Things to Do on O‘ahu Waikiki World-famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters," Waikiki was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901. Today, Waikiki is a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. At legendary Waikiki Beach, a statue of Hawaiian hero Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you with open arms. Regarded as the "father of modern surfing," Duke grew up and surfed in Waikiki during the turn of the century. Discovered as a swimming sensation, the prodigious Duke won Olympic gold medals in the 100 meter freestyle in 1912 and 1920. The amiable Duke later went on to act in Hollywood and used his fame to spread the popularity of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world. From Hawaiian royalty to Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Waikiki continues to be an evolving expression of the ancient spirit of aloha. On these famous shores, the past and the future are uniting in fresh and surprising ways. Waikiki Beach The most famous beach on O‘ahu (and possibly in the world), Waikiki Beach lives up to the hype. Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, this beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire. Though the sections in front of major hotels can get crowded, the scene; a mix of local bathing beauties, Japanese surfers, and pink-roasted visitors; is endlessly entertaining. The surf breaks are far from shore, so there's plenty of gentle water for swimming. And the options for pre- and post- beach drinks, dining, and shopping are numerous. Each grain of sand could tell a story for the millions of visitors that walk this beach. The Waikiki Aquarium 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Queen Kapiolani Park, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: 808-923-9741 Hours: Daily 9am-5pm www.waquarium.org Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawaii since 1919, the Waikiki Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach next to a living reef and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium is the third oldest in the U.S. and showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,000 marine specimens. Family-friendly and interactive exhibits and education programs celebrate the unique aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium is also home to two endangered Hawaii Monk Seals. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $9 for visitors; $6 for local residents, active duty military with ID, students with ID and seniors; $4 for youths ages 13-17 and persons with disabilities; $2 for juniors ages 5 to 12; and free for children 4 and under and Friends of Waikiki Aquarium (FOWA) members. Hanauma Bay 7455 Kalaniana'ole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825 Phone: 808-396-4229 Hours: Winter Wed-Mon 6am-6pm; Summer Wed-Mon 6am-7pm www.honolulu.gov Created from a collapsed volcano crater, this bay is protected and calm, ideal for snorkeling, as you'll see from the crowds around you. The snorkeling is truly amazing, since the preserve protects the wildlife and More information can be found at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/honolulu-and-waikiki; http://www.10best.com/destinations/hawaii/honolulu; http://waikiki.com/index.html http://www.explorra.com/attractions/waikiki-beach_8910; and http://www.gohawaii.com/oahu/ Things to Do on O‘ahu, page 2 of 6 creates a favorite place for the fish to come eat. It offers great opportunity for viewing marine life and also boasts a terrific beach and hiking trails. Additional facilities include picnic areas, showers and restrooms, concession kiosks, a volleyball court, and lifeguards. Although parking can be difficult if you don't arrive early, a shuttle bus runs from Waikiki in the mornings and makes return trips in the afternoons. Diamond Head Diamond Head Rd, east of Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96816 Hours: Daily 6am-6pm www.hawaiistateparks.org Widely recognized as the symbol of Hawaii, this extinct volcano crater was known to ancients as Leahi, which means "brow of the tuna" and referred to its appearance from the west. Its more familiar name came from 19th-century British sailors, who mistook crystals in the soil for diamonds. Through the years, its crest was the site of altars and military installations, and today, folks often hike up the crater for awe- inspiring views of Oahu. The hike is manageable for most, although you might want to bring along a flashlight since some portions of the journey run through darkened passages. Kapi'olani Park 2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: 808-692-5561 Hours: Daily www.kapiolaniparkonline.com Dedicated in 1877, this beautiful greenspace was Hawaii's first public park, a gift from King Kalakaua to his people. Named for the queen, the park became a city gathering spot early on, and these days, residents still visit the 100+ acres to jog, picnic, play soccer and tennis, and just laze in the