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{ "categories": [ "Hiking Trails", "Scenic Walking Areas" ], "description": "This dormant volcano crater is one of Honolulu’s major natural landmarks, known for its history, amazing hikes, and stunning coastal views. The way to the summit is an easy-to-moderate hike up—though there's a steep flight of steps—and you'll be treated to some of the best views on the island. There are also many lookouts surrounding the crater. If you have limited mobility, don't worry, multiple other hikes within the park are accessibility friendly.\n\nIt can get busy (and hot!) so try to reach early in the morning and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Online reservations are required for non-residents but are often included in guided tours of Diamond Head. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Great way to watch the sunrise and take in the scenery, We came across this place when looking for things to do on a drive around the island. This is state monument, so you do have to reserve your slot ahead of time online. They open about a month or two ahead of time. It seemed that there was a lot of availability all the way up until a day or two before that it was filled up more. The morning times are more popular than the afternoon times. You do have to pay entry fee, and then if you are parking, that is an extra fee as well. I did see many people park elsewhere down the hill and then walk into the park, which I believe is a discounted entry fee. Once you scan your reservation, you get handed a map (helpful for the hike since there are some forks in the path) and you park and take the path to the top of the crater. There is a very very small shack with some limited souvenirs at the bottom in the parking lot as well. The path starts out paved for a small bit, and then it turns to rocky and uneven as it winds it way up to the top. There are also many stairs. Please be sure to bring a water bottle! The trail isn’t very wide so everyone was courteous in pulling to the side if they needed a break, or if someone else was going the opposite way that you were. There are a few spots as well that have some pull off areas that have benches or just have different scenic views for photos. We chose to do the sunrise hike so we arrived at 6am (they open at 5:45am) for the sun to rise at 6:30am. The temperature was perfect before the sun was coming up. Many other people had the same idea as us because it was quite crowded at the top and hard to find a spot to sit and watch the sunrise, many others spread out along the path on the way up. There is a bunker built into the side that there are some signs about at the top. At the top you can get a view of the crater below, a view out onto the ocean, a view of Waikiki, and a mountain/island view. It was a very cool adventure to do. If you are fit and don’t stop along the way, it will take about 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down. Overall this was a cool thing to do as we have never seen or been on a crater before, and it had amazing views. This was also a great way to catch the sunrise.", "Crowded hike, nice views from summit, Had reservations for 8:00-9:00am entry. You currently need reservations to enter on foot ($5) or park (additional fee). The hike to the main observation point was not too challenging, 30-40 minutes to the top. It was very, very crowded though, making it difficult to navigate the stairs and observation areas. Path is very uneven in areas, still navigable but could be challenging for folks with limited mobility. Paths were particularly crowded near the start of reservation times (e.g., 8:00am, 9:00am). A better strategy may be to start hike 30 minutes after reservation start time (e.g., 8:30am, 9:30am) to avoid some of the worst crowding. The park is assessible by short bus trip from Waikiki for those who do not have a car or cannot get parking reservation.", "Amazing views!, Cool walk up the side of a volcano to some amazing views with some great history. The website made the walk sound hard but it was super easy for me (25minutes up). Those from NZ who are used to doing hiking will find this super easy. Recommend going early in morning so you beat the heat & see the sun coming up. You can Uber from Waikiki to the diamond head tunnel for about $12-14 USD & then I walked back to Waikiki afterwards - was a long walk but down hill or flat and lots to explore so if you’re into that makes it cheaper. Make sure you register online using the official website - you must have a prepared registration. Great morning had!, Traveled solo" ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "Cemeteries", "Monuments & Statues", "History Museums" ], "description": "The most visited spot in Hawaii, this majestic floating memorial honors those who died during the WWII Pearl Harbor attack." }

[ "USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor are a must do (but make a reservation), Even during the pandemic Pear Harbor was busy, the parking lots full, and many people in the standby line for the USS Arizona Memorial. You can reserve timed tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial up to 8 weeks in advance on the website for $1 per ticket. In addition to doing this I would recommend getting an early time as the parking lots do all fill up quite early. We arrived around 09:00 and the first two parking lots were already full. By the time we left around 13:00 they were all full and people were slowly driving around looking for spots to open up.\n\nThis memorial is very moving, seeing the resting place of 900 of our servicemen and learning more about what happened that day. The ranger with us was very knowledgeable and shared a very good story of the rescue of 4 men off the USS Arizona.", "The Arizona Memorial/ be prepared, There is so much to see now at the USS Arizona Memorial. We prepaid the admission to reserve a time to visit the memorial itself which is reached by a large boat. If you do not reserve a time, you will need to join the stand by line and stand in the hot sun, which allows to get on the boat if space permits. That could be a very long wait. We opted to also get the audio guide which gives you info on various locations here. Make sure to get the map which shows you the numbers to push on the audio guide for the info. The staff was not helpful with this info at all. Finally, you can also sign up to do the virtual reality googles. You sit in a chair which swivels and can experience December 7th from different perspectives, either from the air or on the Arizona. Very interesting. You can round out your day by seeing the movie in an open air setting, and visiting different mini museums like the one dedicated to the attack, A very moving day.", "Impressive, but very bad arranged how you can visit it!, Impressive memorial, but it is outrageous how you have to visit it!\nThey only put the \"free tickets\" open a day before the visit, at 03:00pm, at 03:01 pm everything is \"sold out\".\nI suspect it's tour companies taking all of these tickets.\nThe only way to see it then is to buy it expensive at a tour operator, or wait in line more than an hour with no guarantee you can visit it!\n\nIt's a shame a memorial is arranged this way, it would be far more honest to just let everybody wait in a line and not with \"tickets\" that you aren't able to get a hand to!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "Military Bases & Facilities", "History Museums" ], "description": "A National Historic Landmark, this site consists of five memorials commemorating the events around WWII and the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941." }

[ "Excellent tour, Excellent and well done. Our group of six booked our own tour that included the Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Aviation Museum and Bowfin submarine. The boat ticket that you need to take the shuttle over to the Arizona is very confusing to get and it’s only a dollar. The information on that part is poor. Otherwise it is excellent to see and very much worth it. There is a volunteer over at the memorial who told us lots of stories and information about that day that almost had me in tears. He was amazing and we all loved listening to him. Go early! We did not experience heavy crowds at all and it gets very hot over there touring the USS Missouri but very interesting as well and lots of volunteers to ask questions if you do your own tour. It was then suggested by the Bowfin reception desk to do the aviation museum over on Ford Island next before doing the Bowfin and they provide a bus to. It was very interesting as well. We returned to do the Bowfin and were advised it was closed but they didn’t tell us that when we first going to go tour it….. disappointed about that. If you arrive at the entry gates exactly at 8am, turn around and face away from the gates for the national anthem. Do not bring big bags or purses. You cannot take them in. You can take in a see thru nap sac or you must check your bag or purse for $6. Well worth the visit and it will take at least half a day or more. Our Arizona tour was at 9am first and we stopped for lunch after touring the Missouri. It is very hot out there.", "Great exhibits, learned a lot!, We arrived here at 4pm while they were closing at 5pm. There are two connected free parking lots. Admission is free, and there is a security guard to make sure you are not bringing in any bags. I had a wristlet small clutch the size of my phone and that was perfectly fine. He was happy to let us in and said we have plenty of time to walk around. We turned left when you walked in to see the exhibits. The first exhibit was about life in the 1940’s and the culture in that time frame and what was leading up to the war, and the different aspects of the militaries of Japan and the U.S. It was interesting. Then they had the second exhibit to walk through. This was the most fascinating and I learned so much! In the middle of the exhibit there is an informational video that I highly recommend watching. It had history channel vibes, but it had so much info that I never knew before. It was very harrowing. After the second exhibit, we walked the path along the water and read the informational signs. Right as we got to the end, it was 5 pm so the security guards were walking behind us to make sure we made our way to the exit. So we were able to breeze through here in about an hour. We will definitely be returning to go to the U.S.S. Arizona, check out the gift shop, and to do the audio tour and take our time. We would also like to check out the submarine museum and the aviation museum next time, as we had just come from the U.S.S. Missouri museum. So there is plenty to do here, or if you just want a taste, you can breeze through in about an hour. If you are interested in the history of the area, I would highly recommend.", "Every American should visit this site., As others have written it does take a bit of planning to visit. A few minutes of reading through the National Park Service website will make it less stressful. We procured our free ($1 per person fee) visitors tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial 8 weeks in advance via the NPS website. Which meant skip-the-line access to the ferry and memorial. If you arrive without a ticket your wait might be 45 to 90 minutes. Also, no purses, knapsacks, etc. allowed unless they are clear. \n\nWe arrived about an hour prior to our 10 am ticket and spent the time walking around the grounds with the audio guide. Of course, the memorial is somber and hallowed. We also spent a few more minutes after the memorial in the exhibit galleries." ]

{ "categories": [ "Speciality Museums", "Historic Sites", "History Museums" ], "description": "Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage. E komo mai! Welcome!" }

[ "Quick history lesson about Hawaiian Royals, So happy that we were able to fit in a visit to the Iolani Palace the day of our flight home. The staff was so welcoming and helpful. We had audio tour reservations at 1pm but had no problem getting in at 11:30am. Of course, we were lucky to go during a quiet time of the year and also, with few to no foreign travelers due to covid restrictions. It was amazing to see the palace with so few tourists. We did not feel rushed or crowded. The restoration done in the building is impressive. You really feel like the inhabitants just stepped out instead of having lived there over 100 years ago. The audio guide was very informative. I knew very little about the Hawaiian kings and queens but this visit really peak my interest. We came home with Queen Liliuokalani's autobiography to learn more about Hawaii's last monarch. If possible, I highly recommend scheduling a Friday visit as to hear the Royal Hawaiian Band play a free concert outside from 12 to 1pm. Mahalo to all the staff at the Iolani Palace!, Traveled with family", "Iolani and history, We went on the self guided audio tour early Tuesday morning. I recommend the earliest time you can so that parking is comfortable. There is a limited number of people indoors at the same time so we felt relieved. I recommend reading bit of the history beforehand so you can really take it all in. The docents were so nice and gave a personal flair. So many pieces of history, especially the artifacts in the basement. The restoration of the palace was amazing, and so different than what I remembered from ~50 years ago. The gift shop had unique items, and we bought historical books at a good deal. , Traveled with family", "Hawaiian Royalty, Take the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiin culture and heritage when you visit Hawaii to include a stop at Iolani Palace. Reservations are required and multiple tour and guide options are available through their reservation site. We opted for the classic audio tour which was great.\n\nAll instructions on what to expect, where to park, how to act, etc. are clearly communicated on the pre-arrival email/ confirmation. The one thing that wasn't clear was where we check in upon arrival. Once you arrive at the palace you will notice a small building to the right of the Palace if facing the entrance where the tours start (there's a sign that indicated where the tours starts at the bottom of the staircase). It's the building that shares the gift shop and toilets. In the breezeway of that building a table is set up for check in.\n\nBefore entering the Palace you are expected to put booties on over your shoes, gentlemen should remove their hats and all should be respectful of the property and it's historical significance. \n\nThe tour was very informative and took about an hour and a half to two (depends on how much you read). My favorite parts were touring the actual Palace and feeling the presence of the Royal family and their guests as I imagined the Palace in its prime. Seeing the tableware and the clothes as they family would have enjoyed was amazing. And the history behind the rooms and the pieces. Not to spoil it but the somber ending was probably the most impactful and very emotional. \n\nThere are more exhibits in the basement that are included in the tour." ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "Points of Interest & Landmarks", "Ships" ], "description": "Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 9-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations." }

[ "Great way to tour a battleship and learned where WWII ended, After learning that the U.S.S. Missouri was one of the last commissioned battleships, as well as where WWII came to an end, we knew we wanted to visit the museum. If you have military base access, you can drive through the gate and directly to the parking lot here. If not, then you park at the pearl harbor visitor’s center and a bus will take you to drop you off and pick you up to bring you back. They have military pricing for tickets. We arrived about one hour before they closed and we were assured we would have enough time. They mentioned that a guided tour was included upon purchasing admission, but as we entered, the folks welcoming us just directed us to go on the self guided tour. I did see a couple of other tour guides around the ship giving tours, or just posted about (I assume to answer any questions you have or give you directions). We did the recommended loop which was to go to towards the front to the bow (Where there is a great view of the U.S.S. Arizona and the rest of Pearl Harbor) and then walk around the top deck, around to the surrender deck, and around and up to the bridge. The top deck had some informational signs and were mostly about the Japanese kamikaze pilots. The surrender deck was super interesting and had the area roped off where the actual document was signed. There is also case of the document (I assume it’s the actual one). There are many historical photos to see, to picture how it was back then. The bridge was the best part, as they had the open air bridge and then the enclosed bridge. They had information about the navigational charts that they did and you could see all of the controls and the ships wheel. Then you go down into the battleship and walk around the 1st level. You get to see the crew mess hall, the kitchen, and the various levels of crew quarters and offices. You wind in and around through different doors, stairs and rooms to see the different exhibits they have set up with some memorabilia, photos, and loads of information. Since we knew we only had an hour, we weren’t able to dive through absolutely everything, but we got to see and learn most of it. As it was we were some of the last people through, as the security guard was following behind us and closing and locking doors as we went through. Every employee we encountered was friendly and welcoming. It is definitely sunny on that top deck so bring sunscreen or a hat and some water. Overall, we were able to walk through at a decent pace and get through it in an hour, although we could have easily spent more. If you aren’t a fan of tight spaces or stairs, then this adventure isn’t for you. As this is a battleship, there are lots of doorways to step over and through and lots of tight hallways to walk down and lots of steep stairs with low ceilings. It was very cool to see something like this and stand in historical places and learn so much about the ship and how it operated! I would highly recommend this to those who love history or military, or are just looking to say that you have been on a battleship before.", "USS Missouri….A living History Lesson, A visit to the USS Missouri also known as the Mighty Mo is essential because this is the place where the treaty to surrender from World War II was signed on September 2, 1945.  Unlike visiting The USS Arizona a visit to the USS Missouri is not free.  The cost for an adult and a child is $56.15.  There are guided tours that I highly suggest taking because the guide provides more detailed information regarding the USS Missouri and specifically information on how the treaty was signed to ultimately bring an end to World War II.  Upon visiting you will witness an amazing view of the USS Arizona which makes for nice photos.  Personal tip please arrive early to have enough time to tour the ship and learn about the history.  You must take a bus to and from the Pearl Harbor visitor center and the process takes time.  We only had about an hour and 20 minutes due to our late afternoon arrival.  However, that time was well spent and so worth the history lesson that we received.  Enjoy your historical journey; it is one that will not be easily forgotten., Traveled with family", "Great visit to the \"Mighty Mo\", Visited on Friday, Dec. 3rd as part of a bus tour package which limited our time that we could stay. Still, we were able to see most of this Iowa class battleship which included visiting the upper decks and below decks. While there, there was a band playing music in preparation for the 80th anniversary events. The battleship has the designated area where the terms of surrender were signed by Japan. The ship was well preserved, but while touring, you have to be careful walking up and down the steep metal stairs where you can fall or hit your head. Also, it can be windy on the upper decks so make sure your hat is secure. We were there for about 1 1/2 hours, but you can easily spend 2-3 hours if you read all the info. on the displays and exhibits and take a lot of photos. I was impressed with how well preserved the ship was and would recommend a visit during your stay." ]

{ "categories": [ "Bodies of Water", "Nature & Wildlife Areas" ], "description": "This protected marine life conservation area, named after its unique curved bay, is a popular snorkeling spot in Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone on the eastern side of Oahu, this marine sanctuary is home to vibrant marine life and well-preserved corals. There is a limited number of visitors allowed in the bay daily, so make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. It's also closed on certain days so remember to check before you go. You can rent snorkeling equipment here—all you have to do is remember to pack some reef-safe sunscreen.\n\nSome tours of the North Shore also stop by the bay for a quick photo opportunity. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Short visit, Hard to get a reservation, They limit visitors here so a reservation is required, and they do sell out within minutes. They close the beach at 3 which was too early considering our reservation wasn't until 1230. Location was nice and family said snorkeling was beautiful. I asked one of the park staff to take a photo of me with my family and she flat out said NO! They are unnecessarily military like there. Nice to do one time but not worth $25 per person plus parking fee to go again. ", "Beautiful beach and waters, Difficult to book as slots open only two days before, check the parks and recs website to book in advance and get up at 7am to get a good spot. The gift shop was expensive but had some time things and money goes towards the reserve so also worth it. The Beach wasn't too crowded, we snorkled on the right side of the shore which was less busy and saw lots of fish. If you want to also see similar fish and can't get into this place you can snorkel up near the top of Wikikki beach near the beach cafe for just as many fish. So the main benefit of this place was the views from the beach which were amaxing", "Beautiful coral reefs, Requires reservations to enter and the earliest time we could get in there was 10 am. Orderly lines, Quick video and then entry into the bay. Enjoyed sunbathing, snorkeling there and we even got to catch a monk seal taking a quick nap on the sand, Traveled with friends" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "This iconic landmark in Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, located on the south shore of Oahu. Waikiki Beach is the birthplace of modern surfing culture—look out for the statue of renowned waterman Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized the sport internationally. Once the playground of Hawaiian royals, today the beachfront is lined with resorts and some of Hawaii’s most historic hotels. Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers flock to this beach all day long. \n\nBoat tours in Waikiki are a great way for admiring the coast away from the crowds. Neighboring Kalākaua Avenue has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Very busy but beautiful beaches, It’s been over 20 years since I was last in Waikiki beach and it’s definitely a lot more built up and busy. The beach is beautiful and there are lots of restaurants in the area and no shortage of people watching. Waikiki is a little too busy for my liking at this point in time so I’d highly recommend renting a car and driving to some of the quieter parts of the island but it’s close to the airport and has a great mall if you’re into shopping., Traveled as a couple", "Church on the Beach!, Right on the beach, just outside the Hilton Waikiki Resort, we attended Church on the Beach (Waikiki Chaplaincy) on Sunday morning. Some shade was provided under canopies as the service is literally held on the beach. The leadership was thoughtful and helpful from the moment we arrived, and the message from Corinthians was inspiring. Military support is important to the chaplaincy group and even beach goers not attending the service stood and sang the National Anthem with those attending the service. That was heartwarming to see, a great experience to share. Two hula-style interpretive dances were performed in an elegant, respectful and inspiring manner. The entire service was so beautifully presented, I highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to attend, go! You will be received with love and appreciation! Worship music was provided by Backstage Revival, a spirit-led couple with beautiful vocals and great acoustic guitars! Big thanks to all who have provided these services for 52 years on the beach!, Traveled on business", "What a super sight., Recommend going later in the day unless you are a sun worshiper. Spending the last few hours of sun at the beach watching the surfers and then the sun go down was fantastic. After a coffee a walk up the main shopping road where the pavements come alive with street entertainers was a great sight., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Also known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, and is famous for its stunning views of the Mokulua Islands. Book a kayak tour for a chance to see the green sea turtles that inhabit the 'The Mokes'. The beach is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to consistent and steady winds. \n\nEnjoy the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun rises and sets over the Pacific Ocean and admire the beautiful houses and gardens of the surrounding residential area of Kailu. Come prepared as there are no amenities at this beach. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Highlight of our trip. MUST GO!!!!, No words to really describe the beauty of this beach. We were extremely lucky and went on a weekday and there were barely any people there compared to the ones in Waikiki.\n\nCalm, crystal clear waters with beautiful views out into the ocean. The different green blues of the water just take your breath away. The sand is soft and fine, it is perfect. I cannot emphasize how much we loved our time at this beach. We wished we could stay forever. The pictures can't do it justice. Some were paddleboarding and snorkeling and saw turtles.\n\nOnto practical bits- we took the bus from Waikiki. About 90 mins but super smooth and easy. Don't let not having a car deter you. If you are driving- Kailua beach park is where you should park. Lanikai is residential and limited (!) Parking. It is only a short walk from Kailua to Lanikai. There are NO bathrooms at Lanikai or food around. Pack snacks and hit the bathroom at Kailua beach (not very clean unfortunately). No lifeguards at this beach, and very minimal shade. \n\nMany reviews online prefer Kailua beach which is also very beautiful and maybe more family friendly. But this one was absolutely number 1 for us. We lucked out with weather and crowds. 15/10, Traveled with friends", "Best beach, By far the best beach on the island. Relaxing secluded beach, calm waters, beautiful views. I think the lack of parking helps to keep this beach very secluded and private. I think we strolled almost a mile to get to our little hideaway. We went on a Sunday and felt like there weren’t a lot of people nearby. Restrooms and food weren’t so readily available. So wished I had the amenities of an all inclusive beach with a nice pina colada or a mai tai…but at the same time, enjoyed just being a beach bum, working on my tan and taking quick dips in the ocean when I needed to cool off., Traveled with friends", "One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii!, We stopped here while following the Shake guide app (highly recommend it for driving navigation and as your own private tour guide) and loved it. Such a beautiful beach off a quiet street. Finding parking might be tricky (like anywhere in Hawaii) but just drive around a couple of times and you'll find something. We only stayed for a bit to enjoy the view and loved it." ]

{ "categories": [ "Hiking Trails" ], "description": "Also known as the \"Koko Head Stairs,\" this abandoned WWII railway track is a steep and challenging hiking trail with over 1,000 steps (but worth it for the panoramic views)." }

[ "Koko Head workout, My 11yo daughter and I did Koko Head in June ‘22.\n\nThis is a nice “hike” to start out a day full of activities in Hawaii. It is a workout more than a hike as it is nothing more than a steep step-climb up an abandoned Army rail line up a mountain.\n\nDue to limited parking and working out in cooler temps, I recommend going by 7:30am…we arrived at 6:30am and the parking lot was almost half full on a Monday morning.\n\nThe walk from the parking area to the first rail step at the foot of the mountain is approx 0.5mi. From there, the actual climb is approx another 0.5mi to the top. The first 0.30mi is reasonably steep and will fatigue you as most people likely pace poorly here…this is important because the last 0.20mi becomes even steeper just when your legs, butt and lungs are “feeling” it.\n\nMany people simply sit on a rail or stand along the side to rest - be careful not to block access though.\n\nThe top is a small area where you can take in the views and catch your breath. It’s a short climb, but not an easy one, so take your time and pace well.", "Do it, Great workout - stair master 5000! It's not a 'hike' IMO and you DON'T need hiking shoes like some people here will tell you. Runners are just fine but would avoid anything less like sandals. That said, shoes with at least a little grip will help on the way down, especially if there's any rain. \n\nMy partner and I are by no means athletes, but both casual hikers (38yo from Vancouver, Canada). Going up took us 22-25mins, going down was around the same. My calves were burning for days after the descent :P\n\nGreat views from the top. We did it not long after sun rise and before our 9am reservation at Hanauma Bay (which I wouldn't recommend but that's another review). The weather was wet, windy, cloudy, then sunny so glad we both had rain shells with us as it made a more comfortable time at the top.", "A fun challenge, but can be dangerous, I'm a very experienced hiker who did this trail last week for the first time. I do NOT recommend this hike for kids or younger teenagers, because the downhill portion is so steep that if you miss your foot placement on the railroad ties on the downhill, especially during the section where the wooden ties are about 10 to 12 feet above ground level, a sprained ankle would be a lucky outcome. The day I did it, March 25th, they were air-lifting a young person I later heard was 12 years old who went too fast on the downhill, tumbled, and broke multiple bones, including his leg. A medical rescue helicopter was hovering for about 10 minutes before they lifted him off the hill. \n \nAs for older people (over 60, like myself ), or people are not so physically active who are thinking about doing this, carefully consider your fitness and agility level. You can and probably will take rests on the steep uphill, but some parts of the downhill don't lend themselves to stopping easily. It basically requires about 1000 controlled lunges on the downhill for anyone who isn't long-legged or who (like me) no longer has youthful flexibility." ]

