and wash it down with a mighty delicious milkshake. Dinnertime is prime time for baby back ribs or Kim Chee Fried Rice. [top] Chief's HutGuests sit among cascading waterfalls and tropical foliage at Chief's Hut while savoring a wide variety of delectable meals. Enjoy everything from island cuisine to traditional American dishes. Nightly hula dancing adds a little spice, which is always very nice. [top] Rainbow LanaiBreakfast is so much better when you're looking out over the baby blue waters of Waikiki Beach and that's what Rainbow Lanai is all about. A perfect spot to bring the family, Rainbow Lanai delivers a dynamite breakfast buffet every morning. [top] Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi BarYou'll have a difficult time deciding which menu item to go with as they're all good at Sansei Seafod Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Savor specialties like the Panko Crusted Ahi Roll and the popular Kapalua Butterfly Roll, which combines salmon and crab with shiromi and fresh vegetables. For more information visit www.sanseihawaii.com. [top]Honolulu, Hawaii ShoppingWhen it comes to island shopping, you'll have an opportunity to color your Honolulu vacation with many Hawaiian hues. Discover upscale shopping malls with name-brand stores as well as small specialty shops that are ideal for finding great deals on native souvenirs and gifts, from puka shells to grass skirts. Before you shop till you drop, drop down this page and check out some of your options. International Market PlaceThe International Market Place has been an island tradition for over 50 years. With over 130 shops and carts, this open-air setting in the heart of Waikiki remains a must-see-and-do for that special gift or souvenir. Snap a photo by a cascading waterfall under a century-old banyan tree, the original home of Don the Beachcomber. The International Food Court offers a variety of local and international cuisine, plus free Hawaiian entertainment. Go to www.internationalmarketplacewaikiki.com for more information. [top] Royal Hawaiian CenterDiscover over 100 shops and restaurants at Royal Hawaiian Center in the heart of Waikiki. Enjoy superb Honolulu shopping, from clothes to jewelry, and terrific dining, including sushi and steak. Stop by The Royal Grove, which offers complimentary hula and Hawaiian culture classes. For more information visit www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/shopping. [top] Waikiki Beach WalkExperience Hawaiian shopping at its finest at Waikiki Beach Walk. This expansive shopping area boasts everything from an outdoor entertainment plaza to almost 50 brand new retailers to more than a dozen restaurants. Visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com/shop.aspx for more information. [top] Ala Moana Shopping CenterOne of the America's largest open-air malls, Ala Moana Shopping Center is home to over 240 retailers including such famous designer names as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Emporio Armani. Department stores like Neiman Marcus and Macy's also grace this first-class shopping experience. Visit www.alamoanacenter.com for more information. [top] Aloha Tower MarketplaceLocated on Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower Marketplace features 80 stores that sell everything from tourist-related merchandise and local artwork to articles of clothes for dogs and furniture. In addition, there are several restaurants and entertainment venues. For more information visit www.alohatower.com. [top] Ward CentersWhen in downtown Honolulu, you must check out Ward Centers. These five unique shopping-complex areas boast over 120 specialty stores plus 20 restaurants. Movie fans will be drawn to the Entertainment Complex where there are more than a dozen theaters. Visit www.wardcenters.com/Shopping/default.html for more information. [top] King Kalakaua PlazaFans of Banana Republic and Niketown will be fans of King Kalakaua Plaza. Both of these super stores are two stories high and carry all the latest fashions and accessories. [top] Waikele Premium OutletsShoppers who like top-name merchandise at affordable prices can't afford to not stop by Waikele Premium Outlets. Some of the remarkable retailers that inhabit this mall are Anne Klein Factory, Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Donna Karan Company Store, and Kenneth Cole. For more information visit www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=29. [top]Honolulu, Hawaii Annual Events
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