sun. Musical performances, by various groups and by the Royal Hawaiian Band, often add an air of festivity, while water features and mature trees create a feeling of permanence and grace. The park is also the site of the Honolulu Marathon. Honolulu Hale 530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808-768-6622 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm Honolulu's City Hall, a California-inspired Spanish Colonial-style building, was completed in 1928 to house the island's relatively new municipal government. Modeled after a Florentine palace, its interior courtyard adds an elegant note, as do frescoes and hand-carved stonework. Locals flock to city hall in December and January to see the elaborate holiday decorations that festoon the building's fountains and lawn. The structure is surrounded by many other civic and religious buildings of historical significance. In addition, concerts and art exhibits are often hosted by Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Academy of Arts 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808-532-8700 Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm www.honoluluacademy.org Boasting extensive holdings of Western and Asian art, this comprehensive museum is one of America's best. It also echoes Hawaii's multiculturalism, thanks to its collection of items from the Pacific, Africa, America, and Europe. Japanese woodblock prints and Italian Renaissance Things to Do on O‘ahu, page 3 of 6 paintings are prominent, but you'll also find historical and contemporary works in a variety of media. Permanent and temporary exhibits expand the offerings, and the complex also features a theater, cafe, and studio art classes. Hawaii State Capitol Building 415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808-586-0178 Hours: Daily 8am-4:30pm This contemporary building, beautiful in its simplicity, holds a host of meaning in its architecture. Designed as a reflection of the Hawaiian islands, the capitol itself is intended to mimic a volcano, and its surrounding pool represents the Pacific Ocean. Even its pillars are supposed to evoke coconut palms. An open-air courtyard features a mosaic of aquatic colors, and the building's entrances are watched over by Queen Liliuokalani (Hawaii's deposed ruler) and Father Damien (a 19th-century humanitarian). Sculptures in the legislative chambers recall the sun and moon, and walls throughout are paneled with native woods. Kaka‘ako 660 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite #148 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone: 808-545 4835 http://www.ourkakaako.com Our Kakaako encompasses nine city blocks in the heart of Kakaako centered around the arts, culture and creative hub on Auahi, Keawe and Coral streets. It’s an emerging epicenter for Hawaii’s urban-island culture that is an incubator for a variety of artists, chefs, influencers and entrepreneurs. Rooted in Hawaiian cultural values, Our Kakaako is built on empowering creativity, cultivating innovation and building a truly unique, local community. Already a dynamic setting for new ideas and forward thinking, Our Kakaako will continue to evolve over time as redevelopment continues to renew the community. Walkable, sustainable, people-friendly neighborhoods and open-air gathering places to socialize and share ideas are all rooted in the authentic and progressive spirit found in Our Kakaako today. Shopping International Market Place 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: 808-971-2080 Hours: Daily 10am-10:30pm www.internationalmarketplacewaikiki.com A local fixture that's changed amazingly little since its inception in 1955, International Market Place features more than 130 shops, kiosks, and artist's stands selling everything from fine jewelry to t-shirts, from quilts to candles. While the collection of shops unapologetically caters to tourists, you'll still see authentic Hawaiian-made crafts, as well as great bargains. The International Market Place is organized around a banyan tree that's more than a century old. Much-loved Queen Emma, the islands' 19th-century monarch, once owned the land on which Market Place now sits. This is both an attraction and a shopping experience. Things to Do on O‘ahu, page 4 of 6 Luxury Row 2100 Kalakaua Avenue, the address of eight luxury boutiques and known as the "elegant block" in Waikiki, unveiled its new name of Luxury Row at its recent anniversary event. Home to Tiffany & Co., Coach, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Tod's and Hugo Boss, Luxury Row offers 111,000 square feet of shopping in the heart of Waikiki's urban and beach resort district. Ala Moana Shopping Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808-955-9517 Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-9pm; Sun 10am-7pm www.alamoana.com This enormous, open-air extravaganza is Hawaii's largest shopping center, and with 230+ businesses to explore, you're certain to find one or two to monopolize your energy.