Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the beautiful state of Hawaii
1.) Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu hours of operation are 6-4:30pm This dormant volcano crater is one of Honolulu’s major natural landmarks, known for its history, amazing hikes, and stunning coastal views. The way to the summit is an easy-to-moderate hike up—though there's a steep flight of steps—and you'll be treated to some of the best views on the island. There are also many lookouts surrounding the crater. If you have limited mobility, don't worry, multiple other hikes within the park are accessibility friendly. It can get busy (and hot!) so try to reach early in the morning and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Online reservations are required for non-residents but are often included in guided tours of Diamond Head.
2.) USS Arizona Memorial located in Honolulu ticket prices are $20 hours of operation are 7-5pm The most visited spot in Hawaii, this majestic floating memorial honors those who died during the WWII Pearl Harbor attack. This ship is just one of the ships in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial A National Historic Landmark, this site consists of five memorials commemorating the events around WWII and the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Please stop by and visit each one you will learn something new at each stop.
3.) Children's Discovery Center This world-class interactive children's museum is designed to inspire all ages to discover, explore and share. The focus is on learning about the world by using all senses and gaining an understanding of others in Hawaii’s multicultural community. Kid-focused exhibits include Tot Spot, Fantastic You, Your Town, Hawaiian Rainbows and Your Rainbow World.
4.) Honolulu Zoo hours of operation are 9-4:430pm From pink flamingos to African giraffes, the Honolulu Zoo is home to a little bit of everything from the animal kingdom. Its animal population includes more than 64 reptiles, 38 mammals and 160 bird species. The 42-acre facility is organized into three tropical ecological zones: Tropical Rainforests, Pacific Islands and the African Savanna. Among its highlights is a new $12-million, 1.5-acre Asian tropical elephant exhibit that includes a 7,260-square-foot holding area and two 55,000-gallon pools.
5.) The Magical Mystery Show at Hilton Waikiki Beach hours of operation are 3-10pm price of admission is $99 The Magical Mystery Show presents the world’s best magical entertainers, in elegant, intimate settings, at the best hotels on the planet. These shows are designed to stun and entertain. You are not far away watching a stage. You are right there with miracles happening before your eyes, just inches away! Tickets are limited to less than 60 guests a show to provide close-up miracles, laughter, and the joys of a bygone era. Guests participate in the show and enjoy the childlike wonder created by miraculous feats of prestidigitation. Guests are amazed and leave with the lines between fantasy and reality thoroughly blurred!
6.) Hawaii Turtle Tours hours of operation are 7-7pm Price of admission is $140 North Shore Hawaii Turtle Tours prides itself in providing custom client relationships through our boutique family-style tours. We are the only Oahu circle island tour that includes snorkeling and swimming with the noble Hawaiian green sea turtles on Oahu’s North Shore. Your professional tour guide will also share interesting cultural and historical facts with you as we tour around the island. Come with us to enjoy a full day of exploring Oahu.
7.) Chinatown As a historic district in Honolulu, Chinatown offers a charming way to spend the afternoon. The area is a time-honored juxtaposition of old and new, where traditional markets co-exist with swanky art galleries. Stroll down Maunakea Marketplace where you can find exotic fruits, traditional herbs, and even watch noodles being made. You can also people-watch at River Street Pedestrian Mall and snap a photo of the iconic Hawaii Theater nearby. Get here via the Waikiki Trolley Hop-on-hop-off trolley tour, on a Hawaii food walking tour where an expert will bring you to all the must-eats in the area.
8.) Experience Nutridge hours of operation are 4-8pm We are NO BIG PRODUCTION! We are a very intimate luau who focuses on sharing Hawaiian culture with you. We go from strangers to family within a few hours at our luau. A new standard for a backyard style luau. A unique, hands on, intimate and truly magical 5-Star experience. Our guests say this is everything they hoped for and more. Become part of our ohana as you visit the Nutridge Estate. Walk through a rainforest, help us build an imu (Hawaiian underground oven) and enjoy a "front row seat" throughout with our small group family style luau. We encourage everyone to come and experience the magic first-hand. Book your "truly magical" luau experience today!
