Tourist Attractions on Oahu in Hawaii

Polynesian Cultural Center	James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge	Spend a day in Honolulu
Waimea Valley Audubon Center	Hawaii Nature Center	Turtle Bay Palmer Course
Dole Plantation	Hawaiian Dolphin Adventure	Spend a day at Pearl Harbor:
The Hawaiian Railway	Creation - A Polynesian Journey	Battleship Missouri Memorial
Happy Trails Hawaii	Honolulu Horse & Carriage	USS Arizona Memorial
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve	Iolani Palace	USS BOWFIN Submarine Museum & Park
Hawaii State Capitol	Magic of Polynesia Show	Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor
Honolulu Soaring	Rainbow Trolley	Pearl Harbor Museum
Hula Lessons	Sea Life Park

Polynesian Cultural Center: Spend the day exploring the islands of Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Fiji, Aotearoa and old Hawaii through cultural games, demonstrations and other cultural presentations.
With the Admission Package you'll be able to design your own tour as you explore the island villages at your own pace. And be sure to make some time to enjoy the IMAX Theater, take a canoe tour and/or Laie tram tour. Then for your dining enjoyment choose from an assortment of options from restaurants to snack bars and concessions stands.

But the highlight of your visit is sure to be "Horizons" the largest Polynesian revue of song and dance in the world featuring over 100 native performers from all corners of the Pacific. Dressed in traditional native costume, these Polynesians share their history, traditions and spirit through song and dance the same way their ancestors did.

You'll witness the traditional uncovering of the imu ( underground oven ) where the main entree, Kalua Pua'a ( roast pig ), has been cooking most of the day. Then "eat until you're dizzy," says Cousin Benny the Center's Ambassador of Aloha, as you enjoy many traditional and modern luau favorites in the Ali'i Luau. (808) 293-3333 or (800) 367-7060 (Return to top of page)
Waimea Valley Audubon Center: Experience the majesty and mystery of Hawaii's Waimea Valley. On the 1,875 acre site you will find
- a botanical garden and an arboretum presenting 5,000 species of plants in 32 gardens;
- a lifeguard on duty at the natural pool beneath the falls;
- the Hale O Lono Heiau, a sacred outdoor place of worship built between 1470 and 1700 and dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono. (808) 638-9199 (Return to top of page)
Dole Plantation: Hawaii's Complete Pineapple Experience. The plantation features exhibits about the history of pineapple farming techniques and the industry's impact on Hawaii's economy. (808) 621-8408 (Return to top of page)
The Hawaiian Railway: Train rides down Hawaii's historical railroad tracks are available year round. Look out for the firecar! Believe it or not, railroad signs in Hawaii used to sport this warning, instead of the standard 'Railroad Crossing.' At the time, though, the signs were all in Hawaiian. The railway was once the island's main mode of transportation, but this is the only operating branch that remains. It offers charter rides throughout the week as well as two scheduled rides on Sunday. Tour the former Ewa Plantation, ghost towns and other island landmarks. Call for prices and reservations. (808) 681-5461 (Return to top of page)
Happy Trails Hawaii: Nestled away on a hilltop overlooking Waimea Valley, we invite you to ride horseback amidst our island paradise. (800) 638-7433 (Return to top of page)
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - The preserve is a state underwater park in the remnant of a volcanic crater. Site includes an education center showcasing the bay's environment and the importance of preserving its marine life. (808) 396-4229 (Return to top of page)
Hawaii State Capitol—With its pools, columns and volcano-like roof, the building’s architecture symbolizes Hawaiian geography. (808) 586-0178 (Return to top of page)
Honolulu Soaring: Original Glider Rides depart from Dillingham Airfield at Mokuleia, east of Kaena Point State Park. Your piloted Scenic glider Tour will start with flight along the lush Waianae Mountains with rugged cliffs, cattle and horse trails; panoramic views of Oahu’s world famous North Shore including Waimea Bay; a glimpse of the Satellite Tracking Station at Kaena Point, and colorful windsurfing sails off the beach at Mokuleia. (808) 677-3404 (Return to top of page)
Hula To Go: Join a workshop or indulge in a private lesson. (Return to top of page)
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge: This patch of wetlands is home to four of Hawaii's endangered waterbirds and an essential wintering ground for many migratory species. It is open to visitors during the non-breeding season for the endangered Hawaiian Stilt approximately October thru February. During this time, visitors can participate in a free, 90-minute guided tour of the fresh water marsh. This protected fresh water marsh has benefited from volunteer projects which assist staff in improving the habitat for the endangered birds that nest here. It's also a popular destination for school field trips. The refuge is located about two miles southeast of the Turtle Bay Resort. (808) 637-6330 (Return to top of page)
Hawaii Nature Center: 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. (808) 955-0100 (Return to top of page)
The Dolphin Adventure at Sea Life Park is a once in a lifetime chance to participate in a very special program with dolphins. After a short orientation, guests will enjoy 30 minutes of dolphin fun! Participants will touch the dolphin and pose for a big KISS, perform various close contact behaviors and you will have a chance to view the dolphin underwater all while a trainer educates you about these amazing animals. (800) 417-1736 (Return to top of page)
Creation - A Polynesian Journey: is Sheraton's newest Polynesian dinner and cocktail show in Waikiki. It takes the audience on a theatrical excursion to witness the mythical creation of Polynesian man and woman along with their spectacular voyage through the Pacific. The show presents a chronological story through the South Pacific Islands with an accomplished cast of performers representing the cultural music and dances of Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, Samoa and Hawaii. (808) 922-5811 (Return to top of page)
Honolulu Horse & Carriage: Oahu's balmy weather makes it the perfect place for an evening stroll, or better yet, a romantic carriage ride. This company offers carriage rides through Waikiki nightly, from 6:30p-11p. Each ride is approximately 20 minutes and passengers may choose to be dropped off anywhere they choose ( as long as it is convenient to the route ). All day rentals are also available for special occasions. (808) 924-7895 (Return to top of page)
Iolani Palace: This Palace is the only official state residence of royalty in the United States and offers 90 minute tours of The Palace Galleries and private quarters. The Royal Hawaiian Band performs most Fridays on the Palace grounds. (808) 522-0832 (Return to top of page)
Magic of Polynesia Show: nightly. Waikiki Beachcomber - 2300 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu

