With its large beach that attracts many surfers every year, Waikiki Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – Honolulu, which means “sheltered bay” or “place of shelter” in Hawaiian, is the epicenter of Oahu Island, Hawaii.
In addition to its mythical waves, people come here for its many bars and restaurants, but also to discover a monument of memory: the site of Pearl Harbor, a military complex on which the USS Arizona memorial is erected, in memory of the attack. of December 7, 1941, which tipped the United States into World War II.
But the city that saw the birth of Barack Obama sixty years ago has more than one trick up its sleeve! Here is our pick of the most beautiful places to see in Honolulu.
Waikiki beach
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On one of the most famous beaches in the world, you can choose to practice idleness or a sporting activity: it is a surf spot, of course, but also stand-up paddle or outrigger canoe.
Located in the south of Honolulu, the district of Waikiki is today the principal tourist zone of the island, and this since the construction of the first hotel at the very beginning of the XXth century: the legendary Moana Surfrider. Although relatively lively, with many shops and bars set up along the promenade, the area is pleasant for strolling.
A few hula dance shows take place there regularly! Close to the beach, do not miss a visit to the Honolulu Zoo, built on part of the Royal Queen Kapi’olani Park.
Diamond Head
What better way to observe Waikiki Beach than to gain height? To do this, head to the Diamond Head crater – Lēʻahi in Hawaiian – more than a kilometer in diameter. A true icon of Honolulu, Diamond Head is visited by several thousand people every day, and for good reason!
So called in English in reference to the fact that the first British sailors mistook its calcite crystals for diamonds, Diamond Head offers a panoramic view of Waikiki and the surrounding area. A landmark visible from anywhere on the island, Diamond Head winds its way through a short hike, about 3 kilometers long round trip.
Manoa Falls
Going to discover the Manoa Falls is to discover the lush nature of Hawaii. Movie buffs and TV fans alike may recognize the setting, as this rainforest appears in multiple scenes in Jurassic Park and Lost. To reach the waterfall, 45 meters high, you will have to take a very short path (barely 2 and a half kilometers round trip) but muddy, so a bit risky, in rainy weather.
Ala Moana beach park
Between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, this public park has the advantage of sheltering a pretty golden sand beach, in addition to providing locals and visitors with sports facilities. It is a nice place to walk with children or to have a picnic.
Iolani Palace
Completed in 1882, the Iolani Palace was built by order of King Kalakaua, in a neo-Renaissance style. It served as the residence of the last Hawaiian rulers, until the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, before becoming the seat of the new authorities.
In the 1970s, the premises were completely and meticulously restored, so as to regain its original appearance. Since 1978, it is a museum that can be visited. The Iolani Palace is today the only former royal residence located on the territory of the United States!
Le Punchbowl crater
This volcanic crater located northeast of downtown Honolulu is a ring of tuff formed 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. It has the particularity of accommodating on its summit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, a national military cemetery where more than 30,000 American soldiers are buried.
Personalities like the writer Douglas Kennedy rest there in particular. From the top, the views of the surroundings, and in particular of Diamond Head, are particularly breathtaking.
Also read:
In Hawaii, the secrets of the “best rainbows in the world”
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Hawaii: in search of the King’s Road
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Haiku Stairs: Too Dangerous, Hawaii’s Legendary Stairs Will Be Destroyed
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