{ "categories": [ "Waterfalls" ], "description": "This scenic 150-foot-tall falls is only accessible via a hike through the rainforest. It's a 1.5-mile round trip, which takes about an hour or two from the trailhead. Wear good shoes as the path can get muddy and slippery, and bring bug repellent and plenty of water.\n\nManoa Falls is a great photography spot, and the location has featured in movies and television shows like Jurassic Park and Lost. Cool off in the pool at the base of the falls and grab a snack and a refreshing pineapple smoothie for your walk back to civilization. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Scenic, Well Maintained Trail, Beautiful Falls, The falls were certainly worth the hike. It's only a 1.6 mile hike to the falls, but if you're carrying a small child, walking a dog, or if you don't like a bit of a climb on a rocky and muddy trail, it might be too much. I did see older people and people carrying infants doing it so just judge for yourself by looking at photos of the trail. The trail varies quite a lot as to what kind of terrain you're walking on.\n\nAlong the trail you'll see some pretty crazy trees, streams, a lush tropical forest, and probably a rain shower. The falls are quite nice and the viewing area is pretty close to the falls. There were signs warning to not go right down into the water at the base of the falls but many were doing it anyway. \n\nYou can take the number 5 bus to the falls (about 20 minutes from downtown Honolulu) and walk up the trail for free. Parking a car costs less than $10. \n\nThere is a building at the base of the trail with washrooms and a place where you can get some food and snacks and drinks. I highly recommend the pineapple whip inside a hollowed out pineapple. It's kinda like sorbet. There's also a snack truck just a tiny bit further up the hill., Traveled as a couple", "Great hike with a fantastic result, Great falls, but in December it wasn’t much more than a trickle. Even with all the rain we got that week. It was wet on the way up, but not overly so as we were in sandals and didn’t get dirty by stepping carefully. I would recommend hiking shoes but depending on the day they are not really needed if you are careful. The shop at the bottom sells water shoes if you would rather buy those and use them on the way up. \nThe hike is challenging, but not overly so. Maximum grade is 23% so you might have to take your time if you are not great with grades. Be careful on the way down as it is easy to slip and fall. It would be nice to take water with you as it is a hot and strenuous workout. \nIt does get busy, so early morning would be best but if you don’t mind waiting at the top for your selfie, people are usually nice to get out of the way when they are done. Unfortunately many were ignoring the signs that say not to cross the barrier and were trying to swim in the water at the bottom of the falls. Please observe the signs.\nThere is a foot truck at the beginning of the hike that serves pineapple smoothies and shave ice that looked good, but the line was too long for us to take part.\nThe total hike is at least 3km (1.2 miles) round trip.\nEnjoy!, Traveled as a couple", "Good workout, great scenery, I’d say this was a moderate level hike. It’s a very rocky, uneven uphill climb and it’s wet (even when it’s not rainy) and slippery. We are a relatively fit family and we were beat afterwards, especially with the high humidity. I highly recommend good shoes, especially for the way down because it’s a lot of pressure on your toes. And your shoes will get some mud on them, no matter how hard you try. Although I did see some people in crocs and slides, I don’t recommend that. We went around 10am and it was quite crowded. The waterfall was a bit anticlimactic for us, but still glad we did it!, Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Located on the southeast end of Kailua Beach, this pristine shoreline on Oahu's Windward side is popular for water sports and scenic strolls." }

[ "Great Beach Experience On East Coast, Really nice stretch of beach along Oahu's east side. But this is not a quiet, secluded spot. There're actually three parking lots that pretty much stay on full during peak day times. But locals and visitors alike enjoy it here because of the many recreational opportunities. Swim, surf, kayak, boogie, etc. Restroom facilities, picnic shelters, a small market and a steak house are nearby. If you do kayak, note the Mokulua Islands out at sea about 2 miles. They currently serve as bird sanctuaries and a paddle out is well worth it. Otherwise, if you're on foot, follow the beach south to the boat ramp parking and continue walking on Mokulua Drive a bit. At your first sight of beach through the private residences, take the alley and make your way to Lanakai Beach. No facilities here and no parking, but a truly spectacular spot. If there's road construction going on, access to the beachfront might be a little difficult. So follow the locals along Kalaheo and Lihiwai Roads into Mokulua. If you don't have your own vehicle, the efficient island bus system will get you here though you'll need to walk a bit. Take Kamahele street through to the beach or opt on the way for the Pillbox trail.", "Nice beach, We took the bus but noted many areas available for parking (beware of construction though and go early). \n\nWe only spent a small amount of time here as we spent the majority of the day at Lanikai beach (10 min further walk). Kailua is more family friendly and has facilities. It has more shade as well and generally not as busy.\n\nWater is calm and sand is very soft. It's a long beach so lots of areas to spread out.\n\nFor us, we preferred Lanikai. The water and views were unbeatable. Check both out while you're in the area, both beautiful and worth a visit. , Traveled with friends", "Marvelous beach!, Large sandy beach, great for swimming. Showers and bathrooms available. Plenty of parking. Lots of wind surfers to watch. We spent 2 happy half-days here. There were occasional passing rain showers, but the rain never lasted" ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Walking Areas", "Hiking Trails" ], "description": "Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu's most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. There's also the iconic red Makapuu Lighthouse built in 1909 which you can see along the way. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot seabirds and migrating humpback whales from November to May.\n\nThis uphill trail is about two miles long and is well-paved throughout, making it a manageable trek for families with children. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Worth the effort, My wife and I visited this trail in May, the weather was almost perfect, as it wasn’t too hot, with only a slight breeze. You can get to this place quite easily by car, the parking and admission is free and plenty of space. The track itself is tarmac all the way to the top, but it is fairly steep in places, you should be able to get a wheelchair all the way up to the viewing platform. The views are pretty spectacular, you can see the other islands and also a good variety of wildlife. Make sure you take some water with you, but I couldn’t find or see any toilets anywhere in the nearby area., Traveled as a couple", "Steep climb but the views are worth it!, We arrived on a Saturday morning around 945am and had to park on the highway which was OK as the parking lot was full. We love to hike and this one was a nice, paved 2.5 mile trail up to the lighthouse. Beware the climb is steep with 4 stop points to give you a story on the view. There is always a very nice cool breeze which makes the hike so enjoyable, lots of people but not enough to crowd you. Bring water and if you need to go to the restroom, sorry there are none or any food joints. FYI....About a mile before Makapuu there is Sandy Beach, turn off there and drive a little bit and there is a bathroom there plus very nice volcanic rock formation on the beach to take some great photos. Definitely recommend for everyone to hike once and the views are amazing!", "8:30 am, This is a beautiful hike on a decent incline, but go at your own pace. It is about an 8 foot wide smooth asphalt surface. It is so scenic but go before the heat of the day and bring water! There are no restrooms so plan accordingly. Parking is limited in that unless you are there early (7:30 am ish), you will likely have difficulty finding a legal place to park. We took Kaimana Tours which was well worth it - plus they made a couple of sight seeing stops, provided water and dropped us off/ picked us up basically at the trail head., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Speciality Museums" ], "description": "Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai'i and other Pacific island cultures. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum." }

[ "Interesting Museum, This is a beautiful historic museum. The displays about Hawiian history were so interesting and beautifully done. There is a hand-on exhibit next to the historic building which is mainly for kids. There is also a science building that seems to be in disrepair or in transition. The price is kind of steep compared to other museums of this type on the mainland - but this is Hawaii so expect to pay a bit more. Plan on spending at least 2 two hours or more to savor all of the displays on all three floors of the historic buildings. ", "Designated Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, A must stop for those interested, and even those who are not, in learning about the history, arts and culture of the Hawaiian people. There are three buildings on the premises: Bishop’s Museum, Science Hall and a building housing a temporary Contemporary Art Exhibit. There is a planetarium requiring tickets (and additional cost for non-members). The Science Hall is geared towards kids with lots of interactive exhibits. The rich dark wood staircases add to the beauty of the interior. The Kahili room in the Hawaiian Hall was one of my favorites. The room displays the various types of Kahili (a long pole decorated at one end with feather plumes and used in ceremonies) along with portraits of the monarchy. You can also see King Kamehameha’s cape made of feathers. A floor is dedicated to the role of gods in Hawaiian life. Other exhibits include items from cultures such as Polynesia and Micronesia. One of the most unique and unforgettable items is the life-size replica of a sperm whale hanging from the ceiling of the Great Hall. It has skin on one side and a skeleton on the other side. Also hanging from the ceiling is a giant turtle, a stingray, and an outrigger canoe. One can spend an entire day in the main museum. Entrance is through the gift shop and parking is available. Something for everyone! Highly recommend.", "Bishop Museum is great for kids and adults, We took kids ages 9 and 4 and they had a very good time. The building is beautiful and there is a separate building for kids interested in science with a model volcano and buttons to push to activate it. They also like the game testing knowledge of whether a species is endemic or invasive., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Cemeteries" ], "description": "The resting place for more than 25,000 victims of three American Wars - World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War – this is truly the “Cemetery of Heroes.” Punchbowl was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs that, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range. Of special note is a monument honoring Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who perished aboard the Challenger space shuttle in 1986. Also noteworthy are the Courts of the Missing, white stone tablets bearing the names of those missing in action from World War II." }

[ "National Memorial Cemetery means it’s a CEMETERY for US Armed Forces-not a visitor’s center or a local park., The fact that I have to put this in words is so disheartening. Punchbowl is a cemetery, hence “National Memorial Cemetery.” It’s a sacred space, a place of honor for those who were killed in action and those who served in the US Armed Forces. It’s also a beautiful memorial to the missing whose remains were unidentifiable and those who were never found. For anyone low rating this place of honor and complaining they “couldn’t get off of the bus and walk around,” it’s not an amusement park. This is the final resting place for many real human beings who were deeply loved in their lifetimes, many of whom were taken from us far too soon. Please show a bit of respect in your comments and if you do come to visit. FYI: many of us are still actively mourning when we come to visit our loved ones here, so please keep that in mind., Traveled solo", "National Cemetery of the Pacific…., Honor, Serve, and Protect…This cemetery is dedicated to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  I would highly recommend visiting The National Cemetery of the Pacific located in the Punchbowl Crater after visiting The USS Arizona.  In addition, please take your rental car because tour buses are not allowed to let passengers off the buses to tour the cemetery.  I can truly understand the rule because this is a place of respect for the deceased, their families, and it protects the rights of the families to privacy when visiting or burying their loved ones.\nThe cemetery is both beautiful and peaceful.  There are various mosaic displays that provide information regarding World War II, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War.  There is also a wall with the names of those who were never recovered from battle, a small chapel, and a guest book for visitors to sign.  The National Cemetery of the Pacific is a beautiful cemetery that provides an opportunity for visitors to come and honor those who sacrificed all for our freedom., Traveled with family", "Perfect Final Resting Place, Not only is this a tribute to our fallen heroes but also a walk through time. Perfectly manicured landscaping adorns the grounds with pathways offering views of the city, maps of conflicts throughout the world and access to pay respect to the endless men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice.\n\nWorks cannot express he sense of respect that overwhelmed me as I walked the grounds." ]

{ "categories": [ "Speciality Museums" ], "description": null }

[ "Great place to learn about submarines and WWII history, We loved this self-guided tour of the Bowfin. I had no idea about the history of submarines in World War II and I learned so much. The free audio tour was very clever, when you walked through different places on the boat it started automatically. The sub is well preserved and you get a great feeling of what it must have been like to live and work on it in the past. I'd definitely recommend it, but if you have trouble walking or getting in and out of tight spaces, I would skip it and just tour the museum on land.", "Excellent tour of successful WWII Submarine, Visited the first Friday in December. I had limited time due to the time constraints of being on a bus tour. Admission for 1 adult is $21.99, plus $1.54 \"service fee.\" They will ask to see your proof of vaccination card and ID. I visited the museum first and found it to be excellent and informative with many exhibits and displays honoring the service and role of many of the US subs in service during the war. The exhibits included many operational details of sub patrols and battle flags honoring the many subs that served. Next, I visited the submarine itself and found it to be in excellent condition and well worth visiting. Be careful walking on or in the sub because there are many places you (or children) can trip and fall or hit your head going through the smaller sub doors. I spent less than an hour going through the museum and about 20-30 minutes on the sub itself, but I could have stayed longer if my time wasn't limited.", "A very interesting and informative place to visit., Located at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, this WWII submarine and adjacent museum are a Must See. The admission fee is $20 and we spent almost 3 hours in the submarine and museum which is excellent. This really give you a feeling for what the submariners lives were like during the war and the hardships endoured." ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks", "Religious Sites" ], "description": "This replica of an ancient Japanese temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is a hidden gem along the Windward Coast of Oahu." }

[ "I wrote a quick review..., ...about this temple five years ago after I had met my university professor here for a small jazz concert. There was a Japanese lady named Mihoko who was performing back then. Dr Cook, who is too into jazz, was telling me that Mihoko hires the musicians herself, so she could have these little concerts and perform in front of a public audience - sort of paying to perform. We both agreed that Mihoko doing this was both sad and extremely attractive at the same time, especially in the wonderful backdrop of this temple. I kept think about Mihoko today when I revisited. It wasn't that crowded and I was able to take my time and amble about the temple at my own pace. I lit some incense for Doris, Michael, Paula, and Stan in front of the large wooden Lotus Buddha they have inside. I also stopped and spoke with another attractive lady who was sitting at some desk trying to sell graves or plots or something like that for the cemetery this temple is located in. Actually she trying get me to tour the columbarium they have inside the temple because she sells niches there as well. I told her I'm planning on going to Punchbowl and the VA is going to take care of it all - I hope they do. Anyway, after my peaceful hour here at the temple, I walked around the cemetery grounds and got in some good exercise. And right before I started writing this review, I looked-up Mihoko on internet and sent her an email asking where and when is the next time she is planning to perform. Yea, that would be nice.", "Cool place to visit, This was on the way in our travels and also on our possibly-to-do-list so we stopped by. It was pretty cool and we're glad we stopped with two younger kids. The place itself isn't very big, but it's big enough to let people prowl around for awhile looking at things. There's a giant buddha statue inside and a huge bell outside the kids can ring with a giant battering ram. Koi ponds, cool birds, etc.", "A great experience, We arrived on a Friday midday about 11a. The parking lot was full so we were directed to park up the hill. Parking there was also limited there so we ended up having to walk about .5 mi to get to the entrance. So be prepared and wear comfortable shoes. I wore flip flops and had sore feet and wish I had worn tennis shoes instead. The location access for tourists is limited but you are able to enter the temple (shoes must be removed) and light incense and have a private moment alone to pray or whatever it is you'd like to do with respect. It is a small path open for tourist through the temple so you literally walk in about 8 ft then do your thing and then another 6 ft walk out another door. The bell ringing was unique, and very spiritual, with the exception of having about 40 people behind me in line staring and waiting their turn lol my family of 6 trekked up a small path to the meditation point and that was something! We were all able to sit in a circle and meditate for about 3 minutes undisturbed. It is difficult to fully grasp the spiritual connection with so many people at the site. Even with the new covid restrictions there were a lot of people and mask enforcement was slim to none. We are tourists ourselves but there were some groups who were just tacky and classless. Some with no respect for personal space, who rather than scoot to the side as they walk on a narrow path barrel straight through your group.. Those people were few and there were plenty who were respectful and pleasant so it outweighed the bad. A MUST DO if you have young kids - Spend the $2 and get the fish food!! I bought 5 bags for my 4 kids and it was not a disappointment!! When you throw a small amount into the pond the fish go crazy! They jump and flip to get it - it is such a sight! The same food can be given to the birds as it is just a plant based snack for them lol The birds will actually come up and eat it out of your hands! My 5 yr old daughter had 4 birds on her arm and a flock eating from her hand she was in absolute amazement!!! We saw turtles in the pond and a lizard decided to photo bomb us on bench near some vegetation! It is only $5 to get in and it was worth it. Not a whole lot to see but it is what you make of it. We spent 1.5 hrs there and we lingered quite a bit longer than most. May be difficult for those with strollers or wheel chairs as the terrain was rough in some areas and there were stone stairs to the meditation area. Bathrooms were available tho not very well kept. There's a fun photo booth and a small gift shop (think about the size of an 8x8 shed). Prices are high for most souvenirs but there is some really beautiful items and the proceeds are for a good cause. they do have bottled drinks like water and sodas. Overall a good experience, a definite must see. It sits at a memorial grounds with beautiful mountain back drop, your going to love it!, Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Bodies of Water" ], "description": "Travelers flock to these artificial lagoons along the western coast of Oahu to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in the calm, crystal clear, turquoise waters and bask in the Hawaiian sun. Book a boat tour of the lagoons to learn more about the area's history and marine life, and take in the beautiful Hawaiian sunset with a stroll along the beach.\n\nThe lagoons are a 30-minute drive from the city—arrive early to secure a parking spot or get a shuttle bus in. Stay at one of the seaside resorts to make the most of it, and visit during the warmer months from April to October. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Scenic and Enjoyable, We stayed at the Four Season Resort Koa Olina and enjoyed access to the Ko Olina lagoons daily. The pristine sand and clear water on all three lagoons are for use by Four Seasons, Disney Aulani, and Marriott resorts with the fourth one for public use. Great lagoons for safe swimming and easy snorkeling for both kids and adults. We visited in late April and it was just perfect with great sunny and warm weather every single day. Very satisfying stay at the Ko Olina area and less crowds too.", "Worth a Visit, We visited lagoon 4, which from an aerial view appears to be the smallest of them. The lagoon was plenty big enough for us to be able to swim without being crowded unlike Waikiki. The lagoon is definitely calm so there was no use for our boogie boards. We did bring goggles and so glad we did! We were able to swim and see so many beautiful fish, this was literally one of the highlights, besides the amazing sunset. Lagoon 4 does not have security, lifeguards, or any chairs/umbrellas which made for a nice quiet day at the beach. Bathrooms were clean and they have outdoor showers to wash up. We picnicked up on the grass and then went down into the lagoon for a total of about 3-4 hrs.", "Perfect for Early Morning Walks, My wife and I recently vacationed at the Aulani Resort which is located next to one of the Ko'Olina lagoons. Every morning, just after sunrise, I left the resort by the beach entrance and journeyed along the paved walkway that connects the lagoons. The walk was easy and I met many friendly folks. The morning views of the area were awesome and the walks were invigorating. It was fun walking past the yoga groups and the various swimming groups. During the weekday mornings I enjoyed listening to a group of about 30 to 40 locals who formed a Ukulele band. They were there bright and early during the weekdays but not on the weekend. The band was located near the end of the walkway close to the entrance to the Ko'Olina Marina. Unfortunately I never stayed too long listening to the band so I have no idea how long they play every morning. The lagoons are beautiful and there are parking lots near the lagoons although the parking lot sizes varied. There are also public rest rooms. The area is clean and well maintained." ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "Valleys", "Waterfalls" ], "description": "Also known as the Valley of the Priests, this lush region is home to various historical structures en route to a 45-foot-tall waterfall." }

[ "Surrounded by Nature, You will need a few hours to explore Waimea Valley. We visited in February so it rained lightly on and off. Check their website for different entrance fee prices. We paid $25 for adults. Shuttle to the falls is available, cost is $10 pp for one way. There’s also a daily scheduled guided activities for botanical garden and cultural sites. The lifeguards make the daily swim call so call ahead on the day you’re going for swimming conditions. Arrive as early as you can. Important tip is if your goal is to swim in the waterfalls…with less crowd, I suggest you go straight to the falls first and then explore on your way back. We were among the first batch at around 10 a.m. but took our time hiking to the falls and by the time we arrived it was busy. Free life vests. You can store your valuables for a fee. There are coffee and snack bars and a gift shop by the entrance. There is also a bathroom and food stall halfway to the falls. Farmers market on Thursdays and it was the day we visited. A good day to sample and support the locals., Traveled as a couple", "Hidden cultural and botanical gem, This is a hidden gem! I used TheBus to get from Honolulu to the site—great value if you purchase a Seniors’ Holo pass ($6.00/month) and don’t mind a two plus hour bus ride each way! I left Honolulu at 7:00 AM and got to the park just at opening time. Purchased a Seniors’ gate pass for $16.00 plus tax. I spent five hours wandering and learning, including a free guided cultural tour (about 30 minutes) with a knowledgeable guide. Mine was one on one, since no-one else joined us. Local artisans and volunteers bring added value with demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pounding bark cloth and playing traditional games. The blend of archeology and anthropology with the botanical gardens is a truly enriching experience. Most of the paths are broad and flat (accessible) and there are plenty of extras for purchase, such as swimming at the waterfall, souvenirs, and snacks., Traveled solo", "Beautiful, This place is spectacular!\n\nFirst things first...parking is free. The main pathway throughout the botanical gardens is paved which is great for anyone who might have a difficult time walking, be using a wheelchair, stroller or having a wagon full of kids in tow. The little trails off the main paved pathway are more skinny compact trails with ricks and occasional tree root in your path. There are some stone pathways and stairs off the main path as well. When it's rainy, they pathways can get muddy and slick. \n\nWe went first thing in the morning on a day it was raining which made it even more beautiful. There are so many plants and flowers native to Hawaii but what surprised me was they also have paths that showcase flora from other countries as well. It was interesting to explore all of the little pathways because they are not only beautiful but they have signage that tells you the history behind each of the areas. As we continued walking along the path I could feel myself relaxing and just enjoying the surroundings. All of the sights, sounds and smells are breathtaking. \n\nWe ended our walk at the waterfall. Since we were there early, we were one of the first people there. It was not crowded until a tour of people came. Even then it was not bad. The water is very refreshing. They require life vests and there are lifeguards there so no need to worry. The rocks getting in are a little jagged and slick so be careful. I suggest bringing a towel to dry off with for after. \n\nI didn't eat at the restaurant or visit the gift shop so I cannot comment on these things. Overall, this was a great way to spend a couple of hours in the morning., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Bodies of Water" ], "description": "Waimea Bay is the deepest bay on Oahu’s North Shore and the birthplace of big-wave surfing, especially in winter. Between November to February, waves reach up to 40 feet in height, challenging even the most expert surfers. Even if you're not a fan of riding the waves, watching these pro surfers in action will get your heart racing too.\n\nOtherwise, visit during summer for the soft sand, arresting seaside views, and calmer waters—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and even cliff-jumping. The wave conditions here fluctuate quickly, so look out for the colored flags before diving in. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Beach is Great...Finding Parking is Not, Unfortunately, we had very turbulent weather the day we came(July), as it was off and on rain and constant cloud cover. Parked in the Catholic church parking lot for $10, as the main lot was full and everyone was searching thru traffic for parking. There are bathrooms at the main lot though. Beach area is nice though. Lots of sand to lay out on. Weren't too many people on one side of the beach. Definitely a nice difference from the neverending crowd of people at Waikiki Beach. Waves weren't big because it was summer, but water gets deep fast. People were cliff jumping as well. Came in the early afternoon, and traffic getting in & out of the general area of North Shore was awful, so go in the morning. The famous food trucks were right up the street from beach. But great beach though, Traveled as a couple", "Great beach on Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Bay Beach Park is a fantastic North Shore Beach. We visited twice during our most recent visit to Hawaii and on one of the visits there was a swim race in the North Shore Race Series taking place. It was a 2.3 mile point to point race ending at Waimea Bay and our hats are off to those swimmers. It was so exciting seeing all the different finishers come across the finish line.\n Like other beaches in Hawaii there are bathrooms at this beach, but they could use a good cleaning and a remodel! Parking can be tight in the smallish lot so please note there are two pull offs on the south side of the road, each can hold about ten cars, and if you can’t park there either about a half mile from the parking lot is a street named Iliohu Place and you can park there too (we did one of the two days and the walk was not too bad). There is good snorkeling at the south end of the beach near the reef and you can also swim to the reef and stand on it! Do note the beach can also be windy at time; make sure to secure your umbrellas!", "people love it too much ;-), \"Waimea Bay Beach Park\" is located off of Kamehameha Highway (Hwy 83) about 5 miles north of Haleiwa Town. You can get to this location using public transportation, but most people arrive by car.\n\nWhen you exit the highway, you enter a nicely configured parking lot. The area between the parking lot and the beach has restrooms, showers and picnic areas. The beach is wide and offers a panoramic view. There's a large rock outcrop; when conditions are \"safer\", people like to jump from it into the sea. There are lifeguards on duty.\n\nDuring winter the beaches on the north shore and west side are pretty much off-limits and always red-flagged because of dangerous surf. Stay out of the water and watch a surf completion if one is taking place.\n\nDuring the summer months, this location offers a nice location for swimming and snorkeling. If you have water shoes, bring those. If the sand gets hot, or if you want to walk on rocky surfaces, these offer more stability than flip flops.\n\nWaimea Bay Beach Park is my favorite beach on the North Shore. But this beach's popularity also creates the biggest complaint: there isn't enough parking." ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks" ], "description": "The northern region of Oahu is a destination in itself, offering a wide variety of natural wonders and resort activities." }

