Hawaii Tourist Attractions  

"Must See Tourist Attractions in Hawaii."

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Kauai   Oahu   Molokai   Maui   Big Island   National Parks

Kauai

Kauai Sea Tours - Aloha! Kauai Sea Tours invites you on the Hawaiian adventure of a lifetime - a boating tour along the spectacular Na Pali coast of Kauai.

Koke'e Natural History Museum - Koke'e Museum provides interpretive programs and exhibitions about Kaua'i' s ecology, geology and climatology.  Kokee's Museum also provides basic information on trail conditions in Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Parks.

Kauai Adventure Trek - Take a beautiful bike ride through a former sugar plantation and on through Kauai's only sugar cane tunnel. Your bike trek will take you through many places seldom seen by locals or visitors. You will picinic and swim. After lunch you will continue on a short ride to the trailhead, where you will hike along the spectacular coastline of Mahaulepu to a secret beach.

National Tropical Botanical Gardens - The National Tropical Botanical Garden is dedicated to the conservation of tropical plant diversity, particularly rare and endangered species.

Oahu

The Contemporary Museum - Here you'll find galleries exhibiting the work of leading contemporary artists, an eclectic gift shop, and a cafe that's one of the best-kept secrets in town, all on a peaceful 3-1/2 acre garden setting in Makiki Heights, Honolulu.

Chinatown Hawaii - Chinatown is Hawaii's most exciting and mysterious neighborhood. The historic district is located in downtown Honolulu, and has long been a popular gathering place for kamaaina and visitors. As a gateway to Hawaii for many immigrants, Chinatown is a colorful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures.

Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens - Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens in Oahu, Hawaii, is a 725 acre Garden owned by former US Senator Hiram Fong, offering narrated tram tours through five scenic valleys and plateaus with palms, fruit and nut trees, ferns, and fragrant flowers.

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii - The mission of the Japanese Cultural Center is to preserve and promote the Japanese culture in Hawaii to present and future generations and create a unified bridge of understanding and respect among cultures. The Center offers a variety of interesting programs, classes, workshops, and festivals.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park - Dive in and submerge yourself in the intriguing history of USS Bowfin (SS-287), one of only 15 U.S. WWII submarines still in existence today. Find out why she is nicknamed the 'Pearl Harbor Avenger,' and learn more about the exciting adventures of her crew.

Honolulu Zoo - Over 750,000 people visit the Honolulu Zoo annually. It is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles and unique in that it is the only zoo in the United States originating from a King's grant of royal lands to the people.

Hawaii Maritime Center - Enjoy the excitement of the Honolulu waterfront and harbor at Pier 7. You'll get a close-up view of Aloha Tower plus a chance to experience Hawaii's largest maritime attraction. Visitors can enjoy the King Kalakaua boathouse museum, see the Famous Hokule`a, a famous Polynesian sailing canoe and other exciting exhibits.

Fostern Botanical Garden - Foster Botanical Garden is home to a collection of rare and beautiful plants from the tropical regions of the world. Some are rare or endangered in their native habitat.

Waikiki Aquarium - The Waikiki Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States. Over 2,300 organisms in exhibits represent more than 326 species of aquatic animals and plants.

IMAX Theatre Waikiki - At first you’re on the edge of your seat then you feel like part of the picture. Start with a giant screen over 5 1/2 stories tall. Next, experience 12,000 watts of wraparound digital sound. And finally, seat yourself in a specially designed theatre with stadium-style seating for a totally unobstructed view.

Bishop Museum - Hawaii's best displays on Hawaiian history and natural history, and the world’s finest collection of arts of the Pacific.

Dole Plantation - Dole Plantation is the home of the Pineapple Garden Maze, the World’s Largest Maze according to The Guinness Book of World Records 1998. Learn everything you wanted to know about pineapple as you see displays about the history of the pineapple, Jim Dole’s contributions to the pineapple industry and video presentation of pineapple processing.

Polynesian Cultural Center - Visit Hawaii's favorite visitor attraction. Visitors can enjoy 7 Pacific island villages on 42 tropical acres, Hawaii's most authentic luau, Horizons,"" the island's largest evening show, Hawaii's only canoe pageant ,A Polynesian art and handicrafts marketplace, and an IMAX theater.

Sea Life Park - Located just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins dance, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical place by the sea.

olani Palace State Monument - `Iolani Palace was the official residence of King Kalakaua and his Queen, Kapi`olani, from 1882 until the King's death in 1891. The Palace also served as official residence for Kalakaua's sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani, until the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893. This National Historic Landmark is the only state residence of royalty in the United States. Corner of South King Street and Richards Street, downtown Honolulu. (808) 522-0832.

Honolulu Academy of Arts - Developed from founder Anna Rice Cooke's initial gift of approximately 4,500 works of art, the Academy's collection now totals over 34,000 pieces and is internationally recognized for its quality and diversity. The Academy is Hawaii's only general art museum, and its holdings, almost equally divided between Western and Asian art, are encyclopedic in nature and scope.

USS Missouri Memorial - The Battleship Missouri Memorial provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in military and Pacific history. The ship will come alive through state-of-the art displays and face to face encounters with former crew members.

