Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head
Hawaii is a land of warm tropical waters caressing sun-washed beaches, of a historic past that begs exploring and of a gregarious people with a penchant for music and dance. Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian island and the home of the state capital, Honolulu. There are mega-resorts in Waikiki and around the island and luaus and excursions that are well worth the money spent, but there are also parts of Oahu that can be experienced for little or no cash at all.
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Fun
In Hawaii the beaches belong to everyone, including those beaches that front the nonstop party zone known as Waikiki. Sun, sand and the ocean are free. Grab your beach gear, stop in at one of the "one on every block almost" ABC stores for drinks and a picnic lunch and spend the day enjoying yourself on one of the most famous beaches in the world. If your day at the beach dips into the evening hours, you will be in the perfect spot for watching a colorful Hawaiian sunset.
Hiking Diamond Head
View From the Top of Diamond Head
On the eastern end of Waikiki Beach sits the dormant volcano Diamond Head. This long time icon of Waikiki got its name from British sailors in the 1800s who took the calcite crystals in the soil for diamonds. If you want to see Waikiki from a different perspective, take the .6 mile hike up the side of Diamond Head. Accessed from a drive-through tunnel, Diamond Head State Monument has restrooms, vending machines and information pamphlets at the base parking lot area. Mobile lunch wagons also service the area. The real draw is the hike up the volcano's side on a marked trail, part paved, part natural turf and part stairs. Sections of it are steep, but the view at the top tends to make you forget the 99 steps on that last leg. All of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean lie beneath your feet.
Arizona Memorial National Monument
List of the Fallen, Arizona Memorial
A visit to Oahu is incomplete without seeing Pearl Harbor. Located 13 miles west of Waikiki, the Arizona Memorial National Monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Dec.r 7, 1941 attack of Pearl Harbor. The memorial straddles the Battleship Arizona, which still serves as a tomb for many of the soldiers who went down with her. Droplets of oil still rise from her hull. The tour begins with a movie showing actual footage of the Japanese attack. After that a Navy launch takes visitors to board the memorial. There is no cost for the tour or for touring the USS Bowfin submarine just next door. A cable car-style shuttle, playing music from the 1940s, is available to ride over to Ford Island to see the USS Missouri, also called the "Mighty Mo." This ship is where the Japanese surrendered to the United States. As of 2009, the general admission fee for adults is $16 and for children $8.
Hike the Pali Lookout Trail
Pali Lookout
Head west on Highway 1 to the Pali Highway toward Windward Oahu and follow the signs to the Pali Lookout. Park in the lot and walk out to the edge of one of the most scenic and windiest spots on Oahu. From this vantage point the Koolau Mountains and all of Windward Oahu are panoramically laid at your feet. Local legend has it that King Kamehameha conquered Oahu by driving its army over this very cliff. There is a little-known trail at the base of the lookout that follows the old Pali Highway. Its paved pathway winds through island greenery offering new views around every turn. There is no cost at all for this outdoor adventure.
North Shore
Island Surfers
North Shore, Oahu is best known for winter waves the size of skyscrapers and surfers crazy enough to take them on. If you are on Oahu during the winter months, driving up to the North Shore to see these monster waves is an adventure in itself. Unless you are an expert surfer, don't even think about doing anything but watching. In the summer months, the swells mellow and the Waimea Bay Beach Park becomes an inviting stretch of sand with safely swimmable waters that is popular with kids of all ages. The park offer restrooms and picnic areas. Bringing your own drinks and snacks is the least expensive way to go, but save a few dollars for a shave ice at Matusmoto's Store. Located just 2.5 miles from Waimea Bay Beach Park, this general store has been serving this island style snow cone since 1951.
About ABC Stores
Shopping in Waikiki
It is almost impossible to walk more than a block or two in Waikiki without running into an ABC Store with its traditional blue sign and white lettering. These discount stores make it easy to pick up a quick picnic lunch or snack for your day at the beach or jaunt around the island. They also offer island souvenirs including macadamia nuts, with or without the chocolate, and Kona coffee. Beach mats, beach towels, personal care items, it's all there at reasonable prices. The ABC store also sells the 4-Day Visitor Bus Pass for the island's transportation service. "The Bus" is the least expensive way to get around the island. As of 2009 the 4-Day Visitor Pass sells for $25 and allows unlimited rides for that period.
Tags: Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Arizona Memorial, around island, North Shore, Pali Lookout, your beach