9.) U.S. Army Schofield Barracks hours of operation are 10-4pm This is a working military base so be prepared to adhere to all qualifications to enter the base. A good way to learn about the history of Schofield Barracks and the 25th "Tropic Lightning" Division is to visit the base and particularly the Tropic Lightning Museum in Carter Hall, the old base library, in Building 361. When you're there, be sure to grab a copy of the historic guide for the base which provides a map showing various historic and architecturally interesting buildings around the base and even a suggested tour route.
Getting on the base is fairly easy. Assuming that you're coming from Honolulu via H-2. Just as H-2 ends and becomes Wilikina Drive (Route 99), you'll see signs to turn left onto Kunia Road to go to Schofield Barracks. Assuming you don't have a DoD ID, drive past the first gate (Foote Avenue) and go to the second gate (Lyman Road) where visitors can get a pass. You'll have to pull over to the inspection area and, following the MP's direction, get out and open the hood, trunk, and all the doors so they can look inside your vehicle. Assuming your license and registration (or car rental agreement) are in order, you'll be issued a dashboard pass. Once on base, keep an eye out to spot the signs that will direct you to the museum.
10.) Living Ocean Tours price of admission is about $89. Hours of operation are 8-5pm Snorkeling with turtles! Experience a rare opportunity to see our endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful reef fish up close while snorkeling beside them in the crystal clear waters off of Waikiki. This unforgettable tour is family friendly and good for ages 3 and up! For those who prefer not to get in the water you can even see these gorgeous turtles from the boat. Under the careful guidance of a snorkel guide, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and - in winter months - humpback whales. Discover sea life in its natural environment and visit one of Waikiki’s top snorkel sites. Enjoy complimentary refreshments on the 20 minute Waikiki coastline cruise to and from Turtle Canyons.
11.) Try Scuba Diving price of admission is roughly $99 The Try Scuba Diving experience is like no other. Our tours are for beginners and first timers so you don't need any experience. We specialize in taking beginners on their first dive experience so we guarantee you will see a ton of aquatic life and fish. And, you will have one of the best experiences on the island with us.
12.) Nui Tours we were craving to see the real beauty that the island has to offer. This tour was exactly what we were looking for! The sights that we saw on this tour were amazing and so were the amazing memories that we all got to make along the way. Sights aside though, what truly made this tour so amazing was our tour guide Aka. Aka brought so much more to this tour by truly welcoming us to his native Hawaiian culture. I truly cannot express how special Aka made this experience. And our driver Victor was excellent as well! If you are debating about taking this tour, do it!
13.) Makani Catamaran hours of operation are 9-5pm "Feel the thrill" of exploring the crystal blue, warm Pacific waters on Makani, Hawaii's most luxurious sailing adventure. Enjoy our Fun In The Sun Sail, Hawaii Sunset Sail, or Friday Night Fireworks aboard this luxurious catamaran and see why sailing Waikiki has become so rewarding on Makani. Enjoy the spirit of the ocean and the breathtaking views of the island as the Polynesians did many years ago. Makani, the finest Hawaii catamaran offers a covered cabin seating area, two large, freshwater restrooms, Bose surround sound system, LCD TV, sunbathing net areas, and pilothouse seating. No expense has been spared making Makani the catamaran of choice for the most discriminating customers, including many celebrities. The Captain and crew will attend to your every need. We hope you will make Makani your first choice to "Feel the Thrill" and have an unforgettable Hawaiian ocean experience.
14.) Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats Aloha! Join us for a 90min Afternoon, Sunset or Friday Night Fireworks Tour on the waters outside of Waikiki Beach aboard our 52' Glass Bottom Catamaran! Non-Alcoholic refreshments are provided on all tours along with complimentary Mai Tai's and Beer on the Sunset and Friday Night Fireworks Tours! Responsible BYOB is welcome on ANY of our tours! We are located just 5min from Waikiki at Kewalo Harbor. $1/hr parking available onsite.
