What comes to mind when someone says “Hawaii”? If you’re like most, visions of white sandy beaches, blue water, gentle breezes, and palm trees come to mind. And you wouldn’t be wrong! But Hawaii is so much more than that, and is in fact, an incredibly diverse state with each island having a unique “vibe” and its own list of things to see and do. So where to begin?
For many visitors, a vacation to Hawaii begins on Oahu – the most populous and the most developed of the islands. Here you’ll find Honolulu, the state capital, along with the famous Waikiki Beach – shadowed by Diamond Head State Monument, the dormant volcano which that is one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural landmarks. Beach-lovers can find many great resorts along the shores of Waikiki, or they can look for more relaxed and quieter locations like Ko Olina, where you’ll find Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa. Visitors can also consider family-friendly beaches such as Kalama Beach at Kailua Beach Park – with picnic areas and plenty of amenities, it is a family-friendly spot with small waves, perfect for little surfers and body-boarders looking to catch their first waves.
Families can look beyond the beaches too, with a number of family-friendly *non-beach* attractions within a 30-minute drive of Waikiki. Visitors can explore Honolulu Zoo to see hundreds of tropical species, or the Waikiki Aquarium which is the third oldest in the USA.
Adults and older children will also find some fascinating things to see and do in Honolulu beyond the beautiful beaches.
There are several museums in the city highlighting the indigenous life and history of the Hawaiian island chain. The Bernice Pauaki Bishop Museum, is home to the biggest collection of Hawaiian artefacts on the planet – some 1.2 million items in fact, from royal carvings to 19th century household objects. Visitors will also want to check out the Iolani Palace, built in 1879, which was the official residence of Hawaiian royalty until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. The only royal palace in the U.S., the Iolani Palace, is situated in the heart of Honolulu and visitors will want to tour both the magnificent rooms and the surrounding grounds for a glimpse into a long-gone era.
Of course, it can’t be overlooked that Honolulu also was the site of one of the darkest hours in American history. At Pearl Harbor – the location of the infamous 1941 Japanese air assault on the U.S. Pacific Fleet that killed over 2,400 American personnel, sank four battleships, and dragged the USA into the Second World War – visitors can tour the memorial of the USS Arizona, the remains of the sunken ship which is now a tribute to the fallen. While the Pearl Harbor National Memorial museums and grounds are free, due to the popularity of this hallowed site, program reservations are recommended.
The paradise that is America’s 50th state does indeed offer the beautiful beaches that everyone thinks of when they think of Hawaii – but the island of Oahu has many places to explore beyond the sun and sand!
Aloha!
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