Part 1
Produced by Mark C. Orton, Ernest Schaal and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Paradise Park
OAHU Traveler's Guide
Bill and Diana Gleasner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. The Bus
6. Hawaiian Words and Phrases
8. Honolulu Highlights
16. Waikiki
22. Oahu's East End (Koko Head, Sea Life Park)
25. Oahu's Windward Coast (Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Polynesian Cultural Center)
30. Oahu's North Shore (Sunset Beach, Waimea Falls Park)
31. Central Oahu (Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa)
32. Beachcombing
33. Hawaiian Fruits
34. Hawaiian Flowers
39. Surfing
40. Swimming Beaches
41. Body Surfing and Snorkeling Beaches
42. Glass Float Beachcombing
43. Fishing
44. Fun for Kids
47. Tennis
48. Golf
49. Camping
50. Hiking
51. Weather
52. Oahu's Past
53. Sugar and Pineapple
54. Pineapple
56. Map of Oahu
58. Detail Map of Waikiki
60. Detail Map of Honolulu
62. Detail Maps of Oahu's North Shore and East End
63. Detail Map of Windward Oahu
64. Detail Map of Oahu's Waianae Coast
65. Detail Map of Central Oahu
The Oriental Publishing Company P. O. Box 22162 Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Printed by China Color Printing Co., Inc. 6th Fl., No. 60, Po Ai Road Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
THE BUS
The Bus is definitely the best bargain on Oahu. For 25c you can go just about anywhere including around the island. School age children ride for 10c.
If you'd like to take the four hour trip around Oahu, board the #8 bus to Ala Moana Center requesting a transfer to Kaneohe/Wahiawa (#52) or Wahiawa/Kaneohe (#52). They both circle the island but in different directions. If you stay on the same bus for the entire trip, you'll have to pay another 25c at Ala Moana for the #8 bus which takes you back to Waikiki. Should you get off during your trip and board another bus, request a transfer to use at the Ala Moana Center.
=Remember=:
Take exact change. Drivers cannot make change.
Luggage and large parcels are not allowed on the bus.
Waikiki buses are often full, but don't fret. They run every three minutes.
Most of the buses you will take from Waikiki downtown (toward Honolulu or Ala Moana Shopping Center) should be boarded on Kuhio Ave.
If you need a transfer, ask for one when you board the bus, not when you exit.
=Geographical Directions=
Makai--toward the ocean
Mauka--toward the mountains
Diamond Head--toward the end of the island crowned by Diamond Head
Ewa--the opposite direction from Diamond Head
For information about routes, times, regulations or sightseeing destinations, call 531-1611 any time between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.
HAWAIIAN WORDS AND PHRASES
alii--old royalty of Hawaii
aloha--hello, farewell, love
da kine--means whatever you want it to, generally a positive remark
hale--house
hana--work
haole--Caucasian
heiau--ancient temple
holoku--formal dress with train
kai--sea
kamaaina--a person who was born in the islands or who has lived here a long time
kane--man
kapu--forbidden, keep out
kaukau--food
keiki--child
kokua--help
kona--south
lanai--porch
laulau--pork or beef cooked in ti leaves
luau--feast
mahalo--thank you
makai--toward the sea
malihini--stranger
mauka--toward the mountains
muumuu--loose dress
ono--delicious
opu--stomach
pali--cliff
pau--done
pua--flower
poi--crushed taro root
puka--hole
pupu--hors d'oeuvres
wahine--female
wikiwiki--hurry
HONOLULU HIGHLIGHTS
=King Kamehameha Statue=--King Street in front of Judiciary Building and across from Iolani Palace. Impressive bronze statue of Kamehameha the Great. Draped with forty foot flower leis on June 11, Kamehameha Day.
=Iolani Palace=--King and Richards Street. The only royal palace on American soil. Queen Liliuokalani spent nine months here under house arrest after her unsuccessful attempt to restore the overthrown monarchy in 1893. (Wed.-Sat., 9-2:15, Reservations.)
=Iolani Barracks, Archives of Hawaii and Bandstand=--All on palace grounds. Free concert Friday noon by the Royal Hawaiian Band.
=State Capitol Building=--Mauka of Iolani Palace (toward the mountains). Magnificent architectural achievement with volcano-shaped crown and roof opening allowing tropical rain to fall on main level five floors below. Works of art in and near the courtyard.