In the middle of Waikiki you'll find the only show that captivates all ages and crosses all languages - Magic of Polynesia. More than just a magic show, Magic of Polynesia is a unique blend of Polynesian entertainment and amazing illusions. Starring John Hirokawa - recipient of the International Magician's Society Merlin Award - the show is full of surprises, humor and island spirit. Astonishing levitations will baffle your senses. You'll see a helicopter suddenly appear, a dangerous death trap escape and other illusions that will leave you bewildered. The illusions are not only accompanied by dazzling lasers, pyrotechnics and special effects, but also cast of beautiful dancers with a flair for Polynesia. Also featured is a fire dancer that will demonstrate his flare in a dynamic display of athleticism and agility. A different illusionist may be featured on Sundays and Mondays.
(808) 922-3147 (Return to top of page)
Rainbow Trolley

The latest craze in tourist transportation in Honolulu is the open-air cable car, originally made famous in foggy San Francisco. This version is on wheels instead of tracks. It is one of a few trolley services operating on O'ahu. It stops at 30 tourist hot spots throughout Honolulu. Trolleys run every 20 minutes. 808 539 9495 (Return to top of page)
Sea Life Park At Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins dance, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical place by the sea.
Spend a day in Honolulu, only an hour's drive away, enjoy a day of shopping, sightseeing or taking a tour. (For an alphabetical list of tours and excursions available from various companies click here.) (Return to top of page)
Turtle Bay Palmer Course: 18 holes, par 72, 7199 yards. All prices per person and include golf cart rental. Located on Oahu's scenic North Shore, the Arnold Palmer Course is home of the PGA Champion's Tour Turtle Bay Championship held every January and the LPGA's SBS Open held every February. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top courses in Hawaii, the Palmer Course boasts a challenging layout with outstanding conditions. (price includes free bucket of range balls). (808) 293-8811 (Return to top of page)
Spend a day at Pearl Harbor

Battleship Missouri Memorial—Explore the ship’s decks, observe its armaments and walk on the Surrender Deck, where guns suddenly fell silent as World War II ended. (808) 973-2494 (Return to top of page)

USS Arizona Memorial: 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. (808) 422-0561 (Return to top of page)
USS BOWFIN Submarine Museum and Park— The park’s centerpiece, a 1,500-ton World War II submarine, was known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” (808) 423-1341 (Return to top of page)
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor: The Pacific Aviation Museum, located in Hangars 37, 54 and 79 of Pearl Harbor's Ford Island, offers visitors a chance to relive the heinous Pearl Harbor attack in a safe and comfortable museum setting. An introductory film depicts the event in graphic (albeit black and white) detail. Then revelers are ushered into row upon row of dioramas and other exhibits that shed more light on the intricacies of what actually happened on that fateful day. Outside, the experience continues. A replica debris field, complete with smoking wrecks, is on view, as well as actual shrapnel marks and an actual bomb crater. A stable of historical aircraft completes the museum's collection. (808) 441-1000 (Top of page)
Pearl Harbor Museum: It was a quiet Sunday morning when Hawaii was suddenly put on the world's stage on December 7, 1941 as the Japanese surprise attacked the US Pacific Fleet on Oahu and took 2,390 lives - most of them aboard the battleship USS Arizona. After a few short hours the attack left the Pacific Fleet shattered and Americans, previously divided over involvement in World War II, collectively rallied to support the US in its eventual victory.

The memorial was created to honor those who died in the attack not only in Pearl Harbor, but also Hickam, Wheeler, and Bellows airfields, Ewa Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station, and Schofield Barracks. The structure spans the mid-portion of the sunken USS Arizona where you can still see oil bubbling to the surface of the water, a somber reminder of the sacrifices made over 60 years ago. (Return to top of page)

Getting Around to Tourist Attractions
Getting around Oahu is fun and easy, whether it's two wheels, four wheels or otherwise. You can circle Oahu in less than three hours by car. Honolulu is less than an hour away. Or you can take TheBus, our public transportation system. It's one of the best ways to experience the local communities and people firsthand. Taxis are plentiful and easily available. Or, if you prefer, there are a number of two-wheeled options, like motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles. To get around, we have three major freeways, connecting you to all points of the island.

Things to Do and See

Iolani Palace: This Palace is the only official state residence of royalty in the United States and offers 90 minute tours of The Palace Galleries and private quarters. The Royal Hawaiian Band performs most Fridays on the Palace grounds. (808) 522-0832 (Return to top of page)

Rainbow Trolley

USS BOWFIN Submarine Museum and Park— The park’s centerpiece, a 1,500-ton World War II submarine, was known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” (808) 423-1341 (Return to top of page)