Oahu Sightseeing Experience

Waikiki & South

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Standing with outstretched arms over Kuhio Beach in Waikiki is a nine-foot bronze statue of the father of surfing. Also an Olympic swimming champion, the amiable Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890-1968) also served as an ambassador of aloha. Free

Honolulu Zoo

With a world-wide reputation for its bird collection, the Waikiki zoo is home to a variety of primates, reptiles, African animals and unusual critters like warthogs. Fee, honoluluzoo.org

Waikiki Aquarium

See a collection of seahorses, jellyfish, giant clams, multi-hued corals and a vast variety of marine life that lives in Hawaiian waters. Fee, waikikiaquarium.org

Diamond Head State Monument

Waikiki’s famous landmark is recognized for its historic hiking trail to a lookout offering stunning coastal views and military history. The trail ascends steep stairs, a lighted tunnel and entrance to a wartime artillery control station. Fee, dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

An underwater protected marine conservation area formed within a volcanic cone, this state park is a stellar snorkeling spot with an education center, gift shop and snack bar. Fee, reservations required, hanaumabaystatepark.com

Koko Head Crater

Beginning at Koko Head Park, this old military railroad trail traverses over 1,000 steps to the 1200-foot summit of Koko Head Crater for breathtaking coastal views. Free

Downtown Honolulu

Capital District
Boarded by Richards, Queen, Beretania and South Streets, this area contains architectural treasures in a gardenlike city setting all within walking distance. Find a bronze statue of King Kamehameha the Great fronting the ornate Aliiolani Hale at 417 King St. and the free King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, jhchawaii.net. Across the street is Iolani Palace (above) and the Hawai‘i State Capitol, the latter offers a free, self-guided tour brochure, pick up a brochure in Room 415.

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site
At 553 S. King St., offers self and guided tours chronicling Hawai‘i’s missionary experience. Fee, gift shop, missionhouses.org

Iolani Palace

Built in 1882 during the reign of Hawaiian King David Kalakaua, the palace was restored to its original grandeur in the 1970s and operates as a museum with a gift shop. Self-led audio tour and a variety of themed tours available. Fee, reservations required, iolanipalace.org

Kawaiahao Church

The oldest Christian church on the island, Kawaiahao was built in 1842 using hand-chiseled coral blocks. The church is open to the public 8:30 a.m. for traditional Hawaiian Sunday worship. Self-guided audio tours for the historic church and grounds are available online. Free, kawaiahaochurch.com

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl

Located in a volcanic crater, a 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia looks out over the final resting place of almost 53,000 veterans while the Courts of the Missing Monument displays the names of those lost in action or buried at sea. Mosaic galleries display maps chronicling wartime battles. Free, nps.gov/places/national-memorial-cemetery-of-the-pacific.htm

Central Oahu

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

Find the bookends of WWII—the USS Arizona Memorial and the “Mighty Mo” Battleship Missouri Memorial—plus the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Tours, gift shops, fees. pearlharborhistoricsites.org

Bishop Museum

Founded in 1889, the museum’s grand halls display an extensive collection of Hawaiian objects, royal family heirlooms and handcrafted works of art, plus natural and cultural history collections of the Pacific. Gift shop, fee, bishopmuseum.org

Dole Plantation

Pineapple is king at this agriculture-themed attraction with train and garden tours,corn maze, plantation store and informative displays sharing the fruit's legendary history in Hawai 'i. Admission is free, fees for tours and maze. doleplantation.com