=Hawaii State Library=--478 South King Street. Art exhibits in open air patio. Excellent Hawaiian-Pacific room.
=Honolulu Hale= (City Hall)--King and Punchbowl Streets.
=Mission Homes=--553 S. King Street. Three 19th century buildings provide insight into missionary's lives. Hawaii's oldest frame house built from pre-cut lumber brought around Cape Horn in 1820. (Tues.-Sun. 9-4, fee.)
=Kawaiahao Church=--947 Punchbowl Street. Oldest church in Honolulu with tall, feathered Kahilis at altar. Hawaiian-English service every Sunday at 10:30.
=Honolulu Academy of Arts=--Corner of Ward and Beretania. The best of Eastern an and Western art in one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. Series of exhibition galleries open onto garden courtyards. (10-4:30 except Monday, Sun. 2-5, free)
=Honolulu International Center=--Between Kapiolani and King Streets near Ward. Sports arena, concert hall, convention-theatre complex. Fascinating architecture complete with carp-filled moat. Always something going on whether it be a Japanese circus or a Broadway show.
=Aloha Tower=--At pier 9 on the waterfront. Excellent views of city and harbor. (8-9)
=Falls of Clyde=--Pier 5 on the waterfront. Ninety-five year old full-rigged, four masted ship has been made into a floating maritime museum. Only ship of its kind left in the world. Nearby is the Oceania, a floating Chinese restaurant which was towed all the way from Hong Kong.
=Chinatown=--Interesting Chinese businesses from herb shops to acupuncture clinics. The Tuesday morning tour is recommended. Leaves at 9:30 from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce at 42 N. King Street. (fee) Ends with Chinese luncheon at Wo Fat's. (optional)
=The Cultural Plaza=--Beretania and Maunakea Sts. A distinctly Hawaiian-Oriental center with multi-ethnic entertainment, exhibits and shops. (Daily 9:30-5.)
=Royal Mausoleum=--2261 Nuuanu Ave. Three acres of sacred grounds containing chapel and crypts of Hawaiian royalty. (Mon.-Fri., 8-4, Sat., 8-12, free.)
=Kwan Yin Temple=--Vineyard Blvd. near Nuuanu. An intimate look at Eastern religion.
=Foster Botanic Garden=--180 Vineyard St. next to Kwan Yin Temple. Exotic trees and plants comprise a 20 acre tropical oasis of tranquility. Free self-guiding brochure at entrance. (9-4)
=National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific=--Puowaina Dr. In the extinct volcano known as Punchbowl Crater are 20,000 American serviceman who gave their lives in World War II and the Korean War. Exceptional panoramic view of Oahu from the crater rim. (8-5)
=Queen Emma's Summer Palace=--Pali Highway. Classic white frame house was the Queen's summer retreat. Momentos and garden. (M-F, 9-4, Sat. 9-noon, fee)
=Alice Cooke Spaulding House= and Garden--2411 Makiki Hts. Dr. Exhibits of Asian treasures in this branch museum for the Honolulu Academy of Arts. The mansion's three acre garden combines Oriental, Western and Hawaiian influences. (T-S, 1-4:30, fee except on Tuesdays.)
=University of Hawaii=--Lower Manoa Valley. Lovely 300 acre campus. The intellectual center of Hawaii. Don't miss the University's famous =East-West Center=. A guided tour includes authentic Japanese garden and teak pavilion from Thailand. (Mon.-Thurs. 1:30, free. Reservations 948-7702.)
=Paradise Park=--3737 Manoa Road. Huge free flight aviary, flamingo pond, lush 15 acres of jungle gardens and an amazing collection of colorful parrots and macaws that do just about everything including play poker. (9:30-5:30, fee)
=Dole Cannery=--650 Iwilei Road. Complete processing of pineapple in world's largest fruit cannery. Interesting half hour tours include a look at the magic machine that peels and cores 100 pineapples in 60 seconds. Free samples of fruit and juice. (M-F, 8:30, fee.) Seasonal. Call 536-3411.
