Expand Your Knowledge When You Visit These Cherished Oahu Landmarks
The island of Oahu is well-known for being a surfing mecca, a great place to vacation and bring the family, and home to some of the best food on the islands. But there is more that Oahu is known for: its rich and fascinating history. Yes, you can find adventurer and new experiences at every turn, but you should really consider taking some time away from the sands and the surf to learn more about the history that’s shaped and molded Oahu into the amazing place it is today.
In this article, we’ll show you 6 historical landmarks that you should visit when your travels take you to the island of Oahu.
6 Historic Landmarks to See When in Oahu
Wherever you stay on the island, there’s no doubt that there is a landmark near your accommodations for you to check out. Here are 8 of the many historical landmarks that we think you should make a point to visit.
Diamond Head State Monument
This enormous, dormant volcano leaves a significant and distinctive influence on the profile of Oahu. Visitors are welcome to hike the steep and challenging trail to its summit. And when we say, “steep and challenging,” we mean it. In less than a mile, adventurers ascend 560 feet! The view of Oahu from the summit is one of the most incredible sights in all of Hawaii. If you plan to hike up to the summit, make sure to wear shoes suitable for the task and to bring plenty of water.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay was formed within the crater of an ancient volcano and quickly became a popular location when tourism took off in Hawaii in the early 1900s. It became so popular that, for some time, the bay was closed off to visitors due to over-use and pollution that damaged the ecosystem here. Due to restoration efforts, the bay is once again open. Visitors must sign in and view an educational video about how to respect the land and water in the bay area, as to avoid such problems coming up again.
When you do put in the time and effort to visit Hanauma Bay, you’ll find that the beautiful reefs and other wildlife were worth the work.
The Bishop Museum and Planetarium
Acknowledged as the state’s museum, the Bishop Museum and Planetarium is host to the largest collection of Polynesian artifacts in the world. There are areas that focus on the gods of the islands, which influenced the culture heavily in ancient Polynesia. Other areas bring focus to the state’s natural history. You will also have the privilege to see artifacts from areas of the South Pacific, which were provided to Hawaii by settlers and visitors.
The planetarium is another feature, one that allows visitors to learn more about the nighttime sky above Hawaii. There are many different shows, including ones about dinosaurs and Polynesian culture and history.
The USS Missouri Battleship
The site of the official surrender that led to the end of the second world war, the USS Missouri battleship, is a popular attraction for tourists and war buffs. Visitors can sign up for one of two tours. The longer tour shows tourists the inner mechanics of the ship and provide a more in-depth understanding of it. The shorter tour showcases a more surface-level view of the ship, including the captain’s quarters.
Iolani Palace
Built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the home for Hawaiian royalty until said royalty was deposed by American forces in 1893. Between then and the construction of the capital building in 1969, the palace was considered the capital. After undergoing a period of restoration, Iolani Palace was reopened as a museum in the late 1970s. There is a rich history that can be uncovered when you visit the palace-turned-museum. You will get a glimpse into the lives of Hawaiian royalty, their customs, and their history.
The Honolulu Museum of Art
Much of the impressive collection of works in the Honolulu Museum of Art is in the Asian Art collection. This specific collection aims to highlight the ways that Asian cultures have influenced the culture of Hawaii as it exists today. Of course, there are also plenty of Hawaiian art pieces for visitors to enjoy with their eyes. The artwork here spans through time, from the 1700s to the 21st century. There are even examples of American and European art, including a collection of sculptures. For art enthusiasts visiting Hawaii, it is vital to visit this iconic museum.
Oahu, like all of Hawaii, is steeped in rich history and culture. You should get acquainted with it when you pay a visit to the island. While we understand that the adventure and excitement of other opportunities are certainly a draw for visitors, there’s something to be said for the mind-expanding qualities of learning more about the life, history and culture of Oahu. There is so much to see and learn that you can go on your own educational adventure without leaving the island!
10 of the Best Beaches in the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii is home to iconic beaches that attract thousands of visitors to its many shores each year. There are over 100 beaches to be discovered when one visits Hawaii, so it can be hard to make a selection when planning your next great Hawaiian vacation. All of them boast beautiful sands, stunning ocean landscapes, and the warmth that you expect when you visit the islands. But in this article, we’ll focus on introducing you to 10 of the most beautiful beaches that you can visit after your plane touches down in Hawaii.
10 Must-Visit Hawaiian Beaches to See for Yourself
Black Pot Beach
Located in: Kauai
Kauai is where you can find Hanalei Bay, a spot that boasts three different beaches. Black Pot Beach is easily the most popular beach in the bay, however, as it is located right at the mouth of the beautiful Hanalei River. Children and adults love visiting this beach to pier-jump into the crystal-clear waters, paddleboard, swim, surf and fish. You can even set up camp at Black Pot Beach, which provides you the perfect opportunity to see the sun rise and set over the waters surrounding Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Island.
