Hawaii Travel Destinations

From historic monuments to exotic beaches and volcanos, Honolulu has something for everyone.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I visited this port-of-call many times.   So, I love sharing insights on Honolulu travel highlights, such as, Aloha Tower, Pearl Harbor Monument, Diamond Head Volcano hike and Waikiki Beach. 

This lovely port lives up to its name, meaning “sheltered harbor” or “calm port” in the Polynesian waters of the Pacific (meaning “peaceful”) Ocean.   It’s been the capital of Hawaiian Islands since 1845.  Later, it became a U.S. capital in 1959, when Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States of America.  Honolulu is famously known for its stunning Waikiki Beach and its relaxed Hawaiian island time culture.  However, on December 7, 1941 it also became known for the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan.

Arriving by Sea at Aloha Tower Marketplace

My first-time setting eyes on Hawaii was from my cruise ship.  Greeted by the Aloha Tower, I immediately experienced the essence of this port-of-call’s welcome.  The Aloha Tower is a retired lighthouse and a significant landmark of Hawaii.  Opened in 1926, it firstly served as a guiding beacon for tourists, immigrants and the military for almost a century.  

Furthermore, its Hawaiian Gothic architectural style is 184 feet (56 m) tall with flag masts making it even taller.   Historically, during Pearl Harbor, Coast Guardsmen protected this tower from being occupied.   Also, they even painted it in camouflage, so it wasn’t visible at night.  Now this symbol stands as a landmark for visitors and locals with the nearby Aloha Tower Marketplace for shopping and restaurants.  

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorates the historic attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which killed 2.400 Americans and sank 12 ships.  Additionally, this attack triggered the entry of the U.S. into WW II.  The Visitor Center and Park offers memorials and Pacific Theatre, showing a film about the attack.  Furthermore, the colossal monument includes the following memorials:  USS Arizona, USS Utah, USS Oklahoma, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin and Battleship Row.

I was most moved by the USS Arizona Memorial.  This amazing monument is accessible only by boat and it floats over the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it.  Most importantly, it marks the resting place of 1,102 sailors and marines killed on USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Truly, one of the most chilling experiences of my life, when I felt the history come alive before my very eyes. 

Diamond Head Volcano Hike – Honolulu Travel Highlights

Just 3 mi (5 km) from Waikiki Beach is the trailhead for the Diamond Head Volcano Hike.  Overall, this iconic volcano is an important landmark of Honolulu beautifully displayed from Waikiki Beach.  Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone and known to Hawaiians as le’ahi.  Furthermore, the Hawaiian name most likely comes from its resemblance to a Tuna’s dorsal fin.  In contrast, the British sailors coined the English name, mistaking calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds. 

The distinctive Diamon Head sits near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coast.  Overall, it’s popular for its historic hiking trail, gorgeous views and military history.  The monument includes the interior and outer slopes of the crater.  This crater formed about 300,000 years ago when an eruption exploded ash and fine particles in the air.  Later, when the particles settled, they bonded into a tuff (rock) creating the crater. 

Originally, the trail to the summit was built as part of a coastal defense system.  Its .8 mile hike is steep, gaining 560 feet from the crater floor.  Overall, the hike is a tour of both geological and military significance.  The path takes you up steep stairs and through a 225-foot tunnel, reaching the summit.  Overall, the summit is stunning on so many levels, seeing military bunkers and the iconic panoramic view of the Waikiki coastline.  

Waikiki Beach

The famous Waikiki Beach is another Honolulu landmark.  Overall, this 2-mile stretch of white sand is a cosmopolitan mecca for surfing, swimming and luaus all attracting locals and tourists from all over the world.  As one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Honolulu, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops from which to choose. Kalakaua Avenue offers designer fashion stores.  On Kuhio Beach there are festive Hula Shows at night.  Additionally, the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are homes to unique land and marine wildlife.

Overall, Honolulu Travel Highlights

Honolulu offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy Mother Nature and “Island Time,” all within a beautiful city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  It’s a unique environment with so much to see and do.  But don’t forget to do nothing except relax into the attitude of “Hang Loose” for a true vacation.   Aloha Honolulu!

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