=Bishop Museum=--1355 Kalihi Street. World center for study of the Pacific. Primitive art, royal possessions, exhibits showing how the ancient Hawaiians lived, dressed and worshipped. (M-S, 9-5, Sun. 12-5, fee.) Ask about shows in nearby science center planetarium. A "Passport to Polynesia" may be purchased for entry into Museum, Science Center, Falls of Clyde and Heritage Theatre at King's Alley in Waikiki. It includes transportation between on double decker buses.
=Pearl Harbor=--Cruises leave from Kewalo Basin at 9:30 and 1:30. Check with your hotel desk or any travel agent for reservations.
=Arizona Memorial=--Pearl Harbor. The sunken battleship, the =Arizona=, with more than 1000 entombed sailors is mute testimony to the horrors of war. The navy operates free shuttle boats to the shrine from Halawa Landing. (9-3:30 except Monday. No barefeet, bathing suits or kids under 6 years.)
WAIKIKI
Waikiki is where the action is--wave action and people action. This long series of beautiful beaches is protected by an offshore reef a half mile out. Conditions are ideal for surfing, outrigger canoe paddling and catamaran sailing. The people come in waves that overflow the streets and fill the high rises. The ebb and flow of humanity is a fascination in itself.
Waikiki is a peninsula separated from Honolulu by the Ala Wai Canal and bounded by the sea and Diamond Head. Long a favorite summering place for Hawaiian royalty, it is today a monument to the jet age.
=Royal Hawaiian Hotel=--A reminder of times past when the well-to-do came by ship and stayed a long time. The "pink palace" with its stately old world air and lush plantings is worth seeing and strolling through.
=Rainbow Bazaar=--Hilton Hawaiian Village. An acre of international shopping outlets.
=U.S. Army Museum=--Fort Derussy. A guided tour of military memorabilia of the army in Hawaii and the Pacific. (Tues.-Sat. 10-2, free.)
=Waikiki Historical Room=--Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 2nd floor. Early pictures of Waikiki and famous people of the times. (Daily 9-5, free.)
=Hemmeter Center=--Hyatt Regency Hotel. A fine selection of beautiful shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. (Daily, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.)
=Waikiki Shopping Plaza=--Kalakaua Ave. Nine floors of vertical shopping and dining.
=International Market Place=--A complex of open air shops and restaurants overseen by huge banyan trees. Here you may watch craftsmen pounding tapa cloth, making shell leis and painting portraits.
=King's Alley=--Kaiulani Ave. Gallery exhibits, live shows and a complex of shops. The daily 6:15 Changing of the Guard ceremony is followed by a free show of Hawaiian entertainment. If you purchase a "Passport to Polynesia" you'll have fully paid admission to King's Alley's Heritage Theatre, the Falls of Clyde maritime museum, the Bishop Museum and planetarium that includes transportation between each of these attractions.
=Kapiolani Park=--A 220 acre park just below Diamond Head. Join the island residents who jog, picnic and sleep under the shower trees. You might want to view Queen Kapiolani's Rose Garden and take in a band concert if you're there on a Sunday afternoon.
=Honolulu Zoo=--Kapiolani Park. Very popular with locals and visitors alike, the zoo is noted for its large Asian bird collection. On weekends artists display their work around the zoo fence. (9-5, free)
=Waikiki Aquarium=--Kapiolani Park. A privileged look at a wide variety of sea life from Pacific waters including outdoor pools with turtles and seals children can throw fish to.
=Diamond Head=--Named for its volcanic crystals once thought to be diamonds, this familiar landmark has seen a lot of changes take place at Waikiki. If you'd like to hike its flank for a Diamond Head view of things, call the Hawaiian National Guard for permission and directions.
OAHU'S EAST END (Koko Head, Sea Life Park, etc.)
The drive around the east end of the island from Waikiki to Koko Head, Sea Life Park, Waimanlo and back through Nuuanu Pali's tunnels is as interesting a 35 mile tour as you're likely to take anywhere. The scenery is dramatic--rocky coastline, wide sand beaches, transparent water, and offshore islands with the rugged Koolau Mountains as a backdrop.
=Koko Head and Koko Crater=--Impressive peaks formed by Oahu's last eruption.
=Hanauma Bay=--Watch for sign at the top of Koko Head. Idyllic beach, placid water, and coral reef make this a perfect place for snorkeling and swimming. Take a picnic. You won't want to hurry away.
