Tourist Information Centers

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.

This Convention Center, the home of the Hawaii Tourist Hawaii Tourism Authority, is essentially for tourists arriving in the enticing city of Honolulu. Be it restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions or recreational activities, it keeps you updated and plugged in with the latest information and happenings on the island. You will be amazed to see the wonderful exteriors of the building complex that comprises a rooftop tropical garden and surfboard shaped facades. Various events are also held in the premises. Check out the website for the latest events and tourist packages.

If you or someone you know speaks Hungarian as a first language, this is the company best equipped to assist you. The Honolulu office can help with everything from booking a flight or a hotel to choosing the best island tour led by a Hungarian speaker. Get information on major island attractions, parks, monuments and places of interest. Please call for more information.

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.

Japanese influence is among the strongest cultural influences in Hawai'i; however, Japanese residents still make an effort to preserve the purely Japanese heritage, art and culture of their past. To promote that end, the Cultural Center offers scholarships and grants, sponsors classes and workshops, while providing a venue for Japanese groups to meet. The Historical Gallery showcases Japanese art and artifacts. There is an onsite gift shop with limited hours.

The Hawaiian Islands take ecological awareness seriously. This is one of several organizations dedicated to the ecological education of Hawaii's residents and visitors. The non-profit group was founded in 1970, with the goal of teaching Hawaii's people about their unique environment. The group offers a variety of programs, all of which are available at low, or no, cost. Everything from school field trips to hula festivals is organized by Moanalua, with contributions coming from many different sponsors and volunteers. Call for information on current programs.

The tragic occurrences and subsequent world-changing events associated with this naval base make it a crucial part of American history and heritage. While the harbor is quite large, the Visitor's Center and Arizona Memorial are the hubs of tourism. Both places are free to enter, and both draw huge crowds. Several tours are available through activity brokers or tour companies. To reach Pearl Harbor from Waikiki Beach, take Nimitz Highway past the airport to Highway 99, and continue past the naval community.

The equivalent of stand-by airfare, this activity broker offers cut-rate greens fees on courses around O'ahu to people who are willing to wait until the last minute to schedule a tee time. Most of the time you will not know where you are playing until one day in advance;or the same day. You can save anywhere from 25-50 percent by booking through this place. Note: It is sometimes possible to reserve more than a day in advance. Call for more information.