| Attractions |
| Guide - Attractions - Sightseeing |
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Aloha Tower
1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-528-5700
Description: DOWNTOWN. This landmark tower, sitting at the edge of Honolulu Harbor, once provided the initial greeting to visitors disembarking from cruise ships. Inscribed with the word "Aloha" and boasting clock faces, the tower also offers an observation deck, from which folks can take in views of Honolulu. These days, the tower (which was built in 1926) serves as the centerpiece of Aloha Tower Marketplace, a complex of shops and restaurants.
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Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Kalakaua Ave, near Kuhio Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815
Description: WAIKIKI. Commemorating one of Waikiki's most famous native sons, this bronze statue provides the four-time Olympic athlete an eternal presence on his beloved beach. A champion swimmer, Duke also helped spread the popularity of surfing in America and was both a sheriff of Honolulu and a film actor. In fact, his fame accounted for his being named the "Hawaiian Ambassador of Aloha." Although the statue faces inland rather than out to sea, it's often adorned with flower leis by those who remember and appreciate Duke's magnanimous character.
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Hawaii State Capitol Building
415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-0178
Description: DOWNTOWN. This contemporary building, beautiful in its simplicity, holds a host of meaning in its architecture. Designed as a reflection of the Hawaiian islands, the capitol itself is intended to mimic a volcano, and its surrounding pool represents the Pacific Ocean. Even its pillars are supposed to evoke coconut palms. An open-air courtyard features a mosaic of aquatic colors, and the building's entrances are watched over by Queen Liliuokalani (Hawaii's deposed ruler) and Father Damien (a 19th-century humanitarian). Sculptures in the legislative chambers recall the sun and moon, and walls throughout are paneled with native woods.
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King Kamehameha I Statue
417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Description: DOWNTOWN. Honoring the king who first united the Hawaiian islands in the early 19th century, this statue stands proudly in front of Ali'iolani Hale. Modeled after the Roman "Augustus Prima Porta" statue, it indicates both strength and openness. One of four castings of the statue (two on the Big Island and one in Washington, DC), this Oahu example is the most famous and is the one richly adorned with extravagant leis on King Kamehameha Day (each June 11). Designed by Thomas R. Gould and cast in Italy.
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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater
2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-532-3720
Description: NUUANU. In ancient days, this crater was the site of solemn, ritualistic ceremonies involving island priests and royal figures. The place, known as the "Hill of Sacrifice," was granted an extended purpose when it became the National Memorial Cemetery and was chosen to be the final resting place for men and women who gave up their lives in service to their country. More than 33,000 bodies are interred here, representing four wars and including a portion of the dead from Pearl Harbor. The Honolulu Memorial, a commemorative structure, includes a chapel, names of missing soldiers, and a statue of "Columbia."
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Valley of the Temples & Byodo-In Temple
47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 808-239-8811
Description: Within this lush valley lies a cemetery dedicated to many denominations, eastern and western alike. Echoing this multiple focus are the valley's landscaping and structures. A Christian chapel, perched on a hill, and a Buddhist temple, modeled after the Byodo-In temple in Japan, provide quiet places for meditation. Oahu's Asian temple is surrounded by peacocks, streams, koi ponds, and serene plantings. It was built to honor the arrival of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii and features an enormous brass bell, whose low tones echo through the peaceful valley when offerings are made.
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Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium
Kalakaua Ave between Aquarium and New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, opposite Kapiolani Park, Honolulu, HI 96815
Description: WAIKIKI. Subject to much-anticipated renovations, this grand, outdoor pool opened in 1927 as a tribute to Hawaii's residents who died during WWI. An impressive memorial arch leads into the facility, which features an enormous, saltwater pool and bleachers running alongside. In its heyday, it was frequented by Duke Kahanamoku, Buster Crabbe, and Johnny Weissmuller, and many area children learned to swim in the pool's confines. While renovation plans are being debated, the facility remains closed.
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Washington Place
320 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-0248
Description: DOWNTOWN. This gracious home, an elegant white structure beneath shady, mature trees, was built in 1846 by John Dominis, who died before he took up residence. Queen Lili`uokalani, Dominis's daughter-in-law and Hawaii's last monarch, was the house's most famous occupant. Today, the home is the realm of Hawaii's governors. Distinguished by its lanais, the house also boasts the queen's koa-wood piano and a collection of Victorian furnishings. Its name honors the country's founding father. Visitors must make reservations for tours at least 48 hours in advance.
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