The United States as a whole may be a melting pot, but Honolulu emulates a tasty tossed salad. With immigrants from the Philippines, China, Japan, Australia, Samoa, the Marianas Islands, and a host of other small nations, Honolulu brings the cultures of each together in a way that complements and enhances each individual ingredient. Full of history and rich in culture, there's plenty to see on any historical tour.
Oahu | Honolulu
- Aliiolani Hale
- A gold leaf-trimmed statue of King Kamehameha V dominates the palm tree-laden courtyard of this National Historic Landmark.
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- Arizona Memorial
- A trip to the U.S.S Arizona is a somber reminder of the Pearl Harbor Attack on December 7, 1941. When the U.S.S.
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- Chinatown Honolulu
- A wealth of sights, sounds, and aromas, Chinatown is a beautiful display of old world Hawai'i meeting the new world potpourri of Asia-America.
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- Duke Kahanamoku Statue
- All hail "The Big Kahuna"! This is just one of the many nicknames for Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, known across the globe as the "Father of Modern International Surfing." Surfing is a central part of ...
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- Hawai'i State Capitol
- In the center of the cultural hub that is Honolulu lies the prestigious state capitol building. Since 1969, the Bauhaus style building has housed state legislature offices and the Hawaiian state legislature, namely the lieutenant governor and the governor of Hawaii.
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- Honolulu Arts District
- Honolulu invites you into the Arts District—a modern, exciting mecca of galleries, shops, theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants. Established by the Honolulu Culture and Arts Association, the district lies on the eastern side of Chinatown, lending it an intense cultural and historical feel.
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- Honolulu Hale
- While other parts of the country deck the halls in preparation for a white Christmas, Honolulu Hale celebrates the holidays with a uniquely Hawaiian twist. The obligatory Christmas tree is present, but so is a giant, barefoot Santa proudly showing off a shaka, the local style of waving.
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- Iolani, Hawai'i's Royal Palace
- With all the natural beauty Hawai'i has to offer—exquisite beaches, lush rainforests, pristine waterfalls, and the like — it may come as a surprise that it is also home to the only royal palace in the United States used as an official residence.
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- King Kamehameha Statue
- King Kamehameha I, considered by some the "Napolean of the Pacific," is best remembered for uniting all eight islands under one rule and formally establishing the Hawaiian Kingdom. His warrior strength and regal presence still radiate from the statues erected in his honor.
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- Moana Hotel
- The First Lady of Waikiki, commonly known as the Moana Hotel, marked the beginning of tourism in Waikiki, becoming the first hotel ever constructed in the area.
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- Pearl Harbor
- The "Water of Pearl" as native Hawai'ians named the once oyster-rich harbor still holds an iridescent hue that magnifies the historical and somber significance of Pearl Harbor. It is difficult to believe that beneath its tranquility lies such violence and sorrow.
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- Punchbowl
- The Hawaiian word for the volcanic crater in Honolulu is "Puowaina" meaning "hill of sacrifice." It seems somehow appropriate then that the former "hill of sacrifice" is now the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, an area dedicated to American soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
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- Queen Emma's Summer Palace
- The Queen Emma Summer Palace does not surprise in its display of the luxury enjoyed by the family of King Kamehameha IV, but its depiction of Hawaiian royalty as accessible makes it an exceptional...
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- Royal Hawaiian Hotel
- The bright pink heart of Waikiki Beach is the The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, is also known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific.
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- Royal Mausoleum
- The Royal Mausoleum—or Mauna 'Ala, as it is known in Hawai'ian—houses the remains of many individuals who have figured significantly in Hawai'i's history.
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- USS Missouri
- Upon entering the Pearl Harbor historical sites, a mix of emotions amongst tourists is almost palpable. There is a definite sadness but also a deep respect and admiration for all that has taken place on the grounds.
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- Waikiki Historic Trail
- Amidst the modern concrete and tourist sunscreen of Waikiki lives the very different world of the past—housing the rich and fascinating history of the Hawaiian Islands.
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- Washington Place
- Washington Place in downtown Honolulu appears a bit peculiar amid the towering office buildings and bustling businesses.
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