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Hawaiian Island of O'ahu
The Hawaiian island of O'ahu is just about everything you'd expect of such a tropical paradise. The island contains enough sights and activities to keep you enthralled forever. The average temperature on the island of O'ahu fluctuates somewhere between a comfortable 75 and 85 degrees throughout the year.
The incredible diversity of the island, from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Honolulu to the backcountry wildlife, to the pristine sandy beaches of the northern shore, O'ahu is home to almost a million residents and over 80,000 guests visiting the island on any given day of the year.
Here is a selection of some popular destinations in O'ahu you should look into:
The Lookout on Pali Highway
You definitely need to take a trip to the lookout on the Pali Highway. The highway traverses the gorgeous rainforest, providing breathtaking views from the world famous Nu`uanu Pali Lookout. From the lookout, the villages of Windward O'ahu, the sparkling sweep of Kaneohe Bay, and the crystal blue surface of the Pacific spread for miles below. Less than a half hour from Waikiki, the Lookout is a perfect place to gain an overall perspective on this tropical paradise. But make sure you don't forget to bring plenty of extra film when you visit the lookout!
The Lolani Royal Palace of Hawaii
The royal palace of Hawaii is the only restored US palace anywhere in the United States. Built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, The Palace offers a unique glimpse into the world of mystique and grandeur of Hawaii's regal royal past. The Palace is located just a short stroll from the Hawaii State Capitol in downtown Honolulu.
Guided tours of the Lolani Palace are held each week from Tuesday through Saturday; from 9:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. Children under the age of five are not permitted entry into the palace.
Visit Pearl Harbor
The site of Japan's infamous attack on the United States during World War Two, Pearl Harbor was also the site of Japan's unconditional surrender to the United States, bringing an end to World War II. Today, the Missouri shares the harbor with the sunken U.S.S. Arizona, a memorial to all who lost their lives during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Thus, both the beginning and end of World War II are memorialized forever at Pearl Harbor today in the form of these battleships - The submerged Arizona and the proud U.S.S Missouri. Each year more than 1.5 million people visit the Pearl Harbor Navy Base, located about 45 minutes west of Waikiki, and pay tribute to the many that lost their lives there.
Take a stroll though the Foster Botanical Gardens
Foster Botanical Gardens, located on the edge of downtown Honolulu, is home to the nation's largest collection of tropical plants. Some of the amazing species exhibited include plantings of palms, heliconia, orchids, and a primitive cycad garden as well.
Diamond Head Hike
One of O'ahu's most famous landmarks, Diamond Head is a 760 foot crater. This is a hike you definitely should not miss out on! Once used as a military lookout, it is a vantage point from which you can view a spectacular, panoramic view of Waikiki and the south shore of O'ahu. Bring Your Sunglasses!
The Bishop Museum
Located in Honolulu, the Bishop Museum houses many artifacts from the days of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani's reign. In addition to the museum's many different displays, visitors can also hear stories about mythical, ancient and modern figures of Hawaiian history.
The Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium is an amazing and entertaining destination for visitors of all ages. Some of the fish on display include a Potter's Angel (Centropyge potteri) which gets its name from Frederick Potter, the first director of the Waikiki Aquarium. Also on display is a rare Longnose Hawkfish usually found only at depths of over 100 feet below the surface. If you go scuba diving, you might get to see one in the wild!
Be sure to stop by the Waikiki Aquarium for an amazing educational and fun excursion!
James Shaw,
Saturday, February 14th
