Kaneohe on Oahu’s Windward side means “Bamboo Husband”
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Kaneohe
Tag: oahu
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North Shore Oahu
Oahu’s north shore commonly referred to by locals as “The Country”
This 384-acre park above Aiea north of Pearl Harbor and about 12 miles from Waikiki includes the historic Heaiwa Heiau which is near the park entrance. Further down the paved road are campgrounds as well as picnic areas and the trailhead for the Aiea Loop Trail. The 4.8-mile trail leads through a forested area above […]
Located next to the Hawaii State Library on the grounds of Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Archives houses a vast collection of important Hawaiian history including personal papers, collections, government documents, speeches, press releases, and documents from all governmental branches including the Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive. More than 100,000 photographs are preserved within the Archives […]
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Kahana State Park
Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park is located between Laie and Kaneohe on Oahu’s windward side. The park is a traditional Hawaiian ahupuaa, which is a land division extending from the mountains to the sea and including everything needed for subsistence. Kahana Valley is one of only a few ahupuaa in the state that is owned […]
This refuge near the northernmost point of Oahu was established in 1976 with the goal of providing habitat for Hawaiian waterbirds and migratory waterbirds as well as native plants that require a wetland habitat. Kahuku Point marks the end of the north shore and the beginning of Oahu’s windward coast. Just south of the point […]
Set in a 60-acre basin within the landmark Koko Crater in eastern Oahu is a lovely botanical garden featuring a dryland collection of plants that is a model of xeriscape concepts supporting a drought-tolerant landscape in tune with the surrounding environment. Koko Head is known geologically as a tuff cone and forms the south-west side […]
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The Waikiki Beachboys
Waikiki Beachboys & Duke Kahanamoku Popularized Surfing. The beachboys were symbolic of everything that was great about Hawaii. History The Beachboys of Waikiki is a renowned group of Hawaiian watermen who worked on the beaches of Waikiki from the 1920s to the 1950s when guests from all around the world began arriving to stay at […]
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Kawainui Marsh and Ulupo Heiau
Kawainui Marsh is Hawaii’s largest remaining wetland encompassing 830 acres. Kawainui receives the waters from rains in the uplands of Maunawili Valley. A traditional fishpond in ancient times, Kawainui was planted with rice during the 1900s. Today Kawainui has been restored as a wetland that provides valuable habitat for Hawaii’s native waterbirds including the stilt […]
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Heeia State Park and Fishpond
Heeia State Park is located at Kealohi Point in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu’s windward side and provides scenic views of one of Hawaii’s largest fishponds as well as Heeia-Kea Harbor. Three of Oahu’s five remaining ancient fishponds are located on Kaneohe Bay. Heeia State Park serves as an outdoor classroom for community groups. The non-profit […]
This 400-acre park above Kaneohe on Oahu’s windward side lives up to its name which means “Peaceful refuge.” Hoomaluhia is Oahu’s largest botanical garden. The plants are grouped to represent major tropical growing regions including Polynesia, Melanesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and India, Africa and Tropical America. Plants at Hoomaluhia include palms and aroids, heliconias, native […]
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Byodo-In Temple
This attractive vermilion temple on Oahu’s windward side is set beneath the stunning Koolau mountains and overlooks Kaneohe. The temple is a full-size replica of a 900-year-old temple called Byodo-In and located in Uji, Japan. The Oahu site is also a memorial park with numerous crypts and mausoleums that are the resting places of many […]
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Wahiawa Botanical Garden
This 27-acre city park between the Waianae and Koolau Mountains in central Oahu features hiking trails and more than 60 types of old trees as well as a distinguished fern collection. The park is one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. Set on a plateau at an elevation of nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, the […]
This lovely 700-acre tropical garden is a nature preserve and bird sanctuary that is family owned and set in a majestic location beneath the strikingly beautiful Koolau mountain range. Highlights Highlights of the Garden are 70 varieties of edible fruits and nuts as well as a palm garden with more than 80 types of palms, […]
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Hawaii State Library
The Hawaii State Library is housed in a historic Classical Revival style building in downtown Honolulu just to the west of Honolulu Hale. The structure serves as the central branch of the statewide library system. The library’s main building is a four-story rectangular structure with a six-story tower in the rear. The library’s entrance features […]
