DK Travel : Honolulu & O’ahu : Places of interest

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Sandy Beach

Renowned for the constant winds that make kite-flying a feature, Sandy Beach also has wicked waves, which routinely slam un-suspecting waders and body surfers into the rock-hard sand. This much-used beach is, therefore, one to treat with respect. So rule number one is: don’t turn your back on the ocean – here or anywhere else, for that matter.
Statue of Lili’uokalani

Weighted with lei (garlands) and symbolism, this exceptionally life-like bronze sculpture of Hawai’i’s last queen stands on the south grounds of the State Capitol (see Capitol District). In her hand she holds a copy of her evocative composition Aloha ’Oe , the 1893 Constitution, and the Kumu Lipo , Hawai’i’s creation story. Ho’okupu (gift offerings) are often left here by sovereignty activists who revere this queen, who was forced to give up the monarchy under protest.
U.S. Army Museum

It’s been called “Waikīkī’s best-kept secret” – a well-designed free museum celebrating the U.S. Army’s many-faceted history in the Pacific. It covers Hawai’i’s “Go for Broke” 100th Infantry Battalion, Waikīkī as a Vietnam War R & R center, and more.
Ulupō Heiau State Monument

Some still arrange leaf-wrapped gift bundles on the massive rock platform, once a site of prayer, sacrifice, ceremony, and divination. Likely built during the time of Kamehameha I, the heiau continued in use until the ancient religion was officially abandoned. If Kailua-bound on Highway 61, turn left into Ulu’oa Street at the Windward YMCA, park in the Y lot or along the street and follow the signs.
Urasenke Teahouse

Teaching Cha-do, the Way of Tea, a ceremony meant to both relax and focus the mind, is the mission of this center endowed by the Urasenke Organization in Kyoto. Tea ceremonies are held Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am; wear comfortable clothes but not shorts.
Waikīkī Beach

This unassuming strip of white sand covered with half-clothed bodies, surfboard racks, and gawking tourists is what the beach is all about. You might think only visitors use it, but you’ll see surfers, daily exercisers, canoe clubs, and other locals enjoying Hawai’i’s best-known beach, too. Dawn and dusk are ideal times to visit.
Waimānalo Bay State Recreation Area

Here you catch sight of uninterrupted white sand that stretches three miles along the coast. The facility includes Waimānalo Beach Park, south of town, and the recreation area to the north. Both offer prime picnic areas, camp sites, restrooms, and showers. The park is right on the road but the recreation area is secluded in an ironwood grove (known as Sherwood Forest, alas, in part because car burglaries are a problem).
Waimānalo Polo Field

Polo, favored by Hawaiian royalty, has a 200-year history here. Honolulu Polo Club matches are held at 2:30pm each Sunday from June through October (adults $3, children under 12 free). There is a shaded grandstand, food for sale, and you’ll find lots of aloha (warmth) for visitors – who have included the UK’s Prince Charles, who played a match here in 1974.
Waimea Valley Audubon Center

Once an adventure park with tram rides and cliff divers, this valley has come under the more benevolent control of the National Audubon Society. The center’s focus is on the conservation of the valley’s layered history through interpretive hikes and cultural activities.

Waimea Valley
Yokohama Bay

So-called because of its popularity with Japanese pole fishermen, this is the last sandy shore on the northwestern coast of O’ahu. It’s also part of a large but undeveloped park complex that stretches around the end of the island to Ka’ena. Though known as a popular surfing site, it is also a place where you can enjoy the beach in relative isolation.