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Hawaii Opera Theatre produces grand operas which feature international conductors, directors, and singers.

Hawaii Theatre - Proclaimed as the 'Pride of the Pacific,' the beautiful Hawaii Theatre opened its doors in 1922 in downtown Honolulu. Built by Consolidated Amusement Company as a showplace for vaudeville, plays, musicals and silent films. In May 1996, the Theatre reopened it doors as a multi-purpose state-of-the art performance center.

The Hawaiian Railway - Train rides down Hawaii's historical railroad tracks are available year round.

Paradise Cove - Step back in time and into history at a genuine Hawaiian luau. Paradise Cove is the home to 12 lush beachfront acres, which becomes the perfect setting for the best luau in Hawaii.

Molokai

Molokai Ranch - Headquartered in the historic plantation town of Maunaloa with over 54,000 sprawling acres, or almost 1/3 of the island of Molokai, Molokai Ranch has been part of island life for more than a century. Molokai Ranch & Lodge is dedicated to preserving Molokai's natural environment and cultural history while providing quality lodging and recreational activities.

Maui

Whalers Village Museum - The history-oriented museum brings to life Lahaina's whaling era (1825-1860) with hundreds of artifacts, photo murals and interpretive graphics. The story is told through the eyes of an ordinary sailor or "whaleman," and illustrates the challenges of daily life on the sea.

Maui Myth & Magic Theatre - Maui Myth & Magic Theatre Presents 'Ulalena, a theatrical experience as impressive as the story. This is not just a theatre. It is a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art venue built for this presentation. It employs the talents of some of Hawaii's most distinguished musicians and performers, combining live traditional Hawaiian music with 8-channel surround sound.

Maui Cave Adventures - Hike with experienced guides deep into the subterranean passages of one of the world's largest lava tubes. Witness this ancient cavern system that was created from hot molten lava flowing 30,000 years ago!

Maui Arts & Cultural Center - Overlooking Kahului Harbor, at the foot of dramatic Iao Valley, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center is Hawai‘i's finest and most comprehensive visual and performing arts complex. The center offers a variety of cultural activities, concerts, shows, and more.

The Sugar Cane Train - The Sugar Cane Train takes visitors on a ride between historic Lahaina town and the resorts of Kaanapali. Relax in an open-air coach whose nostalgic charm recalls the days of old Hawaii.

Warren & Annabelle's Magic - 'If you only see one show on Maui, this is it!' says Maui Revealed Guidebook. Warren Gibson, highly acclaimed showman and one of the country's premier sleight-of-hand magicians, treats you to his incredible style of close-up magic, sense of humor and southern hospitality in this beautiful $1.2 million venue.

Maui Ocean Center - The Maui Ocean Center is a state-of-the-art aquarium that brings this intriguing underwater world within easy reach of Maui's visitors and residents. Visitors to the Maui Ocean Center enjoy a combination of indoor and outdoor displays with emphasis on exploring and discovering the ocean and its complexity.

Big Island

Hilo Tropical Gardens - Nestled on land owned by the estate of one of Hawaii's last princesses, Hilo Tropical Gardens, established in 1948, is one of Hawaii Island's oldest visitor gardens.

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo - The Panaewa Zoo is located in Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii. The zoo is the only Zoo in the United States situated in a tropical rain forest.

Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center - This facility was established to commemorate Col. Ellison S. Onizuka, U.S. Air Force, who lost his life aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986 along with six other American Astronauts. The Center is dedicated to reaching out to children and adults to further their understanding of Science and Space through interactive displays and experiences. One Keahole St., Kailua-Kona. (808) 329-3441.

Pacific Tsunami Museum - The museum features a series of in-house permanent exhibits that interpret the tsunami phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning system, the history of tsunamis in the Pacific Basin, tsunamis of the future, myths and legends about tsunamis, and public safety measures for tsunami disasters.

Nani Mau Gardens - Nani Mau Gardens, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, has evolved into a treasure of the Islands with 20 acres of many-splendored tropical flowers and trees, pools and waterfalls and sun dappled paths. Here are orchids and anthuriums and native Hawaiian plants.

World Botanical Gardens - World Botanial Gardens are the largest botanical gardens in the state of Hawaii with more than 5000 species. Umauma Falls are acclaimed by most visitors to be the most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Hawaii. The rainforest walk may be the most peaceful place in the world. Located north of Hilo in Umauma, 1/2 mile off Highway 19, near mile marker 16. (808) 963-5427.

National Parks

Haleakala National Park - The Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakala on the island of Maui and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Kalaupapa National Historic Park - Two tragedies occurred on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north shore of the island of Moloka`i; the first was the removal of indigenous people in 1865 and 1895, the second was the forced isolation of sick people to this remote place from 1866 until 1969. The removal of Hawaiians from where they had lived for 900 years cut the cultural ties and associations of generations of people with the `aina (land). The establishment of an isolation settlement, first at Kalawao and then at Kalaupapa, tore apart Hawaiian society as the kingdom, and subsequently, the territory of Hawai`i tried to control a feared disease. The impact of broken connections with the `aina and of family members "lost" to Kalaupapa are still felt in Hawai`i today.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park - Established in 1978 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture, Kaloko-Honokohau NHP is an 1160 acre park full of incredible cultural and historical significance. It is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement which encompasses portions of four different ahupua'a, or traditional sea to mountain land divisions. Resources include fishponds, kahua (house site platforms), ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs), holua (stone slide), and heiau (religious site).

