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A Guide to Tourist Places on Oahu Welcome to the Guide to Tourist Places on Oahu. Here you will find descriptions and recommendations for the best tourist places to go on Oahu. Note that this review covers places designed especially for tourists and do not include the beaches and other outdoor activities, or "local" places, which are covered elsewhere. They are arranged loosely by category and are all rated by puka shell leis, from one (skip) to five (must see). Scenic Spots Diamond Head Address: Next to Kaimuki Rating: 5.0 puka shell leis Review: Who hasn't seen a picture of Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head rising up in the background? The classic tourist spot, even locals go to climb up this relatively short extinct volcano. The trail is easy, except for a steep staircase and some crawling through an old military observation post (bring a flashlight), but the reward is a spectacular view of Honolulu. Pali Lookout Location: Off the Pali Highway Rating: 5.0 puka shell leis Review: One of the best views on the island is off the Pali Highway at the Pali Lookout. Here, you can enjoy an amazing view of the Windward Side of Oahu. This was the sight of a great battle where King Kamehameha's troops (from the Big Island of Hawaii), pushed the troops of Oahu over the cliff to secure Oahu for King Kamehameha. At times, the wind blows so hard here that you can actually lean forward into the wind and not fall over. Halona Blowhole Location: Just east of Hanauma Bay Rating: 5.0 puka shell leis Review: Located between Sandy Beach and Hanauma Bay, the lookout at Halona Blowhole is well worth a stop. On a clear day, one can see the islands of Molokai and Lanai. The main attraction, though, is the blowhole itself. Halona Blowhole is actually a lava tube where incoming waves push through the tube and blow upwards, like a geyser, at a hole in the surface of the rock. The larger the waves, the larger the spray. Historical Sights & Museums Iolani Palace Address: 364 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808-538-1471 Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9am - 2:15pm Price: Adults: $8.00, Children 5-12: $2.00 (no children under 5 allowed) Rating: 4.0 puka shell leis Review: Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil and was last occupied by King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'oukalani. The Queen was imprisoned in this palace after the monarchy was overthrown by American landowners with the support of the U.S. government (yes, the U.S. overthrew a soveriegn nation in order to seize its land and make it first a territory and then a state -- bet they didn't teach you that in U.S. history class). The Palace can be seen in a 45 minute tours that start every 15 minutes but reservations are highly recommended. Queen Emma Summer Palace Address: 2913 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96817 Phone: 808-595-3167 Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9am - 2:15pm Price: Adults: $5.00, Juniors 12-18: $1.00. Children under 12: Free Rating: 4.0 puka shell leis Review: The Queen Emma Summer Palace was once the summer residence of the Queen Consort of King Kamehameha IV. The palace was built in 1848 in the Nuuanu Valley, just outside downtown Honolulu. The home now houses Hawaiian historic artifacts, royal memorabilia, and paintings of Hawaii's past Kings and Queens. The property grounds are also beautiful. Bishop Museum Address: Honolulu, HI Phone: Hours: Price: Adults: $14.95, Children (6-17): $11.95, Children under 6: Free Rating: 4.0 puka shell leis Review: Located just off of H1, the Bishop Museum houses a huge collection of Hawaiian artifacts, cultural and geological. It also has a Planetarium and other exhibits. Hawaii's Plantation Village Address: Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, 94-695 Waipahu St., Waipahu, HI 96797 Phone: 808-677-0110 Hours: Monday - Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday: 10am-3pm Price: Adults: $5.00, Children (5-18): $4.00, Children under 4: Free Rating: 4.0 puka shell leis Review: Located in the rural town of Waipahu, Hawaii's Plantation Village shows the plantation life in old Hawaii. Visitors can see how different ethnic groups came together in the sugar cane fields of Hawaii and created a truly unique Hawaiian culture. Tours of the reconstructed plantation village start at the top of every hour, with the last tour at 3pm. Waimea Falls & Adventure Park Address: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Waimea