15.) Island WaterSports Hawaii hours of operation are 8-5pm We invite you to join us on a spectacular underwater journey through the crystal clear waters and colorful reefs of Hawaii on a submersible scooter. Your Maunalua Bay journey begins when you board our 50-foot power catamaran boat for a scenic cruise to a crystal clear dive site, and who knows you may even see the stars of Hawaii Five-O filming on the beach. Let our friendly, professional staff at Island Water Sports Hawaii take you on a truly unique, underwater adventure aboard one of our submersible eco-scooters in Maunalua Bay, Oahu. Our underwater scooters will allow you to view the marvels of the sea while effortlessly riding your very own self-propelled, eco-friendly electric scooter. No diving or scuba experience necessary. The tour also features snorkeling, swimming, shade areas and a spacious sun deck so you can relax and soak up the spectacular Hawaiian sun. We also offer Surfing and Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons, Fishing, and Custom Tours. So what are you waiting for, reservations are limited so book today!
16.) Hawaii Food Tours Hawaii Food Tours™ was created by Hawaii's #1 Food Writer and Restaurant Reviewer, Chef Matthew Gray. It's for those who love food & fun. Voted Best Tours on Oahu for several years in a row! Our Famous Hole-in-the-Wall Tour™ takes place in & around Honolulu... We will feed, educate and entertain you all day long! MSNBC Network called us one of the best food experiences in the world! This fantastic tour features Yummy Foods, Fascinating History, and Culinary Decadence! Our Famous Hole-in-the-Wall Tour™ includes a behind-the-scenes walking and tasting tour in Honolulu's amazingly colorful Chinatown! It's an entertaining, informative and FUN Honolulu City Tour with different stops, including one of Hawaii's most famous Bakeries & one-of-a-kind Marketplaces. You'll be eating and enjoying about a dozen different foods! This tour takes place all over Honolulu, away from the touristy areas of Waikiki, where only the real locals go to eat. We created our tours for people who love food
17.) The Real Hawai'i We offer private small group tours on the island of Oahu. Get out of Waikiki and off the crowded tour buses and take control of your vacation with a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Our tours are flexible and allow you the freedom to see what you want to see and spend time where you want to. We are your local friend on the island.
18.) Hanauma Bay Tours We provide round trip transportation and snorkel gear to use while visiting Hanauma Bay. We also provide a wide variety of Oahu's most popular tours. We also combined the world famous North Shore with Hanauma Bay State Park giving you two tours in 1 day.
19.) Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned vacationer, this is the perfect way to experience Oahu’s most scenic sights. From Diamond Head Crater along the southern coast to the famous surfing beaches of the North Shore, you’ll take in a landscape that includes lush mountains and sparkling, turquoise waters. You’ll also learn about the unique culture and history of Oahu through tour narration and along the way you’ll stop at some fascinating locales.At an altitude of 1,186 feet, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout offers unparalleled views of Oahu’s southern coast. On a clear day you might see Diamond Head Crater and Chinaman’s Hat off in the distance. You’ll also have the opportunity to view these natural landmarks from a closer vantage point along with the Halona “Blow Hole” and other breathtaking scenery along your journey.
20.) KoAloha Ukulele This factory tour was one of our favourite memories of Honolulu. You don't need to be a music buff to appreciate the love, care and attention to detail these ukes are built with but you will dig the level of detail and craftsmanship. Dad jokes aside - yes, this is a family owned business and you may get a dad joke or 3, this tour was fun and fact filled. We were lucky to get a song from Pops, the patriarch and master builder, which was simply lovely.
We opted to make a small uke keychain out of koa wood as part of the tour (extra cost) as a momento- this is especially cool as Koa trees cannot be felled for harvest. They can only be collected once they fall naturally
21.) Hawaii Nautical Such a great and awesome experience with an even greater crew! Captain Flynn, Kiara, Clay and Sabrina were so wonderful! Full of fun facts, great teachers and awesome hosts!