[ "Friendly, professional Tiho, The North Shore all day tour today with Tiho as guide and driver was thorough, on time and overall fun & well-done. Tiho gave tons of interesting commentary on Hawaian history, facts, etc., as he drove us to various tourist points around Oahu. I would recommend this tour to visitors who have just arrived to Oahu, since this tour shows you many of the wonderful things to see and experience here., Traveled with family", "An Extra Day Is Needed, For those who are not playing tourists in Honolulu just for 3 to 4 days, then take a day to visit North Shore to experience different scenes away from the hustle and bustle of a city.\n\nOnce we are out from the city, we will see shorelines and shorlines,high surfing waves, surfers and beach goers .\n\nGo as far as Haleiwa, to explore this little town, something different from Honolulu for sure.\n\nBus 65 from Ala Moana Center goes all the way to Haleiwa, and we can stop along any prominent beach along the way. ", "Aloha!, My favourite thing to do. Hire a car and get away from Waikiki. It’s a wonderful drive and there are so many great places to visit on your way. Your Navman will want you to go the freeway but at least one way go along the shore line, it’s a beautiful drive. Google ‘North shore day trip itinerary’ and you will find some great days planned out for you. Don’t forget the food trucks!, Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "Architectural Buildings", "Art Museums" ], "description": "Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global cultures of Islamic art and design through exhibitions, digital and educational initiatives, public tours and programs, and community partnerships." }

[ "Great Introduction to Islamic Art, This mansion can only be visited in conjunction with a visit to the Honolulu Museum of Art. You’re taken to the mansion by shuttle from the museum; once there, you have 90 minutes or so to explore the mansion. Staff give a number of (optional) excellent explanatory talks, which are highly recommended, although attending the talks results in a limited amount of time for browsing. Note that reservations must be made for this tour, and when reservations open (see Art Museum Website), they tend to sell out fast. On our tour, there were several standby participants, but some folks were denied access, possibly due to Covid spacing requirements on the shuttle. One great thing about the tour - presumably to entice people to assemble for the return shuttle trip, they serve the absolute best ice cream sandwiches EVER just before the shuttle leaves for the art gallery!", "Be Swept Away to Shangri La!, When at Honolulu a visit to Doris Duke’s former home, now a museum dedicated to art from the Islamic tradition, is a must see. At every turn beauty surrounds you, ceiling to floor. The glazed, terracotta tiles are the stand-out throughout the house; but those tiles in the Dining Room are breathtaking. Make certain to see Miss Duke’s white marble-clad bathroom; and look up at the ceiling there and in her dressing room. The number of days Shangri La is open are limited, as are the number of guests permitted per tour. The advice is book early, because this gem is not to be missed!", "Doris Duke's dream made real, Shangri La is literally like no place else on earth. Although one may criticize Doris Duke for combining elements that would never be seen together (or even in the same country), that is precisely the beauty of the place. It is as unique as the surfing heiress herself. Doris Duke's impeccable taste (and her unlimited funds) is manifested in every element of her home. The tour, which is the only way to experience Shangri La, is amazing. Our guide was extremely knowledgable and engaging, especially for folks who don't know a lot about Islamic and Middle Eastern art and architecture. \n\nFull disclosure: I am an art historian and I had the great good fortune to work on the book Doris Duke's Shangri La: A House in Paradise (2012). The book is full of amazing photographs and stories of Doris Duke's travels and support of local artisans. \n\nMake sure you reserve your tickets early (and plan to spend some additional time at the Honolulu Museum of Art before or after the tour of Shangri La)." ]

{ "categories": [ "Speciality Museums" ], "description": "One of the principal Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, our unique interactive museum is located in the battlefield hangers of historic Ford Island which were attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, the beginning of WWII. Aircraft, such as a Japanese Zero and the Stearman in which former President George H.W. Bush soloed as the war's youngest aviator, illustrate how aviation helped stem the war. You'll view historic videos, including a movie of the beginning of the war. Enjoy the authentic gift shop, 1940s themed Laniakea Cafe, and our state-of-the-art 360 degree combat flight simulators. The mission of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is to steward America’s first aviation battlefield of World War II sharing the artifacts, personal stories, the impact and response to the December 7, 1941 attack and the Pacific region battles that followed, honoring those who have defended our freedom so we might educate and inspire future generations." }

[ "Heroes of the Sky's, A piece of American History that cannot be missed. Yes, it's another ~$25 per person but worth the price. Dozens of planes to see with plenty of history, stories and artifacts vital to the allies success in WWII and beyond. Several of the exhibits are hands off but there are plenty of planes stationed outside that are open to touch however, none of the planes are open to climb into.\n\nThe highlight for us, especially my 13yo, was the flight simulator. There is an additional cost for this over the museum entrance fee and the flight lasts about six minutes. The simulator is much like a video game but it moves based on the pilot's inputs. In other words, you will actually go up, down, roll left, roll right, barrel roll and a full loop; if you can stomach it.\n\nTours are self guided and should last around 1.5-2 hours to include the simulator. There is a little diner on site for food and a gift shop. Transportation to the actual museum is by shuttle bus that picks up at the main center and drops off at the Aviation Museum as well as the USS Missouri. The bus comes about every 10-15 minutes and the trip takes 5-10 minutes. Bring water and leave your bags at home. No bags are allowed other than small clutch sized purses.", "There is more to it than you think!, My family and I have done pearl harbor several times, so we decided to try the aviation museum. You catch a bus for it at the back of the visitor center. I would definitely recommend seeing the museum in the morning because it does get more crowded as the day goes on. You can purchase tickets for it online. I also recommend the free audio guide. It is very informative and go at your own pace. \n\nIt seems small on the inside, but there is more to it if you go outside the museum and turn left. There are some planes out there to look at as well as a hangar and sometimes a special exhibit. This museum is awesome and my family and I loved it!", "Pay extra for the Top of the Tower Tour, You get a great perspective of the attack area as well as being able to get up close to all sorts of planes and helicopters. Pay extra for the Top of the Tower tour as you get a great view from the tower and the story is interesting. \nThe fighter simulates is also worth it however the lines can be long as the ride takes 5 minutes.\nThe Bob Hope attraction was closed and there was no sign informing you of that until you walked to the attraction., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Military Museums" ], "description": "The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is open Tues - Sat from 10 AM - 5 PM. The Museum is FREE to all with exhibits located on the first and second floor of the facility. Parking is available directly across the street from the museum in the Saratoga parking lot. Validation is available at the welcome desk. Constructed from 1909-11, the Coast Artillery Battery (known as Battery Randolph) protected Oahu with its two 14-inch disappearing guns. In the early 70’s, attempts were made to tear down Battery Randolph to make way for the Hale Koa Hotel, however, those attempts proved to be unsuccessful. In 1976, the structure was repurposed into a museum focusing on depicting early Hawaiian warfare and the military’s presence in the Pacific highlighting every major military encounter throughout the 20th Century." }

[ "Better than some museums you pay to get into, I went with my 15 year old and we both loved it. You don’t need to enjoy military history to enjoy this museum.\n\nGetting There: It’s in Fort DeRussy Park right on Waikiki Beach. There is a bus stop right out front. There is parking lot nearby and they validate parking. They have disabled parking put front. See the website for more details.\n\nAdmission: Free by donation, but I would have paid.\n\nA big part of the museum is the building. It’s located inside an old army battery once used to defend Hawaii. The space is nice and cool as it’s mostly buried into the hill it’s on. It also does a great job of immersing you into the content as you’re inside a former military installation. Kids love the tunnels and hidden spaces.\n\nThe museum pursues three main themes on the first floor. First they start with a the military history of Hawaii pre-contact. There are some excellent models and exhibits that walk you through this without overloading you.\n\nFrom pre-contact they go to the military history of the island after to the war of the pacific, then onto Korea and Vietnam (exhibits covering Afghanistan and Iraq are in the works).\n\nThe third theme is the story of the battery the museum is located in. They’ve done a great job reconstructing sections to show everything worked.\n\nThroughout the museum is fantastic audio to help immerse you in the theme. Everything from Hawaiian songs to WWII radio broadcasts can be heard in the background.\n\nThe second floor has a section about the Army Corps of Engineers as well the Gallery of Heroes, which tells the stories of Hawaiian residents who served with distinction in the armed forces.\n\nAlso on the roof is a Helicopter and a giant gun. Out in front are several tanks as well as a beautiful Tiki memorial to the fallen.\n\nThe gift shop is really good with a wide variety of items, including service patches and books as well as clothes and toys.\n\nThis is a volunteer run facility and it’s better than some professional museums that charge admission. Please donate what you can if you go.", "Excellent visit to historical Army Museum, Visited the first Saturday of December. The facility is well within walking distance of the Waikiki hotels, so getting there was easy. The museum is free, but they accept donations. You can easily spend 2-3 hours at this museum (or more) as the numerous exhibits display the interesting history of this place. As a result, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes to avoid getting tired on your feet. The museum has many displays of older and more modern weaponry that the fort and the army possessed during the different time periods - including the different periods of World War 2, Korean War and the Vietnam War. Moreover, the museum features the fort's construction, operation and maintenance over the years. Also, there is a small gift shop that's worth a brief visit. I highly recommend all military history enthusiasts visiting this place.", "Great historical place., We were pleasantly surprised at the extent of the museum demonstrating the battery used to defend the island right on the spot where it stood. Many useful demonstrations and artifacts including a helicopter. If you like military history, this is a must see." ]

{ "categories": [ "Shopping Malls" ], "description": "Ala Moana Center currently features more than 290 stores, including 70 dining options, one of the largest collections of luxury retailers in the world, four major department stores and several only-in-Hawai'i retailers featuring locally-made products and souvenirs." }

[ "Long long day, Visiting from NZ we decided to head into Ala Moana for some shopping. Getting there is easy for those you live in Waikiki as you can catch the pink trolley and access ala moana for $2.\n\nThe mall itself is huge, I would probably recommend two days dedicated to this mall (if you get tired from walking). We thougbt we covered everything in day 1 till we left and found out there was more shops.\n\nAs we visited close to new years they had yearly sales so we saved a lot. It is a must do along with waikele, Traveled solo", "Typical mall, but with a hula dance show, It's a typical mall, with stores similar to what you'd expect to find in any large city mall elsewhere in the US. The only difference is its free daily hula dance show at 5 pm sharp which is very entertaining even though it is fairly short (maybe 15-20 minutes in duration). The performers are very good at what they do.\n\nHula performance aside, it is a big mall with a good variety of shops and services, which offers a down-to-earth alternative to the pricier, more upscale boutiques found in Waikiki.", "Shop till you drop, This place is massive. It is shop till you drop. So many stores to see hard to get to all of them in one day. Food court has something for everyone. I recommend getting a centre map this place is so big it is easy to get lost." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks" ], "description": "Located on the windward side of Oahu, this gorgeous and secluded beach has the majestic Koolau Mountains as a backdrop. It's great for sunbathing under the ironwood trees on the soft white sand and swimming in its clear waters—the waters are calmer in the morning and kick up in the afternoon when it’s breezier. The beach is a quiet refuge on weekdays but is a popular spot for locals on the weekend who gather for all-day barbecues and beach fun. You'll also see anglers chartering boats to fish at sea. \n\nCheck out this beach on a tour or helicopter ride over Oahu, which often passes by Waimanalo Beach. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "A Perfect Day at Waimanalo Beach…., My love affair with Waimanalo Beach began last July and I am happy to say that Waimanalo Beach is still dear to my heart.  Unlike Waikiki Beach which is so crowded you often feel that you have Waimanalo Beach all to yourself during the weekdays.  It is the kind of beach where you can find happiness by simply putting down your beach towel, eating a bowl of spicy Poke for lunch, and simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Banyan trees, and mountains. The day is even more perfect with the beautiful sound of the waves from the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the water at Waimanalo Beach is the most beautiful turquoise ever.  \nMy son had an amazing time Boogie Boarding during our visit. The conditions were a little rough however, a lifeguard was always on duty.  Spending a few hours at Waimanalo Beach definitely put me in my happy places.  I only wish I could snap my fingers and somehow magically return whenever I desired.  \nThere are restrooms available and parking.  Just make sure to not leave any valuables on the seat of your car.  I didn’t have any problem however, I have read about a variety of incidents that occur in beach parking lots.  Overall, the beauty of the beach and the sound of the waves provide you with all that is needed for an extraordinary day.  See you again Waimanalo Beach in 2024!, Traveled with family", "Best Beach, My family and I traveled to a different beach day in our rented car. When we found this one, we returned to it a second time. It is very beautiful, and has a long stretch of beach for a walk, which we always enjoy. During the week, we found it to be sparsely attended, but much more so on the weekend. The aquamarine color of the water, the white sand, and the land masses in the sea make for a lovely spot. Highly recommended.", "Do you know this beach, So you want a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water in Hawaii, and think that Waikiki is too crowded, or that you can't find parking Kailua/Lanikai and that the North Shore is too far? \n\nThe beach is really great and is not too far of a drive to Honolulu/Waikiki. There are restrooms and parking on the premises.\n\nOnly issue of the day we went is that it was a bit windy, and a surf was a bit too strong. But other than that, we had a delightful day. It was worth the drive." ]

{ "categories": [ "Flea & Street Markets" ], "description": "Looking for a unique shopping experience in Honolulu? Check out this premier outdoor market, held at the Aloha Stadium. With over 400 vendors, you'll find everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts and Hawaiian shirts. Locals come here to snag some good deals, while travelers can score some great souvenirs. If you're feeling hungry, stop for a freshly-cut coconut and snacks from the food trucks.\n\nThe market is only open on select days, so check the schedule before you go. Get there early to beat the crowds. Note that the market is cash-only and there's a small admission fee to enter. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Fun experience, great people and a must-do place to experience, We did the Wednesday swap meet and spent two to three hours walking around. I'd say that the swap meet we went to extended only about half way around the stadium but it was sufficient to find a variety of merchandise. Yes, there is a lot of repetitive types of stalls and merchants but there are many gems in between offering unique food products, handmade, one of a kind jewelry at very reasonable and affordable prices. We found a man who sold beautiful hand painted shell jewelry in lots of different sizes depicting Hawaiian scenes. We loved his work and purchased several for Christmas gifts. We bought coffee, local honey and picked up some beautiful hand-carved tikis made by locals versus the cheap junk that is made in Vietnam. We try to avoid the mass produced crap and look for made in Hawaii products including Hawaiian shirts and we did find many vendors who had \"Made in Hawaii\" products. The prices here are a third of what you would pay in over-priced Waikiki. We loved our visit here and had so much fun. Bring lots of shopping bags and bring back one of a kind items that you will always treasure!", "Worth a Look, Very Hot got there around 11am and in the middle of the day its sweltering. Take water as the cost of a bottle of water is $6 USD. Not a lot of shade so wear a hat. Lots of vendors selling a lot of souvenirs, clothing and stuff. the general goods youll find at the markets. Much cheaper than the stores in Waikiki if you want trinkets and hawaiian clothing. A good place to spend a few hours. Cash Preferred and Kona coffee at a good prices.", "Don't miss if you are in town to go once, Having been to Oahu several times, I really missed what old Waikiki was just 10 years ago. Every store downtown is now what I can get on the mainland. SOOO\nGo to the swap meet to get some Hawaiian made clothing and ukeleles for really great prices. I bought some clothing for my family made in Hawaii. There are lots of choices and food to boot. My dad got a great deal on a KOA ukelele that he had been talking about for about 30% less than going into the store. So, get out there! The entrance has changed so if you follow the signs you end up at Pearl Harbor or the naval base like I did. Follow the signs, but turn right where it says, \"Stadium\" and then follow the signs. If you continue forward, the entrance is closed off right now for construction and the GPS did not have the correct directions. " ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": null }

[ "Fun watching pro surfers, Really pretty beach. I happened by while a pro surf competition was going on, and enjoyed watching the little stick figures in the distance as they zoomed down big waves. I repeat, BIG waves. I wouldn't swim or surf here without knowing the local waters well. \n\nAlso caught a sunset here - I can see how it got its name!", "Beautiful if you don't want to swim!, Beautiful place for watching the sunset and surfers. NOT a place to really get in the water unless you are surfing - maybe it is calmer in the summer. The sand here will have you sinking a bit as you walk around, so get ready for some exercise if you plan on doing that. Parking is along the road in most access places, I am not sure if we missed an actual parking lot, but plan ahead for spotty parking.\n\nWe got dinner after this nearby at Seven Brothers Burgers, but it would have been extra nice to have takeout on the beach itself during the sunset.", "Beautiful surfing beach, We visited Sunset Beach during our Circle Island Tour with Oahu Nature Tours.\n\nThis is a beautiful wide sandy beach with great surfing waves. This is also the site of some world famous surfing competetions." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "These rocky tidal pools in Pupukea’s Marine Life Conservation District on Oahu’s north shore are famous for snorkeling and scuba diving. Despite its name, there are no sharks to be found here, but the cove boasts an impressive variety of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, sea turtles, and thriving coral. Visit in summer when the waters are calm, as the winter’s waves make for dangerous conditions. \n\nThere are restrooms and limited parking but no lifeguards on duty. Also, wear water shoes as it’s easy to lose footing on the sharp and slippery rocks. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Natural Playground, Shark’s Cove is a natural rocky tidal pool. Good place for all ages. There’s also a beach, grassy area, bathrooms, shower station and food trucks across the highway. Parking can be limited after a certain time. The waves were high on the day that we went. It was fun to see the waves go over the rocks and make a big splash and create waterfalls. Although we didn’t snorkel, we saw lots of fish around and there were many people in the water with snorkel gear. I recommend to wear good water shoes for walking on lava rocks that surround the Shark’s Cove as well as when in the water. Be careful if you want to get closer to the rocks when the waves go over for that waterfall effect because the force could knock you down. The depth of the water is different depending on the tide & currents. We passed by it many times and at different times of the day there’s hardly any water in the cove. I guessed we lucked out! The other end of the cove is more rocky and was where we saw another resting Hawaiian monk seal., Traveled as a couple", "My favorite Oahu activity, You can rent snorkel gear and fins across the street. The price goes down if you rent the equipment for a few days. We loved snorkeling here. It was a little intimidating at first for my younger children (I had 4 children ranging from age 11-17) because you walk through some pretty sharp rocks/coral to get into the water. In hindsight we should have done the little \"kiddie pools\" to get used to breathing in the tube before going out into the bay. They got the hang of it, however, and we enjoyed all the active, colorful sea life that was there including turtles. I loved this more than Hanauma Bay because it seemed less commercialized with free parking and less people.", "My favorite thing we did on Oahu, Without a doubt this was my favorite thing we did on Oahu, period. You park right off the side of the Kamehameha highway, in a parallel parking area. There is a bathroom and shower here as well for convenience. I'd recommend bringing some water shoes as the rocks can be a little sharp. You walk right down into the cove, and you're immediately surrounded by an array of colorful fish. The snorkeling here is some of the best I've ever done, and that is saying a lot having been to Molokini on Maui, the Coral Gardens in Bora Bora, and Klein Bonaire. \n Get here a little early to secure your parking spot, and then plan to eat lunch at one of the Shrimp trucks just up the road in Haleiwa. Absolutely perfect way to spend a day!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Parks" ], "description": null }

[ "Sunny sandy beach alongside a grassy shady park, The shady public park offers picnic tables with BBQ stands, 3 beach volleyball courts, early morning group aerobic exercises, lounger/umbrella rentals, a military museum, evening luas, and a military R&R hotel complex. The park is well maintained with tall palm trees and garden beds of greenery closer to Happys, the snack food cafeteria in the park. Several paved sidewalks wind through the park. There is a pay parking lot across the street. Several food places, along the perimeter of the park, offer pricey snack foods, drinks, and ice cream. Bring your own chair to sit on the grass as there are few park benches.\n\nAlong the shoreline, the sand is hard packed, but, further up the bank, it is soft and ankle deep and relatively wide. Families like to build sandcastles or sun bathe here and often bring their own pup tents or umbrellas for shade while others rent loungers/umbrellas. There is no other shade on this beach. There is a changing/rest room/foot wash facility at the end of the park by the Hilton Hotel. This beach is the perfect place to take photos of a sundown without having strangers in the photo too. It also is a good place to watch the Friday 7:45 pm fireworks display from the Hilton Hotel. \n\nBoth the park and beach are kept clean despite the high use. In the park, people tend to occupy the grassy areas closer to the sandy beach, but a quiet place in the shade can also be easily found in other parts of the park. Sit on the bench seating around the picnic tables or bring you own chair.", "Lovely beach, This beach is a 5 to 10 minute walk north of the famed Waikiki beach. The beach area is pretty long but not probably as wide as Waikiki. Beautiful and enjoyable nevertheless. In fact we spent most of the time at this beach.\nWe rented the chair and umbrella combo (2 of them) for 60$ total and relaxed on the beach, ate and drank for hours. Lots of fun and not as crowded as the other beaches. You can walk to beach walk to get your grub/drinks or just get it from Shake Shack which is right on the beach and enjoy your day.\nLoved it loved it loved it :-) .Very highly recommended.", "Great beach with snorkeling, A nice, less crowded beach close to the Waikiki area. The beach itself is sandy but gets rockier closer to the water. The snorkeling is okay here and was not too crowded at the reefs since they are a little bit further out. The reef itself is shallow so visibility is not an issue. I saw a pretty large variety of fish and I even saw one turtle swimming around the reef and later resting at the deeper sandy bottom between the inner reef and outer reef. The water is calm and I was able to swim out pretty far and I am not an amazing swimmer. \n\nThe water gets deep quickly and you need to swim a short distance to get to the reefs, so I would not recommend snorkeling here if you are a below average swimmer." ]

{ "categories": [ "Farms" ], "description": "Our Farm Tours are on pause at this time but we will be relaunching VERY SOON! Our Farm Cafe is free to visit and all are welcome to enjoy our little happy place here on the North Shore! Online ordering available as well!" }

