Hawaii Children's Discovery Center
Honolulu
On a rainy day when you can't go to the beach, consider dropping by this hands-on museum for families. Opposite Kakaʻako Waterfront Park, the building was…
Must-see attractions in Oʻahu
Honolulu
Embraced by tropical sculpture gardens, this art museum occupies an estate house constructed in 1925 for Oʻahu-born Anna Rice Cooke, a missionary…
Oʻahu
According to Hawaiian legend, Koko Crater is the imprint left by the magical flying vagina of Kapo, sent from the Big Island to lure the pig god Kamapuaʻa…
Kailua
One of Hawaii’s largest freshwater marshes, Kawai Nui provides flood protection for the town and a habitat for endangered waterbirds, and is also one of…
Honolulu
Built in the architecturally interesting 1960s, Hawaii’s state capitol is a poster child of conceptual postmodernism: two cone-shaped legislative chambers…
Honolulu
In the heat and humidity of summer, Queen Emma (1836–85), the wife and royal consort of Kamehameha IV, used to slip away from her formal downtown Honolulu…
Waikiki
In its early days, horse racing and band concerts were the biggest attractions at Waikiki's favorite green space. Although the racetrack is long gone,…
Honolulu
Formerly the governor’s residence, this colonial-style mansion was built in 1846 by US sea captain John Dominis. The captain’s son became the governor of…
University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa
Honolulu
About 2 miles northeast of Waikiki, the main campus of the statewide university system has a contemporary feel offset by towering, ancient trees. Today,…
Oʻahu
As you drive east, keep your eyes toward the ocean. At the highest point you'll spot a volcanic-rock obelisk, dedicated to fishers who have drowned, swept…
Honolulu
Standing before the Ali'iolani Hale, a bronze statue of Kamehameha the Great faces ʻIolani Palace. Often ceremonially draped with layers of flower lei,…
Waikiki
This statue of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaʻole fronts Kuhio Beach. It celebrates the man who was prince of the reigning House of Kalakaua when the…
Waikiki
This bronze statue depicts Queen Kapiʻolani, the wife of King David Kalakaua – his statue sits at the other end of Waikiki. The Queen was a beloved…
Honolulu
Built in 1926, this 10-story landmark was once the city’s tallest building. In the golden days when all tourists to Hawaii arrived by ship, this pre-WWII…
Honolulu
This neoclassical landmark first opened in 1922, when silent films were played to the tunes of a pipe organ. Dubbed the ‘Pride of the Pacific,’ the…
Oʻahu
Play in the lap of luxury at this little gem of a beach between Diamond Head and Black Point, though it's not the best for swimming. Normally uncrowded,…
Waikiki
Born in 1836, King Kalakaua ruled Hawaii from 1874 until his death in 1891. With his wife, Queen Kapiʻolani, Kalakaua traveled the world extensively. This…
Honolulu
In front of the capitol is a highly stylized statue of Father Damien, the Belgian priest who lived and worked with victims of Hansen’s disease (leprosy)…
Honolulu
The first major government building ordered by the Hawaiian monarchy in 1874, the ‘House of Heavenly Kings’ was designed by Australian architect Thomas…
Hiroshima to Honolulu Friendship Torii
Honolulu
In a grassy median called the Mōʻiliʻili Triangle Park sits a symbol of Honolulu's close ties to Japan. This bright red Shintō gate is a half-size replica…
Honolulu
This Shintō shrine was built by Japanese immigrants in 1906. It was confiscated during WWII by the city and wasn’t returned to the community until the…
Alan Davis Beach & Pele's Chair
Oʻahu
It's an easy, flattish 15-minute walk on the Kaʻiwi Shoreline Trail from the parking area for the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail out to secluded little Alan…
Kailua
Just southeast of Kailua, Lanikai is an exclusive residential neighborhood fronting a gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand overlooking two postcard…
Honolulu
With its green ceramic-tile roof and bright red columns, this ornate Chinese Buddhist temple is Honolulu’s oldest. The richly carved interior is filled…
Honolulu
The tomb of King Lunalilo, the short-lived successor to Kamehameha V, is found at the main entrance to the Kawaiahaʻo Church grounds. Lunalilo died from…
Oʻahu
At this picturesque sandy beach, a gentle stream meets the sea. Local surfers challenge Razors, a break off the channel’s west side. Swimming conditions…
Honolulu
The Keliiponi Hale was erected in front of ʻlolani Palace in 1883 as a pavilion for the coronation of King Kalakaua. As there was no other ranking person…
Waikiki
This bronze statue just off Kalakaua Ave represents 'The Storytellers,' the keepers of Hawaiian culture. For centuries, women have been at the top of…
Oʻahu
In the shadow of Diamond Head, this strand of sandy beach draws experienced windsurfers when the trade winds are blowing. The popular Diamond Head Cliffs…
Oʻahu
Here, ocean waves surge through a submerged tunnel in the rock and spout up through a hole in the ledge. The spout is preceded by a gushing sound – the…
Honolulu
Hidden on a private estate, the centerpiece of this unique site is the ancient, stone-walled Kūka‘ō‘ō heiau (temple). It's surrounded by beautiful…
Oʻahu
Makapuʻu Beach is one of Oʻahu’s top bodyboarding and bodysurfing spots, but as with Sandy Beach Park, Makapuʻu is strictly the domain of experts who can…
Honolulu
Pointedly positioned between the state capitol building and ʻIolani Palace is a life-size bronze statue of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning…
Waikiki
Where most cities have bike racks and others have big parking garages, Waikiki has a public facility that embodies the very spirit of the beach: a huge…
Oʻahu
Bordering the lighthouse, this rocky beach occasionally draws surfers, snorkelers and tide-poolers, plus a few picnickers. The narrow strand nicknamed…
Honolulu
An institution since 1904, this market sells everything an Asian-food cook needs: ginger root, quail eggs, jasmine rice, luscious slabs of tuna, long…
Honolulu
Fronting the Honolulu Convention Center, this magnificent statue was created by local artist Shige Yamada. It symbolically acknowledges the Hawaiian…
Oʻahu
Oʻahu's easternmost point was the landfall for all ships from the American west coast to Honolulu. The lighthouse dates to 1909, when it was finally built…
Honolulu
The 1929 headquarters of one of Hawaii's most powerful pre-war plantation and trading companies, this stirring structure combines powerful authority with…
Waikiki
Opposite the entrance to Honolulu Zoo and right on the beach, the Surfer on a Wave statue celebrates surfing as a major part of the culture of Waikiki…