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Honolulu Hale—City Hall
Honolulu Hale opened in downtown Honolulu in 1927 featuring pillars and arches, ceiling frescoes, decorative balconies, and a tiled roof. The building was designed by the renowned architect of the time Charles William Dickey. Modeled after the Bargello Palace built in Italy in the 13th century, Honolulu Hale has an open-air courtyard at the center […]
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Bishop Street
Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu is the nexus of Hawaii’s business world including banking and other major financial activities. Honolulu is considered the financial center of the Pacific, and Bishop Street is the financial center of Hawaii. Downtown Oahu’s business district is centered on Bishop Street and Fort Street Mall and bounded by Vineyard Boulevard, […]
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State Capitol Building
The unique architecture of Hawaii’s State Capitol building features volcano-shaped Legislative chambers as well as a large open central court area and tall supporting columns. Reflecting pools surrounding the complex symbolizes the ocean around Hawaii. The open-air rotunda area is open to the public and allows a view into the Legislative chambers where you can […]
Just across the street from Hawaii’s State Capitol building in downtown Honolulu is Washington Place, the former home of Queen Liliuokalani. Twelve of Hawaii’s governors also lived in the home. In 2001 a new 5,000-square-foot governor’s residence was constructed on the same land as Washington Place, which became a museum for visitors to learn more […]
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Aliiolani Hale
Aliiolani Hale—King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center of Hawaii The historic Aliiolani Hale building was the first major Western-style structure built by the Hawaiian monarchy and is notable for its distinctive clock tower. Today the building houses the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center which features exhibits as well as multimedia presentations on landmark Hawaii […]
A pleasant, sandy beach fronted by a grassy lawn, Haleiwa Beach Park is located just north of the small north shore town of Haleiwa and enjoys a nice view of Kaena Point. The sandy beach is relatively narrow and swimming is not great due to the rocky and shallow ocean bottom. However, this is a […]
During the winter months, the world-renown Waimea Bay is the site of some of the world’s biggest waves. Other times of the year this is a quiet, placid beach, great for swimming and snorkeling.
Shark’s Cove & Three Tables offer Oahu’s best snorkeling & scuba
Ehukai Beach is the site of one of the world’s most famous surfing waves, the Banzai Pipeline. The beach is wide and sandy, particularly during the summer months when lots of sand is deposited onshore. Summer is also when the water is generally calmer so it may be safe to swim. Ehukai Beach Park has […]
Winter Surfing Haven. Summer Snorkeling and Swimming. This famous surfing beach comes alive during the winter months when big ocean swells draw the best surfers from all around the world. At all times of years, the scenic beach is a joy to visit, and during the calmer summer months it can be a nice swimming […]
Malaekahana State Recreation Area The beach at Malaekahana is a mile-long crescent of sand bordering relatively well-protected ocean waters that are good for swimming when the surf is not too large. This is also a good beach for surfing and bodyboarding. Three campgrounds at Malaekahana are surrounded by pine trees and have camping facilities including […]
This is a lovely, scenic beach between Laie and Kalani Points with fairly calm water when the surf is not too large. However, there isn’t much shade at this beach. The beach is located at the town of Laie on Oahu’s northeastern coast and most of the visitors to this beach are students of Brigham […]
Though the seafloor is mostly coral reef, the protection of the reef makes this is a good swimming beach unless the surf is large. A nice sandy offshore area can be found just to the left of the beach access path. Trees along the shore provide shady areas. Great For Swimming, sunbathing, relaxing in the […]
Benefitting from the protection of an offshore reef, Punaluu Beach Park provides calm waters that are good for swimming as long as the ocean waves are not too big. This is not such a good beach for snorkeling, and during the winter the beach becomes quite narrow due to large surf. Great For Swimming, snorkeling, […]
Situated on the 150-acre peninsula of Kualoa Point on the north side of Kualoa Bay, this is great for swimming when the surf is not too large. Rising above this very scenic beach is the cliff called Paliku, which means “Vertical cliff,” and the beach has great views of the Koolau mountains. Kualoa is a […]
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Kailua Beach Park
35 acre Kailua Beach Park is one of Oahu’s nicest beaches
Great Snorkeling for Kids
This popular east side park is a great swimming beach protected by an offshore reef and a great sunbathing beach with soft, white sand. The shallow water and consistent shore break are often utilized by beginner surfers and bodyboarders. Bellows Field Beach Park usually provides calm water conditions unless the ocean waves are large. This […]