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site - The founding of the Hawaiian kingdom can be directly associated with one structure in the Hawaiian Islands: Pu'ukohola Heiau. The temple was constructed to incur the favor of the war god Kuka'ilimoku. Built between 1790-91 by Kamehameha I (also known as Kamehameha the Great), together with chiefs, commoners, men, women and children. As British sailor John Young looked on, the temple was built and dedicated, a chief rival was sacrificed, and the war god Ku was pleased. Kamehameha I waged several subsequent battles using Western military strategy and weapons to extend his control over all Hawaiian Islands. The monarchy he established lasted 83 years, from 1810-1893.

US S Arizona Memorial - The Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona and commemorates the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Memorial was dedicated in 1962, and became a National Park Service area in 1980.

This week's Hawaii article

Hawaii Cruise - Travel by Land or Sea?
by: Jeremy Thompson

So, you want to plan a trip to Hawaii. There are lots of options to consider when planning your vacation and they may seem overwhelming. A good starting point might be to think about how you are planning to arrive in this tropical paradise. Since Hawaii is, after all, an island there are only two ways to get there: by sea or by air. When calculating time from California, your choice is between five hours in the air or five days by sea. Now, I know there's a big difference in time, but a Hawaii cruise might be just the excitement and relaxation you're looking for.

Depending on your preference of travel, a Hawaii cruise might sound much more appealing to you than traveling by plane. It is inevitable that every time you step onto an airplane, even if you did pay top dollar for first class, you find yourself in an overcrowded area, in close quarters with several hundred people, many who are possibly ill.

You probably do everything you can, short of jump off the plane, to pass the grueling five hours. Then once you're off the plane you spend another hour or more enduring airport security and looking for your luggage before you even begin the trip to your hotel. Wow, doesn't sound like a great way to start a relaxing vacation. And just think, you get to do it all over again at the end of your trip, too.

Now, visualize yourself heading to your departure point and arriving right at your hotel. No long security lines, no crowded planes. When you travel by ship on a Hawaii cruise it's just like checking into your hotel and relaxing while you head to your destination. You can put your luggage in your room and head straight to the pool deck, enjoy a cocktail, and spend the first five hours of your vacation basking in the tropical sun rather than dodging someone else's germs.

When it comes down to it there's really no comparison. I know I would much rather spend my vacation to Hawaii relaxing on a cruise ship than wasting it in an airport. You will return home relaxed and calm from a week of pampering and luxury instead of stressed to the max from a long flight. The choice is yours, spend you days and nights in a luxurious room, enjoying delicious meals on a cruise ship of your preference, and you will truly enjoy your getaway to the paradise of the Hawaiian islands.

Get Started Planning Your Hawaii Vacation
by: Jeremy Thompson

Hawaii is by far one of the most popular tourist destinations around. If you're dreaming of a Hawaii vacation or already starting to plan one you'll need to do your research to find out all of the available options for fun in the sun. There are a variety of Hawaii vacations available to suit the needs of everyone's style, budget and preferences, and length of stay in the beautiful island state.

When going on a Hawaii vacation many tourists choose vacations focused on the beach. After all, Hawaii boasts its stunning, white-sand beaches. The island of Maui alone has 80 beautiful beaches along 120 miles of coastline while Oahu has 130 beaches. Whether you want to relax in the sand soaking up some sun, swim, or even go snorkeling, Hawaii offers many opportunities for underwater and above-water activities.

Snorkeling is one of the must-do activities on any Hawaii vacation. Hawaiian snorkeling is great for swimmers of any level and gives you a glorious fish's-eye view of the numerous unique, colorful fish and exotic underwater sea life. Rental shops on the beaches have snorkeling equipment available for a small fee per day, while many resorts offer equipment free of charge.

There are a variety of other fun Hawaii vacation activities to choose from after you are done snorkeling. As you plan your days in paradise you will want to plan ahead and decide which sound most appealing to you. Other water activities include surfing, parasailing, and sailing. Many tourists surf for their very first time off the coast of one of Hawaii's beaches. Skilled surfers often come back to Hawaii time after time to catch some of the world's best waves and highest surfs.

If you're not into water activities you may want to consider adding some of Hawaii's other amazing attractions to your itinerary. Nature lovers will enjoy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. As you drive or even hike through the park you'll catch breathtaking views of Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Steaming Bluff, and Devastation Trail. Majestic waterfalls can also be seen on your trek through this popular park.

For a taste of culture on your Hawaii vacation there are some marvelous places you won't want to miss. Learn about Hawaii's history at the Polynesian Culture Center or experience some American history at Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. You won't want to miss a traditional Hawaiian luau complete with Hawaiian food, music, and dancing.

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