The Island of O'ahu

The Hawaiian island of O'ahu is just about everythingUnited States, bringing an end to World War II.
you'd expect of such a tropical paradise. The islandToday, the Missouri shares the harbor with the
contains enough sights and activities to keep yousunken U.S.S. Arizona, a memorial to all who lost their
enthralled forever. The average temperature on thelives during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7,
island of O'ahu fluctuates somewhere between a1941. Thus, both the beginning and end of World War
comfortable 75 and 85 degrees throughout the year.II are memorialized forever at Pearl Harbor today in
The incredible diversity of the island, from thethe form of these battleships - The submerged
cosmopolitan atmosphere of Honolulu to theArizona and the proud U.S.S Missouri. Each year more
backcountry wildlife, to the pristine sandy beaches ofthan 1.5 million people visit the Pearl Harbor Navy
the northern shore, O'ahu is home to almost a millionBase, located about 45 minutes west of Waikiki, and
residents and over 80,000 guests visiting the islandpay tribute to the many that lost their lives there.
on any given day of the year.Take a stroll though the Foster Botanical Gardens
Here is a selection of some popular destinations inFoster Botanical Gardens, located on the edge of
O'ahu you should look into:downtown Honolulu, is home to the nation's largest
The Lookout on Pali Highwaycollection of tropical plants. Some of the amazing
You definitely need to take a trip to the lookout onspecies exhibited include plantings of palms, heliconia,
the Pali Highway. The highway traverses theorchids, and a primitive cycad garden as well.
gorgeous rainforest, providing breathtaking viewsDiamond Head Hike
from the world famous Nu`uanu Pali Lookout. FromOne of O'ahu's most famous landmarks, Diamond
the lookout, the villages of Windward O'ahu, theHead is a 760 foot crater. This is a hike you definitely
sparkling sweep of Kaneohe Bay, and the crystal blueshould not miss out on! Once used as a military
surface of the Pacific spread for miles below. Lesslookout, it is a vantage point from which you can
than a half hour from Waikiki, the Lookout is aview a spectacular, panoramic view of Waikiki and
perfect place to gain an overall perspective on thisthe south shore of O'ahu. Bring Your Sunglasses!
tropical paradise. But make sure you don't forget toThe Bishop Museum
bring plenty of extra film when you visit the lookout!Located in Honolulu, the Bishop Museum houses many
The Lolani Royal Palace of Hawaiiartifacts from the days of King Kalakaua and Queen
The royal palace of Hawaii is the only restored USLiliuokalani's reign. In addition to the museum's many
palace anywhere in the United States. Built in 1882different displays, visitors can also hear stories about
for King Kalakaua, The Palace offers a unique glimpsemythical, ancient and modern figures of Hawaiian
into the world of mystique and grandeur of Hawaii'shistory.
regal royal past. The Palace is located just a shortThe Waikiki Aquarium
stroll from the Hawaii State Capitol in downtownThe Waikiki Aquarium is an amazing and entertaining
Honolulu.destination for visitors of all ages. Some of the fish
Guided tours of the Lolani Palace are held each weekon display include a Potter's Angel (Centropyge
from Tuesday through Saturday; from 9:00 a.m. untilpotteri) which gets its name from Frederick Potter,
2 p.m. Children under the age of five are notthe first director of the Waikiki Aquarium. Also on
permitted entry into the palace.display is a rare Longnose Hawkfish usually found only
Visit Pearl Harborat depths of over 100 feet below the surface. If you
The site of Japan's infamous attack on the Unitedgo scuba diving, you might get to see one in the wild!
States during World War Two, Pearl Harbor was alsoBe sure to stop by the Waikiki Aquarium for an
the site of Japan's unconditional surrender to theamazing educational and fun excursion!