[ "Highlight of our Hawaii Vacation, Our tour of Kahuku Farms turned out to be a highlight of our Hawaii vacation. We learned about growing banana trees, picked fresh star fruit right off the tree to eat, and saw and learned about all the other Hawaii crops grown on the farm. we had lots of samples to try and all were excellent, especially the papaya and chocolate. I highly recommend this to everyone and suggest you plan some time get lunch in their farm to table restaurant that is right on site., Traveled as a couple", "A must-see! , Exceeded our expectations in every way. We took the tour, which was interesting to teenagers and adults alike in our party. Judah is engaging and shares information on the ag as well as marketing/business side of the business. You can walk through the front side of the farm for free, where they have educational signs. But the tour is worth the price. \n\nDefinitely don’t miss lunch here. The tour includes a nice variety of fresh fruit from the farm after the tour; I would recommend eating lunch here beforehand. The gluten free pizza and panini are as delicious as the regular, if not more so. The açaí bowl and banana bread are really special. There are nice patio spaces, most covered, to sit and enjoy your meal. Don’t miss their chocolate made from cacao grown on the farm. \n\nIt’s also a great stop for lunch if you aren’t able to get into the tour. Very reasonable, farm-to-fork, and healthy. Kid’s menu, too. They sell fresh produce as it’s available, and also their own lotions, fruit butter and spread, syrup, and other goodies. A real find. , Traveled with family", "One of our favorite days in Hawaii!, Our family really enjoyed the eco farm tour. We learned so much and loved tasting the fruit grown on the farm.\n\nWe purchased lunch and drinks at the cafe and then hung out and played games in the grassy area. \n\nAmazing relaxed day on the North Shore. , Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Nicknamed Turtle Beach, this unique location is home to a population of Hawaiian green turtles that bask on its sandy shores during the day. Observe these gentle creatures from a safe distance, and watch them make their way through the rough waves that hit the beach. Volunteers are on hand to ensure that the turtles are not disturbed, and there are signs with information and rules. \n\nLaniakea Beach is understandably popular with tourists and locals alike—visiting in the morning when the turtles are active and for fewer crowds. You'll have a better chance of seeing turtles in the summer. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Great place to watch for turtles and watch the sunset, We found this during my research of beaches to stop at on a drive around the island as we wanted to visit the north shore. We also saw that this is a great place to spot turtles as well. There is a lot of parking on the side of the street leading up to the beach, and there is also a decent size gravel lot across the street. We arrived about 30 minutes before sunset. We found a spot to just sit on the beach and watch the surfers and the sunset. We saw a sign that had an arrow for turtles and we saw a group of people all the way at the end of the beach where the rocks are. There were 3 turtles there! There is an organization there that creates a rope barrier and makes sure people keep their distance while also educating people about the turtles. Turns out they keep records of 35 different turtles that like to come up and nap on this beach, and that there’s usually at least one turtle there every day. We learned a lot about the green turtles and the organization. We had never seen a turtle like that in person before so it was super cool. We sat and watched the sunset with the turtles and it was perfect. There are some rocks over where the turtles are, but if you keep walking down, it turns into soft sand. The organization that keeps an eye on the turtles warned us that right after the sun goes down, cars get broken into so we should all probably head back. Please be sure to take your bags with you on your person, don’t leave anything that looks valuable in plain sight, and lock your doors. So please be alert and aware of your surroundings. Whenever we return, we will definitely be coming back here for a beach day.", "Turtles, We drove to this beach to see turtles that usually arrive around 11 am. The first time we went it was very cool temperatures and rain - there were two people watching for the turtles but told us most likely they would not come to shore due to the tempertures. We returned the next day and were not disappointed. Laniakea Beach has a small parking area which has you crossing a very busy road I would highly recommend going early and being patient if you want to see turtles.", "Called \"Turtle Beach\" for a reason, If you're looking for up-close views of sea turtles, this is the right spot. We hit the timing right, and came on a Thursday when traffic was not bad. We were able to get a parking spot at public parking right across the road from the beach. There were many turtles swimming in the surf just off the beach, and several were pushed up to the beach by the waves. The turtles would stay on the beach for a few minutes before pushing themselves back out into the water. Awesome scenery and incredible creatures!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Lookouts", "Valleys" ], "description": "The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside is a lookout above the Pali Highway tunnels where you’re treated to a panoramic view of Oahu's Windward side with sweeping views of Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay and Kailua. It’s also well known for strong tradewinds, forming a natural wind tunnel of sorts. It was here in 1795 that Kamehameha The Great conquered the island of Oahu in one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history. Led by Kalanikupule, the defenders of Oahu were driven back up into the valley where they were trapped above the cliff. More than 400 of Kalanikupule's soldiers were driven off the edge of the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below." }

[ "Panoramic views, Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout, Kaneohe, Oahu\nAbout a 20min drive from Waikiki, gives you a panoramic view from the lookout toward the Windward coast of Oahu, as well as the cliffs of the Ko’olau Range. This is a historic sight with breathtaking views. It was very windy the day we went and cooler than the coast, probably due to the elevation. Parking is $7 per day, and the lookout is open 6am - 6pm. Then you can drive to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, and then Manoa Falls on the way back to Waikiki.\n#NuuanuPaliLookout\n#Nuuanu\n#PaliLookout, Traveled as a couple", "Great views from high up, lush scenery, We found this during my research on places to stop on a drive around the island. The parking lot is decently sized so there was plenty of parking. There is a cost to parking ($7) at an automated kiosk. But the kiosk also said it was free to park for military, and it was based on license plate numbers, so I am not sure how that works. We saw some feral cats roaming around the parking lot. From the parking lot it is a quick walk over to the lookout. It is very scenic with rainforest and mountain views around. There are also some informative signs about the battle that took place at the lookout. Overall we took some pictures and it was cool to see, so we spent about 5 minutes here, as it was also quite windy and drizzly since it was higher up.", "Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside: Hold on to Your Hat and Most Dangerous Hiking Trail, Are you looking for a undeniably great view of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and Oahu’s windward side at an elevation of 1200 feet? Yes, most definitely head to the Nu’uanu Pal Lookout just a short drive from Honolulu. Besides the view of the mountains and the Pali Notches,, you are treated to a panoramic view including the two of Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, the Diamond Head, Waikiki, Honolulu and Mokoli’i Island. Hold on to your hat and young children as the winds are strong and you can hear it howling through the mountains. This site is where King Kamehameha I in 1795 conquered Oahu and united the islands and Hawaiian people. Parking is free for residents and is $7.00 per vehicle for non-residents.\n\nAlthough approximately less than a mile long, the Pali Notches Hike is known as the most perilous and risky hikes in Hawaii. Yet, adventure seekers put aside their trepidations and embark on its steep incline and cliffs. From what I have read, the first part of the trail is muddy, and covered in roots and branches. To get to the notches, you will deal with vertical drop-offs, loose rocks, strong winds, and crevices. As you continue upward, your rock-climbing skills will be tested. The notches were carved for canons to defend Oahu during the battle of Nu’uanu. When we visited, we saw a hiker almost to the top of the trail. I understand those who are successful to reach the top are afforded an incomparable panoramic view of the windward side of Oahu." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks", "Jogging Paths & Tracks" ], "description": "This gentle, protected beach has coarse sand and is ideal for swimming and water play." }

[ "GREAT WATERFRONT PARK RIGHT IN THE CITY, This large urban park sits right on the water in the heart of the city. It has a long, uncrowded beach, a protected lagoon for children, acres of trees and lawns, ample free parking, and accessible walking paths. Every evening, people gather here to watch the sunset. Add the nearby hotels, restaurants, and shops, and this is so much better than Waikiki.", "Best Place to Paddle in Oahu!, I travelled to Oahu with myinflatable paddleboard. I drove all around the island to try different places to paddle. Ala Moana Beach Park was by far my favorite. the area is protected from the waves so the waters are very calm and filled with sea turtles. The paddling area is extensive and spacious so you can get a really good workout in or just relax and float without worrying about running into others. Parking is challenging so you'll want to get there in the arly morning.", "Viewing of Hilton Friday night Fireworks, We felt safe in the Park, with all the other people picnicing and walking to view the fireworks. The area was lit up enough for us. We found our way to view from the Ala Moana Park the Hilton Friday Night Fireworks. The park is situated across the road from the Ala Moana Shopping Centre where we had dinner before seeing the fireworks. Then after the Fireworks we were able to cross the road to go back to the Ala Moana Hotel where we were staying." ]

{ "categories": [ "Gardens" ], "description": "Spanning 400 acres, this lush garden is surrounded by the Koolau Mountain Range. A casual visit will require at least an hour or two, but trekkers usually spend half a day here. Start by exploring the eight tropical gardens, each showcasing plant species from different regions such as Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Avid hikers have the option to tackle various nature trails; keep your eyes peeled for small and large birds, such as the cardinal or egret, amidst the breathtaking scenery. \n\nThe gardens are worth a visit if you’re in need of a peaceful respite and crisp air. Plus, admission is free. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "😱😱, Susan here! Today Hunny n I are in \nKaneohe n we decided we should go to Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardns. ⛲️🪴👩‍🌾\nHunny left the most of the kids at the hotel n just brought r daughter Gringot. Gringot n I were sitting in the backseat n Hunny was driving. Gringot is turning 7 soon n we decided we should take her somewhere, we r hoping she becomes a Gardener, that's why we named her Gringot Garden Jesus.👩‍🌾\nNyway got there n pushed Gringot in a wagon up the paths, got tired n made Hunny push us both. Gringot was \npouring at the big pond n so we went there, brought some fish food n Gringot ran off to go feed the fish. Hunny n I prepared the picnic, I went to go feed the fish, saw a bunch of fish, n then a mongoose came n scared me half to death! Oh boy I fell into the water slowly n screamed, Hunny came running over n screamed, my hair got underwater n the fish were biting my belly n toes. They started nibbling on my toe fungus. N oh my god Gringot was crying, Hunny ran up to the water n saw the mongoose, all I heard was screaming n saw him fall over. Started sinking n woke up on the side of the pond n Hunny was eating some of my Family Famous Grape Tomatoe Sandwich Burritos. Hunny said these exact words \"Took u long enough\"\nGringot n Hunny were resting underneath the tree eating n I was covered in water. Got up n was startled by another mongoose, almost fell bad n caught myself but Hunny ran to save me and well... \nPlop! 💦 \nMuffled screaming n Hunny was being bitten by ducks n fish. I covered Gringots eyes n we ran to the car, I hate mongoose! Gringot n I were monching on snacks n Hunny came back fully red n itchy looking 👀.\n\nDecided to go home and wash up.\nWas a good experience, Gringot learned a new lesson.\nNever trust mongoose., Traveled with family", "Not the location for Jurassic Park…. But it’s close!, This garden is a great way to see all the landscapes of Hawaii really easily and for free - there is no admission fee! The garden is designed to be drivable and there are plenty of points to stop, park up and take a walk. Download the map and plan a longer walk but definitely get away from the lake - it is beautiful but it can get quite busy and there are so many other beautiful vantage points to explore. \nTOP TIP - head up to the lookout at Kilonani Mauka. You get a view of the whole garden and you can see the planes taking off and landing at Honolulu airport!, Traveled with friends", "Perfect Place to Relax, When you drive or walk around the gardens, it is easy to see why the name means a “peaceful refuge”. If you are driving a car, you are not allowed to stop along the route to the gardens and take photos. Signs are posted throughout the drive. There are many areas where you can enjoy the abundant greenery of plants from around the world including Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Africa, Tropical America and Polynesia to name a few. Here you can take pictures of the mountain range, tree canopies and foliage. My daughter said the gardens has become a popular place to take Instagram photos. Parking lots, picnic tables, benches and bathroom facilities are strategically located throughout the park that can be reserved for a fee from Friday to Monday. Another feature is that the park has about 8 camping sites that can be reserved Stop by the visitor center to pick up a map to better enjoy the park. Best choice to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city." ]

{ "categories": [ "Volcanos" ], "description": null }

[ "You should do this hike during your visit!, It’s easy to get swept up in shopping, the beach, dining at nice restaurants, etc. while visiting Honolulu. Don’t let an unbelievable hike leading to a fantastic view of the city pass you by, though. Diamond Head crater is within walking distance of downtown (albeit a lengthy walk at about 3 miles). I wanted a day of activity, though, and decided to walk there from a downtown hotel — thinking that I would either Uber or bus it on the return trip. The hike up to the peak takes approximately 45 minutes (it’s quicker on the way down - probably 30 minutes). If you brought hiking shoe/boots, I’d recommend wearing them as there are definitely uneven parts to the path. The view from the top is spectacular. Definitely worth a visit during your stay here., Traveled solo", "Incredible views!, I booked a time slot for 6-8 am and arrived shortly after 6 to get parking. The hike was perfect as the sun was just starting to rise making it not too hot. The views from the top were absolutely incredible and the hike really wasn't too strenuous. It had rained, so some spots of the trail had standing water or were muddy and thus slippery, but it wasn't too bad. Those steps to the peak were no joke though! Definitely book ahead of time so you get the entry time you want!, Traveled solo", "Get there before the sunrise for a gorgeous view, Make sure you are wearing proper footwear and give yourself plenty of time to scope out the best spots for the sunrise. It will get crowded at this time of day but it is worth it!\n\nDoing the hike at Dawn is also a treat as the weather is perfect and going up in the twilight and coming down in the sun is a neat experience. Take a look at my pics to see what I'm talking about, I'll let the photos do the talking." ]

{ "categories": [ "State Parks", "Parks" ], "description": "Drive up to this lookout point that offers panoramic views of Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, and is one of the city's best sunset spots." }

[ "Views are amazing especially after rainfall, We caught a rainbow as we drove up and it was amazing. If you want to catch a nice sunset this is the place to go. If you want to get some food pictures of the entire city without having to hike this is also the place to go., Traveled as a couple", "Great Views, If you are looking for spectacular views, then Tauntaus Drive/Round Top is the place to go. A two-lane, ten-mile road offers hairpin turns, sheer drop-offs and views of Honolulu that cannot be beat. Instead of hiking to this point, we chose to drive the switchback road and enjoy the beautiful scenery. From here, you get the best views and a different perspective of Honolulu, Waikiki and Diamond Head. There are several areas where you can pull over for photo ops or simply to enjoy the view. Tantalus Drive begins near the entrance to the Punchbowl Cemetery and ends at Round Trip Drive, the road that leads back to the city. The road rises to an elevation of 1800 feet and has several lookout points. The many trees and plants along the road give the impression of traveling through a rainforest. This area is considered one of the most scenic areas of Honolulu. It was built over a period of 25 years and is Oahu’s only state and national historic road.", "Combining Manoa Falls hike with Tantalus Lookout = Awesome, We drove to Tantalus Lookout at around 3:30 after hiking the Manoa Falls, and it was a wonderful decision. The drive was easy, the lookout was very well maintained, and the view was second to none. The parking lot was, indeed, very small, but at 3:30, multiple cars were getting ready to leave, so we were able to park right away. We didn’t stay for the sunset, but nonetheless, I highly recommend driving up to the lookout and spending even 20 minutes to soak up the amazing views., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Art Museums" ], "description": "One of the world’s premier art museums presents international caliber special exhibitions and features a collection that includes Hokusai, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso and Warhol, as well as traditional Asian and Hawaiian art. Located in two of Honolulu’s most beautiful buildings, visitors enjoy two cafés, gardens, and films and concerts at the theater. Other location: Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House" }

[ "Nice museum, but the Shangri-La add-on ticket is a must, This museum was very cool in the way it was organized, with the courtyards and the different galleries. It was a surprise that there were so many cool things to look at. With that said, the best part of visiting is the add-on ticket to visit Shangri-La, Doris Duke's estate. Advance tickets for Shangri-La are required and sell out quickly during busy times.", "Excellent offerings especially Shangri La, HOMA was easy to find and get through, a beautiful collection of art and artifacts from over the world. GREAT gift shop with creations by local artists. Book a month in advance to see the Shangri La museum, a private home dedicated to islamic art, blew me away how beautiful and special it was, the home and the contents of treasures from all over the world ", "Another great stop on our downtown Honolulu night., We spent a fun Friday evening in downtown Honolulu, as we utilized the bus service from our hotel. Our initial stop was at a downtown brewery, and then we migrated to this lovely art museum before a cocktail night at Bar Leather Apron. The artwork provided a nice respite between our libations, and it made us wishing that we had more time. However, it was pertinent to have reservations for our meals. \n\nThe museum provided lockers for our belongings, and the exhibits offered a valuable insight into the history of indigenous cultures in relation to Hawaii., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Islands", "Parks" ], "description": "This artificial island is a favorite with locals for picnicking, playing frisbee, or simply hanging out. Magic Island hosts many popular events and festivals throughout the year, including a spectacular fireworks display every Fourth of July. Ala Moana Beach offers excellent swimming and surfing conditions, with Magic Island lagoon boasting virtually waveless waters. Stay until sunset and be rewarded with orange and red hues bathing over Waikiki and Diamond Head in the distance. \n\nMagic Island is actually a peninsula and is easily accessible by both bus and car, although parking can be challenging from mid-morning onwards. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Relaxing & Quiet, I had some time to kill in between appointments and Magic Island was the closest park and beach. \n\nThe parking lot was quite empty on a weekday so parked quite close.\n\nI headed to the beach first. Passed by the showers and restrooms.\n\nSand was soft, beach was clean and water was warm. It was relaxing to just people or boat watch and get my feet wet and sandy.\n\nHeading back to the park it was nice to have the palm trees proving shade which was good for picnics. More walkers and some joggers passed by. \n\nMy favorite place to visit when don’t have time to drive outside of town to go to a beach., Traveled solo", "Original Name Translates to “land from the sea”, Did you know Magic Island was supposed to be a resort hotel but plans fell through and the hotel was never built? Instead, the land was converted to a public park. Its true name is Aina Moana Park which translates to “land from the sea”. It is now a manmade peninsula at the east end of the Ala Moana Beach Park. There is a small, rocky beach located here, but it did not seem to be as popular as the one at Ala Moana Beach. Picnic tables, benches, and trees make it ideal for all. We saw two wedding while we were there. Magic Island has its own entrance but can be accessed from a pathway on Ala Moana Beach Park. Both Magic Island and Ala Moana Park are a refuge in the center of Honolulu.", "Great calm beach that isn't packed, This beach is great for smaller kids and families as it is calmer waters than most other beaches around. The water is shallow for a ways and it isn't packed with tourists. We rented snorkel gear and got to see some fish and a few corals. The snorkeling was only ok, but it only cost $10 for the snorkel gear rental so no big deal. Great place to check out and hang for the day." ]

{ "categories": [ "Zoos" ], "description": "From pink flamingos to African giraffes, the Honolulu Zoo is home to a little bit of everything from the animal kingdom. Its animal population includes more than 64 reptile, 38 mammal and 160 bird species. The 42-acre facility is organized into three tropical ecological zones: Tropical Rainforests, Pacific Islands and the African Savanna. Among its highlights is a new $12-million, 1.5-acre Asian tropical elephant exhibit that includes a 7,260-squre-foot holding area and two 55,000-gallon pools." }

[ "Playful Trumpeting Elephants and Lemurs, Few Crowds, I have been to the Honolulu Zoo many times going back 50 years. My husband and I visited during the pandemic. \n\nWe recommend that visitors purchase a $40 membership which entitles you to admission for you and a guest plus discounts on purchases. The membership must be purchased online, but if you walk up, expect to pay $38 for two adults if you are visitors to Hawaii. It's for the animals.\n\nWith COVID-19, the zoo is taking many precautions to keep their guests and animals safe. They are enforcing them, so expect to be a good Zoo guest by wearing a mask and keeping your distance. \n\nThe animals, especially the elephants, lemurs, porcupines, Sumatran tiger, were lively. The Zoo closed just after feeding times, so if the weather isn't too hot, visit end of day , like we did.\n\nSupport conservation!, Traveled as a couple", "Very Great Zoo!!, We visited the Honolulu Zoo in January. Great display of many animals, reptiles, birds, etc. our favourite were the monkeys who put on a great continuous show for us, in addition to the elephants who were placing muddy water and dry dirt on their bodies to cool down (it was very hot and sunny the day we we visited). There is a very good amount of animals to see; those that complain that some of the animals were not out should realize that it was too hot for them to be out - I’m sure the complainers were going into the shade to cool down and get out of the intense sunlight.\n\nWe were very upset that the food cantina area sold bottled water in an aluminum bottle for an astronomical/inflated price. We ended up watering the grass with this “bottled tap water”; it was gross to drink and over $5.00 per bottle. Unfortunately, you cannot bring your own water or food into this zoo, therefore, you are stuck purchasing their products, or hold off until you leave the park.\n\nWe recommend visiting this zoo., Traveled as a couple", "Nice visit to a wonderful zoo, Visited the first Thursday of December while we walked back from Diamond Head on our way to our Waikiki hotel as it was right on the way. But, it is an easy walk from most of the Waikiki hotels. It wasn't crowded and we enjoyed touring the zoo for about 2 hours viewing all the animals. We found the zoo to be clean and well kept. There were paved walking areas with plenty of directional signs to follow to ensure that you are able to see the exhibits that you want. Some areas are shaded, but I recommend bringing sunscreen to avoid a sunburn just in case you need it. We brought our own snacks to eat during a lunch break since there are benches available where you can sit. We also made a quick visit to the gift shop before leaving." ]

{ "categories": [ "Hiking Trails" ], "description": null }

[ "Popular hike for a reason, I love this hike so much. For relatively little effort, you are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views quickly and then continue along a ridge for seemingly as long as you want (we kept going past all the pillboxes for quite a while, and the trail didn't seem to end). The views are some of my favorite on the island. It does tend to get crowded and hot, so go early for the most pleasant experience. Bring good sneakers or hiking boots! While it's easier than the other ridge hikes we did on the island, it's still not easy, and sandals aren't going to cut it. There are some steep sections to navigate in the beginning, so take your time.", "Day hike, Have done this hike a few times. Parking can be a challenge, as it’s street parking. The entrance is well marked, and the onset is up a dirt hill which can be tricky when wet. It opens up to an amazing view of Lani Kai and the bay, and from there you follow the exposed ridge to the pill boxes. Some steep area with poor footing, with loose first and rocks. This first part is often crowded, and then end point for many folks. You can continue on through brush and tress, partly covered, but exposed areas continue with amazing views of Kailua, Waimānalo, and the Ko’olaus. The descent to Kano Kai Drive is via a gulley and requires careful navigation, due to loose rocks. There are branches to use to hold onto. , Traveled solo", "Great hike!, Great hike to do to start off your vacation in Oahu!! I have some experience hiking, am active, and loved every part of this hike! Definitely recommend wearing hiking boots or something with grip - not sneakers, because there are some steeper parts. There aren't many places to hold or hoist your body up besides rocks. The views at the top are stunning and so worth it! Enjoy!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Geologic Formations" ], "description": "This natural wonder on the island of Oahu was formed due to past volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Halona Blowhole now occasionally shoots seawater up to 30 feet in the air because of waves coursing through the underwater lava tubes. The viewing point provides a breathtaking view of Halona Cove, a beautiful beach that has been featured in many movies and music videos. If you visit during winter, you may be lucky enough to witness whales in the nearby waters.\n\nYou might also want to take a tour to nearby attractions like Hanauma Bay and Koko Crater for an all-rounded experience. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Great spot for sunrise , I was in Oahu for business for the week and decided to check out to this lookout point. Being from CA, I often see sunsets off the Pacific but rarely see sunrise over the water so had to take advantage of this. View of the blowhole with the sun rising in the background is just fantastic. I had to come back the next day to witness again but this time FaceTime with my wife and kids so they experience it with me. :), Traveled on business", "Hit or miss photo opp., We stopped at this popular site and luckily found available parking. It was still crowded in the early afternoon, despite the cloudy weather drizzle. The blow hole varies, depending on tides and surf conditions. Meh, it was way more active on a previous visit. The improved viewing area is large, with a colorful storyboard. Steps and a ramp to the notch for the closest viewing, also has ample railings for safety. Adjacent is “eternity beach” made famous by the 1953 movie. Actually, known as Halona Beach Cove, it has some cool lava tube features. But we passed on the steep trail down. Worth a stop if you can find parking.\n\nMahalo", "Natural Wonder, Read about the blowhole online and decided to take a drive out there. It was amazing to see how a lava tube that formed many years ago created such a neat spectacle. As the surf got stronger, this caused the geyser to shoot higher up. Definitely a must see when in Oahu, Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks" ], "description": "An upscale hotel, condominium and retail development." }

[ "Amazing Waikiki Beach Walk!!, The Waikiki Beach Walk is an amazing pathway along the beautiful Waikiki Beach. There are many resorts, eateries and fun things to do along this walk. It is lovely day or night. Very safe to walk in the evening. Take a walk to see a lovely Hawaiian sunset or just sit and relax at one of the tables /seats, watching the waves /surfers come in. Don’t miss this walk while in Honolulu!! It is one of the highlights of your visit to the island of Oahu!! ", "Hub of music, dining, bars, entertainment and shopping, We did the famous Waikiki Beach Walk many times during our stay in the area.\n\nThis area is where visitors come to shop and dine and just have fun.Its an open-air promenade that is the hub of live music, nightlife, dining, bars and shopping.\n\nIts in the evenings when the place is really buzzing with people.", "Great way to see Waikiki, We walked from one end of Waikiki to the other each day along the beach. It was so relaxing and made you feel like you were on holidays. Some of the boardwalk has collapsed, but it is fine, you can just cut across the front of the hotels. Lovely at night too, when all the lights are on." ]

{ "categories": [ "Architectural Buildings", "Religious Sites" ], "description": null }