Kalapaki Beach
Located in: Kauai
If you’re looking for a beach location where you and your family can spend the entire afternoon, Kalapaki Beach on the island of Kauai should be on your travel itinerary. This scenic harbor is host to many opportunities for adventure, for adults and for children. Near Kalapaki Bay are a series of seaside restaurants, which is great for when you need to fuel your body for more boogieboarding, canoeing, kayaking, or playing volleyball in the sand!
Poipu Beach
Located in: Kauai
Known as “Sunny Poipu,” this beach consists of a stretch of warm, white sand. Offshore, visitors can find amazing reefs that should be explored by scuba diving or snorkeling. Boogieboarding and swimming are also incredibly popular pastimes for visitors who step foot on this beach. Poipu Beach also provides an incredible opportunity for beginners to get on a surfboard for the first time, as the currents are gentle enough to accommodate even first-time surfers.
Polihale State Park
Located in: Kauai
If you’re up for some four-wheeling adventure, you should set your sights on Kauai’s Polihale State Park. This remote beach consists of a 17-mile stretch of sand with views of some of the island’s most prominent natural features, like the Napali Cliffs. There is minimal shade in this ethereal spot of Kauai, but the winds that sweep through the area provide some relief from the hot Hawaiian sun.
Waikiki Beach
Located in: Oahu
For visitors taking a trip to Oahu, Hawaii’s number one surfing destination, Waikiki Beach is something that must be experienced. While the crescent-shaped beach is frequently bustling with tourists, it does provide some of the most beautiful beach scenery that you’ll rest your eyes on. Waikiki Beach is where you can find the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel (established in 1927) and get a view of the world’s largest dormant volcano, Diamond Head.
Ko Olina Beach
Located in: Oahu
While you’re visiting Oahu, you should take the kids in your group to Ko Olina Beach on the west side of the island. The calm blue lagoon found here is the perfect place for little ones to splash and play while the adults kick back, relax and soak up the sun. Near the beach are two incredible, award-winning resorts: The Disney Resort and Spa called Aulani, and the Four Seasons Oahu. Talk about a perfect family destination!
Waimea Bay
Located in: Oahu
Are you or your loved ones fond of surfing? Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore is the perfect place to catch some surf or watch others do it! If you visit during the winter months, you’ll get to see some professional-level swells. During your visit to the North Shore, you should stop by the surf town of Haleiwa to immerse yourself in the area’s surf-centered culture.
Ho’okipa Beach
Located in: Maui
If your travels take you to Maui, you should throw down a beach blanket and spend some leisure time at Ho’okipa Beach. During the winter the waves can be pretty intense, but summer provides ample opportunities for casual swimming. If you’re lucky enough to visit at nightfall, you might even get a glimpse of the sea turtles that come onshore during the evening!
Makena Beach
Located in: Maui
Makena Beach is referred to as “The Big Beach” on the island of Maui, as the sands extend nearly a mile long and 100 feet in width. And when you throw down your beach towel and settle in the sand, you have everything that you need for a peaceful, relaxing afternoon at your fingertips. Soak up the sun and admire the beautiful scenery before hitting up the popular food trucks that park near Makena Beach. Locals and tourists alike love this spot because of the views and the incredible, authentic Hawaiian fare that’s served here.
Hulopoe Beach
Located in: Lanai
This treasured crescent of golden-colored sand is located directly beside the Four Seasons Manele Bay, but anyone can pay a visit to Hulopoe Beach whenever they’re in the area! Swimming is a popular activity here due to the gentle waters. During the winter you may get a chance to see humpback whales, and in the summer months spinner dolphins aren’t an uncommon sight. Hulopoe Beach is a fantastic find for lovers of nature, adventure and sight-seeing.
If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation, there’s no doubt that you’re intent on spending some time on one (or more) of the iconic beaches that the islands are so well-known for. While you still have 90 more to choose from, consider this list of 10 note-worthy beaches as a great starting point for making your own plans. No matter where in Hawaii you go, it’s guaranteed that there’s a beach nearby!
Wedding Delivery and Permits
Not only products, but some services can be also “delivered.” In this case – to the beach. Want to have a beautiful beach wedding in the heart of Hawaii? Hawaii is one of those exotic settings that’s ideal for a destination wedding. However, for those who are interested in having a beach wedding, there are various services that you could leverage. Some weddings take place in private estate. Those wedding often needs to be worked through a wedding planner that has access to that estate.
If you are open to it, wedding can also take place on public beach. You do have to get a permit for it, and it’s probably the most cost effective and headache free if you find a wedding planner or a wedding officiant that handles the beach wedding. There are a few options on each island. One thing to note, if you are doing a public beach wedding, there are guest number limitation. Also, because it is a public beach wedding, there could be other people who are already on the beach, and you aren’t legally allowed to make them move.
Each island has many private estate that makes a perfect wedding place. Do some research on it or interview some wedding planners to suit your need.
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