Attractions
and Sites to See
Hawaii, the “Aloha
State,” includes six populated islands:
Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, the big Island of Hawaii,
and Oahu. Lush tropical vegetation, pounding surf,
fabulous beaches and Polynesian culture all contribute
to the allure of Hawaii. Most of the population resides
in or near Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, offering
a multitude of shopping, dining and site-seeing options
as well as many of the attractions for which Hawaii
is so well known.
Museums and cultural centers abound.
Choose from natural and cultural history, tropical
botanical gardens, old-time plantations, and Hawaiian
art and artifacts. Don’t miss the Polynesian
Cultural Center featuring
seven Polynesian "islands" in a beautifully
landscaped, 42-acre setting representing Samoa, New
Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas
and Tonga. You can also experience an evening
luau and show complete with hula dancers and firewalkers.
Hanauma
Bay Nature and Beach Park –
This park draws thousands of visitors daily because
of its soft white sand and world-famous Hanauma Bay
snorkeling—just the place to “capture”
the fish with an underwater camera.
USS
Arizona and Bowfin
Memorial – After a presentation
and video in the visitor center, a launch transports
you out into Pearl Harbor to the actual memorial anchored
over the undisturbed sunken ship. Right next to the
visitor center is the USS Bowfin, where you can climb
aboard one of only 15 World War II submarines left
in existence.
Learn all you want to know about pineapples
at the Dole
Plantation and Maze as you wander
through the maze (with a map, of course) and then
experience pineapple taffy, pineapple-snow-covered
macadamia nuts or a famous DoleWhip—the fluffy
frozen pineapple treat.
Waikiki
Aquarium – Exhibits here highlight
the marine life of Hawaii and the tropical West and
South Pacific. See what’s in the water around
you as you view living reefs, sharks, sea jellies,
and the endangered monk seals.
The place for bargain hunting is Chinatown
as you negotiate your best price for jewelry, clothing,
toys and fruits, and then shop for those tropical
flowers and leis. And don’t forget to try some
authentic ethic foods— from seafood to noodles
to tapioca you drink through a straw! While
you're there, take some time to learn about the real
Charlie Chan, and the color-coded messages of Chinese
lanterns.
-
Hawaiian Glossary - a short
and handy glossary of some of the words you're
likely to encounter in Hawaii
-
Atlantis Adventures
- submarine excursions, Sea Life Park, Waimea
Falls Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial,
and relaxing sunset dinner cruises
-
-
Bishop Museum - founded in 1889 by Charles
Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess
Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of
the royal Kamehameha family
-
The Luau in Hawaii
- the history and tradition of luau festivities,
plus fun facts about Hawaiian games, poi, leis,
and more
-
-