This classic Hawaiian beach on Oahu’s eastern shore is a great place for a long beach walk along Waimanalo Bay followed by a swim in the mostly protected, turquoise waters. Waimanalo Bay is Oahu’s longest beach stretching for more than 5 miles along the windward shore from Wailea Point to Makapuu, and with great views […]
Set beneath the stunning Koolau mountain range, Waimanalo Beach Park is a long, sandy beach with relatively calm water unless the ocean waves are large. Ironwood trees provide some shady areas. Waimanalo Beach Park is just one of three prominent beaches on Waimanalo Bay. The other two are Bellows Field Beach Park and Waimanalo Bay […]
This is a lovely golden-sand beach on Oahu’s easternmost point is about 1,000 feet long and is backed by black Koolau cliffs, Makapuu has a classic natural Hawaiian beauty that has been displayed in such shows as Hawaii Five-O and Magnum, P.I. However, swimming is only recommended when the water is very calm. Offshore of […]
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Sandy Beach Park
Sandy Beach is a popular beach that is about 1,200 feet long and is great for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and laying out on the golden sands. A wide and expansive beach, Sandys is nice for swimming when the waves are very small, but most often there is a pounding […]
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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
This impressive crescent-shaped bay (Hanauma means “Curved Bay”) lined with lava rock ledges was formed by two sunken craters and is renowned for its myriad tropical fish. As one of Hawaii’s most popular visitor destinations, Hanauma Bay draws more than one million people each year. The sandy beach at Hanauma is nice for relaxing, but […]
This pleasant swimming and snorkeling area at the eastern end of Waikiki is protected by a coral reef and used by many local swimmers who like to swim laps in the ocean. The Outrigger Canoe Club Beach is located just east of San Souci Beach and fronts the Outrigger Canoe Club. Great For Swimming, snorkeling, […]
Extending from the Kapahulu Groin at Kuhio Beach all the way to the Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Beach is popular among bodyboarders who ride the waves along the midsection of the beach. A surfing spot farther offshore is known as the Publics. Great For The grassy areas and coconut palm trees fronting Kapiolani Beach Park provide […]
The Kapahulu Groin is a storm drain that extends out into the ocean at the eastern end of Kuhio Beach Park. From the Kapahulu Groin, a breakwater extends parallel to the beach for more than 1,000 feet providing a safe area where onlookers can see the local bodyboarders riding waves perilously close to the wall. […]
Located directly in front of the charming and historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel as well as the Royal Moana and the Outrigger Waikiki, this beautiful white-sand beach is enjoyed by swimmers and sunbathers as well as surfers who enjoy the waves offshore. As you relax on the soft sand you can enjoy great views of Diamond […]
Gray’s Beach is located just to the east (on the Diamond Head side) of the Waikiki’s Halekulani Hotel. Due to the seawall in front of the hotel, the beach may be inundated with water at high tide. Great For Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and people watching. Highlights When visiting Gray’s Beach you will notice that there […]
This 1,800-foot-long Waikiki beach is situated directly in front of the 20-acre Fort DeRussy Military Reservation which provides a recreational area for U.S. military personnel and families. Two huts along the beach here rent water sports equipment. Great For Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and people watching. Highlights The grassy and shady areas along the beach at […]
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Kahanamoku Beach
Directly in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel at the western end of Waikiki, Kahanamoku Beach features a breakwater and pier with coral running between them. This provides a nice swimming area that is relatively safe for kids. The pier at Kahanamoku Beach is used to provide water taxi service for submarine cruises and […]
Sand, Surf & Shopping Galore
This beautiful sandy beach within Ala Moana Beach Park is somewhat protected from the open sea, although the usually calm water is sometimes subject to strong currents as well as ocean surges. The nearby grassy area and palm trees lining the shore add an extra charm. Snorkeling isn’t as good as some other beaches. Great […]
Sandy Beach, Calm Water
Ko Olina Lagoons consists of sandy beaches along four picturesque lagoons—Hanu, Naia, Kolola, and Ulu—situated in a luxurious resort area. The lagoons were fashioned by human hands to provide a nice beach and safe swimming area for kids and novice swimmers. The semi-circular shape of the lagoon and the stone walls create a protective barrier from the […]
This gentle west side beach is family-friendly with calm water and shady areas. When other Waianae beaches are experiencing strong surf and dangerous conditions, Pokai is often still very hospitable. The swimming areas at Pokai are marked with buoys. Pokai is also a popular canoe-launching beach. Highlights On days when other beaches are too rough, […]
