Oahu Hawaii for Mountains, Rainforests, Volcanic Craters and much more

 Oahu Hawaii so much to see and do

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The Diamond Head lighthouse in Oahu, Hawaii is situated on the steep coast cliff of the Diamond Head volcano, originally constructed in 1899 and rebuilt in 1917. The lighthouse is 55ft tall, standing 147ft above sea level, its light projecting 18miles out over the Pacific Ocean. There is no public admittance to the lighthouse, but it can be viewed from on top of Diamond Head crater.

Goat Island is located on the windward coast, a lava rock shaped like a pancake; it’s only a few yards off the coast of Malaikahana Recreation Area. The middle of the Island is a restricted refuge area for ground dwelling birds rearing their young. The waters that surround the Island have tide pools that are ideal for snorkelling; there is also a sandy beach dotted with coral formations and shallow water. Visits to the Island should only be taken during low tide, powerful currents and riptides occur during high tide.

Punchbowl Crater is an extinct volcano located above the City of Honolulu; it is the location of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This 112 acre Cemetery is the final resting place for over 34,000 U.S. War Veterans from World War Two, the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The Honolulu Memorial is set high on the wall of the crater that overlooks the graves in the Cemetery. A 30ft high statue of Lady Columbia who symbolises all grieving mothers stands on the front of the tower that houses the Chapel and looks out on the Cemetery.

A monumental staircase leads from the crater floor to the Court of Honor, and ten Courts of the Missing which flank the staircase, there a total of 28,778 names are inscribed. In ancient times this crater was known as the ‘Hill of Sacrifice’, where human lives were sacrificed.

Pearl Harbor has a very poignant memorial to the USS Arizona that was sunk unexpectedly by the Japanese on December 7th 1941. This led to The US becoming involved in the Second World War. This ship went down with the loss of eleven hundred men, whose bodies were trapped inside the Battleship’s hull. This memorial (constructed in 1961) is 184ft long and vigilantly crosses the ships mid section. On both sides of the memorial there are openings, from which this ship can be seen lying on the Harbor bed. At the far end of the memorial there is a marble walled Chapel that lists the name of every Sailor who lost their life on the Arizona.

Not far from the Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri (decommissioned in 1992) is located on the renowned Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor. Touring the vessel can be done at your own pace or by guided tour with a professional tour guide. It gives a fascinating insight into how life was on board.

The Banzai Pipeline is located just west of Ehukai Beach Park on the North shore of Oahu beach. This is a renowned surfer paradise where the powerful waves are tubular shaped and look like pipes, hence its name. The surf in winter is wild and merciless and great care is needed when negotiating the waves.
 
Iolani Palace is located in the centre of downtown Honolulu; it is the only Royal Palace in the US. It is a replacement structure to the original Palace as ordered by David Kalakaua when he became King, as the original Palace was in disrepair. The structure was finished in 1882 and served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarch until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. The palace has been fully restored. The palace grounds include the Iolani Barracks, Royal Tomb, and the Coronation Pavilion.

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is located on the Pali Highway and is a popular attraction for tourists. Sporadic wind gusts can make it tricky to walk to the lookout point. It is situated some three thousand feet above Oahu but gives panoramic views of the Towns and shores. It is the place where in 1795, the well known Battle of Nuuanu was fought, led by Kamehameha I, who drove hundreds of warriors over the cliff.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a sixty acre basin situated inside the Koko Crater at the eastern end of the island of Oahu. Dryland plant collections from Hawaii and around the world feature there. A two mile loop trail takes visitors through the various collections, where Kiawe and Koa trees can be seen along the trail.

The US Army Museum of Hawaii is located in Battery Randolph at Waikiki's Fort DeRussy. It has exhibitions and educational programmes explaining the military role that Hawaii took from World War One and throughout the Vietnam War.

The Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument is located on Pupukea Rd, Haleiwa on the north shore. It has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark. This Religious site is the largest place of Worship on Oahu, covering a large area. The Ancient Hawaiians used this spot as a scared place of worship and is still revered to this day. Many people still leave offerings. From this area, there are some truly amazing views of Waimea Valley.

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