Touting a wide spectrum of tourist-friendly locations, Honolulu is a land to gaze at from light to dark. Clock moves continuously, time passes at its usual pace, but you can never succeed to explore the each and every enthralling corner of the city. We have compiled an article featuring the top picks of the city possessing and boasting their ageless beauty and charm. Read on further to know which places are worth your attention and visit that can make you succumb to their flawless grace.
Diamond Head
Image by Eric Barsby via Wikimedia Commons
Diamond Head is situated near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. It is famed as he most prominent landmark in Hawaii attracting visitors for its hiking trail, intriguing military history, and splendid coastal views. Spreading across 475 acres of land, Diamond Head was formed about 300,000 years back. This volcanic tuff cone is also fondly called Lēʻahi. It has been inactive for 150,000 years. A lighted tunnel linking to a narrow spiral staircase inside a coastal artillery observation, water fountain at the foot of the trail, and stunning view of the shoreline spreading from Koko Head to Wai‘anae are a few major highlights of Diamond Head. To leave a long-lasting impression on visitors' mind, there has been a Diamond Head interpretive kiosk built where you can purchase Diamond Head themed merchandise and things related to Diamond Head.
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, United States
Phone: 1 808.587.0300
Operation Hours: Opens Daily (6:00 am-6:00 pm)
Website: www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument
Iolani Palace
Image by Anna via Wikimedia Commons
You will be amazed to know that it is the only royal palace in the United States, and Honolulu became the lucky one to have it. Iolani Palace belonged to the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and Kamehameha III became its first ruler under the Kamehameha Dynasty. Queen Liliʻuokalani was its last ruler under the Kalākaua Dynasty. This National Historic Landmark was built in 1882. Delve into Hawaii’s royal heritage and take the joy of living restorations. Kauikeaouli, Kinau, Hakaleleponi, and Likelike are the four principal gates of this majestic creation. The Coronation Pavilion is considered the centerpiece of this palace and used by The Royal Hawaiian Band to perform its concerts. You can also take a visit to Iolani Barracks which were beautifully designed by noted architect Theodore Heuck and currently it features a Palace Shop, video theatre, and a ticket office.
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Phone: 1 808.522.0822
Operation Hours: Monday-Saturday (9:00 am-4:00 pm); remains closed on Sundays
Website: www.iolanipalace.org
USS Arizona Memorial
Image by TSgt Michael Holzworth via Wikimedia Commons
Nestled at Pearl Harbor, The USS Arizona Memorial was constructed in the memory of sailors and Marines who were killed on The USS Arizona in an unfortunate and surprise attack by Japanese on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. United Nations' engagement into World War II was the aftermath of that impromptu attack by Japan. This 184 feet long memorial was designed by a famous Honolulu architect Alfred Preis. The three vital components of this memorial are: entry, central assembly room, and shrine. The central assembly room is marked with seven whopping open windows commemorating the date of the event. The entrance is adorned with Arizona's one of the three 19,585 pounds anchors. The shrine is a wall made up of marbles commemorating the names of all those killed in the attack. The memorial also features a small plaque which is encrypted with the names of those crew members who managed to save their lives in the 1941 sinking.
Address: One Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, United States
Phone: 1 808.422.3300
Operation Hours: Opens Daily (7:00 am-4:30 pm)
Website: www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/pearl-harbor/arizona-memorial
The Waikiki Aquarium
Image by holo✽holo via https://goo.gl/maps/SHcXFmFZ4XG2
The Waikiki Aquarium made its entry on March 19, 1904. It is popular as the second oldest public aquarium in the nation. It was formerly known as the Honolulu Aquarium. According to a world-famed biologist David Starr Jordan, this aquarium is believed to possess the finest collection of fishes around the globe. In 1904, Frederick A. Potter became the first Director of the Waikiki Aquarium. The sincere mission of this facility is to promote the conservation of Pacific marine life and rope in people to idealize this thought-provoking mission at every level of the society.
