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 Aloha Tower |
1 Aloha Tower Dr Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 528 5700 http://www.alohatower.com info@alohatower.com |
This waterfront landmark is as much a symbol of Honolulu as Coit Tower is of San Francisco. Since 1925 the tower has welcomed people of all nations to Honolulu. It's an imposing structure, nearly 200 feet tall, but its Spanish architecture and bronze embellishments make it much more attractive than the average skyscraper. The recently refurbished Observation Deck is now open to visits (see hours below) and gives guided tour twice daily for both Japanese and English speakers. The wonderful Aloha Tower Marketplace is open daily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nick Herber  |
 Photo: Jonathan Hughes |
 Photo: mel |
 Photo: Eric Sandoval |
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City within a City |
Vineyard Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813 United States http://www.chinatownhi.com |
Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the city's liveliest districts, containing every aspect of a big city within a fifteen block area. During they day, plenty of shop-owners open their doors for tourists and locals to browse at their leisure. When the shopping is done and your appetite is worked up, fill your belly with Dim Sum or go a bit further out to find Korean, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese restaurants waiting to calm your hunger. When the day is done, relax at a bar and have a few drinks with some friends, or go out and see a show. Chinatown theaters present everything from stand-up comedy to vaudeville, musicals, silent films, and plays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All kinds of Chinese art |
100 Beretania Street (in the Chinese Cultural Plaza) Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 521 4934 |
Located on the second floor of the Chinese Cultural Plaza, this place is a bit of a hidden treasure. Several exhibits of Chinese art are displayed, ranging from traditional formal dress to ornate screens. Films play in a room to the side. The staff here consists of one mild-mannered security guard whose job it is to sign people in and out. Any questions can be addressed to the tourism office, located a few doors down. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Campers, read this first |
1000 Uluohia Street, Suite 309 Honolulu, HI 96707 United States +1 808 692 5585 http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/p... parks@honolulu.gov |
This is the place to go to apply for your free permit if you want to camp at a county park; there are a donzen of options. You should contact the office no less than two weeks before the date of your excursion. Other responsibilities of this organization include maintenance of all parks, sponsorship of community programs and the ongoing management of the five Botanical Gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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You can't miss out on this one |
999, Bishop Street Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 800 464 2924 (Tourist Information) |
After visiting the Iolani Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, it's hard to miss out on the thirty story First Hawaiian Center, also featuring in Test Drive Unlimited. The tallest building in the state of Hawaii, this triangular shaped structure sure has some great views of the Pacific! Even in the heart of the busy financial district, your eyes get to feast on some greenery and waterfalls—courtesy the Center. The oldest bank of Hawaii and a flourishing Contemporary Art Center are nestled within. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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... hbg@co.honolulu.hi.us |
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 |
 Hawai'i State Art Museum (HiSAM) |
250 South Hotel Street, 2nd floor, 1 Capitol District Building Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 586 0300 / +1 808 586 9959 (Visitor Services) http://www.hawaii.gov/sfca/ hisamvolunteers@yahoo.com |
Usually associated only with seaside fun, Hawaii also has lots to offer in terms of art and aesthetics. A part of the Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the HiSAM urges you to explore works of talent created within this gorgeous state. Located in beautiful Honolulu, the museum has three galleries, a resource room, a cafe, a gift shop and an information stand to its credit. Soak in not just the sun, but the culture, tradition and heritage captured by local artists in their works. Check the website for ongoing exhibitions and collections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Maritime museum on the waterfront |
Pier 7, Honolulu Harbor Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 523 6151 http://holoholo.org/maritime/ |
This location is deemed a national U.S. Historic Landmark. The magnificent four-masted Falls of Clyde sailing ship is anchored alongside a wharf, and although it has been prohibited to visitors for safety reasons, the museum is definitely worth a trip. The permanent display will take you from the days of the early canoe-faring Polynesians to Captain Cook's "discovery" of the island chain, all the way up to the naval activities at present-day Pearl Harbor. You can peruse a sizable World War Two naval exhibit. Whaling exhibits are also featured, including a massive humpback whale skeleton. The museum is located next to the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 4-12, and free for children under 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: larssmith |
 Photo: larssmith |
 Photo: Sean Sylvis |
 Hawaii Theater Center |
1130 Bethel Street Honolulu, HI 96813-2201 United States +1 808 528 0506 (Box office) http://www.hawaiitheatre.com/ burtonwhite@hawaii.rr.com |
Built in 1922, this historic theatre was originally a showplace for vaudeville and silent films throughout the '30s and '40s. With its opulent interior, golden dome ceiling, ornate woodwork and magnificent archways, this is truly a wonder to behold. The recently renovated 1,400-seat theatre now hosts a variety of live performing arts shows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Theatrical gem |
1130 Bethel Street Honolulu, HI 96813-2201 United States +1 808 528 0506 (Box Office) http://www.hawaiitheatre.com/ annakuhn@hawaiitheatre.com |
The Hawaii Theatre, recently renovated and restored to its former glory, is a must-visit for theatre enthusiasts. Currently a hi-tech performance center with 1400 seats, this venue once played host to silent films and musicals. Known as the "Pride of the Pacific", it is definitely worth stopping by to take in the interesting events and performances held here. Check the website for ticket information and schedules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine arts museum |
900 South Beretania Street Thomas Square Historic District Honolulu, HI 96814-1495 United States +1 808 532 8700 http://www.honoluluacademy.org/ tours@honoluluacademy.org |
The impressive holdings of Hawaii's fine arts museum include one of the nation's finest collections of Asian art as well as a 17,000-piece collection of graphic arts and artifacts from Hawaiian and other ancient civilizations around the world. Italian Renaissance and American works are also on exhibit. Guided tours are available. The 290-seat Academy Theatre presents more than 400 programs annually. A restaurant and gift shop is also onsite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Waterman |
