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 Hike a volcanic crater |
Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 United States +1 808 587 0285 (State Parks) http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp... |
This crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. The historic trail to the 761-foot summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike to the top. Stay on the trail, wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen, take along water and bring a flashlight to light your way through the tunnels. Those who reach the summit are rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view of O'ahu. The tunnel gates close promptly at 6p. Admission: USD1 per person, USD5 per vehicle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Bynes |
 Photo: ElectricSprout |
 Refuge in the heart of Honolulu |
180 North Vineyard Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 522 7066 / +1 808 522 7060 http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/p... |
For a brief hiatus from city life, duck into this garden. It is the oldest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens. The mission of the organization is "to plan, develop, curate, maintain and study documented collections of tropical plants in an aesthetic setting." Highlights include a palm collection, Lyon Orchid Garden, a prehistoric glen and a number of trees rated "exceptional" for their beauty and rarity. Pick up a souvenir at the Foster Garden Gallery and Bookshop. General admission is USD5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: L'il E |
 Photo: Emily B |
 Photo: shaheen.beg |
 Photo: Susan McNeill-Bindon |
 Photo: Laurel Black |
 Photo: Agata Polanska |
 Photo: sarah mayfield |
 Photo: Jean |
 Photo: rewinans |
 Photo: zen-gaylife |
 Photo: Samanax |
 Photo: Stephen Floor |
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Snorkeling paradise |
7455 Kalanianaole Highway (Kalanianaole Highway at the Hanauma Bay turnoff) Honolulu, HI 96825 United States +1 808 396 4229 / +1 808 397 5840 (Education Program) |
Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon. Admission: non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Liao |
 Photo: charlie cumberland |
 Photo: William Tooke |
 Photo: Gabe Grote |
 Photo: Zheshen |
 Photo: Chris Stuberg |
 Photo: Lian Yu |
 Photo: Bryan Glass |
 Photo: Jerry Curtis |
 Photo: Ayumi Manzone |
 Photo: Laurent Dupin |
 Photo: Luyen Dao |
 Photo: torny_rose |
 Photo: Fabio Wakim Trentini  |
 Photo: softestthing |
 Photo: peteer01 |
 Photo: mbeeler672 |
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Making an environmental difference |
2131 Makiki Heights Drive Honolulu, HI 96822 United States +1 808 955 0100 |
Established in 1981, this non-profit organization has the sole purpose of spreading the environmental gospel to residents and visitors of the Hawaiian Islands. Almost entirely volunteer-operated, the Center facilitates hands-on environmental education for school children, families and the general public. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of educating children. Hopefully, with a change in the attitudes of youth toward nature, the future of the environment stands a chance. Admission is free. There is a gift shop onsite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tropical haven |
46-680 Luluku Road Honolulu, HI 96744 United States +1 808 233 7323 http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/p... |
On this lush 400-acre preserve, all of the world's foremost tropical regions are grouped geographically. A staggering variety of rare and endangered plants thrive here, with particular emphasis placed on native Hawaiian flora. Facilities include hiking trails, campgrounds, a visitor center and a 32-acre (non-swimming) lake. A variety of educational programs such as guided nature hikes are offered. Camping is allowed on weekend nights (Friday through Sunday). Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Hackney |
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Visit the wetlands |
66-590 Kamehameha Highway, Room 2C O`ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex Honolulu, HI 96712 United States +1 808 637 6330 http://www.fws.gov/pacificisla... |
This patch of wetlands is home to four of Hawaii's endangered waterbirds and an essential wintering ground for many migratory species. It is open to visitors during the non-breeding season for the endangered Hawaiian Stilt approximately October thru Februaryirds. During this time, visitors can participate in a free, 90-minute guided tour of the fresh water marsh. This protected fresh water marsh has benefited from volunteer projects which assist staff in improving the habitat for the endangered birds that nest here. It's also a popular destination for school field trips. The refuge is located about two miles southeast of the Turtle Bay Resort. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Dryland Hawaiian flora |
Off Kealahou Street (Inside Koko Crater) Honolulu, HI 96825 United States +1 808 522 7060 |
This 200-acre stretch of Koko Crater was set aside in 1958, with a long-term (as yet only partially realized) plan of turning it into a botanical garden. Eventually, it will be a landscape where endangered plants suitable to this desert-like region can survive and flourish. Even in the early stages of development, visitors can find collections of plumeria and other flowers. A two-mile loop trail leads through dryland plant collections from around the world. No visitor facilities (restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.) have yet been constructed. Entrance to the garden is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elisheva La Vie En Rose |
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Outdoor activities park |
49-560 Kamehameha Highway (on East coast of Oahu, opposite Chinaman's Hat) Honolulu, HI 96730 United States +1 808 237 8515 / +1 808 237 7321 / +1 800 231 7321 http://www.kualoa.com/ |
This 4,000-acre, former working ranch in Windward Oahu has been turned into a giant outdoor activities park. Facilities include horseback riding, jet skiing, canoeing and kayaking, windsurfing, freshwater fishing and a shooting range. You can tour the movie sets used in filming Jurassic Park and Godzilla, or relax on Secret Island, a secluded fantasy beach. There's even a petting zoo for the kids. Activities start as low as USD16 per person. Various full-day packages start at USD65 for adults, USD39 for children ages 3-11. Reservations are required. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Heather Lucas |
 Photo: travelinghillbilly |
 Ocean theme park |
41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy (East coast of O'ahu) Honolulu, HI 96795 United States +1 866 365 7446 http://www.dolphindiscovery.com |
Dolphin and sea lion shows, a Hawaiian monk seal center, a sea turtle lagoon and a seabird sanctuary are a few of the highlights at this 62-acre ocean theme park on the coast of East O'ahu. The park's newest attraction is Pirate's Lagoon, a themed play area for kids. Serious marine biology takes place at the rehabilitation center for endangered marine life. Other facilities include eateries and gift shops. Admission: adults USD25; USD12.50 children age 4-12. Children 3 and under free. Interactive dolphin programs and reef walks are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: JillHamiltonKrawczyk |
 Photo: JillHamiltonKrawczyk |
 Photo: justin s. |
 Photo: Go Card USA |
 Photo: Marcella Regal |
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Exotic botanical garden |
47-285 Pulama Road Honolulu, HI 96744 United States +1 808 239 6775 http://www.fonggarden.net |
Owned by former U.S. Senator Hiram Fong, this 725-acre site on Windward O'ahu is the largest private botanical garden in Hawai'i. Learn about the several hundred varieties of indigenous plants and wildlife from a knowledgeable guide. A tram takes visitors through the plantation's lush valleys and rainforests. There are snack and gift shops onsite, and you can learn to make a lei at the cultural center. Admission: $14.50 Adults, $13 Seniors, $9 Children (5-12). Call for tram departure times. Review © 2007, Wcities |