Parks, Gardens & Cemeteries

This, the largest outdoor stadium in Hawai'i, is the site of all major football and baseball events including the Aloha Bowl and the Pro Bowl. The world's largest superstars, from Michael Jackson to Prince, perform here when they come to town. In addition, the enormous Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is held here three times weekly. The stadium can hold more than 30,000 people. It features a state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar sound system and a 19x26 foot Sony Jumbotron television

On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1,100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8am-3pm daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.

At the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell—ring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely. Admission: USD2 for adults; USD1 for children and seniors.

This is the place to go to apply for your free permit if you want to camp at a county park; there are a donzen of options. You should contact the office no less than two weeks before the date of your excursion. Other responsibilities of this organization include maintenance of all parks, sponsorship of community programs and the ongoing management of the five Botanical Gardens.

All that is left of the vast Dole plantation is a pictorial display of the pineapple's history and a country store offers fresh pineapples and gifts. In the back, nearly two acres of rich, red earth have been turned into the world's largest maze (recognized by the Guinness Book of Records) with a path 1.7 miles long. It is built from 11,400 tropical plants, including hibiscus and fragrant plumeria; in the center is a garden in the form of a golden pineapple. Maze admission is USD5 for adults and USD3 for children ages 4-12.

For a brief hiatus from city life, duck into this garden. It is the oldest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens. The mission of the organization is "to plan, develop, curate, maintain and study documented collections of tropical plants in an aesthetic setting." Highlights include a palm collection, Lyon Orchid Garden, a prehistoric glen and a number of trees rated "exceptional" for their beauty and rarity. Pick up a souvenir at the Foster Garden Gallery and Bookshop. General admission is USD5.

If you have never seen an authentic rain forest, this is your chance. This arboretum contains 194 acres of genuine tropical bliss. Near-constant rain allows the foliage to flourish year-round. Rolling hills and flatlands are covered in vibrant, green vegetation and unique island flora. Seasonal activities are available through the Arboretum. A monthly newsletter keeps employees and interested visitors updated on events. There is a gift shop on site.

Established in 1981, this non-profit organization has the sole purpose of spreading the environmental gospel to residents and visitors of the Hawaiian Islands. Almost entirely volunteer-operated, the Center facilitates hands-on environmental education for school children, families and the general public. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of educating children. Hopefully, with a change in the attitudes of youth toward nature, the future of the environment stands a chance. Admission is free. There is a gift shop onsite.

This theme park styled village serves two purposes: to entertain and to educate. Hawaii's economy once centered on the cultivation of pineapple and sugar. While things have changed since the 19th century, these crops are still important island exports. This attraction showcases plantation life through exhibits and restored plantation houses. Tour through Adventureland, Cultureland, Outdoorland and other exhibits. You will gain valuable insight into island culture. Admission is $13 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for those in the age group of 4 to 11 years.

Splash-happy activities at this popular attraction include a beach volleyball court, an arcade, a huge wave pool and an adults-only whirlpool and bar area. Slide fanatics have a few heart-stopping rides to enjoy, among them the free-fall Cliffhanger and the Wild Waianae Coaster. Admission is USD34.99 for adults, USD24.99 for children between 3-11 and USD14.99 for seniors.

On this lush 400-acre preserve, all of the world's foremost tropical regions are grouped geographically. A staggering variety of rare and endangered plants thrive here, with particular emphasis placed on native Hawaiian flora. Facilities include hiking trails, campgrounds, a visitor center and a 32-acre (non-swimming) lake. A variety of educational programs such as guided nature hikes are offered. Camping is allowed on weekend nights (Friday through Sunday). Admission: free.

Windsurfers, a breed apart from regular humans and similar to wave surfers, travel from far-distant corners of the world to hit this top windsurfing beach. When the water is flat, they simply sit and wait. When the wind starts, they head here in droves. If you are not a windsurfer, you can still enjoy the warm waters and gentle surf of this famous, beautiful beach. Barbecue facilities, bathrooms and showers are available.

This 200-acre stretch of Koko Crater was set aside in 1958, with a long-term (as yet only partially realized) plan of turning it into a botanical garden. Eventually, it will be a landscape where endangered plants suitable to this desert-like region can survive and flourish. Even in the early stages of development, visitors can find collections of plumeria and other flowers. A two-mile loop trail leads through dryland plant collections from around the world. No visitor facilities (restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.) have yet been constructed. Entrance to the garden is free.

