Oahu family attractions
February 11th, 2010 by admin
Pearl Harbor is famous to visitors the world over as the site of the December 7, 1941 attack that pushed the United States into World War II. Not surprisingly, people most often think of the iconic U.S.S. Arizona memorial when they think of Pearl Harbor.
But another Battleship also resides there which represents the end of World War II. The U.S.S. Missouri was the site of the Japanese surrender in 1945 which finally ended the war. The ship sailed right into Tokyo Bay and the surrender proceedings where held on its deck. Some years ago I ask a veteran who had served on the Missouri what his thoughts were as the ship steamed into the Bay that day. “I thought were were going to be blown to Hell for sure,” he told me.
Thankfully his fears were not realized. And the ”Mighty Mo” is now docked not far from where the Arizona rests, and a fitting compliment to any visit to that hallowed spot.
The ship has just come off of 12 weeks and $18 million worth of maintenance and preservation work in Pearl Harbor’s largest dry dock facility. Visitors to touring the ship will get a feel for how the Missouri looked when she was first launched with a brand new coat of paint and a number of improvements to the overall visitor experience.
“We are grateful to have the expertise and resources to drydock the Missouri in Hawaii, thanks to BAE systems and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard,” said Michael A. Carr, president and chief operating officer of the non-profit USS Missouri Memorial Association, which owns and operates the ship as the Battleship Missouri Memorial. “We enlisted a dream team worthy of a national treasure like the Mighty Mo. Now, we look forward to doing what we do best as a memorial — welcoming visitors — beginning Jan. 30.”
The U.S.S. Missouri is included in the Go Oahu Card program, which gets visitors to Oahu into 30 museums, activities, and tours around the Island for one low price. For example, visitors to Pearl Harbor not only get access to the Missouri and an audio tour of the Arizona Memorial, but also receive included admission to the Pacific Aviation Museum and the U.S.S. Bowfin.
If you are headed to Oahu, be sure to visit the freshly restored U.S.S. Missouri.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 20th, 2009 by admin
Anyone visiting Oahu that wants to stretch their legs a bit should be sure not to miss the Manoa Valley. Although just a short trip from the hotels of Waikiki, you’ll feel worlds away as the trail takes you into the rainforest.
This hike is relatively easy and a great way to get into the Hawaiian Rainforest. Hikers are rewarded with views of a 150 foot waterfall in addition to the giant ferns, bamboo, and guava that grace the trail. Many visitors have said it feel like a throwback to the Hawaii of old.
Hikers are advised to remember that this is a rain forest, so although the trek is not very demanding, proper footwear is a good idea. Don’t wear anything that you would mind if its gets wet or muddy. Trails.com has an overview of the hike here.
Call 808-692-6399 to arrange a pick up from your hotel for the ride to the trail head, where you’ll be provided with water, binoculars, and snacks for the trail. The cost is $29.95 or it is free with you Go Oahu Card.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
March 19th, 2008 by susan j
Ducks in a row Photo uploaded by
File this under creative fundraising ideas: United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii is planning their on Saturday, March 29. Pre-race festivities start at 9 am in the McCully Shopping Center, and the race starts at 1:21 pm at Ala Wai Canal. Sounds like a great family activity!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 4th, 2008 by susan j
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Mark your calendars, because the will host the 18th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival on January 19 in celebration of the Center’s 45th anniversary. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3 to 11.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in Oahu over the holidays, here’s a list of attractions that will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The is open for breakfast, lunch, or evening cruises, complete with delicious food, a full bar, all in their plush, fully-equipped cabin.
At , you can see amazing performances by dolphins, sea lions, and penguins right before your eyes.
provides a first-hand perspective on Hawaii’s military history from the Polynesians and Hawaiian royalty to WWII through Vietnam. Gain a better perspective on the history of Hawaii and its role in wartime.
You could also take a tour on the or the to see the north shore of the island. After your tour, rent a kayak or snorkel gear from for even more exploring!
