Oahu Travel Guide
Oahu was not always the seat of power in Hawaii. Influence shifted from
Hawaii’s Big Island to Oahu as recently as the late 1700’s. During this era of
change, King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian islands under one rule.
In the early 1800’s, Oahu also saw an influx of western seamen, businessmen, and
missionaries, forever changing the face of Hawaiian history. During this time,
Kamehameha III permanently established his royal court in Honolulu.
Oahu is home to numerous historic landmarks and significant points of interest
that shed light on these fascinating facets of Hawaii’s recent past.
HISTORICAL SITES AND POINTS OF INTEREST
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Atop these treacherous cliffs, Kamehameha the Great won an epic battle, unifying
the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. From this steep precipice, the view of the
lush green Koolau mountains is breathtaking.
Iolani Palace
In 1874, King Kalakaua instituted a Hawaiian cultural renaissance resulting in
America’s only Royal Palace. This elegant structure is the islands’ finest
example of Hawaiian Renaissance Architecture. Learn more
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on this site, propelling
the U.S. into World War II. This somber memorial floating in Pearl Harbor marks
the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crew members killed on the USS
Arizona battleship. Learn more
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater
Located in a long extinct volcano crater, this expansive National Memorial is
the final resting place for 33,259 soldiers. This serene site also offers a
panoramic view of the city of Honolulu.
Hawaii State Capitol
This magnificent structure located in downtown Honolulu was completed in 1969,
ten years after Hawaii was annexed as the 50th state of the Union.
Bishop Museum
Founded in 1889, the Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and is
recognized as the premier natural history and Polynesian culture museum in the
Pacific. Learn more
ALOHA TOWER, Honolulu’s familiar landmark, is open to visitors and offers
an excellent view of the harbor area. It also serves as the centerpiece for an
exciting, vibrant shopping experience.
THE WAIKIKI AQUARIUM, on Kalakaua Avenue across from Kapiolani Park at
Waikiki contains a world-famous collection of brilliantly colored tropical fish.
BLOWHOLE, near Koko Head, is where nature playfully forces the mighty sea
through a tiny hole in a lava ledge and blows miniature geysers high into the
air.
BYODO-IN TEMPLE is Japan’s 900-year-old architectural treasure. It is
duplicated in exact detail at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, beneath
the majestic cliffs of the Ko`olau mountains.
CHINATOWN is different in its diversity from the Chinatowns in other
American cities. This section of downtown Honolulu is an exciting blend of
shops, restaurants and markets displaying not only Chinese goods but wares and
foods typical of the countries of origin of Hawai`i’s early-day immigrants.
DIAMOND HEAD, the world-renowned landmark, bounds Waikiki Beach on the
south.
FOSTER BOTANICAL GARDEN features remarkable botanic displays, including a
photogenic orchid section, in a 20-acre setting in downtown Honolulu.
HANAUMA BAY is a delightful sea cove in Koko Head Park. Its rugged
grandeur was created by volcanic action 10,000 years ago when Pele made her last
attempt to find home on O`ahu, as legend tells. A favorite spot for swimming,
picnicking, and snorkeling.
HAWAI`I MARITIME CENTER includes a museum, Aloha Tower, the square-rigged
Falls of Clyde and the Hokulea Polynesian sailing canoe.
HAWAIIAN WATERS ADVENTURE PARK is “The most fun you’ll ever have in
water!” Its 25 acres of rides and adventure; safe, clean family fun and
excitement. Located 30 minutes west of Waikiki. It’s Hawai`i’s only water park,
now home of Hawai`i’s newest thrill experience the Lava Tube and Typhoon.
HONOLULU ACADEMY OF ARTS is a registered national and state historic
place, renowned for an extensive collection of Asian and Western art and the
beauty of its grounds and buildings.
KAWAIAHA`O CHURCH was dedicated in 1842. The “Westminster Abbey” of
Hawaii offers Sunday services in Hawaiian and English.
MISSION HOUSES are the oldest existing buildings erected by the first
missionary contingent to Honolulu. They stand in the civic center area, which is
also the locale of many other historic sites.
POLYNESIAN CULTURE CENTER is located on the north shore of O`ahu in Laie.
The center is made up of native villages representative of those in Fiji, Tonga,
New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa, Marquesas and Hawai`i.
QUEEN EMMA SUMMER PALACE, a charming home located in Nu`uanu Valley, has
been restored to its original appearance and houses a fine collection of
Hawaiiana.
