If you are in the area for a day to visit Pearl Harbor or just to see the sights, here are some things you can consider adding to your day's itinerary. Some will require a reservation.
Things Located More in Town:
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
If you are in the area on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday I recommend visiting the infamous Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. This is the primo place to find all you souvenirs for a great value, think of this as the flea market of souvenirs! There is a small parking fee, charged per passenger in the vehicle.
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace will be open:
Wednesday’s from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday’s from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday’s from 6:30am – 3:00pm
Iolani Palace in Waikiki
A towering symbol of Hawaiian resilience, ʻIolani Palace stands today as a testament to the island's vibrant cultural heritage. Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, it served as the final residence of Hawaii's monarchs and the epicenter of the kingdom's political and social life. Overthrown in 1893, the monarchy’s legacy lived on within the palace walls.Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1962, ʻIolani Palace is not only the sole official royal residence in the United States but also one of Hawaii's most recognizable landmarks. Meticulously restored to its former glory, the palace whispers stories of the past, inviting visitors to imagine King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani gracing its grand halls.
"Visit ʻIolani Palace with our popular tour options: a Guided Tour with a Palace Docent and a Self-Led Audio Tour. Both options include a tour of the first and second floors of ʻIolani Palace followed by a self-guided exploration of the basement gallery exhibits. It is suggested you allow approximately 60-90 minutes for either tour.
Tour options vary based on the day of the week and the time. Tickets sales are online only. No walk-ups and same-day reservations."-- The Iolani Palace Website
You can book tours on the website or by reaching out to reservations.
RESERVATIONS
For more information or to book a tour, email reservations@iolanipalace.org or call (808) 522-0832
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue
Standing guard over Waikiki Beach, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue honors a Hawaiian legend. This nine-foot bronze sculpture depicts Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, a champion surfer, Olympic swimmer, and ambassador for Aloha spirit.Nicknamed "The Duke," he is credited with popularizing surfing around the world. The statue is a popular photo op and a tribute to a man who embodied the Hawaiian love for the ocean.
More Inland From Honolulu/Waikiki:
Tantalus Drive and Lookout
Scenic drive that leads to a lookout featuring striking views of the Diamond Head volcano cone & the Waikiki skyline.
Lyons Arboretum
The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre botanical garden managed by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Nestled in the Manoa Valley, just five miles from Waikiki, it's a haven for tropical and subtropical plants. The arboretum boasts over 6,000 different types of plants on its grounds, including a collection of native Hawaiian species and a recreated lowland tropical rainforest with numerous trails and waterfalls.
The Lyon Arboretum is free to enter with a suggested donation of $10 per person. Reservations are required and open up one week in advance. With its miles of trails and diverse plant life, it's a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon and immerse yourself in the beauty of Hawaiian flora.
Google Link
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located along the Manoa Falls Trail in Oahu, Hawaii. It's a popular and relatively easy hike that takes you through a lush rainforest filled with towering trees and exotic plants. The refreshing mist from the falls and the scenic beauty of the rainforest make it a worthwhile destination for anyone visiting. While swimming at the base of the falls is not recommended due to safety concerns, the hike itself is a rewarding experience suitable for most fitness levels. Just be sure to wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for muddy conditions, especially after rainfall.
There is a parking fee to access the Manoa Falls Trailhead. It typically costs around $7 per car. There are occasional discounts for Hawaii residents with ID and military personnel. Be aware that parking is limited and can fill up quickly,especially during peak hours and weekends. Here are some additional options to consider:
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Arrive early to secure a parking spot.
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Look for street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods (be sure to follow all parking regulations).
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Take public transportation - TheBus route #5 reaches close to the trailhead.
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Ride a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Nestled in Oahu's lush Nu'uanu Valley, the Queen Emma Summer Palace served as a tranquil escape for Hawaiian royalty.Built in 1848, it was the summer retreat of Queen Emma and her husband King Kamehameha IV. Today, it's a historic landmark and museum showcasing Hawaiian artifacts, royal portraits, and beautiful koa wood furniture. Visitors can step back in time and explore the palace, imagining the Hawaiian monarchs who once resided there. Fee to enter.
Hours of Operation
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Wed - Sat: 10 AM - 3:30 PM
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Sun - Tue: Closed
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Major Holidays: Closed
Palace Admission
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Self-Guided & Docent-Guided Tours Available
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Reservations Encouraged
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Walk-ins Based on Availability
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First Tour: 10 AM
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Last Tour: 3 PM
Further South:
Kona Brewing Co
Kona Brewing Company's Hawaii Kai location offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy their craft beers and delicious food. The menu offers a variety of dishes perfect for pairing with their beers. Think burgers, pizzas with locally-sourced ingredients, pub fare favorites, and Hawaiian specialties.As with their Kailua-Kona pub, Hawaii Kai features a wide selection of Kona Brewing Company's beers on tap. They have popular choices like Longboard Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale, alongside seasonal and limited-edition brews.The Hawaii Kai pub boasts a relaxed vibe with a lanai (patio) featuring tiki torches, perfect for enjoying the Hawaiian weather.
Koko Head Crater
Hike to the top for panoramic views and a challenging workout. This former railway track turned hiking trail is a local favorite for a reason - the views from the top are incredible! Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the hike is quite steep.
DISCLAIMER: The travel advisor, Point Me to Paradise LLC, Point Me to Paradise Travel, and any of the employees or affiliates associated with the aforementioned entities are NOT responsible in any way for any accidents or mishaps or anything of a negative nature that may or can occur with any of the activities or sights listed here or elsewhere. Traveler is solely responsible for his or her own safety and should exercise his or her discretion when assessing the safety of any activity listed here or elsewhere. Reader/traveler should analyze the safety of each activity and his or her health condition before participating in anything listed here or elsewhere. Physical activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and anything else not listed here that increases heart rate or physical activity level are involved in participating in any of the above sights, excursions and activites. In that case, it is advisable that a physician be contacted prior to participating in anything requiring any physical exertion. Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, walking, surfing, diving, shark cage, diving, golf, and other activities listed here, must all be considered to carry some risk. Any and all activities listed here or elsewhere could be considered dangerous, and nothing is without risk. Caution should be taken to properly assess the weather conditions and other environmental factors for dangerous situations such as but not limited to, rip currents, flash flooding, flooding, diseased waters, large dangerous waves, dangerous wildlife, dangerous fall risks such as cliffs or steep ledges, and more. By reading and participating in and using these suggestions, the reader/traveler/client solely assumes the responsibility and risk for his or her own safety as well as the safety and welfare of others who may be in his or her traveling party or company if they so choose to participate in any of these activities or visit any of the listed sights or suggestions.