Address: 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Phone: 1 808.923.9741
Operation Hours: Opens Daily (9:00 am-4:30 pm)
Website: www.waikikiaquarium.org
Honolulu Zoo
Image by alvaro espinel via https://goo.gl/maps/wfjQ5RJ1ffx
Sprawling across 42-acre of land, Honolulu Zoo is nestled in Queen Kapiʻolani Park. There are three tropical ecological zones in the zoo: the African Savanna, Pacific Islands, and Asian and American Tropical Forests. Marianas Fruit Dove, Cuban Amazon, Palawan peacock pheasant, Golden lion tamarin, Ruffed lemur, Black rhino, White-handed gibbon, Galapagos tortoise, Nile crocodile, and Giant South American River turtle are amongst some beautiful endangered species residing at the honolulu Zoo. You will be amazed to know that The Honolulu Zoo was the first zoo n the United States to breed Angulated tortoises in 1983 and Galapagos tortoises in 1954 and from 1967-71. Also, the zoo was the first in North America to breed Apapane in 1996. Currently, it is home to 44 species of reptiles, 10 species of Amphibians, 127 species of birds, and 39 species of mammals.
Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Phone: 1 808.971.7171
Operation Hours: Opens Daily (9:00 am-4:30 pm)
Website: www.honoluluzoo.org/default.htm
Foster Botanical Garden
Image by Petra Novotna via https://goo.gl/maps/2aRM4TgxYBG2
Nestled at the intersection of Nu'uanu Avenue and Vineyard Boulevard, Foster Botanical Garden spreads across the 13.5 acres of land. Detach your cords from the chaos of the city and spend revitalizing hours amidst the lush greenery at the Foster Botanical Garden. It is famed as the oldest botanical garden in Honolulu. Foster Garden displays a splendid collection of tropical species of plants and tress. Some of the magnificent highlights of the garden are: Palm Garden, The Conservatory, Outdoor Butterfly Garden, Exceptional Trees, Prehistoric Glen Cycad Collection, and a gift shop.
Address: 180 North Vineyard Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
Phone: 1 808.522.7060
Operation Hours: Opens Daily (9:00 am-4:00 pm)
Website: www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr-menu/site-dpr-sitearticles/568-foster-botanical-garden.html
Mission Cemetery
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The stones of Mission Cemetery were laid in 1823 on the grounds of Kawaiah a`o Church. A private Hawaiian Mission Children's Society maintained the facility. The Mission Cemetery is famed as the oldest Christian graveyard in the state. Elizabeth Edwards Bishop, the second wife of the Reverend Artemas Bishop, was the first adult missionary buried at the cemetery. It also conducts educational tours for the people of all group of ages. Its public programs include family days, workshops, historic house tours, lectures, backpacks, and exhibitions to educate visitors on museum's story and mission.
Address: 553 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Phone: 1 808.447.3910
Operation Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10:00 am-4:00 pm); remains closed on Sundays and Mondays
Website: www.missionhouses.org/
Makapuu Point Light
Image by Naomi Hayes Furukawa via http://www.panoramio.com/photo/23021683
Located on the island of Oahu, this cylindrical-shaped tower has the largest lens of any lighthouse in the nation. It was constructed in 1909. In 1977, it was honored by listing its name on the National Register of Historic Places. The light emitting from this 46-foot high lighthouse is marked as white with red lantern. Don't miss a chance to enjoy the panoramic coastal views by visiting this historic lighthouse. You can also encounter some whales surrounding the foot of the lighthouse.
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Hawaii Theater
Image by Costa Bonnis φhotography via https://goo.gl/maps/3QMxPdAWebR2
The Hawaii Theater is nestled in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. The charm of this facility can be estimated from its presence on the list of the State and National Register of Historic Places. It is more fondly called as the “Pride of the Pacific". This historic Vaudeville theater and cinema has been entertaining its audience for over 90 years. Satiating the entertainment needs of the audience, the theater hosts a lot of vaudeville, ballets, plays, silent films, and music concerts.
Address: 1130 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Phone: 1 808.528.5535
Operation Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (9:00 am-5:00 pm); remains closed on Sundays and Mondays
Website: www.hawaiitheatre.com
Moanalua Gardens
Image by kawamura masamichi via https://goo.gl/maps/JbM8bCgsXqJ2
Moanalua Gardens is a privately owned public park sprawling along the 24-acre of land. It is the famous site of the Kamehameha V Cottage which once belonged to Prince Lot Kapuāiwa and situated at the western end of the garden. It also hosts the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival making the place one of the tourists-thronged places. The beauty of the garden enhances by a whopping umbrella-shaped monkeypod tree which is also famed as Hitachi tree in Japan.
Address: 2850 Moanalua Rd A, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States
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