Winter to spring is whale watching season in Hawaiʻi. The North Pacific humpback is the most common whale found in Hawaiʻi. Thousands of humpback whales migrate every year, swimming 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaiʻi and back again. While many boat tours get you on the water for whale watching, humpback whales are easy to spot from Hawai’i shores during migration season. Peak humpback whale watching season in Hawaiʻi is January to March. However, the first … [Read more...] about When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi
Attractions & Museums
Treasured heiau you can visit on every Hawaiian island
Listed below are heiau throughout the Hawaiian Islands that are open to the public. If you don’t know what heiau are, or wonder why you would want to visit these ancient sites, we provide a brief description of their cultural value, followed by tips for visiting these historical treasures to make the most of your time. If you are looking for the “real” Hawai'i, this is a good place to be. What are heiau? Heiau are remnants of sites used in ancient Hawai'i for … [Read more...] about Treasured heiau you can visit on every Hawaiian island
Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is the wildest place in Waikīkī. Situated in the shadow of Diamond Head crater at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua Avenues, the zoo was stablished in 1877. In fact, it is the only zoo in the United States that originated in a King’s grant of royal lands to his people. History of the Honolulu Zoo In 1876, King David Kalākaua, Monarch of Hawai‘i, made lands of the Leahi Crown Holdings available to the people of Hawai‘i. One a year later, King … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Called Pūowaina in Hawaiian, the volcano erupted some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pūowaina (which can be translated as “Hill of Sacrifice”) has deep religious significance for the Hawaiian people. Long before Europeans arrived, it was a place where people who had committed certain crimes or “kapu” were put to death. The lava formed an oval, bowl-shaped crater, alluding to the English name, "punchbowl". Today, the site is commonly referred to as … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Oʻahu: History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
When someone says "Pearl Harbor", it can refer to many different things. Historically, it was a large freshwater lagoon known to ancient Hawaiians as Ke-awa-lauo-Pu‘uloa or simply Pu‘uloa. It was a key site for loko ʻia (fish ponds) and for harvesting wild shellfish. Today, Pearl Harbor is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods. Along her shores, there is also a National Memorial Park and an active U.S. military base. When people visit Pearl Harbor today, it is … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, often referred to as "the Bishop" is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii. It is the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Its primary purpose is to represent and serve the interests of Native Hawaiians. The Bishop is recognized worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services, and public educational programs. The collections include millions of objects, documents, and … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to get free admission & discount tickets to Bishop Museum
Oʻahu: visit historic treasure Hawaiian Mission Houses in Honolulu
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) is a one-acre site in downtown Honolulu. Since 1820, it has been an archival site for Hawaiian history through stories, artifacts, and documents. It is a National Historic Landmark, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. HMH promotes thoughtful dialogue and greater understanding of the impact of the Protestant missionaries on the history and peoples of Hawai`i. The site preserves Hawai‘i’s … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: visit historic treasure Hawaiian Mission Houses in Honolulu
Free entrance days in Hawaii National Parks
Several days each year, all National Park Service (NPS) sites that charge an entrance fee offer free admission to everyone. The other 400 National Parks across the country are free all the time. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. 2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks Mark your calendar for the following entrance fee–free dates in 2024. January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. … [Read more...] about Free entrance days in Hawaii National Parks
Oʻahu: How to get free admission or discount tickets to HoMA
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) holds one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States, along with works from America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The museum has more than 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years of history and representing all of Hawaii’s cultures.HoMA collections include paintings, decorative and traditional arts, woodblocks, and textiles. Located in downtown Honolulu near Blaisdell Center, HoMA is … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: How to get free admission or discount tickets to HoMA
Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