 Photo: Alice Kitajima |
 Photo: Michael Fricano II |
 Photo: Andrew Semansco |
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City Hall |
530 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 523 2489 |
This graceful pink, tile-roofed California-Spanish mission style structure built in 1929 is Honolulu's City Hall. 'Hale' (pronounced HA-lay) means "house" in Hawaiian. The open interior courtyard is patterned after the Bargello, a 13th century palace in Florence, Italy. Public space in the high-ceilinged lobby is often used for art exhibits, concerts and other public events. Between mid-December and the beginning of January, huge statues of Santa and Mrs. Claus in Hawaiian attire, penguins, reindeer and other winter decorations cavort across the expansive lawn and fountains. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A melting pot |
Kohou Street and Dillingham Boulevard City Square Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 800 464 2924 (Tourist information) |
City Square is a hub for malls, whether Ala Moana or Kahala but come July and it's also the venue for one of the biggest street markets in these parts. From popcorn to fresh produce to some of the best street food in Hawaii, The Honolulu Street market has something for everyone. Every weekend from the 30th of June to the last weekend in July, old residents and new, tourists and travelers all add something to the market, and take back an experience that's all their own. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Iolani Palace |
364 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 522 0822 http://www.iolanipalace.org info@iolanipalace.org |
Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately old three-story building is a real treat to tour. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. The Palace Galleries showcases jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes and reservations are suggested. Admission for Grand Tour is USD20 for adults and USD5 for children aged 5-17. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jmcd303 |
 Photo: Bob Davidson |
 Photo: Eclectic Writer |
 Photo: JR Conlin |
 Photo: Arnaldo Interata |
 Photo: Christie Eden |
 Photo: Niel Bornstein |
 Photo: jen_nifer_72 |
 Photo: evanj27 |
 Photo: Jacob C. |
 Photo: Peter Czukor |
 Photo: hbjockorg |
 Photo: Lene Madsen |
 Photo: Ricky Bloomfield |
 Photo: Jeff Nelson |
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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... sylvia_pelizza@fws.gov |
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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Historic Hawaiian church |
957 Punchbowl Street (corner of Punchbowl and South King streets) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 522 1333 |
Built by Christian missionaries in the 1830s and 1840s, this church has always frequented by Hawaiian royalty. The handsome gray edifice, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was constructed of 14,000 coral blocks. The upper gallery houses a collection of portraits of Hawaiian monarchs. Traditional Hawaiian-language services are held here every Sunday. The pews at the rear are still reserved for descendants of Hawaii's royalty. Free tours of the church are offered on weekdays from 9a-1p and on Sundays after morning services. Call for reservations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richie Yamashiroya |
 Photo: Brandon Flores |
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Important landmark |
417 South King Street (Between Mililani and Punchbowl streets) Honolulu, HI 96813 United States +1 808 539 4999 http://www.judiciaryhistorycen... jhchawaii@yahoo.com |
Ali`iolani Hale is an important historical building in downtown Honolulu; originally designated as a new royal palace, it was completed in 1874, and currently houses the Judiciary History Center of Hawaii. The structure is modeled on the architecture of the Italian renaissance masters, and a golden statue of King Kamahameha I has been erected on the lawn. The Center is the hub of legal activity and education, and is open to the general public. Other government offices are also housed alongside it in Ali`iolani Hale. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Relics of the missionary past |
553 South King Street Between Alapai & Punchbowl Honolulu, HI 96813-3002 United States +1 808 531 0481 http://www.missionhouses.org/ info@missionhouses.org |
Protestant missionaries established their headquarters on this site in 1820. The prim New England-style white Frame House dates to 1821. The Coral House, so named because it was built from blocks of coral, houses the original iron and mahogany printing press. Descendants of the state's missionary families operate the museum. Museum tours are given daily. On Kama`aina Days "living history" guides dressed in period costume demonstrate 19th-century life in Hawaii. Check website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Outdoor performance venue |
777 Ward Avenue (Department of Enterprise Services) Honolulu, HI 96814 United States +1 808 527 5400 / +1 808 591 2211 (Box Office) http://www.blaisdellcenter.com/ |
While the name might make one think of gas stations, this place is actually a shell-shaped structure that has nothing to do with petrol or quik-marts. The Shell is a part of the Blaisdell Center and is located at the foot of Diamond Head, in a picturesque garden setting. There are concerts, political rallies and even corporate parties hosted here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francis Rompon, jr. |
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Dining and drinking hot spot |
500 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813-4920 United States |
From Ala Moana Boulevard, the lights of Restaurant Row can be seen twinkling merrily at night, casting a glow on the hundreds of people that find their way to this dining and entertainment Mecca. With a dozen restaurants, varied shops, several nightlife options and a movie theater onsite, this is one of the top evening visitor's attractions in Honolulu. Popular Row restaurants include Sunset Grill and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. All of the establishments here accept credit cards, though there is no standard in terms of which cards are accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donna S Nakasue |
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The island experience |
680 Iwilei Rd, Ste 700 Honolulu, HI 96817 United States +1 808 539 9400 / +1 800 831 5541 http://www.robertshawaii.com/ reservations@robertshawaii.com |
The island of Oahu is jam-packed with activities, shopping and attractions. Sometimes it becomes important to organize your time, which is precisely where Roberts of Hawaii comes in. This company is considered the premier tour company in the state of Hawaii. It facilitates every activity imaginable and is the first phone number to call if you need help planning an itinerary. Island tours, overnighters and packages are available. A favorite is Moonlight and Magic, a dinner cruise on the Ali'i Kai followed by a magic show. Review © 2007, Wcities |