[ "St. Augustine By the Sea….A gem in the heart of Waikiki, If you are visiting Hawaii during the Christmas season and desire to attend mass take an opportunity to visit St. Augustine by the Sea. St. Augustine is a lovely church community that was established in 1854. I have visited this church a few times while on vacation in Oahu, Hawaii. I have immensely enjoyed all the times I attended mass. The Tonga choir provides beautiful music during the mass. In addition, the congregation always provides a warm welcome to visitors. I have not had an opportunity to attend mass with Father Lane as the celebrant however, I have seen him via Facebook Live and he is indeed an exceptional priest who is committed to Native Hawaiians and all other people. Father Lane is a gem! During our visit this summer we met another phenomenal priest whose message was a simple yet powerful one. He explained that we only live once so make sure to live a life that makes a positive impact on the lives of others. If you are fortunate enough to spend Christmas in Waikiki, take a moment to visit St. Augustine by the Sea. I am certain you will enjoy your visit. Mass on Christmas Eve will take place at 5:00pm and 9:00pm., Traveled with family", "Welcoming and beautiful, Always a great blessing to be able to attend Mass at St Augustine's! I was hoping to be able to attend the Mass where the Tongan Choir sings, as we enjoyed that so much on our last trip. The choir now sings at 10:30am on Sunday, so we missed them this time around. Beautiful church decorated for Pentecost, with welcoming parishoners and clergy. Fr. Lane is a humble, wonderful pastor/priest. May God continue to bless this parish!, Traveled with family", "Lovely St. Augustine Church Celebrates 160 Years as a Parish, Lovely Catholic Church and just as lovely mass with an Hawaiian flavor. Mahalo Fr. Lane for a wonderful celebration of faith. \n\nWhenever we visit Waikiki, we attend mass. St. Augustine By the Sea was about to open an education / history facility. I hope the new education center shows the parish’s 160 year history. \n\nTry to arrive a few minutes early for mass. We have attended the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday 8 and 10 am masses and the pews do fill up. \n\nAloha and Mahalo. , Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Shopping Malls" ], "description": "International Market Place is an open-air retail, dining and entertainment destination in the heart of Waikīkī offering a world-class lineup of restaurants and retailers.\n\nThe center’s innovative design includes imaginative water features, an entertainment stage and Hawai‘i-inspired landscaping, and spotlights the International Market Place’s iconic 160-year-old banyan tree.\n\nMake sure to stop by on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on Level 1 in Queens Court for our Free Hula Show!\n\nLearn about the rich history and culture of International Market Place and the land on which it sits through our free cultural audio tour." }

[ "Our favorite things at International Market Place, International Market Place is a great place to browse around the shops if you need a break from the sun. The staff at the information desk are very helpful and friendly. We love the restaurants there, especially for happy hour. Eating House, Moani and Herringbone. The Kona coffee shop has great coffee and amazing desserts and pastries but go early because the line gets super long. We wish that International Market Place had a playground for kids, on rainy days it would draw locals and visitors to spend time and shop there. We also miss the free hula show in the evenings….that was always a huge draw for us during the week after cocktails on the grand lanai., Aloha 808FlyGirl,\n\nThank you for visiting us! We look forward to seeing and serving you again.\n\nMahalo and Aloha!, Written , February 14, 2023, This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC., Traveled with friends", "My go-to to Waikiki! Everytime, As a local, and I am sure like many others can resonate, the crowd and the lack of parking make it difficult and discouraging for people to visit Waikiki from elsewhere. Then come International Marketplace. This longstanding establishment has been my go-to place whenever I visit Waikiki with friends or the in-laws, because of the amble, spacious parking stalls and the variety of shops and restaurants. There is Mitsuwa Marketplace for your groceries and Japanese goods, Kona Coffee Purveyors for your freshly baked pastries and artisan coffee, and Liliha Bakery to get your local grindz and their coco puffs. Did I also mention they host a market (I think twice a week, forgot the days) with local businesses selling souvenirs, fresh produce, and food. Parking is pretty reasonable at $3/hour with validation ($10 minimum purchase at one of their shops) and you are only a few minutes away by foot to Kuhio Beach. Highly recommended!, Aloha weony,\n\nThank you for taking the time to write this great and comprehensive review. Even better news! Respectfully, parking with a validation , after the first free hour is actually only $2 per hour for the next three.\nMahalo for your continued patronage at the International Market Place.\nWe look forward to seeing and serving you again.\n\n, Written , February 14, 2023, This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.", "Locals love it too!, As a local, Waikiki can be a little overwhelming at times, but International Marketplace has ample and easy to access parking (probably one of the best lots in Waikiki), and a great assortment of retailers and restaurants to make the trip to Waikiki well worth it! Moani Island Bistro has great local food as well as live entertainment, and the only Mitsuwa on island is a must! The shopping center has a great atmosphere and is very walkable with ample shading and greenery around to make for a very pleasant shopping experience!, Aloha 488devenh,\n\nMany thanks for your warm words. We appreciate you continued patronage and support. Should you ever need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.\n\nMahalo and Aloha!, Written , April 18, 2023, This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks", "Reefs", "Beaches" ], "description": null }

[ "Watch Those Swells and Waves (Ehukai)), Banzai Pipeline, one of the best-known areas on the North Shore, is noted for barreling waves and swells. The Pipeline has two personalities so to speak. During the summer, the area is calm and is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. However, during the winter months its waves are enormous and dangerous for the novice surfer. The waves sometimes reach 30 feet. Several professional surfing competitions are held here in the winter months. We visited the end of March but did not see any huge swells. The pipeline is the “Holy Grail” of riding the waves. One of the waves is featured at the beginning of the Hawaii-Five-O television program. Surfing here is ot for the amateur so leave it to the professionals. Many surfers have lost their lives or suffered injuries when attempting to ride the pipeline waves.", "Great view, surf, beach., We visited this right after new year's, although 2 weeks prior we were also at the north shore, the waves were as high. The waves between these two visits were better, but for January 2,the waves were forecasted to be around 25 feet, lower than the 35 feet between Dec 27 and January 1. It was still an impressive 25 feet, as the surfers were going for it, and the cameras on tripods were plenty.\n\nThe beach is also quite wide, as we went with the tide at around 1.2M high. But because the waves were over 25 feet, the life guards on jetskis were busy. Aside from watching over the surfers, they had to occasionally go along the beach line to call the attention of some beach goers.\n\nWe were able to park at the parking lot at the school across, although there were cars parked at the parking lot in front of the beach, and/or the roadside. Traffic was heavy, but moving.\n\nI was able to access a local tide forecast at the TA forums for Oahu which provided the wave status, a must if you want to be impressed with the waves.", "Surf or Watch - Beautiful, For our visit, we watched. And the pile of surfers were having a great time riding some good waves.\n\nSitting on the beach and watching made me want to surf again. I mean, I took a couple of lessons and these waves would be tough for me but watching these guys go for it made me want to try it again.\n\nLots of places to rent and stay at. Definitely a young vibe.\n, Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Gardens", "Educational sites" ], "description": "Part of the University of Hawaii, the Lyon Arboretum offers 194 acres and a research facility." }

[ "Gorgeous and lush, The Lyon Arboretum is an amazing botanical garden, built into the lush slope of a valley. There is a wide variety of plants to see and lots of trails crisscrossing the grounds. Advance reservations are needed in order to secure one of the few parking spots available. When we visited, the arboretum was closed on weekends so we needed to visit on a weekday.", "More than a few “ oooh my” moments, What a gem of a place. Spent almost two hours wandering and enjoying some rare quiet In Honolulu \nNicely marked trails and due to the wetter than normal conditions the waterfall made an appearance \nAdjacent to Moana Falls area so if you’re thinking of doing one you can likely manage both. \nYou’ll need reservations but easy to do, Traveled as a couple", "Beautiful Nature Hike, We had made reservations to did this hike after Manoa Falls. It also has a waterfall, but not as tall and less water. Do this to enjoy the beauty of their botanical collection. The paths are gravel but they were still muddy and they have off-shoots to other gardens. This is a short hike and would suggest doing it along with Manoa Falls.\n\nThere is a bathroom here and you need to check in because reservations are required. There is a $5 suggested donation to enter." ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks", "Scenic Drives", "Geologic Formations" ], "description": "A beautiful, scenic spot overlooking Makapuu Peninsula." }

[ "Wonderful Views on a Paved Pathway, The January day we were here was mostly cloudy and very windy. That made hiking the 21/2 mile trip tolerable. The whole way is paved and very wide. That doesn't make it handicapped accessible tho. It is a constant incline up. The views are wonderful up here. It is a popular hike so you will be accompanied by several people. Parking lot is limited but there is roadside parking before the lot and people are constantly coming and going. Not everyone does the climb up. We stopped before the top. I wanted to see the lighthouse, visible at the top but we were getting tired!", "Absolutely breathtaking, Having visited Oahu a number of times, I decided to take a tour with Oahu photography. The tour stoped at various landmarks. Maakapuu was absolutely breathtaking. We even saw a policeman stop to take photos in the early morning., Traveled solo", "Good place to stop and look at the scenery, lookout point, We found this during my research on places to stop on a drive around the island. It is just past the pull off for the Makapuu lighthouse trail. The parking lot is on the smaller side, but there was a decent turn around of people coming and going so it seemed to work out while we were there. You cannot see the lighthouse from here as it is around the corner, but it still has a pleasant view of the coastline down the island. There are signs in the parking lot warning of break ins. Please be sure to take your bags with you on your person, don’t leave anything that looks valuable in plain sight, and lock your doors. So please be alert and aware of your surroundings. Overall it is a great place to take in some of the beauty of the island as you make your way around." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Stretching more than 1,000 yards of sandy shoreline, this spot is considered the premier bodysurfing beach in Hawaii." }

[ "Beach with character, We came here after we hiked the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Awesome fine sandy beach! We visited in February so the waves were wild…good for body surfing! Lots of parking spots, the grounds were well maintained, clean bathrooms/change rooms and there are also outdoor showers. Bring your supplies as there are no stores, restaurants or food carts here. It’s a beautiful beach to dip your toes in after your hike. Makapu’u Beach Park is divided into two by a rugged stretch of coastline. We went to the one right next to the Makapu’u Lookout. There’s also Sea Life Park across the highway., Traveled as a couple", "Great surfing beach, Makapuu Beach Park, Oahu\nGreat beach for surfing and patrolled with lifeguards , lots of parking. Each beach along the Windward coastline (East Shore) are a little different and worth a look.\n#MakapuuBeachPark, Traveled as a couple", "What a beautiful beach!, This beach is more for locals, so it is quieter and nice. The scenic views are impressive that includes the hillside, the view of the park and the dark lava mountains. The contrasting colors of the blue water, the white sand and the mountains are really a nice beautiful." ]

{ "categories": [ "Public Transportation Systems" ], "description": "Oahu's public transportation system." }

[ "Friendly and Tolerant, I am not sure what the bus drivers have for breakfast but I want some. We waited until the morning rush was over to catch our number 2 bus to Kalihi Transit Station to get a Seniors Holo card for me because we are here for 2.5 months. This bus has limited stops so the bus driver asked where we wanted to get off just in case we had made an error. So many people stepped on board only to have the driver advise them of which bus to catch to get to where they wanted to go. So many didn't have the right money but that didn't phase the driver either - we are talking extremely patient and helpful drivers. When we got to the office at Kalihi the lady behind the counter couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. Next year we will pay the annual fee for a 3 months stay. Yes fares have increased but this is certainly one of the easiest ways to get around the island and all the staff deserve a medal for tolerance. Well done folks - we love DaBus", "Holo Card for THE BUS in Honolulu, They have recently introduced the HOLO CARD for THE BUS! It is so easy to get and use - just go to a designated ABC store in Waikiki. It is a good deal because after 2 rides in a day, the fare is capped and the rest of the day is free. For us (seniors) staying 3 weeks, the cap will be $20 for the month starting July 1st and $45 for the year which is great for returning in the winter months.\n\nUse Google maps or Maps Apps to find the bus stops and route to get to your destination. Always ask the bus driver when you get on the bus to make sure it is the right one. Last Saturday, another passenger and my phones showed different bus numbers to the same destination. It turned out the buses we could take were totally different. Most of the bus drivers are so nice and helpful!\n\nIt is so convenient that we cancelled our $100+US/day car rental this trip!", "The Bus., Very reliable bus that will get you to most places around Oahu. Ubers and shuttles will cost you plenty when getting to those far off excursions like Kualoa, Pearl, and the Cultural Center. Get a HOLO card which is Honolulu's metro card, introduced just a month ago. Get one at a participating ABC store (if staying in Waikiki). You can get a one day pass for 5.50 and you can transfer for 2.5 hours to any bus and repeat that on your return trip. You can refill online or in person at a store. For the most part, the people riding the bus were well behaved. The drivers were courteous and accommodating as well as vigilant about their mask restrictions. We went to Pearl, Kualoa, the Cultural Center, and the Moana mall. Kuhio Avenue appears to be the main strip coming into Waikiki and can catch most busses along this street to anywhere on the island. Notable lines are the 2, 8, 42 and 60 lines. The 20 takes you to Waikiki and all hotels. \n\nWith the bus, be prepared to use up the whole day for your excursion. It did take almost two hours to get to Pearl, Kualoa, and the PCC and back. Uber and shuttles may take less time but that translates into more money spent. This was the only drawback but was most necessary in fulfilling our transport needs. It also makes for a good survey of how the local people live outside the touristy area." ]

{ "categories": [ "Geologic Formations" ], "description": "At the very end of Mokuleia where the road dead-ends is Kaena Point State Park with its secluded sandy coves and huge wide-open spaces. The hiking trail follows a deeply rutted unpaved Jeep road with dozens of small seaward paths branching off to the ocean’s edge. If you opt to hike the full round-trip trek from Kaena Point to Yokohama Bay on the Leeward Coast, you’ll need roughly three hours, ample stamina, plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, body cover and your camera." }

[ "Good for all ages, Reading reviews and looking at state park website I finally realized there are two separate coastal hikes to Ka'ena Point, both covered in reviews. \n\n1) going west, along the north coast (Mokuleia). Google maps directions to Ka'ena Pt State Park take you here. \n \n2) going north, along the west coast (Waianae). We were staying at Marriott Ko Olina so just drove straight up coast ~45 min til dead ends for this one at the end of Yokohama Bay in a parking lot. \n\nThere is a gate at the entrance to the Bay/beach (called Keawaula Section on State Park website). It's closed again as of 10/1, adding an extra mile r/t to the hike. It was open on weekends in Sept so we went first thing Sat morning. As others have said, no shade, bring lots of water, flat coastal trail with beautiful ocean and mountain views, suitable for all ages/abilities. Read the interesting placards, especially how the trail was an old railroad line before it got wiped out by a tsunami!\n\nTook us 3 1/4 hrs, 5.3 miles r/t to the point and back. Would be closer to 6.5 miles now with gate closed. Previous reviewer said other trail was ~ 6 miles. It is pretty much similar scenery (beautiful aqua blue water and rugged volcanic rock coast) repeated all the way to point, then it's very different (windy, sandy trail - like walking on the beach, etc). Saw alot of local fisherman at the start of the trail (they have permits to drive vehicles in). Talked to one who had just finished spearfishing & had a ~12 lb fish!\n\nWe did not see any monk seals, baby birds, etc. Didn't feel up to exploring the Point tide pools, and the walk back is what you just saw coming in so felt LONG....We had arrived in Oahu from the East Coast at dinnertime night before so I was likely jet lagged. Hubby didn't feel same way (he can sleep on the plane!) so i went with his 4 rating instead of my 3 since it was probably too harsh.", "🦭🦭🦭SEAL SIGHTING, This hike was very well worth it. You get to see some outrageous views! It takes about two hours to walk to the point taking the coastal trail. It’s very beautiful and it may take you less time if you don’t stop every few minutes to catch the views (like we did) but I definitely recommend that you do!! Wear hiking shoes and bring water and a light jacket. Wear sunscreen. WE SAW MONK SEALS (3 of them) 🦭🦭🦭. The walk back was brutal on us because we don’t hike often so that two mile journey back to the parking lot was hard. But it was worth it in the end., Traveled as a couple", "Dry heat hiking , I have been coming to this hike many times and finally did both sides. Hiked from Waianae and Mokuleia. They are about the same distance. I used my Strava and gave me total about 6 miles roundtrip via Mokuleia. What I like about this trail is that the coastal view and the mountain range. Once you reach to the point; which is the westernmost tip of Oahu, you can see Hawaiian Monk Seal, seawater birds like Wedge Tail Shearwater, Laysan Albatross and Boobies. There are also native plants along the trail like Ohai. Downfall for this hike is very hot. No shades throughout the hike. Although it is relatively all flat trail. Family friendly hike. Don’t(s) for this hike, no Dogs allowed, Droning, harassing the animals and derailing. Respect the place, since this is a bird sanctuary and no littering. Make sure to hydrate, bring enough water. And use sunscreen protection. " ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks" ], "description": "Many of Hawaii’s alii (royalty) lived in Waikiki and King Kalakaua selected a 300-acre track of land at the base of Diamond Head for a public park in 1867. Today, it is a gathering place that thrives with walkers, runners, tennis enthusiasts and picnickers. Grab lunch on Kalakaua Avenue and enjoy it in one of the shaded picnic areas scattered around this colorful park." }

[ "The shaded walkway across from the Honolulu Zoo has benches to sit on while we rested and admired the ocean views., This is an expansive city park. We used to walk in this park to the hotel and residential area near Diamond Head, but, on our last visit, we just walked along the beach where there were benches to sit on in the shade, just opposite the Honolulu Zoo. We used the foot wash sink in front of the restroom building conveniently located alongside this sidewalk to rinse off the sand from our feet after walking along the sandy shoreline on Waikiki/Kuhio Beach. This park is usually the end point of our beach walk when we start off at the Hilton Hotel resort.- about a 30/45 minute stroll. On the weekends, artists display their paintings on the fence at the rear of the zoo - not a pleasant place to linger due to the animal smells there. While there is a roadway through the park, the park itself is relatively quiet. Many signs in Waikiki's parks point out that tents, shopping carts, camping are not allowed and the homeless seem to obey these signs. We felt safe walking in the park.", "Another beautiful park, Best place for early am jog or walk, with work out circuit stations, the aquarium of local sealife and our own animal rescue zoo! A must for families with kids. An entire days worth of activity and on Sat the Art in the Park tree line gallery by local artists. In the summer evening they show family movies right on the adjacent \nbeach. Check at activity desk in your hotel for schedule.", "Park and Tennis Courts, We had been to the park previously, but had not explored the tennis courts.. in fact we were looking for pickleball courts.. and we did find one .. we enjoyed a couple of hours of play.. only one pickleball court but two sets of tennis courts...\n\nThe park is home to all kinds of activities depending upon what is going on at the time. A fairly large band shelter as well.. the park is great for locals and tourist alike..\n\nGreat spot to walk, jog, or hang out.. some pretty impressive trees too... Also home to the zoo .." ]

{ "categories": [ "Monuments & Statues" ], "description": null }

[ "Interesting info on the plaque, Most visitors to Waikiki probably walk by this statue and don't bother to read the plaque at its foot. I had never heard of Duke Kahanamoku before, so reading about his history and contributions to popularize surfing was quite fascinating. The good news is that the statue is more or less a landmark in Waikiki beach, so it can't be missed. If you pass by it, take a minute or two to stop and read the plaque which will make you appreciate the man in the statue in a different light.", "Duke Kahanamoku is a true legend…., I became interested in the life of Duke Kahanamoku after seeing his statue along Waikiki Beach last summer.  This year my son had a Surf’s Up Birthday party so I purchased a book about Duke for the guests to sign and for him to read.  Also, I thought it was important for him to also see his statue located on Waikiki Beach. Duke was not only an Olympian, actor, and a pioneer for surfing.  Duke Kahanamoku was an honorable man who possessed the beautiful spirit of Native Hawaiians.  Take a moment to not only stop and see the statue but take some time to learn about the man behind the statue. His story is quite amazing!!!, Traveled with family", "A Waikiki landmark - Duke the legend, Most of the time there is a line by Duke’s statue of people waiting to take pictures with him. He was definitely a surfing legend in Hawaii. The statue is really nice and a landmark at Waikiki beach. The park, sandy beach and ocean behind him are very nice and scenic but busy. People leave their leis on this statue. It’s also nice to see it in the evening." ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "Cemeteries", "Religious Sites" ], "description": null }

[ "Beautiful Area, The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is located in Kane’ohee on the windward side of Oahu. There are Buddhist, Shinto, Protestant and Catholic sections as well as a pet cemetery. There is a Japanese WWII cemetery on the grounds. Also on the grounds is the non-denominational Buddhist temple Byodo-In Temple. After leaving the temple, drive straight and visit the Ocean View Terrace. The Terrace is the newest edition to the memorial park. It is a heart-shaped garden with views of Kaneohe Bay and Ko’olau Mountains. There is a large water feature that adds to the beauty of the area. Another unique feature of the terrace is the ability to purchase family plots. The Catholic cemetery has a statue of the Virgin Mary as well as the Stations of the Cross depicting the Passion of Christ. Additionally, there are columbarium, crypts, and mausoleums. The new Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary is where people gather for cremation funeral, burial and reception, Many people leave tokens of the deceased person's things such as cans of soda or beer, stuffed animals, etc. No fee to visit the memorial park but there is one to visit the temple.", "Very Pretty Location, Very pretty and serene. Grounds very well taken care of. Able to feed the fish and birds, food can be purchased for $2 at gift shop. Make sure you ring the bell, before going up to the temple.", "Peaceful , Beautiful Temple away from the beaches of Oahu. The grounds features lush green mountains and trees everywhere. Before you enter the temple be sure to ring the bell, the sound is beautiful. The temple itself is worth viewing! Large Koi pond outside which we enjoyed feeding. Add this to your trip plan, Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks" ], "description": "Park located on the east and north side of Oahu, famous for its view of Mokolii Island (Chinaman's Hat), and known for its swimming, picnicking, barbeques and camping." }

[ "Relaxing photo stop., This is one of the larger park areas on the windward side. We basically drove here to get a picture of Mokoli’i (also known as Chinaman’s Hat). Full of Hawaiian lore, and seen on iconic postcards. You can actually swim or paddleboard to it, climb to the top if you dare. However, be aware that a number of people have died, or suffered serious injury over the years doing so. Too old anyway. Easy in or out of the park off Kamehameha Hwy. (83) With rest rooms, walkways, a few picnic tables, plentiful parking.\n\nMahalo", "Calming chill vibe., Was glad to be able to visit this place in our day tour. The beach is very calm the time the family visited. Water was clear, the Chinaman's hat is an island very prominent on the shore view. And if you look back the other side, you will see the majestic mountain that reminds you ok Jurassic park movie. The atmosphere is chill that can help you clear your mind. If you stay loong enought you might be able to collect pooka shells for a bracelet.", "Kualoa Hollywood Movie Bus Tour, We took the Hollywood Movie Sites Bus tour which is approximately 90 minutes in duration. There are only two stops on the tour. One is at a WWII bunker which houses a lot of information about movies and TV shows filmed on the ranch and the other is at a site with props from the movie, Kong: Skull Island. This is a basic but fun tour and our tour guide, Caleb, was fun and very informative. If you have back problems which all of us do, then this is the tour to take as the others are apparently very bumpy and not recommended for people with back problems. The tour is worth it just for the incredible scenery. It is unbelievable! The Ranch is very well organized and beautiful. Check in was seamless. Definitely go and take a tour!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Follow the path to the right of Turtle Bay resort to access this lovely stretch of sand. This public beach is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a green turtle or even a monk seal. In the evening, park yourself at the restaurant on the beach for some delicious seafood.\n\nWhile generally a family-friendly beach, take heed of the caution notices—watch out for strong currents and be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. If you find Turtle Bay Beach too crowded, hike the short trail over to Kawela Bay. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

[ "Fun and beautiful but, be careful, This is a wonderful sandy, mostly protected beach that is open to hotel guests and the public alike. It has great amenities including Roy's Beach Bar. The big caveat is that there is NO Lifeguard and a caution to only swim on the right side of the beach protected by a coral wall. This is the main reason I'm writing this review is to warn others to enjoy this gem of a beach safely. \nSadly we witnessed the result of vacationers not listening to the cautions posted and reminded via bull horn by the staff. A lady lost her life in front of my family when swept out via riptide into the ocean waves on the *left side of the beach. Hotel personnel tried to help and the real lifesavers,who performed beautifully, arrived too late. If there was a jet ski stationed on the beach, the person could have been rescued in a timely fashion. My feeling is that all beaches on the north shore should have lifeguards and safety equipment like a jet ski close by. If lifeguard and safety equipment available, it would be 5 star. \nWonderful beach but, please be careful!", "Did not disappoint. , have been to Oahu at least 7 times, and snorkeling is one of my favorite activities. Turtle Bay Beach did not disappoint. The public parking for beach access was spacious, and the beach was not crowded for a Sunday. \nThere was so much sealife to be seen compared to other beaches I have visited on the island . I did not want to leave!\n, Traveled solo", "Great stop, I stayed at Turtlebay many years, and it is the best resort ever. The views from every balcony are stunning, and the entertainment at night is unparalleled. There are also several venues for good eating within walking distance., Traveled on business" ]

