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Honolulu & O’ahu : Overview & Top 10

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Honolulu & O’ahu

O’ahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, and its conjoined hubs are the city of Honolulu and the world-famous Waikīkī Beach. The vast majority of visitors make Waikīkī their base, venturing out on day trips to take in Honolulu’s many cultural attractions, Pearl Harbor, and other parts of the island. The family-friendly beaches and parks of the South hore and Kāne’ohe District are in striking distance of Honolulu, while diehard surfers head for the North Coast. The Polynesian Cultural Center is also an easy day trip from the city.

  • Polynesian music, dance, and legend.

  • Named after a nearby lion-like rock formation, this old-fashioned restaurant ladles out soups, salads, and its specialties: Slavonic Steak and Mile High Pie.

  • Damien Museum and Archives

    This tiny exhibit on the grounds of St. Augustine’s Church displays treasured artifacts from the life of Blessed Damien de Veuster, the Belgian priest who gave his life to Hansen’s disease sufferers on Moloka’i in the 1870s and ’80s.

  • Hawai’i’s first Congressman was elected to the Senate in 1962 and has since served seven consecutive terms.

  • Diamond Head

    Arguably the most recognizable landmark in all of Hawai’i, this gracefully aging volcanic remnant was named by the Hawaiians Le’ahi, “brow of the yellowfin tuna,” for its shape. Its English name refers to the glinting calcite minerals, which were mistaken for diamonds. The interior has housed military operations and hosted rock concerts. A trail offers sweeping views.

  • No frills here but many feel the serene oceanfront setting away from the crowds of Waikīkī makes up for the simplicity. At the base of Diamond Head, it’s just a short walk to the dining and shopping scenes of Kalākaua Avenue and across the street from Kapi’olani Park.

  • On the side of Kapi’olani Park farthest from Waikīkī, Joanne Trotter has been welcoming guests into her home for almost two decades. Her tasteful house with its big lanai and tropical gardens is filled with heirlooms and artwork. Breakfast included.

  • Diamond Head Crater

    Hawai’i’s most-recognized landmark watches over Waikīkī, its sculpted slopes shadowy green in rainy season, parched brown at other times. In addition to the trail within the crater, a three-mile loop walk allows you to see the changeable peak from a full circle. Start where Monsarrat Avenue meets Diamond Head Road and proceed in either direction. (see Diamond Head Trail).

  • The largest of the community theaters offers beloved musicals to pidgin English fairy tales, contemporary drama to comedy.

  • There is a trail that leads you up to Diamond Head lookout where there is an old world war 2 bunker

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