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Sightseeing and Activities
in Honolulu and Oahu
A visit to the USS
Arizona Memorial is a touching and moving experience.
Watersports enthusiasts love Hawaii.
They love it so much, in fact, that many of them live here. For them,
it's an endless paradise, a huge playground provided by nature.
Visitors can experience the same aquatic adventures. And you don't
have to be a complete enthusiast to do so. How many squids have had
their first – and only – surfing experience at the
slow-rolling waves of Waikiki Beach? (Hard core wave riders head to
the North Shore, but only experts should venture into the water in the
winter, when waves can reach the size of those shown on Hawaii Five-0.
Still, it makes for great viewing). Other surf spots are at Diamond
Head, Koko Head and Waimea Bay.
Those not quite daring enough to try surfing may find boogie boarding
more to their liking.
Hawaii is famous for its outrigger canoes, and riding a ride
off Waikiki Beach is as easy as approaching a beach stand.
Snorkeling is a plentiful, with the best spot being Hanauma
Bay (just past Diamond Head). And if the snorkeling is good, the scuba
diving is even better, with the best spots at Manana (Rabbit)
Island, The Waianae Coast beaches and the North Shore in the summer.
Hanauma Bay, is
Oahu's top snorkeling spot.
The best body surfing spot is at Sandy Beach Park, just past
Hanauma Bay and the Halona Blowhole, where natural water sprouts
create an interesting, if briefly entertaining, sight. Sailing, windsurfing
and swimming are other aquatic activities.
Beach-seekers need only to go as far as Waikiki, but there are
other spectacular beaches on Oahu. Some are filled with locals, others
almost completely isolated.
A visit to the Pearl Harbor Naval Base is a sure way to shake
off any hangover from the previous night. The museum recounts the infamous
morning of Dec. 7, 1941, but it is the USS Arizona Memorial that provides
the most stirring moments. A quiet boat ride out to the sunken ship
where 1,177 men lie buried in a permanent grave is a moving experience.
Run by the National Park Service it includes a film and time at the
memorial. This is a free tour (donations accepted); the last begins
at 3 p.m.
USS Arizona Memorial,1 Arizona Memorial Place. (808) 422-0561
This marks the beginning of World War II and the end is also here.
The battleship USS Missouri is where the Japanese surrender signing
took place. it is anchored in Pearl Harbor and offers tours ($16 for
GA ticket).
Visitor Information: 1-877-MIGHTYMO
Next to the Pearl Harbor entrance, there's a WWII submarine
tour, but it's nothing extraordinary. Tour vans and buses can be
arranged from any hotel.
For history from a different view, hike to the top of Diamond Head
and sit atop a pillbox installed by the Americans prior to World War
II. This is a free activity and provides a beautiful, panoramic view
of Honolulu that few visitors bother to see. That's changing somewhat
as trolleys now deliver loads of tourists, much to the dismay of locals.
They don't mind sharing their secrets with visitors but detest having
it served by tourist buses.
Or, just jump in the rental car on the Kalaniana Ole Highway and drive
along the coastline. Along the way is Hanauma Bay, the Halona Blowhole,
Sandy Beach Park, beautiful Lanikai and the Moku Lua Islands
and, eventually, the North Shore and the appropriately-named
Sunset Beach (about a 3-hour drive on this scenic route).
 Next
stop on the Honolulu
Party Bus: Pub Grub
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