=Halona Blow Hole=--A natural sea geyser that spouts through a submerged lava tube. Temperamental when the waves aren't running right.
=Koko Crater Botanic Garden=--Opposite Koko Head Sandy Beach. Two hundred acres of cactus, succulents, plumeria and other dry land plants.
=Makapuu Beach Park=--Outstanding body surfing beach.
=Sea Life Park=--Opposite Makapuu Beach. Prime attraction for all ages that includes a Hawaiian Reef Tank, Turtle Lagoon, Ocean Science Theatre, Whaler's Cove where whales and porpoises put on a memorable show and a Sea Lion Feeding Pool. A center for oceanographic research that is one of the world's finest sea life exhibits. (10-5 except Mondays, fee.)
=Bellows Beach Park=--Ideal for a picnic lunch and a swim. (Open weekends only)
OAHU'S WINDWARD COAST (Nuuanu Pali lookout, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc.)
=Queen Emma's Summer Palace=--2913 Pali Hwy. Former home of Queen Emma, wife of Kamehameha IV. A furnished museum with rare belongings of Hawaiian royalty. (Daily. 9-4. Fee.)
=Nuuanu Pali Lookout=--Reached by a spur road off the Pali Highway. Unforgettable view usually seen through blasts of unforgettable wind.
=Haiku Gardens=--A mile off highway #83 on Haiku Road. Grass huts in luxuriant setting of lily ponds and bamboo groves. (Daily except Monday) Haiku Gardens Restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
=Byodo-In Temple=--Mauka off highway #83. Replica of the most beautiful temple in Kyoto, Japan, the Byodo-In's majestic setting is a classical Japanese garden in a memorial park. (9-5, fee)
=Kaneohe Bay=--Flourishing coral gardens can best be viewed from a glass bottom boat you can board at Heeia Kea pier. (Daily except Tuesdays, 11-3, fee)
=Heeia Pond=--Past Kaneohe toward Kealohi Point. One of the few ancient fishponds still in use in the Hawaiian Islands.
=Ulu Mau Village=--Heeia Point. Sixteenth century Hawaiian Village replica with displays of arts, crafts and dances. View of ancient Hawaiian Fishpond below. (10-3, fee)
=Polynesian Cultural Center=--Laie. A living museum of six primitive South Sea Villages. Authentic Polynesian atmosphere complete with demonstrations of ancient crafts and dances. Don't miss the colorful pageant of the Long Canoes. Buffet lunch includes music and a look at native costumes from the past. Guided tours on foot, in outrigger canoes or on open trams. Polynesian revue each evening on open-air stage. (By reservation, 923-1861) The center is open daily except Sundays from 11 to 5:30. Free open tram tours from the center visit Laie, the Mormon Temple grounds and Brigham Young University.
=Mormon Temple=--Laie. Largest Mormon house of worship outside mainland U.S. in a beautifully landscaped setting. Free tour from Polynesian Cultural Center.
=Brigham Young University=--Laie. Half the students on this Mormon campus are from foreign islands, mostly Tonga, Fiji and Tahiti. Free tour from Polynesian Cultural Center.
=Kahuku Sugar Mill=--Kahuku. A multi-media presentation depicting life at the and excellent guided tours explaining the sugar cane industry. (10-4:30, fee for tour)
OAHU'S NORTH SHORE (Sunset Beach, Waimea Falls Park, etc.)
=Sunset Beach=--along with many other beaches along the north shore has earned a reputation as the world's foremost surfing coast. Winter waves running as high as 30 feet are an awesome sight in themselves. When young people brave them on a slim board, it's nothing less than a spectacular sight. Surfing competition draws participants and spectators from around the world and larger contests are transmitted to international audiences by television.
=Puu O Mahuka Heiau=--Take Pupukea Road off #83. The largest and best preserved temple on the island where human sacrifices were once offered.
=Waimea Falls Park=--Fine place to swim and picnic. Walk to the falls or take the 3/4 mile tram ride. Enjoy the rare tropical plants growing in great profusion along the way. (10-5:30, fee)
=Haleiwa Beach Park=--Grassy play areas, showers, fishing, camping, swimming and picnicking. An excellent beach for the beginning surfer when the waves are running two to five feet.
CENTRAL OAHU (Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, etc.)
=Pineapple Fields=--Largest pineapple growing area in the world.
