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Scenic Attractions      Okay, you didn't come to Oahu to relax, go to the beach, or have a picnic lunch. No, you came armed with rolls upon rolls of film, and you want something good to look at. Here are a few suggestions.

• Halona Blowhole
  When waves crash into this natural lava tube at the cliff base, they sends a spout of water dozens of feet into the sky. Watch for Molokai or one of the other islands on a clear day. Located along Kalanianaole High. east of Koko Head.
• Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii Hotel's Dolphin and Turtle Lagoon
  Kinda speaks for itself doesn't it? For more information, call 734-2211
• Nuuanu Pali Lookout
  Turn off the Pali Highway just before the tunnels and you'll be greeted with the most spectacular view of the windward side on Oahu, and one of the highest. Located on the top of 1,000 foot cliffs, if it gets real windy, leave your hat in the car.
• Tantalus-Round Top Drive
  The Pali Lookout of the leeward side. From the small lookout, just down the road from Puu Ualakaa Park, you can see everything all the way from Koko Head to the Waianae Mountains. Be sure to come back at night too, the view only gets better.
• Makapu'u Lighthouse
  See article

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Historic Landmarks      Below are listed some of the most well-know landmarks on Oahu. Whether you're a real history buff, or just a regular visitor to Oahu, these are a must-see. (downtown and Haleiwa also)

• Aloha Tower
  Marketplace, pier, and world famous landmark since 1921. Also home to the Hawaii Maritime Center
• Amelia Earhart Memorial
  Dedicated to the world famous pilot. Located at the middle lookout on Diamond Head Road.
• Chinatown
  Home to the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Sun Yat-sen Hall, the Wo Fat Restaurant, and the Kuan Yin Temple. Be sure to come back at the Chinese New Year.
• Duke Kahanamoku Memorial Statue
  Built to honor the "ambassador of aloha" and a great Olympic swimmer. Across from the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.
• Kaneake Heiau
  A reconstructed heiau that dates to the 15th century. It's in Makaha, so call 695-8174 to make sure it's open before you head out.
• Mormon Temple
  You can't enter it, but just touring the grounds is enough for a whole roll of film.
• Natatorium War Memorial
  Built in 1927 to honor Hawaii soldiers who died in World War I. Now closed due to deterioration, it was once the country's largest saltwater swimming pool.
• National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
  Called the "Arlington of the Pacific", this immense crater is home to the final resting places of more than 30,000 American servicemen and others such as Ellison Onizuka, the Hawaii astronaut who was killed in the Challenger shuttle disaster. Also known as Punchbowl, it contains the impressive Honolulu Memorial on the northwest wall. Call 566-1430 for more information.
• Puu-o-Mahuka Heiau
  Located off Pupukea Road, this is the largest Heiau on Oahu. It's registered as a National Historic Landmark and you may even be able to see Kauai on a clear day. One of the best views of the North Shore.
• Royal Mausoleum
  Burial place of 6 of Hawaii's 8 monarchs, it is considered to be the most sacred burial ground in the Hawaiian islands. 2261 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu.
• U.S.S. Arizona Memorial
  One of the most popular attractions on Oahu, home to the final resting place of the great ship. Ferry rides out to the Memorial are available. Call 422-0561 for more info.
• U.S.S. Missouri
  Hawaii's newest feature, it's not even open yet. Home of the battleship that witnessed the end of World War II.
  
  Historic Downtown Honolulu
• Hawaii State Capital
  Call 586-0178 for information about tour times.
• Honolulu Hale (City hale)
  Home to the Mayor's office, the City Council Chambers, and gallery areas.
• Iolani Palace
  The only royal palace on American soil, this one's going to cost you a bit to tour inside, but there's not fee to tour the grounds outside the palace.
• Kamehameha I Statue
  You've seen this on postcards, it was built to honor Hawaii's first monarch. It's an exact duplicate of the one in the town of Kapaau son the Island of Hawaii. The statue is draped with 18-foot leis on Kamehameha day, June 11. Behind it is the Judiciary Building.
• Kawaihao Church
  Honolulu's oldest church, it's on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Made of nearly 14,000 coral blocks, the church is open daily. Call 522-1333. Behind is King Lunalilo's tomb as well as many other famous personalities
• Mission Houses Museum
  Across from Kawaihao Church, this museum does charge a small admission fee but it's well worth the tour of the original buildings the missionaries build when they arrived on Oahu.
  
  Historic Haleiwa
• Lili'uokalani Church
  Located on Oahu's North Shore, this church contains a historic clock that was a gift from the Queen. Haleiwa is almost another landmark in itself. Turn off the main highway and take a drive through the first tourist resort in the islands. Call 637-9364 for more info on the church.

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Swimming Pools      Tired of the saltwater? Then take a dip in one of Oahu's many public pools.

• Aiea Recreation Center - Aiea Heights Dr. - 483-7858
• Booth District Park - Kanealii Ave. - 522-7037
• Kailua Recreation Center - Kainalu Dr. - 266-7661
• Kaneohe District Park - Keaahala Rd. - 233-7311
• Kanewai Playground - Dole - 733-7365
• Kapaolono Playground - 11th Ave. - 733-7369
• Makakilo - Anipeahi - 672-3840
• Manana - Kiahaka - 453-7556
• Manoa Valley Recreation Center - Kaaipu - 988-6868
• McCully Recreation Center - Pumehana - 973-7268
• Moanalua - Mahiole - 831-7106
• Palolo Recreation Center - Palolo Ane. - 733-7362
• Pearl City Recreation Center - Hoomaimai - 453-7552
• Wahiawa Recreation Center - Kilani Ave. - 621-0857
• Waialua Recreation Center - Goodale Ave. - 637-6061
• Waipahu Recreation Center - Paiwa - 671-7911

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Hiking      Oahu is crisscrossed with almost 100 hiking trails, many of them virtually unknown except to locals. Below are two of the most well-known. For more information regarding trails, check out Trail Head or contact me.

• Diamond Head
  One of the island's most well know hikes, this easy-to-follow trail takes you all the way to the peak of Diamond Head crater. Because there are over 100 steps, this 0.7 mile hike is not for people with heart problems.
• Manoa Falls
  This lush, green hike starts past Paradise park and Lyon Arboretum (see: Gardens) at the end of Manoa Rd. and takes you to a lovely waterfall. Usually very muddy, so plan accordingly.

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Museums      There are at least a dozen different museums on Oahu, but the admission prices are usually a bit hefty. I strongly recommend the Bishop Museum and the Aerospace Museum (inside Honolulu Int'l Airport)but they may put a strain on your wallet. These are a few of the more budget-friendly places to visit.

• Damien Museum
  Located behind St. Augustine Church, this museum contains memorabilia from Father Damien's work on Molokai. Open Monday through Saturday. Call 923-2690 for info on times.
• Pacific Whaling Museum
  Located on the Sea Life Park complex, this museum on the Windward side houses the largest collection of whaling artifacts in the Pacific. There is a charge to the main part of the park, but this museum can be visited for free. Check out the park too, if you have the time. Phone: 259-7933
• U.S. Army Museum at Fort DeRussy
  This museum contains hundreds of artifacts and gives a historical display of the Army's history from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Call 438-2821 for more information.

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