This is the smallest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens. Located just north of Foster Botanical Garden, the 7.5-acre garden makes a lovely spot to sit and reflect, surrounded by the serenity of natural Hawaiian flora. Queen Liliuokulani, the beloved last reigning monarch of Hawai'i, bestowed this land, which was her favorite picnic ground, upon the city and people of Honolulu. The garden features only native Hawaiian plants and shelters a stream and waterfalls. Entrance is free.

Everything from family luau to canoe races to romantic dates happens on this little outcropping of land. It's actually a peninsula at the end of the much larger Ala Moana Beach Park. Tourists visit this place to watch the sun set, jog or walk the shoreline, or take pictures of the gorgeous scenery. Locals swim, play football or Frisbee, and 'talk story' (Pidgin for gossip) on sunny afternoons. Festivals often take place here, and occasionally, dramatic troupes stage outdoor plays or concerts.

With swells that get as large as 30 feet during the winter months, this beach is a well-known surf spot. Beginning surfers and boogie boarders are discouraged from testing the surf when the waves are high; swimming is unheard-of. Swimmers and boogie boarders should visit during the summer and always be careful of riptides, undertow and unexpected high surf. The area has quite an interesting history. In days gone by, a gang of marauding outlaws hid out in the Makaha valley, wreaking havoc on the unlucky locals and visitors. Of course the outlaws have long since disappeared, but the name, which means "fierce", stuck.

This mausoleum was built in 1865 by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, the final resting-place of their young son who died tragically at the age of 4. Spread over 3 acres beside a tiny chapel, the mausoleum was later thought a more fitting burial ground for the deceased royalty of Hawaii, and several bodies were shifted from their previous graves to Mauna'ala. Locals consider this one of the most sacred grounds on the island, so be sure to conduct yourself appropriately when visiting, so as not to hurt their sentiments.

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes missing in action. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

Owned by former U.S. Senator Hiram Fong, this 725-acre site on Windward O'ahu is the largest private botanical garden in Hawai'i. Learn about the several hundred varieties of indigenous plants and wildlife from a knowledgeable guide. A tram takes visitors through the plantation's lush valleys and rainforests. There are snack and gift shops onsite, and you can learn to make a lei at the cultural center. Admission: $14.50 Adults, $13 Seniors, $9 Children (5-12). Call for tram departure times.

When the water is calm, this beach is a lovely swimming spot. The tide pools, located in a sheltered spot on the point of the beach, are great for snorkeling during calm days. It should be mentioned that, as with most beaches on the north shore, the surf here gets dangerously high during the wintertime. It also "cranks" sometimes during the summer. If you are not a strong swimmer or avid surfer, definitely check the local surf report before driving to this North Shore park.

The best of Oahu's attractions are at your fingertips. Low rates are offered on submarine dives, city tours and other popular activities. Day tours to other islands are also available. Visit Maui (The Valley Isle), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle) or the Big Island. The highlights of each island are included in the tour, along with airfare. Single-day tour costs start at around $15 (Pearl Harbor and City Tour) and go up to about $149 (Big Island Circle Tour). Overnight packages are also available. Call for details.

All kinds of events, large and small, are held at this small downtown park. While certainly not the largest of Hawaii's parks, it is the oldest of Honolulu's community parks, and has long been the site of community gatherings and festivities. Events such as the Pacific Handcrafters Annual Christmas Craft Fair and the Intertribal Pow Wow are held here annually. The park is across from the Honolulu Academy of Art in the heart of the city.

Nestled between two mountain ranges—the Waianae and Ko'olau—this 27-acre garden is considered the "tropical jewel" of Honolulu's botanical gardens. Its history dates back to a 1920s attempt by sugar planters to create an experimental arboretum. Tours through the garden reveal a stretch of land devoted to plants that thrive in a humid, cool tropical climate. Both guided and solo tours are available. Explore a magical, lovely, sweet-smelling rainforest, in which exotic tropical blooms flourish. Entrance to the garden is free.

When someone hears the name "Waimea", chances are that images of 20-foot waves and daredevil surf monsters come to mind. That stereotype is correct. This beach is ranked among the top ten big-wave surf spots in the world, and when the waves are high, hardcore surfers come from the far corners of the globe to test their mettle. Novices are discouraged from swimming in the wintertime, which is the big-wave season at this beach. During the summer it is usually safe to take a dip, but make sure to consult the lifeguard first.

Nature has created only a few spectacles as breathtaking as this one. Located on 1,800 acres above legendary Waimea Bay, the park harbors 6,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species. Peacocks and macaws wander the grounds fearlessly. Giant lily pads—nearly the size of a seat cushion float in serene pools. Guests can hike the trails or opt for guided tram tours. Don't miss the cliff-divers or the hula dancers; both groups perform periodically throughout the day. Admission: USD24 adults; USD12 ages 4-12.