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 Beach: history, beaches, and things to do
Attractions & Museums
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
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 harvesting shellfish and loko ʻia (fish ponds). 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 often to … [Read more...] about History of Pu‘uloa and visiting Pearl Harbor today
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
27 Popular Free Attractions on O’ahu (tours, history, art, hikes, and beaches)
Our list of free things to do on O’ahu includes a fresh take on some popular spots and a few hidden gems. Most of the following attractions, historical sites, nature trails, parks, and beaches are open every day of the year. All are free to visit and many offer a priceless experience you won't fine anywhere else. Whether you live here or are on vacation, Hawaiʻi can be an expensive place. Our suggestions will help you make the most of your leisure time without … [Read more...] about 27 Popular Free Attractions on O’ahu (tours, history, art, hikes, and beaches)
How to get free admission or discount tickets to Bishop Museum
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, known simply as the Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii. It is the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. It's 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 How to get free admission or discount tickets to Bishop Museum
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 All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo
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
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
Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl”: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Called Pūowaina in Hawaiian, the volcano erupted some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. The lava formed an oval, bowl-shaped crater, alluding to the English name, "punchbowl". Over the years the site has had many different uses. 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 … [Read more...] about Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl”: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