, home of the world’s largest maze and Hawaii’s original “pineapple experience,” will be closed on Christmas, but will reopen for New Year’s Day.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 15th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, November 16
: Explore the Aquarium after dark between the hours of 7-9
Friday, November 16
King Kalkakuau’s Birthday: Enjoy live entertainment and watch as the late king is honored with a presentation of a lei on his statue. Crowds will gather at the King’s statue at the intersection of Kalkakuau an Kuhio Ave. to celebrate the 171st birthday of the last reigning king.
Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18
: 75 Hawaiian artists will be featured in the Kapiolani park across the street from the Honolulu zoo in a two-day celebration of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian art.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 8th, 2007 by amy c
Thursday, November 8- Saturday, November 10
: Take in Hawaiian history, art, and entertainment at this year’s famous Hula Festival.
Friday, November 9
: Join the for light refreshments and to browse hundreds of books. This is a great chance to meet authors and soak up the beauty of Queen Emma Summer Palace.
Tuesday, November 12
: This exhilarating surf competition returns to the surfing mecca to celebrate its 25th season.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 1st, 2007 by amy c
Another sunny and warm week predicted in Oahu this week, with temperatures staying around 85 degrees through the weekend. There may be a chance of clouds toward the end of the week. Check out a detailed weather report
To compliment the consistently beautiful weather, here are a couple ideas for some outdoor activities:
are going on all weekend in an extended Halloween celebration.
allows you to swim alongside dolphins and learn more about the Hawaiian spinner dolphins in this underwater safari.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 24th, 2007 by jamie a
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It’s important for the whole family to have fun while on vacation, so this kid-friendly guide can help with planning your trip to Oahu! From boogie boarding to meeting dolphins and dancing at luaus, this guide will give your kids the true Oahu experience.
Head on down to world-famous Waikiki Beach to take advantage of the sun and ocean! Grab a boogie board, beach umbrella, and chaise lounge and get ready for a day in paradise. Beginner surfers can even get some firsthand tips with an instructor from Hawaiian Ocean’s Surf Lessons.
For even more water-soaked fun, check out the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. This park has more water rides than you’ve ever seen, all housed on 25 acres of lush Hawaiian landscape. With rides such as the Kapolei Kooler, The Cliffhanger, and The Volcano Express, kids of all ages are sure to be delighted.
See a dazzling dolphin show at Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery, an active volcano on the Diamond Head Crater Hike on Mount Leahi, or experience some hands-on interactive learning at Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.
The largest maze in the world also lives on the island of Oahu on the Dole Plantation. Have a complete pineapple experience by testing your wits in the maze, riding the Pineapple Express with a historical tour, and then take the garden tour to indulge your senses.
To complete your Oahu experience, your family will love the Polynesian Cultural Center. From canoe rides, to Tongan spear throwing and making jewelry out of native plants, everyone will find a new cultural tradition to love.
Finish your trip by participating in a real Hawaiian luau at the center. Famous for their Ali’i Luau, the experience includes a flower lei greeting, traditional Hawaiian food, music and entertainment, the Hula, and the imu (whole slow-roasted pig) ceremony.
Say Aloha to Oahu!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 18th, 2007 by amy c
Thursday, October 18- Saturday, October 17
Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival: This year the famed film festival will showcase a special focus on new Asia and Pacific rim cinema.
Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21
Sunset on the Beach: Enjoy a picnic of some of Oahu’s leading restaurants on Waikiki beach as the sun sets. As the moon rises, Queen’s Surf Beach will feature live music and showcase classic films. Every Saturday and Sunday during October. Call (808) 523-4811 for more information.
Sunday, October 21
Na Mele Nei: The Music of Hawaii Today: Some of the best contemporary Hawaiian music will take to the Ward Warehouse Stage every Sunday in October, starting at 1 pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the unique sounds of Hawaii! Call (808) 596-8885 for more information.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