=Kukaniloko=--Place of the Sacred Birthstones. Before Wahiawa take the dirt road on the right through a pineapple field leading into a clump of eucalyptus trees. Here the royal women of Oahu came to give birth up until the reign of Kamehameha the Great.
=Hongwanji Mission=--In Wahiawa, 1067 California Ave.
=Wahiawa Botanical Garden=--1369 California Ave., Wahiawa. Nine acres of tropical plants and trees. (9-4, free)
=Schofield Barracks and Museum=--Historical Military exhibits. (Wed.-Sun., 10-4)
=Waipahu=--Plantation town where you may tour Oahu Sugar Mill in season.
=Mokuleia polo matches=--Mokuleia. A popular island sport and fun to watch. March through mid-Sept. Sun. 2:30. Fee.
BEACHCOMBING
The best beaches for beachcombing and tidepool peeking are Ewa Beach Park, Mokuleia Beach Park, Kaiaka Bay, Chun's Reef, Punaluu Beach Park, Kaaawa Beach Park, Kualoa Point, Kaneohe Bay and Waialae Beach Park.
Hawaiian Fruits
Hawaiian Flowers
Hawaiian Flowers
Hawaiian Flowers
Hawaiian Flowers
SURFING
Waikiki's ideal surfing conditions--steady, dependable waves usually from two to five feet--attracted Hawaiian royalty years ago. The surf today draws enthusiasts from around the world. As a result, while the waves are still excellent, especially for the novice surfer, there's usually a crowd. For more maneuvering space and a change in scene, surfers should head for one of Oahu's other great surfing beaches.
Ala Moana Park Waialee-Kaunala Beach (experts only) Sunset Beach (experts) Ehukai Beach Park (experts) Waimea Bay Beach Park (experts) Chun's Reef Lanaikea Beach Haleiwa (excellent for beginners when surf is from 2 to 5 feet) Makua Beach (experts) Makaha Beach Park (experts) Maili Beach Park Ulehawa Beach Park
BEACHES
From time to time strong currents, high surf and turbulent water affect every beach on Oahu. Dangerous waves and rip tides are common during the winter months especially on the north and west shores and at Koko Head Beach Park and Makapuu Beach Park. The safest beaches are those under supervision of a lifeguard.
GOOD SWIMMING BEACHES
Ala Moana Park Waikiki Beach Center Prince Kuhio Beach Park Queen's Surf Beach Park Sans Souci Beach Hanauma Bay Beach Park Kaupo Beach Park Waimanalo Beach Park Bellows Beach Park Kailua Beach Park Kalama Beach Kaaawa Beach Park Kahana Bay Beach Park Punaluu Beach Park Ehukai Beach Park Waimea Bay Beach Park Makua Beach Keaau Beach Park Pokai Bay Beach Park Maili Beach Park Ulehawa Beach Park Nanakuli Beach Park Kahe Beach Park
BODY SURFING AND SNORKELING
The best beaches for body surfing are Prince Kuhio Beach Park, Koko Head Beach Park, Makapuu Beach Park, Bellows Beach Park, Laie Maloo and Keaau Beach Park.
GOOD SNORKELING BEACHES
Sans Souci Beach (Waikiki) Maunalua Beach Park Hanauma Bay Beach Park Kaaawa Beach Park Panaluu Beach Park Ehukai Beach Park (when calm) Sunset Beach (when calm) Pupukea Beach Park (when calm) Waimea Bay Beach Park (when calm) Chun's Reef Laniakea Beach Mokuleia Beach Park Makua Beach Keaau Beach Park Mauna Lahilahi Beach Park Pokai Bay Beach Park Nanakuli Beach Park Kahe Beach Park
GLASS FLOAT BEACHCOMBING
Glass balls that once held Japanese fishing nets afloat are carried great distances on ocean currents. Some find their way to Hawaiian beaches where they are highly prized by beachcombers.
FISHING
How's the fishing? Stroll down to the International Market Place in Waikiki and take a look at the marlin on display. There's your answer, all 1800 pounds of it.
Fishing is a year-round pleasure and for saltwater enthusiasts there are no seasonal restrictions, no limits and no licenses required. You can also try your hand at surf casting, spin fishing, spear fishing and fresh water fishing.