{ "categories": [ "Religious Sites" ], "description": "Suggested duration" }

[ "Extraordinary friezes and sculptures!, Technology is such a blessing! Our group of women felt like we were visiting the Laie Hawaii Temple grounds with Sister Schofield and Sister Kim. The sculptures were beautiful, and the carved friezes that decorate each side of the top of the temple were extraordinary in the details of each dispensation. The friezes depict the four dispensations of time: Old Testament Dispensation (west), New Testament Dispensation (south), Book of Mormon Dispensation (north), and Latter-day Dispensation (east). In addition, we learned the beautiful exterior of the temple was created using local crushed rock and coral and then painted.", "Be Inspired without leaving home!!, A beautiful way to spend the evening! The young Sister Missionaries gave us a wonderful virtual tour. They did such a great job of showing us the gardens of the temple with it's statues and the frieze'. Then they took us inside to see the visitors center with a Book of Mormon exhibit and a model of the Laie temple. However, the highlight was \"The Christus\" statue in the visitors center. \nWe did this tour as a church group with about 25+ women. It worked out fantastic!!", "Beautiful! Fun!, The Laie Hawaii Temple Visitor's Center is a beautiful and wonderful place to visit in person, however, during this time of pandemic we found it to be equally beautiful to visit virtually. 💕 And, the bonus of visiting virtually is we could do it from the living room of our home and still feel the love of Christ and the spirit of Aloha with our family. We enjoyed learning together some fun facts about the temple and seeing some beautiful details on the grounds and exterior as well as a close-up look at an exact model of the temple where we could see what it looks like inside. A perfect opportunity for everyone to see and learn a little bit more about the beliefs of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our kids' favorite parts were: \"Finding out the temple is made of volcanic rock,\" \"Finding out the temple was once painted green,\" and \"learning a Hawaii dance\"! We recommend this tour to everyone!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": null }

[ "Breathtaking Views, Gorgeous Water, Such a gorgeous beach. Definitely worth the drive from Honolulu. The water is a beautiful shade of blue and we were amazed by the beauty of it. There is public and military only access. We were able to access the military part but be sure all adults in the car have an ID as they are doing 100% ID checks right now. There was a problem with jellyfish while we were here so be mindful of that. The weekends tend to get very crowded. Also, there are several food trucks at the entrance of Bellows if you want to grab a bite to eat. There is no seating though. Overall, the beach was the most beautiful we saw on Oahu!", "Open on weekends , We tried to go earlier in the week and found it was only open on the weekend. We early Saturday morning at 7:45. Not much traffic and an empty beach. This has to be one of the nicest beaches we’ve been to anywhere: great sand, scenery, bathrooms, water, waves, and breezes. We spent from\n7:45-10:30 and it was perfect. Starts getting crowded around 11. , Traveled with family", "Get your Boogie Board and Go..., We bought Boogie Boards at Costco and went to Bellows Beach twice during our time on Oahu. First day was too choppy and we couldn't catch a good wave or even bob around in the water much. Second time was the same day they had record waves on the North Shore and we got the tail end of that system which made for some seriousy fun boarding. The beach is BIG and sandy without too many people so easy to find your own spot for fun. Afterwards, we drove up the North Shore and got to watch the HUGE WAVES until sunset which was a great capper for a fun day. Get your Boogie Board and Go...you won't be disappointed " ]

{ "categories": [ "Shopping Malls" ], "description": "Royal Hawaiian Center, the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Waikīkī, consists of more than 310,000 square feet along a three-block stretch of Waikiki's famed Kalākaua Avenue. We invite you to enjoy our celebration of dance, music and Hawaiian traditions while you shop our 110 distinctive stores and 30 unique dining destinations. Complimentary music, hula, and cultural classes are available in The Royal Grove. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Parking at Royal Hawaiian Center: With a minimum $10 purchase at Royal Hawaiian Center, get the first 2 hours of parking FREE, 3rd & 4th hour $2 each." }

[ "Good mall with a crowded food court that has table for sit in. the tables are constantly cleaned as well. , The shops are branded and they have a good food court where they check for vaccinations for sit in. The food court has a subway, panda, poke bowl, kulu kulu desserts and korakora ice cream. The kulu kulu has mini pastries and cream puffs that are amazing. Be careful as you can add on pounds easily in Hawaii with all the Dole softies and masaladas (fluffy donuts) 😂 there are poke places and curry cafe, burgers etc. , Traveled with family", "So Great to be Back!, On my first night back in Waikiki after a two year absence, I happily visited the center. It was all decorated for the holidays, beautifully so. I grabbed a fresh cane juice and sour tangerine drink from a nearby vendor and watched a keiki hula school perform the dances of Maui. What a treat! I returned a few nights later to enjoy a Kelikimaka hula show with music and dancers. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Waikiki. I'll be back again!, Traveled solo", "Beautiful Center, Nice Shopping/Restaurants, I was looking for parking in the Waikiki area and the Royal Hawaiian Center offered the best deal and was the closest to Kalakaua St. to walk to other shops and Waikiki beach. We parked for 4 hours for $4.(most parking lot we looked at wanted $6 per hour with no validation discount). We had to purchase something for $10 and have a validation for 2 hours free parking and discounted for the next 2 hours but we were going shopping so that was easy. The parking garage was easy to find and we found parking right away. The Royal Hawaiian Center is several levels with escalators. Restaurants on the top level and shops on the street level. Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations were going on with decorations and the drums and dragons were going from shop to shop to bless the stores for 2020. There are beautiful places to sit and relax and people watch. There is a good mix of high end and moderate stores and we found plenty of things to buy. We walked to Waikiki Beach to watch the sunset and had dinner at Hula Grill on the beach. There is plenty to see and do. We walked both sides of Kalakaua St. and shopped along the way. Great shopping but and even better parking deal., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Monuments & Statues" ], "description": "In front of the Aliiolani Hale building is the King Kamehameha I Statue. Facing Iolani Palace on the corner of King and Mililani streets, this landmark depiction of the warrior king who united the Hawaiian Islands emits a sense of strength and unity as he stands with outstretched arms." }

[ "Good to see it but so crowded with tours, Our bus (along with several other tour buses that afternoon) stopped here at the end of the city tour. The area was very crowded and the line to take pictures with the King’s statue was incredibly long! So, the plaques that we would have loved to read underneath the statue could not be read because people taking pictures didn’t want others in front of the King! However, back on the bus the guide told us all about the history of the King. Interesting that this statue is a replica and the original is on the Big Island!", "The First King of Hawaii, I drive by this statue at least a couple times on every trip back to Oahu.\n\nFinally decided to stop by and look at the statue up close. Metered parking was available in the lot next to the ali’iolani Hale Supreme Court. \n\nThis was not the original statue as the first one was lost in transit (but eventually recovered) when the ship carrying the statue sank near the Falklands Islands. Luckily it was insured and the replacement one installed here while the recovered original was later sent to The Big Island.\n\nDon’t just stop in front of the impressive statue of King Kamehameha I and take your photos like everyone else. There were four plaques on each side of the base that depicted a potential event in his life. As you stand in front of each, look to the ground and see a short explanation of what is shown:\n1. On the HMS Resolution ship\n2. Implemented The Law of the Splintered Paddle that gave travelers peace of mind when they wanted to sleep along the road\n3. Display of Courage showing the King’s martial arts prowess\n4. War canoe fleet capable of carrying up to 8000 warriors\n\nBest time to visit and see King Kamehameha I covered in leis would be on Kamehameha Day on or about June 11th every year., Traveled solo", "A lesson in Hawaiian History adds a deeper understanding of the islands…., Visiting Hawaii is absolutely amazing! However, make sure to take some time to learn some history. I never learned any Hawaiian history as a student so I made sure to take an opportunity to learn more during my vacation. The statue of King Kamehameha should be a definite stop while visiting Hawaii. However, you will only have an opportunity to see the statue. Make sure to take time to read and expand your knowledge about how King Kamehameha united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. Also, June 11th of each year is Kamehameha Day. The statue is located directly across from the Iolani Palace which should also be quite interesting to visit., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Shopping Malls" ], "description": "Waikele Premium Outlets® is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Honolulu and is the only outlet center on the island of Oahu, Hawaii's 'Gathering Place. As one of the most popular shopping destinations in Hawaii, Waikele Premium Outlets is truly a shopper's paradise. Shop more than 55 designer and brand name outlet stores including Coach, Kate Spade New York, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and more. Plus, enjoy exciting dining options at our open-air food pavilion. Take H-1 Freeway (West), turn off at Exit 7 and head north one block to our outdoor mall." }

[ "Same Old, Same Old, We made our annual trek to Waikele during our recent visit to Oahu and nothing’s changed here. No new stores, but Coach, DKNY, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Swarovski, Saks Off 5th, Tommy Bahama, Tumi and Armani, among others, are here, although the prices are beginning to rival their full line stores. Nevertheless, it’s worth a visit, although a lot of the merchandise appear to be made exclusively for the outlet store as I’ve seen very few of the items in their full price stores or online.", "GREAT DAY SHOPPING, Allan Hashem from Allan Trans & Tours Mobile: (808) 383-2776 picked us up from our Waikiki hotel at 8.30 and was so funny & entertaining on the 45 minute trip to the outlet shopping @ $16 return. We could return back to our hotel at 12, 2.30 or 5pm. Chose to return at 2.30 which was enough time to look at the shops which included Coach, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Calvin Klein. Small food court type area with very limited seating. Had a nice Thai meal. Shop there did good smoothies. Also good sushi shop.", "Shopping was good, This is a nice spot to shop for items you may not see in your own country but I wouldn’t necessarily say it was cheap (but can also depend on where you are from for conversion rates). Being from Australia I found things weren’t cheaper but different to what I see at Home. We did enjoy ourselves here looking at all the shops. I was pretty happy to purchase a leather jacket from gap, sneakers from adidas and a handbag from Saks off 5th. I know the rest of the group really liked coach, Tommy Hilfiger and adidas. \n\nReally depends on what you like to buy and if shopping is something you can/want to fit in to your trip to hawaii. I know some members of the group thought we could have spent less time shopping and others went back the next day., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Parks" ], "description": null }

[ "right besdie lagoon 4, driving around trying to find a free parking space and failing to find one at lagoon 2, then lagoon 3, we got lucky at lagoon 4. Parking was biggest among the different open parking next to the lagoon. Ko olina resorts have high priced parking, so using the public parking is a plus. I parked at the parking area of lagoon 4, not at the marina so I cant comment about the $10 fee mentioned by other reviewers.\n\nAnd the beauty of it all, this park is right beside lagoon 4. Large grassy area with trees that provide shades for different groups, we could see people sitting either on the grass or on the beach.", "Kid Friendly Beach, Great beach for young children . Nestled between marina and Marriott hotels...stone throw from Aulani Disney Resort - very clean and protected waters if your littles are scared of waves or wants to practice snorkeling. Due to covid , they have blocked 50% of the parking spots so you'll have to try your luck waiting for a spot....but when you do you and your family will love this spot. No food or beach rental options on this beach so bring your own.", "Beautiful Beach, So much fun on this spacious beach park. Sand and grassy areas with watcher that all ages can enjoy. You can also watch boats and ships out to sea and amazing sunsets. Loved watching waves crash against the rock barriers, yet the lagoon can still be safely swam in." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "A popular surfing beach with dangerous waves." }

[ "Great Beach for watching Surf -Experienced Swimmers ONLY, I went to university in Hawaii and have recently gone back to visit this month. Sandy beach is one of my absolute favorite beaches, more of a locals beach than many that visitors normally go to. \n\nThe sun here is much stronger so make sure to pack on the sunscreen. You get great views of people body surfing as it’s a beach break meaning the waves crash on the sand instead of out far. Only go in the water if you are a very experienced swimmer. Lots of times the lifeguards will require everyone to wear fins while swimming. Currents can be fast and surf sets can come up out of nowhere. Best to stay on the beach and enjoy the view which is still great if your not a strong swimmer!, Traveled as a couple", "Oahu Locals Save the Day, Kudos to friendly locals Steve and Sarah who, with my daughter, lifted and pushed our rental car out of an 8” drop and got us back on the road. Tow truck was 90 min away. These two enterprising souls were right there when we needed them. Thank you, guardian angels, for demonstrating the aloha spirit and good, old fashioned human ingenuity. We appreciate you!, Traveled with friends", "Beautiful wave and backdrop, This beach is not as crowded as beaches in Waikiki. The wave is big, the sand is soft (the best sand is Waimanalo beach), the backdrop is beautiful. A must visit. Especially the drive to halona coast to here is beatiful." ]

{ "categories": [ "Aquariums" ], "description": "Learn about sea life in Hawaii here." }

[ "Nice Aquarium Conveniently Located, We went on Dec. 4th and paid $14/person. We didn't have to park as the location was less than a mile walk from our Waikiki hotel - about a 10-15 minute walk. It wasn't too crowded as we visited just after lunch. It was a nice, informative visit on marine life and the coral reefs with plenty of exhibits. But, the aquarium is rather small and the seal exhibit was closed at the time. Similar to everywhere else on the island, they will ask for your ID and proof of vaccination. We spent about an hour there, but you can spend more depending on how many exhibits/displays you read and how many photos you take.", "Upgrade Desperately Needed to Showcase Hawaii's Ocean Life, Man, when I was a kid, we used to come here all the time. We had the family pass and would go just to cool off on hot summer days while heading to the beach. Sadly, not much has changed since then. Maybe because I've been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but considering this is Oahu's only aquarium, you would think we would have built a better one by now. Inside, they improved the jellyfish exhibit and added a few more \"windows\". On the outside, they added a coral exhibit and one for the larger fish. We went back twice to look at the exhibits and still we were done in less than an hour. Hawaii deserves a better place than this to showcase our ocean's unique sea creatures and to teach stewardship, conservation, and respect for our precious ocean and sea life., Traveled with family", "great for families, I have passed by the \"Waikiki Aquarium\" many times. Curiosity finally got to me, and I paid a visit.\n\nThe aquarium operates 9:00am to 4:30pm daily. If you visit waikikiaquarium*org, the entry fees are listed.\n\nI visited as an adult, traveling alone. I arrived at 9:30am. I took photos and videos. I enjoyed the exhibits (which are well done). But I completed my visit in about 30-40minutes. I don't know if I can recommend the aquarium as a \"must see\"--unless...\n\nIf you have children, I suggest that you do consider this attraction. I think that the Waikiki Aquarium is really programed with kids in mind. There's enough for them to see and get excited about; but not too much, so that they will get overwhelmed. And you can explore the entire facility before the kids get tired and cranky. If you take the family in the morning, they kids might feel that they got to do something \"they wanted to do\", leaving the rest of the day for other possibilities.\n\nThe bottom line is that I didn't see a child there that wasn't having a great time." ]

{ "categories": [ "State Parks", "Lookouts" ], "description": null }

[ "The public bus to the top, I didn't have a rental car so I took the public bus to the closest stop near the park. Getting an Uber was almost impossible in that area. The hassle of getting there was well worth it in the end. The view and the surrounding area is beautiful and must be seen in person.", "180º views!!, I sort of stumbled on this state park when scanning a map....I know I'm old and love paper maps.....of Honolulu. It seemed not too far from the Punch Bowl, but with the winding streets it takes a few minutes to arrive at the top. There are only about a dozen parking spots at the very top, but mid-day we had the place almost to ourselves. What amazing views of the entire city!", "Some of the best views of Oahu are up here.., Wow, very few people (both residents and tourists alike) know about this scenic park. Up at the top of Round Top you will find this scenic wonder of Honolulu. You'll get impressive views from the 1000 foot elevation. Don't forget your camera and wide angle lens! \n\nThe drive through Round Top is also a whole trip in itself -- you can hardly believe you're just minutes away from a bustling city. You could picnic here too but mosquitos are a big problem due to the location being in a rain forest. A trip to Oahu without going to Pu'u Ualakaa is simply an incomplete visit!\n" ]

{ "categories": [ "Gardens" ], "description": "This 14-acre garden is home to over 4,000 species of rare tropical plants." }

[ "Accessible visit to Foster Botanical Gardens, Foster Botanical Gardens is a beautiful, quiet, treasure with plants from around the world to enjoy. I visited with my elderly mother using her transport chair, so we were limited to the paved and firm paths. There was some work being done and some paths were blocked off, but we found our way around quite well.\nBoth mother and I received a Veterans discount on our admission price, but even at full price ($5) this stop was well worth it. \nWe rode the Red Line Waikiki Trolley Tour which stops at Foster Botanical Gardens, but there is also ample free parking available.\nThe visitors map provided was informational and helpful to navigate during the two hours we spent here.\nImpressive varieties of trees in bloom, orchids, bird of paradise, the open butterfly garden and conservatory were especially interesting. Plaques display plant names, and interpretive signs provide historical meaning throughout the grounds. I am very glad we came here!, Traveled as a couple", "Good Variety of Tropical Plants, We were pleasantly surprised by the Foster Botanical Gardens. It costs $5 and they give you a map for a self-guided tour. They have a good variety of plants and it is a bit of an oasis. The Lili'uokalani Gardens next door have great Banyan trees, and is worth a visit.", "one of the most amazing places I've been to!, hard to put into words how incredible the plant collection is here. the massive trees are amazing. we took the city bus to within a few blocks, asked for directions from locals at a mall. with the very reasonable entrance fee we were given a good map with directions and what to look for. i could have spent more time here. i hope to go back next visit. I've now seen 3 out of 5 of the public botanical gardens on oahu, which entail 600 acres. makes for an interesting visit to this amazing island.\nthis garden is the oldest botanical garden in hawaii. it is beside a very busy freeway and in a highly urban area so one can hear the traffic at times. it's on 13 acres and its origin started in the mid 1800's. one wanders from trails to open ares to glens, to terraces to the conservatory. lots of explanatory signage along the way. its simply stunning. many exceptional trees, massive height. the garden also contains sculptures and memorials. i went into the conservatory and the orchids were beautiful. hardly anyone here.\nfrom here one can walk to lili'uokalani garden, which we will do next visit.\ni must return as there was just so much to see and retain.\na very big wow, and amazing care taking of this place." ]

{ "categories": [ "Shopping Malls" ], "description": "A popular 24-hour Asian convenience store, Don Quijote is an affordable one-stop shop for everything from chocolate macadamia nuts to pharmacy, clothes, groceries, and Japanese snacks and gifts." }

[ "Amazing international grocery store with fresh fish, This grocery store is awesome. International food, snacks with an indoor fish market and outdoor restaurants. The market itself is really big like typical Walmart size. There is also a sushi/sashimi area inside as well. Very underrated as I was able to pick up some fresh chutoro, otoro and other sashimi at some reasonable prices. My friends and I found ourselves in the market for around an hour. There were so many things to look at and even the restaurants outside had a variety of food including Thai, Japanese, Asian fusion, and a boba stand. I'd recommend coming here if you want some fresh fish besides typical poke on the island and if you're looking for some ingredients to cook at home., Traveled with friends", "Fun Shop, Good Produce, It is a supermarket, pharmacy, and department store all in one. I was told it was the \"Japanese Walmart\", but it is not. The layout is average, yet it had a very good produce department. Hawaiian souvenirs are relatively cheap here, and this is a great store to visit if you forgot something for your stay on the island. What ever item that you will need, \"Donki\" will have it. We noticed many toys for children, but were surprised that there were not more products from Japan. Prices are decent to low for items here, and are considered a bargain for Honolulu. Parking is very limited.", "A japanese branch, It is a good place for shopping. Japanese tourists by a lot of items specially chocolates to take back to Japan. It is close to Ala Moana Center about one block away towards the mountain. It has lots of japanese products that the competitor Walmart don't have. The produce and food section is always crowded, and the bentos are delicious." ]

{ "categories": [ "Historic Sites", "History Museums" ], "description": "Queen Emma Summer Palace or Hanaiakamalama (The Southern Cross), served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawai'i from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. It is a now a historic landmark and educational museum preserved and operated by Daughters of Hawai'i. Admission to the Palace: General: $10 Kama'aina & Seniors: $8 Children 5-17 $1. Open Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM, Mondays through Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Closed on major holidays. Because the Palace was built in the nineteenth century, access may not be available for visitors who have difficulties climbing stairs." }

[ "Worth going to, Definitely worth the visit if your into architecture, history and rain forests. I saw some complaints about the fees but you have to remember that the only thing supporting the museum are the entry tickets. I enjoyed learning more about Queen Emma and seeing the original furniture. What craftsmanship! Definitely check out the gift shop for locally crafted items. This is also a great stop on the way to Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout., Traveled with family", "Palace was home to Hawai'ian Queen, Queen Emma Summer Palace is a return to the days when Hawai'i was a monarchy. Queen Emma occupied the property from 1857 until she passed in 1885. The house is in very good condition and contains memorabilia, artifacts and books on Hawai'i. The Palace is secluded. Although it is only a 10-minute drive to downtown Honolulu, it's cooler than the coast in summer. The property also has a impressive view of the surrounding area. There is a story that it was marked out as a baseball stadium, but the plan was scrapped after a public outcry.", "The Docent Led Tour was Very Good!, We signed up for the docent led tour and really enjoyed it! The guide was knowledgeable and interesting. Queen Emma has a story tinged with tragedy and accomplishment. The palace itself is quite small. The gift shop had some good items and we also visited the large city park next door. It was a fun morning!, Traveled with friends" ]

{ "categories": [ "Farmers Markets" ], "description": "Suggested duration" }

[ "Great selection but not cheap, This used to be the farmers market to go to and it is still second best. Unfortunately tourists are being bussed in and that has driven prices sky high, yet there is a huge variety of foods, flowers and fresh farm products here.\nDefinitely recommend it but come early while selection is best, Traveled as a couple", "A Distinctly Hawaiian Farmer's Market, This is a decently large farmer's market with lots of variety of goods ranging from produce, fruit, sea salt, abalone, mushrooms, honey, and plenty of prepared foods. We arrived there at around 8:30am on a Saturday morning and things were hopping. the aisles were crowded and the vendors were busy hawking, and selling, their products. Prices on some things were a bit bit high, but some good and useful products can be found. It's not hard to find a parking spot; the real trick comes in fitting anything larger than a compact-size car into it and still be able to open the door enough to squeeze out of your car. Yes, the parking stalls are quite small. This is a fun way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday morning.", "Bustling farmer’s market full of great food, colourful fruit, delicious meals and lots of people!, A must-see destination, the Farmer’s Market at the KCC always satisfies my Hawaiian food cravings - full of tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, sugar cane, passion fruit, avocado, longan, bananas, we immediately bought an açai bowl full of fruit, granola and frozen açai, an excellent way to detox the body. Hawaiian coffee rounded out my morning meal. We bought some wonderful baked goods from the La Tour Bakehouse - they carry an extensive selection of breads, granolas, lavosh, crackers, pastries not available in their restaurant. So many foods, so many things to try, it is such a pleasant way to spend the morning. There are lots of tour buses so be prepared for a very busy visit., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "A great surfing beach being renovated with new sand, landscaping and the addition of a plaza." }