Phone: 808-955-2816 Hours: 10am - 5:30pm Price: Rating: 3.0 puka shell leis Review: Waimea Falls & Adventure Park is located on the North Shore and features exhibits, entertainment, and activities of old Hawaii. It is famous for its cliff diving shows where brave souls dive from the top of the cliffs of Waimea Falls into the pool below. Sea Life Park Address: 41-202 Kalanianaole Highway, Makapuu Point, Hawaii 96795 Phone: 800-548-6262 Hours: Price: Adults: $24.00, Children (4-12): $12.00, Children under 4: Free Rating: 3.5 puka shell leis Review: A tourist favorite, Sea Life Park features 4,000 sea animals in exhibits and marine shows. It is also home to the world's only Wolphin, half dolphin and half false killer whale. The park also has dolphins, penguins (yes, in Hawaii), sea lions, false killer whales, and a huge 300,000 gallon reef tank. There are sea lion shows, dolphin shows, sea bird sanctuary, sea turtle lagoon and more. Honolulu Zoo Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: 808-971-7171 Hours: Open daily, 9am-4:30pm Price: $6.00 Rating: 4.0 puka shell leis Review: The Honolulu Zoo sits right at the base of Diamond Head and is adjacent to Kapiolani Park. It features animals from around the world (including a new African safari exhibit) as well as a large collection of tropical birds. Waikiki Aquarium Address: 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu HI 96815 Phone: 808-923-9741 Hours: Open Everday 9am-5pm except Christmas Price: Adults: $6.00, Juniors 13-17: $2.50, Children under 12: Free Rating: 3.0 puka shell leis Review: The Waikiki Aquarium was built in 1904 and is the third oldest aquarium in the United States. It has just been completely renovated and now houses nearly 350 species of marine life from around Hawaii and the Pacific. Exhibits include sharks, nautilus, corals, sea turtles, and other animals. Hula and Luaus Polynesian Cultural Center Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762 Phone: Rating: 4.5 puka shell leis Review: The Polynesian Cultural Center is the best place to experience everything there is to experience about old Hawaii. Seven Pacific island villages, are set up on 42 lush acres, and there are numerous shows and exhibits that showcase each culture. The peoples of Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and many others are beautifully and excitingly (if not a bit touristy) portrayed here. It all culminates in a final spectatular luau and show in the evening that shouldn't be missed. World War II spots Arizona Memorial Address: Pearl Harbor Phone: Rating: 5.0 puka shell leis Review: There is no more somber place on Oahu than the Arizona memorial. The memorial commemerates the 1,102 Americans killed (and still entombed) when the battleship Arizona sank during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that plunged the U.S. into World War II. Visitors take a small boat from the dock to the actual memorial, which spans the sunken battleship. A grim sight is the list of those killed and the fact that oil still leaks from the battleships tanks. You shouldn't miss this testiment to lost American lives. Also note that the battleship Missouri, where the declaration that ended World War II was signed, is now permanently docked next to the Arizona and is open to the public. A fitting place for the start and the end of American involvement in World War II. Punchbowl Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific Address: Punchbowl Crater Phone: Rating: 4.0 puka shell leis Review: Punchbowl Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific is a huge cemetary and memorial dedicated to all military deaths. Located inside Punchbowl crater (an extinct volcano), it is actually quite airy and peaceful. Be sure to check out the murals which show a brief history of the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Other Sights Dole Plantation Address: 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, HI 96786 Phone: 808-621-8408 Hours: Daily 9am - 6pm (Closed Christmas) Price: Free Rating: 1.5 puka shell leis Review: Convienently located on the drive to the North Shore, the Dole Plantation showcases 21 varieties of pineapples and boasts the world's largest pineapple maze garden. There isn't much else to see so just make this a stop along the way instead of a final destination. Any additional places that I should know about and review? Please let me know by e-mailing me the name and address so I can check it out. Thanks. All material © Copyright 2005 by Dakine.net