Capitol Modern in Honolulu is dedicated to presenting the largest and finest collection of works by Hawai‘i artists from across the state representing a comprehensive portrait of our Islands. Exhibitions are curated from the Art in Public Places Collection and student exhibitions. Located adjacent to the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the State Library, find Capitol Modern in the No. 1 Capitol District Building in downtown Honolulu. History of Capitol … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: FREE Capitol Modern art museum (aka HiSAM) in downtown Honolulu
Hawaiʻi: Kīlauea volcano eruption report September 2023
An eruption began at Kīlauea summit on September 10, 2023 on the downdropped block in Kīlauea 's summit caldera. By September 16, based upon visual and geophysical observations, the eruption had ended. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels. Live-stream video of Halemaʻumaʻu from the northwest rim of the caldera, looking east is available at: https://www.youtube.com/usgs/live. More eruption … [Read more...] about Hawaiʻi: Kīlauea volcano eruption report September 2023
30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i
One of the more relaxing and affordable ways to enjoy the outdoors in Hawai’i for residents or tourists is to spend time in one of the many botanical gardens or arboretums throughout the islands. Whether you desire a leisurely garden stroll, are a home gardener, or serious botany student, there is a garden for you to visit. Most of the gardens in the lists below are privately owned. All are open to visitors. Most have free admission, but a few have an admission … [Read more...] about 30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i
Oʻahu: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii Water Park in Kapolei
Opened in May 1999, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is one of Oahu’s most popular family attractions with many options for adults, teens, kids and families of all ages. Located in Kapolei on 29-acres lush tropical acres set against natural cliffs the water park boasts more than 25 attractions offered on a rotating schedule. There are "chill" attractions for keiki and adults who want to simply relax on the water, slides and wave pool for a little more action, and pay-to-play … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii Water Park in Kapolei
Waikīkī: history, beaches, and things to do
Waikīkī is a bustling urban neighborhood on the south shore of the island of O’ahu in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The district is bordered on the north and west by the manmade Ala Wai Canal, on the east by Kapiʻolani Regional Park, and on the south by the Pacific Ocean. The iconic Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) volcanic crater rises at the edge of Kapiʻolani Park. The neighborhood is surprisingly small, about 1.5 square miles. However, among the high-rise hotels and … [Read more...] about Waikīkī: history, beaches, and things to do
14 points of interest in Waikīkī are a fascinating self-guided walking tour
Among the high rises in the famous Waikīkī tourist mecca, there is much fascinating Hawaiian history to uncover about the once royal and rural area. Use the following list of tour stops, all located on Kalākaua Avenue for a self-guided tour. At each tour stop, you will be directed to statues, historic sites, and other points of interest that can enhance your knowledge of Hawai’i and the history of the area. The list is followed by a Google map of the tour stops … [Read more...] about 14 points of interest in Waikīkī are a fascinating self-guided walking tour
Coming soon: Free museums
We're working on this article and will publish it soon. Our list of free museums will include those with always free admission, plus a list of free admission days at popular museums throughout the Hawaiian islands. Here’s how our list is shaping up so far: Big Island: Mokupapapa Discovery Center Maui: Plantation Museum Maui: Pioneer Mill Co. Smokestack & Locomotives Exhibit Maui: Lahaina Heritage Museum Maui: Old Lahaina Prison Maui: Old … [Read more...] about Coming soon: Free museums
Coming soon: Must see attractions & tours
We're working on this article and will publish it soon. Our list will include tours and attractions with an entrance fee that we feel are money well spent. There will be one or more attractions featured on every major Hawaiian island. Recommended Oʻahu tours & attractions Ali'i Agriculture Fishing Farm Foster Botanical Garden He’eia Fishpond Tours Hawaiʻi Plantation Village Queen Emma Summer Palace Waiahole Poi Facotry in Kanehoe … [Read more...] about Coming soon: Must see attractions & tours
17 must-see museums in Hawai‘i (best bang for your buck)
Hawai‘i is home to a variety of world-class and local interest museums. These popular museums offer a wide range of ways you can explore Hawaiian art, culture, and history. To guide your choices, we include general admission and the kama‘āina discount price, as well as any free days. Discount admission tickets may also be available to seniors, children, and members of the military. Our list of Hawai'i museums below begins with those in the Honolulu area on … [Read more...] about 17 must-see museums in Hawai‘i (best bang for your buck)