Ancient Hawaiian Surf Grounds This mile-long, golden-sand beach on Oahu’s western shore was famous in ancient Hawaii as a place where the experts rode the waves—this remains true today during large winter swells. During the summer months when the waves are small, novices also enjoy Makaha’s waves that provide long rides for bodyboarders and surfers. […]
An uncrowded gem on Oahu’s Leeward side. The clear blue water of this remote and usually uncrowded leeward Oahu beach makes for an ideal Hawaiian beach day. On calmer days there are plenty of small caverns and caves to explore. The white sand beach is located between two limestone points about one mile apart. The […]
The Honolulu Marathon: Race To The Finish Line
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Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum – Celebrating Hawaii’s History
The Honolulu Symphony – How Sweet The Sound
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Hanauma Bay
Snorkel Hanauma Bay – Oahu’s Marine Life Conservation Park
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Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace
Experienced Body Surfing & Boogie Boarding Warning: Sandy’s can be treacherous and swimmers should be extremely wary when there’s surf present. Sandy Beach, Oahu is a popular destination during the summer months. Facing the island of Molokai and the strong currents of the Molokai Channel, Sandy beach is dangerous when the surf is up. Of […]
Polynesian Cultural Center
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Alii Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise
World’s Largest Polynesian Catamaran
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Leeward Coast, Oahu
Oahu’s Leeward Coast
Exploring Downtown Honolulu on a 2.3 mile self guided walk
Many Classic Moments
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Sea Life Park
Sea Worthy – Exploring Sea Life Park – Oahu
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Waimea Valley
Back To Nature – Waimea Valley
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Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation – Where Pineapple Is Still King
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Honolulu Academy of Arts
For Arts Sake – Honolulu Academy Of Arts
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Chinatown, Honolulu
A Walk Through Chinatown Honolulu
The Hawaii Maritime Center – Tracing Hawaii’s Ocean History
Punchbowl Cemetery
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Oahu Timeshares
Oahu Timeshares
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Foster Botanical Garden
The Natural Wonders Of Foster Botanical Garden
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Hawaii Sports
Hawaii Sports
The Pali Lookout
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Haleiwa
Exploring Haleiwa
Kamehameha Statue: Tribute To A King
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Kawaiahao Church
Kawaiahao Church
Hiking Diamond Head
Mission Houses Museum
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Oahu Shopping
Oahu Shopping Adventures
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Magic of Polynesia
Magic of Polynesia
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The NFL Pro Bowl
The NFL Pro Bowl
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Waikiki, Oahu Nightlife
Oahu Nightlife – Dinner Shows & Nightclubs in Waikiki
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Oahu Swap Meets
Oahu Swap Meets
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Honolulu Theatre
Honolulu On Stage
USS Battleship Missouri Memorial – Pearl Harbor
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Hawaii Theatre Center
Hawaii Theatre Center – Pride of the Pacific
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The Falls of Clyde
The Falls of Clyde
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Kailua
Kailua, Oahu – A Beach Town Just 30 Minutes from Honolulu.
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USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum – Park – Pearl Harbor
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Kahala Hotel & Resort
It’s a “suite life” at the Kahala Hotel, Resort on Oahu
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Halona Blowhole
Halona Blowhole
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Waikiki Trolley
Waikiki Trolley
Historic Aloha Tower
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Honolulu Zoo
WAIKIKI’S WILD KINGDOM: THE HONOLULU ZOO
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Getting Married on Oahu
Getting married on Oahu
Made in Hawaii Products
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Hawaii Nature Center
Hawaii Nature Center – Hands-on Environmental Education
Waikiki – The Playground of the Pacific
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Waikiki Aquarium
Waikiki Aquarium
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Lanikai Kayaking
Lanikai Kayaking – Paddling Adventure to the Twin Islands
Swim with Dolphins on Oahu and the Big Island
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Don Ho
Don Ho – Waikiki’s Entertainment Legend
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Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals – Hawaii’s Biggest Party
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USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona Memorial – One of Hawaii’s Most Popular Attractions