[ "Kuhio and Waikiki Beaches are basically the Same, I don’t get it. Waikiki Beach and Kuhio Beach run together and they are basically one and the same. Granted, there’s a sign near the Zoo designating Waikiki Beach and there’s another sign less than a mile down Kalakua Avenue designating where Kuhio Beach begins, but otherwise there’s no difference. Most people refer to the entire strip as Waikiki Beach. I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone, other than locals maybe, who refer to or know where Kuhio Beach is. Oddly, the homeless seem to congregate near the big banyon tree, which is where the Kuhio Beach sign is located, so I guess that’s an easy marker between the two.", "Beautiful Beach, From the Twin Fin and our balcony, we looked out onto Kuhio beach in Waikiki. There is a nice walkway wall with a covered roof at end where you can take lovely pictures of the whole Waikiki area hotels and beach/water. The beach itself is not that big but the sand is nice and very clean. A rock wall in the ocean closes off a very good shallow swimming area from the ocean and waves. It was fun to swim here!", "Nice beach and very family orientated., Kuhio Beach was just across the Kalakaua Ave from our hotel, seems to be a popular place for locals and tourist alike. It has a seawall that creates an area of semi-protected waters for families to swim in its clean crystal waters. The City has renovated the whole area with new sand, landscaping and plaza, with a nice bronze statue of \"Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole\" There is also a lifeguard tower with very friendly lifeguards to talk to. If you do not want to get wet just sit on the benches and watch the surfers go by.\n\nTIP: Great family beach as its very shallow at one end." ]

{ "categories": [ "Parks" ], "description": null }

[ "Come Out For the Sunrise., This park is tucked back in a residential area on a road that dead ends at the ocean. It is breathtakingly beautiful out here. You can walk out a ways on the rocky point and enjoy watching the waves crash up against a large rock outcropping with an arch. Parking here is minimal and parking along the houses is discouraged. We were renting a house a few steps away and were able to walk down to the point everyday. Sunrises were beautiful.", "A Must See, If capturing nature's beauty entices you then I would recommend making this location a must see. It's absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and a sight to see. Words of caution - no restaurants, no bathroom, and limited parking. We did notice a few kids jump off the cliff and all 4 of them were scraped by the rocks so be careful. Also, the closer you get to the edge the sharper the rocks, so I wouldn't recommend bare feet or sandals and my water shoes were pushing it. At the end of the day, I'd highly recommend visiting this easy 1 hour or less sight. , Traveled with family", "Beautiful, This is not really a park like you would think. There are 4 parking spaces, no grass or picnic benches. It is all lava. You can walk out on a lava jetty and see a lava island that has a hole in it. It is beautiful to see the water break against it. There were fisherman there the day we stopped on the opposite side. You drive through a neighborhood to get there. It takes only a few minutes to see the island or you can walk out the lava jetty for pretty views., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Farms" ], "description": "Green World Coffee Farm has so much to offer. Free Tours of our farm are offered daily from 9am- 5pm. We are open 363 days out of the year (closed Thanksging and Christmas). We have a wonderful espresso bar, a retail shop that offers a wide variety of freshly roasted coffew for you to purchase (we roast daily in our store) as well as local products that make great gifts!" }

[ "Beautiful & Refreshing Farm in the Middle of O'ahu, A cute, picturesque farm in Wahiawa. It's about around 5 minutes away from the Dole Plantation, but our party simply walked 20 minutes to the Dole plantation on foot.\n\nThe cafe has an assortment of artisinal coffees you can have in almost any form you want (Americano, latte, mocha, et cetera). The gift shop is large with many nice knick knacks and souvenirs. \n\nThe most amazing part was definitly having our early morning coffees with the Waianae range in sight. We got to see a full rainbow! The wild chickens were also a lot of fun (there are bunch on rural O'ahu). \n\nI would absolutely recommend for anyone on their way to visit the Dole Plantation. It gives a digestible glimps of the real, rural, Hawai'i.", "Coffee worth the stop, We wish we would have found this place sooner in our trip. The coffee here is amazing with a ton of choices. We have already ordered and have coffee being delivered to Oklahoma. The gift shop is full of very interesting items and the coffee trees were very interesting. We had the opportunity to visit twice before leaving and we would highly recommend this shop if you love Coffee or just want to learn a little more about it., Traveled as a couple", "Nice place to drip-in, We visited mid week to sample better coffees than our store bought 10% Kona. We taste tested three flavors and bought 2 one pound and 4 half pound coffees. My favorite was pipeline! We enjoyed pipeline this morning as we continue to raise on west coast time. It was bold, which was needed after too much happy hour last night :p, Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Geologic Formations" ], "description": null }

[ "Be Careful - Incredible View, The view is incredible. Incredible colors and visual images. \n\nFollow Waze to the site. If you are not fit or not wearing proper shoes, head home. You will park in an exclusive residential neighborhood. Look for the marker between houses - I think it was 119A. \n\nI am risk averse but did the decent. You will look down a 4-6 foot wide path that looks like a 45 degree angle down. Your first thought will be “I am in the wrong place this is impossible.” Hang onto the fence, chains and vegetation as you head down this slippery and dangerous decent. It is a 3 - 5 minute decent to the rocks that overlook the sea. Be careful as people have died by falling into the sea. The view is unbelievable. Climbing up, using the chains and fence along the path was easier than going down., Traveled with family", "worth the effort, This is still in the same neighborhood/subdivision as the china walls. So it is strongly recommended to use google map and/or waze because there is no sign that points to it. When your map app tells you that you have arrived you look around and cant find it. There is a small alley between two houses on the right. I couldnt find the house numbers of these two. Instead, the houses across has the numbers 5 and 7. Go through this narrow alley. Take note the hike down (and up) takes some effort.\n\nAfter the hike, we were rewarded with a very beautiful view of the ocean. Walk down and look down and left to see a cave that looks like it spits out the sea.\n\nThe bonus was that a whale suddenly jumped out of the ocean. Though I only saw it splash down, all of this, for free, and yet, priceless.\n\nWe did this midday instead of late afternoon or sunset when google map said it gets congested.", "A Geological Treat of Adventure and Physics, My wife and I took a less orthodox way to see this site: we parked on a neighborhood street just east of the China Walls, and then we hiked south on the cliffs until we finally found the Spitting Caves--there were some slippery cliffs, and the beating waters made some parts more treacherous. We saw no one on our way down to the caves (which had its own beautiful sites), though there were a couple other people there when we finally found the spot, and it was worth the trip: about every 5-10 minutes, the caves take in more water than they contain, and the caves \"spit\" the water back out in an aggressive spray that can reach up to hit all the onlookers. It's a marvelous site worth the risk of getting to, though we found out that another couple who came down to the spot came from an easier way, which we never learned. If you do travel south from the China Walls, beware of rusty nails in the ground!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks" ], "description": null }

[ "A nice spot to see a tropical sunset, We stopped to use the restroom -- and watch the setting sun.\n\nWe saw several outrigger canoes paddling in and there was a sailboat passing in front of the sun as it set. We also saw rainbows while we were there.\n\nBeautiful!", "Great wave watching site, The North Shore waves were up. Somewhere between 20 and 30 feet in places. The beach park was a convenient place to watch these offshore waves. The shore break was also large, making for a dangerous onshore situation for those who did not know what to do. A life guard was on duty to watch and warn. There was a spectacular back wash and rip tide. We liked that it was low key and accessible. At other times, in calmer conditions this could be a nice family beach. But not today. ", "Nice beach & historic town, Haleʻiwa Town & beach, Oahu Hawaii \nHaleʻiwa is a historic town on Oahu’s North Shore. Worth a visit as is the nearby beach. The popular restaurant there is Joe’s Seafood. Don’t forget to get a photo at the town sign as you drive in and visit Kamehameha Highway Bridge.\n#NorthShoreOahu\n#Haleiwa, Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks", "Luaus" ], "description": "The Polynesian Cultural Center, voted the #1 attraction in Hawaiʻi by USA Today, is located along the famous North Shore of Oʻahu. Explore 42 acres of tropical splendor featuring 6 authentic villages representing the island cultures of Hawaiʻi, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. Mingle with Pacific Islanders as they share the majesty of their culture through music, dance and traditional hands-on activities. Our most popular dining option is the award-winning Aliʻi Lūʻau. This royal feast blends a delicious array of island themed dishes with the excitement of authentic Hawaiian entertainment. Finish your adventure though the power of “HĀ: Breath of Life,” an action-packed evening show. Ignited by fire, song and dance featuring over 100 Polynesian performers, this story of passion will make your day a truly unforgettable experience. The Polynesian Cultural Center: all of Polynesia in one exciting place." }

[ "Polynesian Culture Center: A Delightful Experience Except for the Air Conditioning-Free Bus Ride There, The Polynesian Culture Center opened a year after my parents, in an uncharacteristic move, brought my brother and me to Hawaii as kids. I wanted to visit every time I have been in Honolulu, but it seemed to be a hassle, given it is on the other side of the island and we do not normally rent a car in Honolulu. We finally did the bus trip to the Center. It turned out to be a sort of scaled back Polynesian Epcot Center. Most of the employees are scholarship students from nearby Brigham Young University (Hawaii branch), and they are exceedingly enthusiastic and appreciative, since PCC is a nonprofit and money generated pays for student scholarships. Students also comprise most of the performers in the evening show. Their youthful enthusiasm made the show enjoyable. (I have a warm spot in my heart for amateur theater, especially when the technical aspects of the production are top notch, as they were here.) The only negative was the bus ride to and from the PCC. The hour and a half bus ride to the PCC had an air condition unit that literally rained on us; the somewhat faster bus on the way back (presumably because of less traffic) had a driver who did not turn the air conditioner on until right before we got to our destination. I recommend the PCC, assuming you can drive your own or a rental car or if you do not mind traveling in a bus that was more like a sauna in a time when Covid seems to be having a resurgence. I do not know what the driver of the evening bus had against air conditioning.", "Great experience: have fun, learn, discover and be amazed!, We got tickets for the Polynesian Cultural Center, with bus ride from Waikiki Ilikai hotel stop, with the buffet option, for two adults and two young kids (7 and 9). The bus was on time, staff organized they call your name all was smooth, the ride was about 1.5 hours with the driver commenting along the way, the road became scenic when reaching the north side of the island. We reached the center before noon, there are several food trucks offering a good selection, we had the Korean barbecue it was fine. In the Center you will discover 6 islands representing Polynesia, with each time some shows to watch (music, dances…), activities in which you participate (play Ann instrument, weave coconut leaves, taste food…), you can ride on a canoe, you will learn a lot about those islands. Then from 5PM you can go to the buffet, selection was good with salads, meats, fishes, shrimps, deserts, ice cream corner… And the finale is with the show from 7:30PM, it was amazing, with dancers representing the traditional costumes of Polynesia, dances, fire juggling… The bus brought us back to our hotel at maybe 10PM, we had an amazing day!, Traveled with family", "So much to see in so little time, The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a unique way to really appreciate the Polynesian culture, including the indigenous traditions not only from Hawaii but from the rest of Polynesia as well (Tonga, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Easter Island, etc). The grounds are huge and very well maintained, and the personnel working there are friendly and accommodating. Activities on the grounds are plentiful and varied, i.e. there are dancing shows, movies, art displays, canoe rides, etc to be enjoyed at the premises.\n\nWe booked a package that included dinner and access to the \"Ha: Breath of Life\" evening show. The dinner was very good and well organized, and the selection of dishes was very large. Thankfully it offered vegetarian options as well.\n\nI enjoyed the evening show, the performers were very good and it included very impressive audiovisuals. Perhaps it is a bit long, it could be maybe shortened some 20 minutes though thankfully the show never feels particularly dull or boring, though it may feel a tad long.\n\nThe only complaint (for the lack of a better word) is that the grounds open only at 12:30 pm, which leaves only a few hours to visit all islands. Considering that dinner starts being served at 4:30 pm and attendance at that time is encouraged to avoid lineups, that leaves very limited time to visit all islands and truly absorb the culture. Even though the ticket is basically good for 3 days, in reality it is impractical to repeat visits all the way from Honolulu." ]

{ "categories": [ "Speciality Museums" ], "description": "A sugar cane plantation village with 30 homes open to the public for viewing." }

[ "Excellent museum on Hawaiian sugar industry history, As a history buff, I was looking forward to this place. The indoor museum exhibits were excellent, but unfortunately we arrived too late to browse at leisure before our tour. The tour of the village was interesting; the buildings are historically accurate and furnished with authentic items. However, our guide was new and couldn't answer many of the questions asked (and also talked about herself a bit too much). Perhaps why some people left early - our group dwindled from 8 down to 2 (my party). Minus one star for that. (I hope this was a fluke; if not, the museum needs to improve their guide training. If they can't answer a question, they can offer to check and get back (via text/email), or refer the person to another staff member, etc. - instead of leaving us wondering (or possibly feeling brushed off).)\n\nIf you book a guided tour, come at least an hour early to thoroughly browse the museum before the tour, to get historical/cultural context for what you'll see in the village. The village homes are modeled after \"camp\" housing where field laborers lived (engineers and managers lived elsewhere). The museum exhibits are great; there is even one on Oahu's WW2 internment camp. If you book the 10 am tour and are driving from Waikiki, allow ample time as Honolulu has heavy traffic during morning hours (at least until downtown Honolulu; after that you'll be going against traffic).", "A Great Way to Learn Hawaiian Colonialism History, We arrived at 12:15 and had just missed the 12 PM tour. We looked in the museum until the 1PM tour. Both the museum and tour were very informative covering the migration of workers into Hawaii.\n\nWe enjoyed our 2 hours there and our guide fed the fish as we were passing the ponds so we saw a Kingfisher have a fishy snack. \n\nI definite stop if you are interested in a bit more than sand and surf., Traveled as a couple", "A Must Do!, Booked the guided tour - TOTALLY worth it! It wasn’t just someone telling you history - our guide was sharing HIS history. His family lived the life and told the stories. Great “off the beaten path” place to get a feel for what Hawaii was really like over a century ago., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Gardens" ], "description": "A 27-acre forest with native plants in central Oahu." }

[ "The bamboo ..., ...seemed dry, but then again what do I know about bamboo except that Sĩ says I should listen to its song when I'm in a forest of it. I didn't hear anything here that day. I came with Rosalie a couple of weeks ago. She's very sweet, and I was glad I got to spend a few hours with her. She did talk up a storm about everything, so I guess she had a lot to say that day. Glad I was there to listen. She surprised me by sitting down on a bench real quick soon after we arrived. No worries - I get it with older people getting tired quickly. I'll be there soon if not already. Anyway, she only stayed on the main path, and I explored a little on my own for 10 minutes or so. Kind of an overcast day so I don't think we got the full effect of the place's beauty. I guess the only thing I found particularly striking was the Mindanao Gum Tree with it's incredible streaks of color along the trunk that are so beautiful . It makes me think of Joyce Kilmer's celebrated poem. He could have been comparing this tree with the review I'm writing right now. I got to come back here sometime soon to see the rest of the place. Hey, Rosalie and I picked-up some burgers and fries at Teddy's afterwards and then spent a nice hour or so at Grace and Dung's place. Coconut got a little bit of mine. It was nice going somewhere not alone.", "Worth a stop if you're a garden fan or in the area, One of the 5 Honolulu Botanical Gardens, parking at and admission to this 27-acre “tropical jewel” in the town of Wahiawā is free. You can download a self-guided tour of the garden’s main terrace but downloading a free plant identification app could greatly enhance your experience. It only takes about 30 minutes to walk through the main terrace but that is only a portion of the entire botanical garden; see the map of the entire site if you have the time and interest.", "Very relaxing, The Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a relaxing, peaceful oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. There is two levels in the garden. The upper has paved walkways. The lower level is walking on uneven dirt and paths. It is easy to spend a couple if hours here., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Monuments & Statues" ], "description": null }

[ "A very different, and thoughtful memorial for the men lost with the attack on Pearl Harbor on the USS Oklahoma, This is an interesting design for the USS Oklahoma Memorial, with individual white pillars for each man lost, with their names. As if each is a sailor in dress whites standing in place. A very good memorial walk among and consider the number of men lost.", "A Solemn Occasion, We made a point of being there for a special ceremony on Dec.7, Pearl Harbor Day. Two admirals gave moving speeches. In attendance was a 96 year old survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. At the end of the ceremony all were invited to lay an orchid at the memorial markers for the fallen.", "Excellent tribute to honor the fallen, Visited the 2nd Friday in December. The Memorial is just behind the bus stop for the entrance to the Missouri Battleship. The exhibit is free and can easily be seen either before getting on the bus or just after getting off. The names of the fallen are honorably recognized with over 400 marble posts honoring their names. My visit lasted about 20-30 minutes as I just viewed the names and read the plaque honoring them. I found it to be a haunting reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the events on Dec. 7th, 1941." ]

{ "categories": [ "Bodies of Water", "Beaches" ], "description": "This hidden gem on the east coast of Oahu is home to unspoiled marine life and awe-inspiring vistas. After a gorgeous sunrise, idle the morning away on the beach at Secret Island. Then head to Kualoa Ranch, which served as a filming location to several iconic movies such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'. The sandbar is perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and multicolored fish, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Watch out for the coral reef, though. \n\nWhen hunger strikes, the southern section of the bay is dotted with restaurants specializing in seafood. \n\n– Tripadvisor" }

{ "categories": [ "Department Stores" ], "description": null }

[ "The best poke on Oahu, We've tried poke all over the world and this has to be one of the best if not the best. All other Foodland stores have the same quality poke and price, so it doesn't have to be at the Ala Moana mall location. This mall location is bigger, newer and cleaner than other stores and it's also within walking distance therefore we come here often. This location also has more food choices and a nice area to eat your meal. Prices are higher than grocery stores in the mainland, but we try did see many sale items that are good priced. It is still cheaper than ABC so no complaints from us. Will come back for the poke...", "Grocery Shopping at Foodland….., We needed a few groceries and supplies while visiting Waikiki and thus, I chose to shop at Foodland.  Foodland has a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.  In addition, they have beautiful flowers on display and the most delicious Poke ever.  You can definitely find everything you need and you will receive great customer service.   However, please be mindful that food prices are expensive everywhere but especially in Alaska and Hawaii.  Enjoy your shopping experience., Traveled with family", "Grocery delivery service in Waikiki, If you’re staying in Waikiki and need to stock your condo, this place delivers for a $10 fee. I was staying at the Hilton Grand Waikikian. Placed order at 10 am and chose my delivery window of 3-5pm…delivery arrived at 4:15." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": null }

[ "Nice Beach, A nice stretch of sand that does get quite busy even though it is some distance from Waikiki's main beach. Rocky and her seal pup were here during our visit so parts of the beach were fenced of but that didn't stop swimmers swimming around the barrier once they were in the water. I guess you just can't educate some people. I do hope that at some future date the Natatorium will get some much needed restoration.", "Excellent Beach!, Actually, it’s must be more fun to stay in the beach area sometimes. The beaches can be crowded, with locals. We like the friendly staff, they are welcoming and very friendly! We often attend with the visitors. It’s great to know a few more folks, as well.", "Cheeky, Thong, Topless Kaimana Beach, Kaimana Beach is a small, quiet beach south of Waikiki nestled between the War Memorial natatorium and the lava fields of Diamond Head.\n\nMy husband and I stayed three days at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel which, as the names suggests, is on Kaimana Beach. The beach was literally right outside the back door of the hotel.\n\nAll beaches in Hawaii are public, so people came from elsewhere and parked along the street bordering nearby Kapiolani Park to use the beach. The beach is only about 200 yards long and 25 yards wide at most. But it didn’t feel crowded when we were there in February. The beach is protected by one lifeguard station.\n\nSkimpy swimsuits were not uncommon. There were several super cheeky bikinis on the women, and a few speedos on the men. I wore a g-string swimsuit and went topless, and my husband wore a thong swimsuit. As is often the case, we had the tiniest swimsuits on the beach. Thongs and topless are legal in Hawaii, so we weren’t bothered.\n\nThere’s not really any place to walk, so we sunbathed and did some swimming. The waves were unexpectedly calm. There was no problem using paddle boards or kayaks off shore.\n\nAn interesting occurrence at this beach is newlyweds having their pictures taken. Every day in the afternoon, at least one couple appeared in wedding attire to have professional photos taken. It made for a vivid contrast to all the bare skin on the beach. I’m not sure of the significance of this, but all the couples were Japanese.\n\nIf you like a small, quiet beach a short walk from Waikiki, Kaimana Beach will suit your needs., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks" ], "description": "This location is great for children to swim." }

[ "Worth the drive from the south or west shore, Pupukea tide pools to the left, Shark's Cove to the right. Pools are not deep, mostly walkable - but bring water shoes. Shallow, and barefoot can hurt. Can be hard to maneuver in Snorkel gear. Saw the prettiest little Snowflake eel here, about 18 inches, lots of endemic fish. Really a great spot for kids and little ones. Shark's Cove is to the right of the restrooms. Better depth here and therefore better to Snorkel, or dive. Fish were incredibly abundant: some massive schools of 500 (or so), Green Sea Turtles, eel, and a nice array of Parrot Fish. Visibility to about 60 feet. Visited Thanksgiving week and were told to select a day with little to no surf, as it can make swimming difficult, reduce visibility and possibility cause injury. Picked the right day apparently as it was absolutely fantastic... One of the best I've experienced in the Islands. Notes: go early to get a decent parking spot. The small lot fills up early, by 10am or so. Across the street are several eateries, and a market just next door., Traveled as a couple", "Perfect Family Beach, As a couple (without children), we immediately said to each other, \"This place is perfect for a family with any age kids.\" The swimming \"pool\" is protected by a wall of lava rocks that create waterfalls when the waves crash on the other side. Can snorkel and see fish in safety. There are blow holes that erupt with water from each wave. The beach is sandy, but you'll need sandles to go into the water, which has lava rock underneath. Good scenery for photos. Can take bus to it. Rest rooms. Rinse off showers. Parking. And near the other \"big beaches\" the surfers use, if you want to go watch them.", "Fun alternative to other crowded spots, Came here because Shark's Cove was a zoo. My son had a fun time in the water. If an area is too crowded, there are always other beaches you can find and that are far less crowded. \n Be aware of your surroundings and what you take to the beach." ]

{ "categories": [ "Hiking Trails" ], "description": null }

[ "Fun challenging hike!, First, it’s important to note that this review is specifically for the a hike to the first peak. Some things I mention will likely be important to you whether you go past the first peak or not. \n\nParking: Arrive early because parking for this trail is extremely limited. Do not, I repeat, do not park on the road leading up to the trail or even before the bridge. Some of these spots used to be acceptable parking, but there are signs prohibiting parking here and other parts are property of the golf course and you will be towed. We parked on Auloa Rd across from the bus stop. Make sure you pull completely into the dirt/gravel. There’s a “sidewalk” that is asphalt and a little deteriorated in some parts so it’s hard to make out the difference. You cannot park on it though, not even a little. You will get a ticket or towed. You’ll then need to walk about .5 miles to the trailhead from there. \n\nDifficulty: It was about 6/10 for the most part, but what’s required to summit the first peak brought it up to an 8/10. I will NOT agree with others saying “it’s completely doable”. Sure, anything is, but I’m also aware hiking is an activity taken up by many people, of many ages, and different abilities. You’ll need to do some scaling to summit. It requires upper body strength, good balance, and some experience. With that said, if you’re in it for the thrill of the hike, I think you can still do the hike and trust your instincts when it comes to getting to the summit. If you have any doubts, don’t do it. The hike leading up to this portion will provide nice views and a great workout so you won’t feel the least bit bad to err on the side of caution. \n\nViews: You’ll see plenty of views during the hike. The best view from the summit can actually be seen from a second location below as well. However, you won’t get a good vantage point of the other two peaks without summeting. \n\nTime: The round trip can take 90 minutes to 3 hours in my opinion. It really depends on how often you stop for breaks and pictures.\n\nOverall: Great hike and challenging. It was fun to take on some challenges I’ve never encountered before., Traveled as a couple", "Amazing, If you are a healthy, strong, and somewhat smart person, this trail is highly recommended. Hiking to the first peak is definitely fun, but not for everyone, the peaks get harder and harder to ascend and more and more risky. But as an 18 year old with no fear, that was the best hike of my life, at the top of the 3rd peak you will feel like a king. Be safe., Traveled solo", "Hiking The Olomana Trail, I hiked this & many other trails on 09/12 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search \"Nikko Gandia Travels\" on YT. Prepare for rock scrambles towards the latter half of the hike to the 1st peak. There are ropes, if needed, on certain sections. I'm not a mountain climber but did not need to use these ropes. If you need visuals for these climbing sections, they're in my vlog. ;) This trail is challenging in a fun way, I can't wait to go back and hike the other 2 peaks. Great views of east O'ahu and the Ko'olau ridge at the summit." ]