22.)Hans Hedemann Surf School Surf School established in 1995 by pro surfer Hans Hedemann. We provide 2 hour lessons daily for surfing, stand up paddling and body boarding at both our south shore & north shore locations for all levels of surfers, plus we have north shore tours that leave from Waikiki. Give us a call for more details or to make a reservation.
23.) Manoa Falls hours of operation are 8-4pm This scenic 150-foot-tall falls is only accessible via a hike through the rainforest. It's a 1.5-mile round trip, which takes about an hour or two from the trailhead. Wear good shoes as the path can get muddy and slippery, and bring bug repellent and plenty of water. Manoa Falls is a great photography spot, and the location has been featured in movies and television shows like Jurassic Park and Lost. Cool off in the pool at the base of the falls and grab a snack and a refreshing pineapple smoothie for your walk back to civilization
24.) Makapuu Lighthouse Trail Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is one of Oahu's most popular coastal hiking trails on its southeastern coast, offering spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. You'll get to see landmarks like Koko Crater, Makapuu Beach, and even the offshore islands Molokai and Lanai on a clear day. There's also the iconic red Makapuu Lighthouse built in 1909 which you can see along the way. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot seabirds and migrating humpback whales from November to May. This uphill trail is about two miles long and is well-paved throughout, making it a manageable trek for families with children.
25.) Bishop Museum hours of operation are 9-5pm price of admission is roughly $34 Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai'i and other Pacific island cultures. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum.
26.) Shangri La Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global cultures of Islamic art and design through exhibitions, digital and educational initiatives, public tours and programs, and community partnerships.
27.) US Army Museum of Hawaii hours of operation are 10-5pm The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is open Tues - Sat from 10 AM - 5 PM. We are closed on Federal Holidays (if Holiday falls on a Monday then we are closed that Tuesday). The Museum is FREE to all with exhibits located on the first and second floor of the facility. Parking is available directly across the street from the museum in the Saratoga parking lot. Validation is available at the welcome desk. Constructed from 1909-11, the Coast Artillery Battery (known as Battery Randolph) protected Oahu with its two 14-inch disappearing guns. In the early 70’s, attempts were made to tear down Battery Randolph to make way for the Hale Koa Hotel, however, those attempts proved to be unsuccessful. In 1976, the structure was repurposed into a museum focusing on depicting early Hawaiian warfare and the military’s presence in the Pacific highlighting every major military encounter throughout the 20th Century.
28.) Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum hours of operation are 9-5pm One of the principal Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, our unique interactive museum is located in the battlefield hangers of historic Ford Island which were attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, the beginning of WWII. Aircraft, such as a Japanese Zero and the Stearman in which former President George H.W. Bush soloed as the war's youngest aviator, illustrating how aviation helped stem the war. You'll view historic videos, including a movie of the beginning of the war. Enjoy the authentic gift shop, 1940s themed Laniakea Cafe, and our state-of-the-art 360 degree combat flight simulators. The mission of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is to steward America’s first aviation battlefield of World War II sharing the artifacts, personal stories, the impact and response to the December 7, 1941 attack and the Pacific region battles that followed, honoring those who have defended our freedom so we might educate and inspire future generations.
29.) Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace Looking for a unique shopping experience in Honolulu? Check out this premier outdoor market, held at the Aloha Stadium. With over 400 vendors, you'll find everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts and Hawaiian shirts. Locals come here to snag some good deals, while travelers can score some great souvenirs. If you're feeling hungry, stop for a freshly-cut coconut and snacks from the food trucks. The market is only open on select days, so check the schedule before you go. Get there early to beat the crowds. Note that the market is cash-only and there's a small admission fee to enter.
30.) Honolulu Museum of Art hours of operation are 10-9pm One of the world’s premier art museums presents international caliber special exhibitions and features a collection that includes Hokusai, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso and Warhol, as well as traditional Asian and Hawaiian art. Located in two of Honolulu’s most beautiful buildings, visitors enjoy two cafés, gardens, and films and concerts at the theater. Other location: Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House
Even though this is such a small state there are so many things to do and see here in this state you really can find a hidden gem around every corner. I hope that you take the time to really deep dive into this state.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
