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Hawaii is an archipelago formed by several islands, islets and atolls, of spectacular beauty and landscapes. All surrounded by sea, volcanoes and mountains. It is located in the Pacific Ocean and in the southwestern United States, with a culture of Polynesian roots and American, Mexican and Asian influences. Its official language is English along with Hawaiian.
Historic Places to Know in Honolulu
Honolulu means “Place of refuge”, and it is the capital and the most populous city of Hawaii; located south of the island of Oahu. Place of many charms and magic, with a good variety of places to know and enjoy. Activities of all kinds, whether historical, cultural or tourist, by land, air and sea; famous for its beaches with crystal blue waters.
The Bishop Museum or Polynesian culture
The Bishop Museum was created by Charles Bishop in 1889 to honor his wife Bernice Pauahi Paki, princess and final descendant of the Kamehameha royal family. This museum is also called the “Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History.”
Partly because it contains some collectibles from the Polynesian culture and heritage of the princess, but also because there is a part dedicated to science, that is, with a good collection of insects; the third largest in the United States, with 13.5 million species.
This museum represents Romanesque style architecture, specifically Richardsonian, that is, a variation of neo-Romanesque architecture, developed in the 19th century by Henry Richardson. Strong and clean structures, rounded arches, short columns and low entrances, among others.
The House of the Last Monarchs in Hawaii or the Iolani Palace
A place very visited by many tourists and located in the central part of Honolulu, with European-style architecture. We are talking about the last monarchs who lived in this palace, King Kalakaua and his successor to his reign, his sister Liliuokalani. This reign was established in 1810, thanks to the union of several territories such as Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii.
By 1893 the reign came to an end, as the queen abdicated, thanks to the coup by the United States to establish first the Provisional Government of the island and then the Republic of Hawaii, already by 1894. It is worth visiting this palace , observe its decoration and paintings that belonged to royalty. In addition, this was the first place that had both telephone and electricity on the entire island.
Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Wall of Names
In December 1941, during World War II, thousands of marines and sailors were attacked and killed by the Japanese, on the USS Arizona, of the United States Navy. About 1,177 died. So, at the point where the events occurred, certain structures were built to commemorate and honor these characters from the Pearl Harbor story.
The Memorial was built in 1962, among them, we have the museum formed by the plaques with the names in honor of the victims, which runs along the coast of the bay. Also, the audiovisual center where the documentary about the attack is screened. Likewise, there is the exhibition of some war missiles.
The USS Bowfin submarine gives you an idea of what the ship was like internally. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, where the surrender of the Japanese and the end of the war was signed, was donated in 1998. We also find the aviation museum and the USS Oklahoma memorial, paying tribute to 429 sinking victims.
Places to enjoy the outdoors in Honolulu
The dormant Diamante Head or Diamond Head volcano
This volcano is considered extinct, because it has been inactive for 150,000 years, and with very little probability that it will erupt in the future. It is considered one of the least dangerous volcanoes for the island. From its highest surface you can see the incredible panoramic view of Hawaii, sailboats, surfers, rowers, among others.
It is a volcanic cone, which is very close to the Waikiki beach. Due to its wonderful views, the American government uses it as a military base, since it conserves 5 military batteries, communicating everything through tunnels and stairs of the time, which allow you to climb to the top of it. We are talking about 760 feet or 231 meters high.
Hanauma Bay, a natural reserve of beaches and turtles
The bay is formed by an ancient and extinct crater, which was formed more than 1000 years ago, thanks to a volcanic eruption. It is located on the island of Oahu, a short distance from the famous and popular beach called Waikiki. With abundant vegetation, clean sand, crystal clear turquoise waters.
Its blue sky and bright by the sun, so characteristic of this bay and its panoramic views, will make those exciting hours unforgettable. In this place there are special places for diving or snorkeling; So this is an essential visit in Hawaii, home to various marine species, very large and green turtles, corals and various tropical fish.
Waikiki Beaches and Downtown Honolulu
One of the most famous beaches in Hawaii is that of Waikiki. It runs along the entire main avenue, full of large category and luxury hotels, shops to do some shopping, first-class restaurants, with its varied cuisine and much more. Its white sand beaches and beautiful palm trees stretch from central Honolulu to the east, via the famous Diamond Head Crater.
You can enjoy many activities of diving, surfing, swimming, sunbathing and trying typical Hawaiian fruit-based cocktails. In addition, you can enjoy the best private tours in any of the Hawaiian islands, sailing over the spectacular and colorful coral reefs, watching the dolphins.
Likewise, you can watch the sunset or have fun with a good hula hula show for free. Also, you can see the famous statue of the father of modern surfing, called Duke Kahanamoku.
Other tourist attractions you should not miss in Honolulu
The Manoa Waterfall
A few kilometers from Waikiki Beach, and for nature lovers, is the most popular waterfall in Honolulu and of course, Hawaii: the famous Manoa waterfall, which is about 46 meters high. Magical and natural place, which is located within an exuberant and very rich vegetation.
To get to it, we reach the nearest road and then a 2.4-kilometer hike is undertaken, taking about 2 hours to reach the waterfall. During the tour, many ecosystems are observed that are worth photographing. It is important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, in case it rains at some point during the tour.
The Honolulu Zoo
For animal lovers, we find this fabulous zoo between Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head crater. It consists of 42 acres, being home to more than 1230 species such as reptiles, birds, giraffes, komodo dragons, among others. The zoo has the advantage of having a pavilion for young children, where they can share and play with the animals.
It also has certain outdoor areas where animals such as giraffes, hyenas, lions, hippos, rhinos, crocodiles and zebras walk and walk as if they were in their natural habitat, in the savannas of the African continent. Likewise, the zoo has a great variety of gardens, flowers and native plants of Hawaii.
The Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is a region of beautiful emerald-hued cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys. One of the most fascinating regions of the magical shores of Hawaii. Jungles that are crossed by streams, turquoise beaches, white sand and large palm trees. We talked about the Kalalau trail, which goes through 5 valleys and panoramic views of this Na Pali coast.
This trail consists of 17.7 kilometers, being the only land route to Kalalau beach. To explore these coasts you can also go by air, sea or on foot. Of course, each of these avenues offers very different perspectives when it comes to taking the best souvenir photos.
The Mauna Kea Observatories
According to its geography, it is said to be the highest mountain island on the planet and the highest in the Pacific basin. With an elevation of 9,750 meters from the ocean floor, up to 4,205 meters above sea level. Visiting this summit is like being on top of the globe.
Many tourists end their trip at this fabulous point. It has the largest telescopes on the planet, including equipment from countries like France, Canada and of course, the University of Hawaii. Because it is said that stargazing at this summit is incomparable to other places.
Finally, we can mention that in Honolulu there are many more activities to know. For example, for the more adventurous and who like excitement, they have activities through helicopter tours, underwater scooter adventures or paddling on a kayak.
Likewise, a catamaran cruise through the turtle canyon, diving with sharks inside a cage, paragliding experiences, a zip line tour at the Kualoa ranch, among others. Therefore, you will have a lot of fun sports to experiment with.
