Ala Wai Canal
Ala Wai Boulevard (mountain side of Waikiki), South
shore
Perfect for a scenic walk or jog along a 1.4 mile paved
path alongside the Ala Wai canal. Canoe paddlers practice
here in the canal in the evenings during the months of February
through September.
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Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu, South Shore
Take a 1.4-mile round-trip hike and see a spectacular
360 degree view of the southwestern coastline from the top
of the extinct volcano's crater. Be sure to bring a flashlight
and water.
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Foster Botanical Gardens
Honolulu, South Shore
Rare and beautiful tropical plants from around the world
have been gathered here in a 13.5-acre garden over a period
of 140 years.
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Halona BlowHole
South Shore
See large plumes of ocean water exploding from the surface
from a blowhole which is a lava tube under the water. As the
water is compressed from being forced through a tube that
gets steadily smaller, pressure builds up until it shoots
up 30 feet into the air. Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr shared
a famous kiss in the small cove near the blow hole.
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Hawaii Nature Center
Honolulu, South Shore
Visit the environmental education center for children
and adults established by a non-profit organization in 1981.
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Honolulu Zoo
Honolulu, South Shore
Featuring the Karibuni Reserve, the South American Aviary,
the tropical forest, and much more!
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Lyon Arboretum
Honolulu, South Shore
The University of Hawaii's botanical research facility
in a 194-acre Eden-like tropical rainforest. Home to almost
5,000 native Hawaiian plants, exotic tropical plants, and
urban spice gardens. Rain gear is recommended on the trail
to Inspiration Point (a 45-60 minute hike).
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Makapu'u Lighthouse Access Road
Honolulu, Southeast Oahu
A moderate hike up to see the lighthouse that has been
in use for over 100 years. The bunkers near the top were constructed
during World War II. Right off the shore is Rabbit Island
so named because a rancher released rabbits to breed there
in the 1880's and not because it is shaped like a rabbit.
During the winter months (December - April) humpback whales
can be seen from here, especially with the aid of binoculars.
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Manoa Falls
Manoa Valley, Honolulu, South Shore
Easy to intermediate trails (depending on how muddy)
on a one mile long trail. At the end is a fresh water waterfall
falling 150-feet into a small pool.
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Moanalua Gardens
Near Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu (South Shore)
An urban botanical park good for picnicking on vast
green lawns shaded by monkeypod trees. You will see here two
streams, a taro patch, a carp pond, and ancient petroglyphs. |
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Mokoli'i Island (Chinaman's Hat)
Kaneohe, East Oahu
Wade out to the small island (500 yards from the shore)
that is shaped like a Chinaman's hat, geologically known as
a sea stack. Make sure to wear old sneakers or reef walkers
as the coral is sharp.
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Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside
Pali Highway, East Oahu
Panoramic view of windward (east) Oahu from the cliff
top rising 1,186 feet above sea level in the Koolau Mountains.
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Waikiki Aquarium
Honolulu, South Shore
Come and see over 2,500 marine animals indigenous to
Hawaii and the tropical Pacific in the third oldest public
aquarium in the United States. Designated as the Coastal Ecosystem
Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region.
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