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Queen Kapiolani.
Wife of King David Kalakaua. A common question a potential visitor may ask is, what should I see or do in Hawaii. Of course there are so many variables one must take into consideration when answering, such as, what are your interest, how long will you be here, what age range are you in, how physically active are you, etc. We even have or had free booklets in stands call 100 Things to Do in Hawaii. However, I'll try to give my opinion on the matter, though have to restrict myself to only 5.
1. Hit the Beaches. On arriving it's most likely you'll be quite exhausted or jetlagged anyway, so why not just relax on the beach and take in the scenery. See my last entry regarding beaches. Add to it Hanauma Bay, a must see for the thousands of fishes there, due to the fact that it's a conservation area. They come up to the shore in foot deep waters. Schools of thousands swim right up to your face. A bonus is the drop dead scenery. It will be crowded, but even if you hate crowds, please do go. If driving, should go before 9AM or the lot may be filled. Buses conviniently
passes that way. It's at the Eastern most end of Honolulu, about 15 minutes by car from Waikiki.
2. Hit the Mountains. Honolulu has a long mountain range at the Northern part running east to west, where you can drive up to obtain breathtaking views. Suggest heading up the Central part, starting up Round Top Dr. with a stop at Ualakaa State Park for a photographic Op. Continue on West through rain forested area for a nice tranquil drive. Head for Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetary for another great photo Op. Again head west for Pali Hwy. for the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, again for a great photo op, totally different from the others, in which you'll see the Windward Coastal Area in all it's greenery. On another day, if you in fairly good physical shape, hike up Diamond Head, yet for another prospective of the City.
3. Take a trip around the Island. If driving, suggest starting from the East side going through Waimanalo, Kailua to explore the beaches for future plans. The mountain range that runs up the eastern coast looks so much brighter with the morning sun shining against it. By late afternnoon the sun is behind
Flora Arrangement.
Use of Tropical Flowers and Accessories-HHV. it, and the mountains looks more foreboding. Continue on Northward through Kaneohe and make a stop at Byodo-In Temple for a touch of old Kyoto. Continue on for photograph of Chinaman's Hat, a unique shaped Island visible from the coast. Perhaps a stop at Laie Pt. for a view of a hole in an islet. On to the North Shore for more beach exploring and a stop at pictureques Haleiwa Old Town. Perhaps lunch there at Jameson by the Sea, Kua Aina Sandwich, Cholo's Mexican, etc. Then onward down the middle of the island with perhaps stop at Dole's Pineapple Pavilion, Pearlridge Shopping Mall or Waikele Outlet Stores.
4. Shop for souveniors or artifacts. Because of unique Hawaiian culture, we of course have products you won't find in other Cities. Perhaps a stop at the Aloha Stadium Flea Market, located close to the Arizona Memorial. Operates Wed. Sat. and Sunday. Deals like Hawaiian Tee shirts, 10 for $20.00. Key chains, shell jewerly, art work for the friends and family back home. Or shop at Ala Moana S.C., or Ward Warehouse where they have a Native Products Store for genuine Made in Hawaii objects.
5. A tie between Pearl
DeRussey Beach.
Located West of main Waikiki Beach, from Hale KoaHotel and Hilton Hawaiian Village. Harbour Memorial or the Polynesian Culture Cntr. I like the PCC because of it's upbeat tempo where you get to enjoy entertainment and learning of the Various Polynesian Cultures of Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii and I think Marquesas. Polynesians are very talented singers and dancers and their acts are very animated and exicting. However, I heard some visitors say they didn't care for it, so it's a matter of taste. I hear many visitors say they really enjoy the Pearl Harbour Tour, but to me, it's a bit depressing.
Honorable mentions-Downtown Tour of historical Bldgs.(Iolani Palace, Kamehameha Stature), Chinatown or Aloha Market Place.
Surfing or scruba lessons, catamaran or glassbottom boat rides. Kayaking at DeRussey Beach.
Western (Waianae) Coast of Island with stop at Ihilani Resort. Many beautiful beaches, however in an economic depressed area and landscape is more desert like compared to the Eastern Coast which is lush tropical more representative of Hawaiianess.
Hiking-Manoa Valley for view of the Waterfall.
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