Besides the beaches, visitors to Honolulu can take tours of the countryside surrounding the downtown area. These tours are amazing, bringing visitors to some of the most beautiful rainforests and volcanoes in the world. Animal and plant life are abundant, and the scenery is unsurpassed. A five-minute car ride from Honolulu brings visitors into some of Nature's most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights. Several museums, including the Bishop Museum, combine exhibits on Hawaiian natural history with lessons about history and culture of its many diverse peoples. The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States, and it features many of Hawaii's most interesting sea animals. The Honolulu Zoo also features some of the unique mammals, birds, and reptiles that inhabit the forests just outside of the city.
The history of Hawaii is very rich, as the islands have always attracted many different people. Visitors can tour the Tolani Palace, the residence of the last of the Hawaiian monarchs. They can also visit Honolulu's Chinatown, which is more authentic than many of its mainland counterparts. They can also visit the Arizona Memorial, commemorating the destruction of the battleship Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II.
Honolulu exhibits the best of Hawaii in every way. From its famous beaches to its incredible natural preserves, this town has attracted millions of people from around the world. Many of those visitors stayed, helping to make Hawaii one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse places to visit in the United States. Anyone lucky enough to be going to Hawaii knows that he won't be disappointed.
Places to Visit
U.S. Army MuseumFt. DeRussy, Bldg. 32, Kalia Rd.
808-438-2821
This museum at Ft. DeRussy includes a great collection of war materials, with a big focus on World War II. The exhibits also include Hawaiian weapons.
Wahiawa Botanical Gardens
1396 California Ave., Wahiawa
808-621-7321
More than 27 acres of unique plants and flowers fill this lovely garden. The garden is incredibly peaceful and many of its plants are stunning.
Dole Pineapple Pavilion
64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy.
808-621-8408
This center is dedicated to the pineapple, and it is a wonderful stop on a tour of the island. Exhibits, an enormous plantation gift shop, a restaurant and a tram tour of a field complete the pavilion.
Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Ave.
808-923-9741
More than 300 different types of Pacific and Hawaiian marine life are on display here, including a giant clam. Many exhibits and movies complement the interesting creatures.
Waimea Valley
59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa
808-638-8511
This 1,800-acre attraction features a look at early Hawaiian life in the midst of an impressive garden that has more than 2,500 species of plants. Visitors can watch amazing cliff dives and participate in less dangerous Hawaiian games.