{ "categories": [ "Waterfalls" ], "description": "Have a refreshing swim in the pool under these scenic falls in north Oahu. You can get there via an easy 1.5-mile hike through a beautifully landscaped path along the Waimea River. While the park is beautiful year-round, you may encounter a dry waterfall during periods with little rainfall. Tickets are required to enter the Waimea Waterfall and include the rental of a life jacket, which you must wear to take a dip in the pool. Beware of the slippery rocks. \n\nIf you need a refreshment—and to complete the experience—have a quintessential shave ice on your way back. – Tripadvisor" }

[ "Beautiful, The trail is well kept. There are side trails to see more plant life, which was nice. We went late morning (around 10:45) and it seemed to get more crowded as the day went on. The waterfall was beautiful when we went. My parents walked the whole way there and back. They are in their mid 70s and in decent shape. It was tiring for them but they made it! The botanical gardens and scenery are beautiful! Highly recommend., Traveled with family", "slow falls at the time, Of course waterfalls were on our list of must see attractions while we were vacationing in Hawaii! Unfortunately they were under a bit of a drought, so the falls at Waimea were reduced to a trickle. The hike and gardens were beautiful. I'd recommend calling ahead to be certain the falls are in full effect so you get a great experience, including swimming under the falls!", "Go here 1st, Fall visit so flowers past prime and water level low for falls. Education portions right amount of info for casual mainland visitors Recommend as 1st stop for new visitors to Oahu so can have cultural background. Delivered as promised except website awful., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Features animals" }

[ "Turtles!!!, This was some of the best snorkeling and turtle viewing we experience on the island. We stayed at the Ko'Olina Marriott so we walked to the cove from there. There are only about 12 parking spaces and they seemed to be filled even when there were only 3 or 4 other families on the beach, so driving is not a good option. There are public lots for the Ko'Olina lagoons but I'm not sure who far they are from the cove and they were almost always full when we were coming and going from the resort (there is a sign at the entrance that tells you if there is public parking available).\n\nWe went almost every day of our vacation and saw multiple turtles and a plethora of fish. The water is relatively calm, making it easy snorkeling for kids and adults who are not champion swimmers. If you have younger kids, this is a much better place to see turtles in the water than Laniakea Beach. We were able to hold our 14 month old and let him see the turtles in the water here, I wouldn't have felt comfortable doing that at Laniakea Beach because the water is much rougher there.\n\nThe beach is pretty small, but there were never more than 20-30 ppl there, making it much less crowded than the lagoons of the resort area. There are trees around the edges of the beach which provided a nice shady area to set up our towels and watch for turtles.", "100% satisfied, Overall we were very pleased.. entertainment was fabulous food was delicious and I loved how they had activities there for the kids... Transportation was smooth but got caught up in traffic so we did a ride there after 5:00 p.m. and there was a lot of people already there enjoying the activities there were some long lines so we were not able to enjoy all the activities... The view was spectacular it was on a 12 acre land right next to the ocean so it is well worth going to Paradise Cove... If you're looking for a authentic luau this is the place, Traveled with family", "So glad we stopped here..., Loved swimming with the turtles. The fact that there are signs on the beach about turtles must mean they see quite a few and we did. We spent a couple hours there and although there weren't many fish there were turtles and they would swim right up to you. The sand makes a great backdrop for photos and I loved every minute of it. Limited parking so come early or later in the day. We were there late afternoon and there weren't too many people there." ]

{ "categories": [ "Hiking Trails" ], "description": null }

[ "Awesome hike, especially if you go early!, I LOVED this trail and picked it specifically because of the changes in scenery as you go up. I was not disappointed! \n\nDifficulty level: Surprisingly okay! I was so nervous about the comments calling this a tough hike that I almost skipped it, but I ended up having no trouble (wasn't even sore the next day!). I don't go to the gym and haven't hiked in years, but I can walk long distances and have lots of stairs in my house so maybe that counts? Our 7-year-old wouldn't have wanted to do it, though. Some of the steps at the top were quite high (1+ ft) and I felt safer going down sideways in some parts.\n\nTips: (1) Start early! We were able to find easy parking this way but you need to be extra quiet. We locked our car silently to not disturb sleeping neighbors. (2) Again, start early! We started our hike around 6:30 am. It was still cool and it didn't get hot until we were already getting to the top, about 1h50min later. We didn't need sunscreen. (3) Did I mention, start early? We had the trail to ourselves and it made the experience feel more magical, especially the middle section, before the final push to the top. We stopped once in a while to look around, listen to nature, and take it all in. On the way back, we met at least 40 hikers and it definitely didn't feel the same. (4) Bring water and snacks, obviously. Hiking boots were also helpful and you won't worry if it's muddy that day or not. (5) Take your time and enjoy.", "Great Hike!, Gorgeous hike with a great view at the end! Tough for sure but totally worth it. Steps at the top can get a bit slippery, especially if there is weather so be careful. Also, top of the mountain is sandy and slippery as well!, Traveled as a couple", "Four Hours Round Trip, This was a proper hike without the crowds - at least in the morning. If you go early it is far easier as you have already ascended a bit once it begins to get hot around mid-morning (9am say).\n\nIt is refreshingly windy at the top and the vantage point is just remarkable." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": null }

[ "Stunning beach!, This is one of the prettiest beaches on Oahu, yet few people know about it because it is at the 'end of the road'. The water is the most beautiful turquoise. If you make it this far, be sure to do the hike along the Ka'ena Point Trail. It is very flat and an easy walk, but definitely bring plenty of water, snacks, wear a hat, and decent shoes. And don't forget to bring a camera - you will stop to savor the views all along the drive to Yokohama Bay and all the way hiking to the Point. After your hike, plan to spend the rest of your day on the beach at Yokohama and reward yourself with a swim in the pristine waters.", "Best spot on the leeward side of the island!, We found this beach at the end of the road on the leeward side of the island. The whole area is beautiful with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The waves were huge the day we visited and boogie boarders were loving it! It was a bit scary to go swimming but we enjoyed watching the waves and the people playing in them. It was a weekend so there were lots of people, including locals, having picnics and hanging out. The beach is so long we had a decent amount of space to ourselves.", "The Little Cross at Makua Beach/Kula Ila i, My niece and I stumbled across this beautiful place by accident looking for sea turtles. As began to explore and walk around the beach I stumbled across this little cement cross coming out of the rock. As I stood there I couldn’t help but think about how it got there? How long it has been there? The storms it had weathered and the beauty it had seen. For me me it was a spiritual moment, I was going through a bad break up at the time and that beautiful little cross reminded me of what an amazing world we live in., Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "A popular beach for surfing." }

[ "Let locals have the beach on weekends, I want to write a review about the Makaha Valley area. When planning our trip to that location I couldn’t find any current 2020-2021 information. Most everything I read said it was not a good area to vacation for first time Oahu visitors. I also had visions of having to run a gauntlet of homeless people just to get to the beach. \n\nWe stayed at Makaha Valley plantation for two weeks. We traveled all over the island from that location. We planned our trips according to traffic and the longest it took us to get from Honolulu to Makaha was one hour 15 minutes during the busiest time of the day. \n\nI was very thankful that we had stayed on the dry side of the island. While we were there they had torrential rains throughout the Hawaiian islands and the North Shore area while more scenic, was flooded.\n\nAll the locals treated us very well. The exception was one drunk boy hitting the side of our van with his fist. He was angry with his girlfriend. That took place on a Friday evening at Makaha Beach as we were leaving. \n\nThere were several great dining options. We really loved the Countryside Café for breakfast and lunch. For a nice dinner experience Beach House 604 was great. We were told that #1 Chinese BBQ was excellent but didn’t get by there to try their food.\n\nI would recommend the Makaha area to anyone looking for a quiet alternative to Honolulu.", "Great lesser-known beach, Stopped here after doing a hike in the area. Lots of beaches along this stretch of the highway, but this one was large and not very busy - just a handful of people/groups spread out down the long sandy beach, most either surfing or watching the surfers. Water was a bit choppy, but in spots was calm enough to swim. Very relaxed vibe here, more locals than we saw other places.", "Surfing, Growing up Makaha was synonymous with surfing and big waves. While we were here there was surfing but the waves were not that big. But it was nice to be able to say yes I have been to Makaha and watched the surfing. Good photo ops and I can imagine if the waves were bigger how much better they would be." ]

{ "categories": [ "Points of Interest & Landmarks" ], "description": "Honolulu's main shopping avenue." }

[ "One side is paradise and the other side is not local retail, This Avenue is the tale of two sections of Waikiki. On one side there is a beautiful beach, artistic statues, recreational activities and all around gorgeousness. On the other side there are stores, restaurants and hotels. If the stores and restaurants were local specialties then this would have been a different review, but it's not too much different than any big city. Cheeseburger in Paradise, Wolfgang Puck, Starbucks, Starbucks again, and so on.\n\nIt is a fun street to walk on and it is the route to and from Diamond Head, but half of it is just so-so.", "Waikiki’s Rodeo Drive, Every upscale brand you can think of, including some catering specifically to foreign tourists, is along this strip, including the International Market Place, which has been converted to a luxury shopping mall. Even if you don’t have deep pockets, it’s a nice place to browse and dream big. Easy access to Waikiki Beach which is right behind it.", "The happening street, We stay on Kalakaua Avenue for our holidays. From morning to night there is always something happening - it may not always be good but it is constant. Arrests, disturbances, rescues, parades and of course street parties. Tonight we went out for dinner only to find there was a street party happening. It really is full on entertainment and usually safe., Traveled with friends" ]

{ "categories": [ "Speciality Museums" ], "description": null }

[ "Definitely a hidden gem, I grew up on Oahu and never knew this was here! My fiancee and I are active LEO in Florida and it was her first time visiting the island. We stopped by, with her 14 year old daughter and my father just to see about doing a patch swap with another officer. We were then told about the museum and were given a tour by Ofc. Fatu. The tour was amazing! Ofc. Fatu is super knowledgeable about everything in the museum, as well as the history of the department going back to the days when Hawaii was a monarchy. It was hands down the best museum tour I've ever been on. Even if you're not in law enforcement, it's still a great museum to visit. I highly recommend anyone visiting to definitely stop by and see this museum or add it to your list of activities if you're planning a vacation to Hawaii., Traveled with family", "Great museum, It is a great museum which gives a detailed history of law enforcement in Hawaii dating back all the way from their originally monarchy to present day. Officer Fatu gave us a tour of the museum and told us a ton of historical stories. We highly recommend checking this free museum out if you're in town.", "Honolulu Police Museum, One of the most interesting museums I’ve visited. So much information and history, very well narrated by Officer Dana Fatu. He was able to condense so much information in an hour, we are so glad he was available. I definitely recommend a visit!, Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Suggested duration" }

[ "Best Snorkeling on the Island, One of our favorite spots on the island. We really loved snorkeling here. You need to have swim shoes as the rocks are hard and sharp. It's very shallow, but there are tons of fish. There are some shaded areas, but you can bring an umbrella for shade. Food trucks are right across the street, but they are pricy. 4 taco plates cost us about $80, and they weren't even good tacos. Maybe bring lunches or find somewhere close with good food. We spent about 2 hours snorkeling here. It may look crowded when you get there, but there is plenty of space and we never felt like we didn't have enough space to swim/snorkel. It's a must do!! Best part is it's free.", "Worthwhile snorkel spot!, We had heard + read several great things about snorkeling here. We went the first day we were in town to check it out. We got there early because parking fills up quickly. We ended up parking on the side street at the south end of the cove and ended up traversing the slick, jagged rocks down. One family member slipped and sliced their hand open while making their way down to the water. I don’t recommend this… go a bit further down to park, there is a larger beach (sand) entrance. You want to snorkel here when the tide is high otherwise it’s hard to stay off the reef and there are a lot of sharp rocks. There is some variation of depth here, but mostly more to the shallow side. Snorkel where people aren’t clustered, the further to the north you go once inside the cove, the better the snorkeling (our experience anyway). There is a deeper crevice in between the rocks where few people were + where we saw several fish and more variety than out in the reef where everyone was. Happy snorkeling. I would have snorkeled here again just to snorkel that crevice spot. But we ended up venturing out every day to a different place. This cove was toward the top of our list though! Also at toward the top abs possible our best snorkeling experience was just a bit further north, Three Tables. More fish, bigger area to snorkel, sandy beach, trees for shade and turtles!!! You won’t be disappointed here!, Traveled with family", "Fish up close!!!, This is a really cool place to check out fish up close! It's very rocky so I would recommend wearing some kind of water shoe or sandal. We brought our own snorkel gear. I don't think there is anywhere to rent it nearby. The mask and the snorkel were nice to get underwater and really see the fish (flippers are necessary). We just floated around the deeper part and watched all the fish, it was really cool. Kids seems to really love it." ]

{ "categories": [ "Luaus" ], "description": "Toa Luau invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of Polynesia on Oahu’s historic North Shore! Book any one of our three luau packages for admission into the lush Waimea valley. Set aside ample time in the day to walk through the fragrant flower lei gardens or hike among some of Hawaii’s most diverse plant life and even swim at the refreshing Waimea falls. The epitome of your visit happens with TOA at Oahu’s newest Polynesian luau! Complete with authentic interactive cultural demonstrations, island feast and a sampling of Polynesian dances from all over the Pacific. Your time with us will be one to remember long after you leave our beautiful islands. Natural wonders, traditional cooking demonstrations, and thrilling entertainment … There’s Something for everyone when you spend an adventurous day with TOA LUAU in alluring Waimea." }

[ "Best luau on Oahu! , Our entire family enjoyed this luau! Very entertaining and informational. Loved knowing we were supporting a local family business. Food was delicious and they were able to accommodate our gluten free and vegetarian diet restrictions. They even offered my son a second plate! There really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Would recommend the evening show since there are a fair amount of fire acts which look amazing in the dark. ", "Fantastic Luau in an amazing park, This was my first luau, but I would find it hard to believe that you could have any better experience, especially given this one is in the breathtaking Waimea Valley complete with a beautiful waterfall. We saw the 5 pm show and I wish we would have arrived even earlier to truly enjoy the park and swim in the falls. The cultural demonstrations were great and the host for the event was very entertaining and engaging. The dancing and show were very educational and took you through the history and different cultures. While there was a portion of traditional hula dancing, you are not going to find coconut bras at this performance. It was also some of the best pork we have ever eaten. The meal was plated, but there were plenty of seconds/thirds if you wanted. Also, the coconut cake was absurdly delicious. We spent a total of about five hours at the falls and the show and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Not to mention, the drinks were quite good, as well!", "Pick this Luau!, This was definitely a highlight to our vacation and we cannot reccomed the Tao Luau, enough. What is also a plus is that the price includes admission to Waimea Falls and Botanical Garden. There is plenty of time to enjoy the hike, swim in the falls and change in time for the Luau. We had a large party of 15 and it still felt intimate. From the moment you enter, you are greeted and directed by staff. Throughout the experience, everyone, including the \"host\" and MC took the time to get to know you and your family. The food was delicious and there was a lot to keep all kids engaged, ages 8-15 years. They even gave a shout out for my sister's birthday and our parent's wedding anniversary, Traveled with family" ]

{ "categories": [ "Gardens" ], "description": "Part of Waimea Adventure Park, this botanical garden offers 6,000 varieties of plant life." }

[ "Beautiful gardens, so so falls., A local recommended this adventure + we were happy we went. Go early (we got tickets online and days in advance, for 10am) because it got super busy by noon. The hike into the waterfall was a steady gradual climb but not hard. So many beautiful flowers and much history along the way. The hike in is a mile so two miles round trip, but coming back out is nothing it’s mostly downhill except the short climb out of the falls. There were too many people in the water for our liking and you have to wear a life jacket that they give you so we passed on getting in but I’m sure it was a nice way to cool off. The fall is not bursting at this time, very little water flowing. Lunch here was delish and the resident peacocks were entertaining while we lunched. Enjoy!, Traveled with family", "Stunning place, We visited Waimea Valley and Falls and the scenery is absolutely stunning. A fully paved, easy walk through the valley and gardens leads you to a waterfall where you can take a swim. To be honest we found the entry fee a bit steep ($18USD per adult) but you can see this money is used to maintain the gardens. The waterfall and swim was the highlight for me. Not sure we'd return again on future visits to Oahu.", "TAKE YOUR TIME, I think the best part about this visit was that we really took our time with the gardens. My fiance and I were in here for at least two hours before we got to the waterfall. There are so many side trails and things to see that are not on the main path that I would not have gone to see if my fiance wasn't so determined to find all the birds on the guide. \n\nI see the allure of the waterfall, but it was honestly the least memorable part of the stroll for me. Getting to see the history with the gardens and all the different ways this part of the world is working to conserve the many species it houses, now that was beautiful." ]

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": null }

{ "categories": [ "Islands", "Geologic Formations" ], "description": "Mokoli’i is one of Oahu’s small offshore islands. It is about half a mile from the mainland and is accessible by water (kayak/canoe or swimming) or at low tide by walking. The hike to the top may be challenging as it is steep and rocky (bring appropriate shoes); from the top there are lovely views." }

[ "I would do Kayaks and not walk., We walked to Chinaman's hat at low tide but were about waist high or chest high in the water the entire time so don't picture walking on any dry ground or tide pools or anything like that. Definitely take water shoes to protect from sharp rocks and coral. I would recommend doing the kayak tour instead of walking. My 11 year olds brought boogie boards and we pulled them along when they couldn't touch the bottom. Much faster to walk through the water than swim however. We climbed to the top and I was nervous at the rock-climbing portions - it is a little scary at times.", "Great climb, My wife and I rented a two person kayak from Go Bananas. We parked in the far lot and carried the kayak to the beach. It was a tuff job. Once in the water the paddling was easy out to the island. When we landed there were only a couple of other kayaks there. While going up we passed a few people coming down. The climb is a bit scary but manageable if you are in normal shape. The view from the top is unbeatable. We were the only ones on top when we were there and we went at about 11:00 during the week. We stayed for about ten minutes and had a snack. Now anytime we see this iconic island we can say we have been on top!", "Our driver calls it the Hershey Kiss island, Saw this on the North Shore tour. Our driver prefers the name Hershey Kiss island, for obvious reasons. Not much to do but take a few pictures. It's neat, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it." ]

{ "categories": [ "Military Museums", "History Museums" ], "description": "Come immerse yourself in history and learn about “the day that will live in infamy” as you enjoy one of the country’s historical treasures... Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. You will enjoy panoramic views of Pearl Harbor, the Ko’olau Mountains, and the US Navy Pacific Fleet as you walk through interesting museums, speak to veterans that are among the handful of remaining survivors, and watch the Pearl Harbor Documentary exclusive to the Memorial. Then, prepare to board a US Navy ferry boat to enjoy a cruise around Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. There, you'll see the wall of names, the black tears of the Arizona, and the ghostly ship lurking in the depths below the platform. After Pearl Harbor, your amazing guides will take you to see the Punchbowl National Cemetery and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great before heading back to Waikiki. Aloha Pearl Harbor only uses premium limo style buses with ac." }

{ "categories": [ "Beaches", "Parks" ], "description": null }

[ "Fascinating to watch body surfers!, Bonzai Pipeline! We drove past the beach the first time. Be sure to look up Ehukai Beach in your GPS, it's easy to miss. Others are accurate it's across from the elementary school. We got there by 10am on a Monday and it was packed and we had to walk quite a distance. We entered the beach area and there were a ton of families under sun tents camped out on the beach along with several photographers. We learned there was a body boarding competition going on. We sat towards the top of the beach (it is very steep to go down to the main sand). And watched the body boarders. The waves were huge and I'm telling you those guys and gals sure have big kahunas to be out there doing that. It was fascinating. We just sat and watched for a good hour or more and then left. There is no way anyone would catch me swimming out there nor snorkeling - but my hunch is that it was the time of year for rough north shore waters (late Feb 2022). It was fascinating to watch!!! And dreamy to just watch the waves rolls in.", "Favorite beach of our trip!, We scouted out a North Shore beach before luau at Waimea Valley and kind of randomly chose this one. So happy we did! It was by far our favorite beach of our Oahu adventure after visiting about 7 others including Lanikai and Kailua. It just felt so … vast and overwhelming! The surf was strong and only my kids ventured in to swim. There was a lifeguard on duty though. I know that summer is not the time for the big waves or the surfers but you only needed to use your imagination to envision what it’s like when the surfing competitions are in full force in the winter months. It was funny to see how many people walked up , took a gander at the surf and then left after taking the requisite pictures or videos. The beach was actually pretty empty for those of us who chose to stay a while. We actually considered making the trek back up to the beach from Honolulu on another day but then decided against it—that was how much we liked it. If you have the chance, make plans to visit!, Traveled with family", "Unbelievable beach!, We stopped here for an iconic \"North Shore\" beach experience and were not disappointed. The sand is soft, the beach is broad and wide, crowds were low and the waves were big! My kids loved jumping in and out of them, although children swimming here should definitely be supervised as the surf is quite strong. We loved watching the nearby surfers ride the waves. Our favorite part was just looking at the pristine blue water - it was like a jewel. Super clean and we didn't have an issue parking, although the lot was pretty full. I will remember the smiles on our faces here especially that of my kids for a long time. Excellent day at the beach!" ]

{ "categories": [ "Art Museums", "Government Buildings" ], "description": "Galleries temporarily closed until February 10, 2023 while new exhibits are installed. Contemporary art of Hawaii and free, family-friendly events! 2nd floor of the No. 1 Capitol District Building, 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813. Admission is free. Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm. Open late First Friday of each month, 6pm - 9pm (galleries close at 8:30pm). Closed Sunday and all state and federal holidays. All artwork on display has a connection to Hawaii (e.g. artist born or raised in Hawaii). Parking available across the street in the Ali'i Place parking structure (entrance at 1099 Alakea St, cash only) or at Iolani Palace (metered parking, 25 cent coins only). Several TheBus lines stop in front of or close to the building. If you are taking a taxi cab, there is a small pull in area on Richards St. Wheelchair access from the Richards St. entry gate, on the Richards St. side of the building." }

[ "Awesome, We had been visiting Oahu for years but only in 2016 did we start going to this absolutely amazing museum! We were so impressed we became members so that our family could enjoy this wonderful place. The exhibits are so beautiful and many galleries change, bringing treasures from all over the world. The local artists exhibit is especially fantastic with many world famous artists who lived in the islands for years, mesmerised by our natural beauty. Several thought they would stay just weeks ended up living here for years creating some memorable works. This is a beautiful museum with a gorgeous sprawling structure surrounded by intimate tropical gardens and a lovely covered lanai serving lunch, dinner and wine and beer too! So nice to sit there in the garden while contemplating all the beauty. We came back 2 more times during our 10 day trip as its so big we couldn't see everything in one day.\nWe purchased several books and reproductions in the store the prices were her reasonable. We all made another trip from the Big Island in Oct just to attend the Halloween party which truly was the best party we had gone too in years!! Our whole family joined us and its a night we will always remember. We plan to rejoin as soon as their reopen after Covid. We miss this place!", "A must see! Beautiful museum., I was so impressed. I cannot believe we missed this on our previous trips to Hawaii. The tropical gardens surrounding it are stunning. I was surprised how many amazing artists were born in Hawaii or lived in Hawaii. Plenty of family friendly activities, so many photo opportunities, and a absolute must see. And there aren't even any admission fees!!!!", "Hidden gem, Cannot believe we missed this on our previous trips to Oahu. All artists are tied to Hawaii by birth or residence. Wonderful display of island perspective art. Several standout pieces that will give your mind a work out. Included in the exhibit is a wing which displays up and coming young artists. Beautiful, quality gift store. Housed in a gorgeous historic building. Don't forget to view the outdoor sculpture garden. No admission fees!? , Thank you for visiting and sharing a five-star review! The Hawaii State Art Museum is a part of a state government public arts program, increasing public access to the arts in Hawaii. The student art exhibit that you enjoyed is the from an annual regional competition; if you are in the US you may want to seek out the Scholastics Art and Writing Awards in your region. , Written , February 11, 2020, This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC., Traveled as a couple" ]

{ "categories": [ "Parks" ], "description": null }

{ "categories": [ "Lookouts" ], "description": null }

{ "categories": [ "Beaches" ], "description": "Located at the Diamond Head (east) end of Waikiki, this beach is disabled accessible." }