That phrase had been bandied about my entire life but as far as Hawaii goes it certainly is true... whether you are hiking Manoa Beach Park or Diamond Head, or snorkeling in Hanuuma Bay or surfing at Waimae or Sunset Beach the outdoor activities Hawaii has to offer can't be beat.
Tourism is by far the biggest industry as more than seven million people from around the world visit the islands every year... you are never at a loss for something to do even if you want to do nothing and enjoy the beautiful views. Hawaii is the most isolated land mass and the longest island chain in the world and were all formed by volcanic eruptions deep below the sea... each island is unique and offers wide and diverse options to locals and visitors.
I will share some of my favorite pleasures on Oahu. If you are taking a once in a lifetime vacation to Hawaii I suggest you take a long vacation and visit at least three of the islands however on Oahu I recommend you try to time your visit to at least a week or more but no less than five days. I strongly recommend you rent a car but if you want to cut some corners you can easily get around on the bus... it's actually called TheBus http://www.thebus.org/ you can pay by the ride or buy a four day or monthly pass. In a pinch Hilo Hattie offers a free trolly from various points in Waikiki to their large flagship store on Nimitz Highway where you can buy island fashions and gifts ... when you are finished you can return to Waikiki or continue on to Aloha Tower Marketplace, Ward Center, Ward Warehouse or Ala Moana Center.
I think I could spend the better part of a day wandering around Waikiki or Ala Moana Center...
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| Ala Moana Center |
Even if you are not looking for a Chanel or Prada bag there is plenty to see and do and if you need to stock up on sunscreen or snacks make sure to visit Longs Drugs. http://www.alamoanacenter.com/Stores/Longs-Drugs
I've been told that the USS Arizona war memorial in Pearl Harbor is one of the leading destinations on the island; it's a very moving and solemn experience and it's free and so is parking... so try to go early... if you want advanced reserved tickets they are $1.50 each and you can reserve up to eight tickets. Please keep in mind you are allowed to bring your camera, phone and wallet but no bags or backpacks....
Another fun thing is to go to torch lighting ceremony and hula show at Prince Kuhio Beach Park around sunset every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday... the stage is near the Duke Kahanamoku statue.
If you do rent a car the drive on the southeast side of the island on Kalaniana'ole Highway (Hwy 72) is one of my favorite on the island as you pass Hanuuma Bay and then the Halona Blowhole and then Makapu'u Point LIghthouse and Makapu'u Beach... and then on to view Mokolii island.
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| Makapu'u Lighthouse |
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| Makupu'u Beach |
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| Mokolii Island (China man's hat) |
The Pali Lookout is probably one of the most breathtaking views of the windward side of the island... it's located toward the center of Oahu on Pali Highway (Hwy 61) and parking is $3.00 (Free parking if you have a Hawaii Drivers License)
Hawaii is rich with art and culture... I highly recommend a visit to Iolani Palce, for one thing it's the only royal palace in the United States and it's been restored to all it's beauty and grandeur. Tours are available... some of the people I know found it a bit dry and dull but I loved it... it's better known to some as police headquarters on the original Hawaii 5-0 series.
The Bishop Museum has the best collection of Hawaiiana in the entire world... I realize that most people do not go to Hawaii with the intention of being indoors---particularly a museum... but just keep it in the back of your mind in the rare case of a rainy day...sometimes it's a good idea to give your skin a few hours break from the tropical sun.
However the Honolulu Museum Of Art has something called ArtafterDark on the last Friday of every month from January thru October from 6:00-9:00pm and it's an evening of art, music, and happy hour with a theme around whatever the museum is currently curating. Right now there is an exhibit of The World Of Wearable Art.. and there is always something fun happening at The Doris Duke Theatre.
One of the greatest things about living in or visiting Hawaii is there is usually a festival or cultural event of some nature that will give you a taste and flavor of the islands and you can learn so much about the melting pot of cultures from Japanese to Chinese and Portuguese to Filipino and Korean. There are hundreds of festivals every year so make sure you check the schedules when you are visiting. Some of them are...
January --- Night In Chinatown Festival & Parade
February --- Wanderlust Oahu
March --- Honolulu Festival
April ---Waikiki Spam Jam
May ---May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
June --- Pan Pacific Festival and Gay Pride Parade
July ---Ala Moana Center Fireworks & The Haleiwa Arts Festival
August --- Made In Hawaii Festival
September ---Aloha Festival
October ---Hawaii Chocolate Festival
November --- Hawaii International Film Festival
December --- Honolulu Marathon
I don't think I have even scratched the surface of all the fun free or (under $10) things you can do in Hawaii... but I'll add a few of my personal all time favorites...
A picnic in Kapiolani Park
The Honolulu Zoo
Waikiki Aquarium
Center Stage at Ala Moana Center
Sunset On The Beach ( Several weekends throughout the year a movie is shown outdoors on a 30 foot screen)
Aloha Swap Meet (It cost a dollar and is not for the faint of heart... make sure you go early)
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| Aloha Stadium Swap Meet |
And last but certainly not least... when I was a boy one of my favorite things to do was go to the Waikiki Shell and sit on the lawn and listen to the performances.... it was not until many years later my best friend told me it was one of her favorite things too... I would like to think that maybe we were there on some of the same starry nights listening to the same sounds and building the same memories....
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| Waikiki Shell...stadium seating for 1958 and six thousand on the grass |
"…the best collection of Hawaiiana in the world." I'm dying to go now! I've never been much of a beach person, but you've shown me Hawaii is so much more. Definitely an 'add' to my Bucket List!
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