Hawaii Travel Guide with video, photos and information on travel to Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai

travel-guide-hawaii: oahu: activities

Oahu has such a wide range of things to do, it can be hard to make a decision. For a uniquely Hawaiian itinerary, tour a pineapple plantation, eat Hawaiian fusion cuisine or take hula or lei making classes. Chinatown offers a glimpse into the Asian cultures that have influenced Hawaii. Or for an outdoor eating and shopping experience, try the Inernational Marketplace. We've separated activities into categories for you to help you plan your time in Hawaii.

hawaii's history and culture:

Bishop Museum
Located in Honolulu, the Bishop Museum provides visitors to Hawaii with a great introduction into Hawaii's fascinating history and culture. With exhibits and artifacts on all the cultures that have influenced Hawaii ranging from the Polynesian people that settled the islands to the immigration population which was brought in to work the sugarcane and pineapple fields. The museum also has great exhibits on Hawaii's monarchy and 19th century missionary lifestyles.

uss arizona memorial, pearl harbor, honolulu, oahu, hawaii

Pearl Harbor's USS Arizona Memorial
Located just west of Honolulu city center, Pearl Harbor holds the memorial for the soldiers killed aboard the USS Arizona in the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor. The memorial has become a tribute to all soldiers present in Pearl Harbor that day and other nearby attractions can attest to its popularity. Viewing the sunken Arizona from the floating platform is a moving moment for people of all ages and nationalities and the onsite museum provides lots of education.

samoan man, polynesian cultural center, oahu, hawaii

Polynesian Cultural Center
Located on Oahu's north shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers some of the most extensive presentation available on all the different Polynesian Cultures that have influenced Hawaii. With seven villages representing different Polynesian island groups, visitors can find everything from poi ball swinging lessons in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to fishing lessons in Tahiti. Polynesian Cultural Center also offers luaus, shows, IMAX presentations and more.

Hawaii's Nature:

jellyfish, waikiki aquarium, waikiki, honolulu, oahu, hawaii

Waikiki Aquarium
Within walking distance of the hotels on Waikiki Beach, Waikiki Aquarium gives visitors a good overview of what's under the waves in these Hawaiian Islands. With internationally renowned exhibits on live coral and giant clams and animals unique to the aquarium like a living nautilus and two monk seals, the aquarium is a magnet for those in the know. And, with programs like Overnight with the Sharks, the Waikiki Aquarium does a great job at combing education and fun.

pineapple, dole plantation, oahu, hawaii

Dole Pineapple Plantation
With exhibits on pineapple production, pineapples growing in all stages and lots of fun for the kid in everyone like a train ride around the plantation and one of the world's largest mazes, the Dole Pineapple Plantation makes a fun side trip on the way to Oahu's north shore. Plus, the Dole Pineapple Plantation store sells everything pineapple you can imagine, from Pineapple ice cream and chocolate dipped pineapple to pineapple gifts and boxed pineapple for the road.

Sea Life Park
Located on Oahu's east shore and accessible by Waikiki Trolley, Sea Life Park gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some of Hawaii's famous marine life. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with sting rays, sea trek through the bottom of an aquarium filled with tropical fish, sharks and turtles. Sea Life Park also offers sea lion and dolphin shows, lots of viewing tanks, a touch pool, turtle feeding and much more.