Honolulu has an excellent mix of active and cultural activities for visitors, guaranteeing an action packed and diverse vacation. Learn to surf on the world famous Waikiki Beach or swim and snorkel in the clear blue ocean at Hanauma Bay Marine Reserve.

Honolulu harbor has been a very busy port for the over a millennium. Gigantic Cruise ships carry thousands of passengers every day to this busy port and visitors to this exotic city can witness the busy activities at this harbor which is the main trading point for over 11 Million tons of cargo daily. Hawaii imports over 80% of its commercial goods via this port. The Aloha tower which was constructed in 1926 is a tourist attraction along with Aloha Market, the group of retail and restaurant establishments that dot the Honolulu harbor. The entire Honolulu harbor is spread out in its grandeur for a visitor casually looking from the top of the Aloha tower.

Pearl Harbor is the naval base where the Japanese attacked the Americans during World War II. On December 7, 1941, the US battleship Arizona was destroyed by the Japanese, killing 1,100 sailors. This was the point at which America decided to enter the Second World War and for this reason, this port is an important part of American and World history. A white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship from which the deck of the USS Arizona could be seen. Along with the Visitor's center at Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, visitors can learn much about this port's past history and America 's final victory in World War II.

Diamond Head State Monument
This attraction got its name from the Calcite crystals in this park that looked like diamonds to the earlier explorers. This site is a crater of an extinct volcano and the trail to its 761 feet summit begins in the interior of this crater. Hikers to the top of this attraction can see the entire island of Oahu (360 degree view). Admission is free to all visitors.

Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve
Turquoise waters and horseshoe-shaped sandy beaches provide a natural marine sanctuary for thousands of colorful tropical species of marine life. Snorkeling is a popular sport because of the waist high water inside the reef in which even kids can play. Expert snorkelers can go outside the reef into the deeper waters to see mesmerizing marine life including sea turtles. Once the exclusive retreat of Hawaiian royalty, this place is now enjoyed by people of all ages. Eagle rays, octopi, crabs and lobsters are some of the other inhabitants of this extinct volcanic crater.

Waikiki Beach
This world famous beach in Hawaii was made popular by the sport of wave surfing which was originally an entertainment reserved to the Hawaiian nobility called the Ali'i. In those days, any person attempting to imitate the Ali'i and tried to surf on a board could be punished by death! Many of the beaches in other islands such as Maui and the Big Island have been developed and populated with large, luxurious hotels, but Waikiki also remains a famous and popular tourist attraction.

Ioalani Palace
This palace was the residence of the last two rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom before the Westerners annexed it. This palatial mansion was buzzing with activity during the rule of King Kalakaua and his sister Queen Liliuokalani. This grand royal mansion was restored and preserved since then and is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

Dole Plantation
Dole is a company famous for its pineapples, bananas and canned fruits. The world's largest maze is located in the famous Dole Pineapple plantation in Honolulu . This maze is included in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records and visitors can solve the maze by locating six secret stations.

Byodo-In Temple
This temple is located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park which was established in 1968 to celebrate the Japanese Immigrant population in Hawaii . The name of this temple means non-discrimination”. A golden Buddha, towering more than 18 feet is housed in this temple. A large garden, built in Japanese style decorates the outside of the temple with the majestic Koolau Mountains as the backdrop of the temple.

This beautiful, exotic garden has several varieties of Japanese plants and trees decorating it.

Maritime Center
Even before the time the Hawaiian Islands were formed, seafaring had been a way of life for the Polynesians who eventually inhabited there. The history of surfboarding as well as the record of events of Hawaii 's maritime history is preserved in this location. Hawaii was also famous for its whaling, canoe racing and other water sports and activities. There is an exhibit of a rare Humpback Whale skeleton in this museum.

Plantation Village
This is an outdoor museum that records the life of Hawaii 's plantation workers. Antiques and old relics of the Plantation era along with displays of original architecture, structures and replicas of old homes provide a lot of history for students and others who are interested in Hawaiian history. There are also various photos and artifacts on the multi-ethnic groups who worked hard on the plantations in the mid 1800s and in the 1940s.

Queen Emma Summer Palace
Located in the beautiful Nu'uanu Valley, this former New England styled home of “Queen Emma” was transported by ship from the place where it was constructed elsewhere in Hawaii . Queen Emma was the consort of King Kamehameha IV. This palace also contains a beautiful garden with trees that were brought to Hawaii from distant lands. Many of Queen Emma's personal items and furnishings, along with royal artifacts are on display for tourists.

Sea Life Park
Located in Waimanalo , Hawaii , this park is a world-class marine center situated between the Ko'olau mountain range and Makapuu Beach . Here you and your family will be entertained by dancing dolphins, singing sea lions and performing penguins. This magical place by the sea is a delight to the kids of all ages.

Senator Fong' Gardens
This is a gigantic 725 acre botanical garden which provides an amazing 360 degree view from the Ko'olau Mountains. A guided tour takes visitors through palm gardens, lily ponds, and valleys of fruit orchards, tropical flowers and canopies of ornamental trees. Senator Fong was a US senator who served with five presidents. This garden is divided into five areas, each named for one of the five presidents.

Ko'olau Ranch Tours
Remember Jurassic Park ? Well, this movie was shot in various locations including Hawaii 's pristine natural surroundings. The Ko'olau Ranch is a 4,000 acre working cattle ranch that was established in 1850. There are five choices among the tours in this ranch. The Jurassic park site and Godzilla's footprints as well as current movie filming activities may be seen on the Movie Sites and Ranch Tour. On the Jungle Expedition tour, you board a rugged 6-wheel drive Swiss Pinzauer and move along jungle trails with fantastic views of the ocean and the mountain ranges. The Ocean voyaging tour will connect you to the ancient Hawaiians bravely navigated the oceans and its rough waters. The Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden Tours expose the visitors to its ancient fishing cultures. The Paliku Exploration tour enables the traveler to learn the history of Ko'olau and also enjoy the 360 degree views from the top of a ridge.

Maui Diver's Jewelry Design Center
This jewelry manufacturer is the largest in Hawaii . They offer a 20 minute behind the scenes tour of jewelry making including how a black coral is transformed from a raw state into a beautiful ornament that can be worn by royalty. Black coral is Hawaii 's state gemstone.

Maita'i Catamarans
This 44 foot catamaran seats 47 passengers and is regularly inspected and certified by the US coast guard. Seated in this ancient boat, a family can enjoy time in the sun, fun in the water or just sitting around to enjoy each other's company far out in the ocean with only seagulls and fish for company.

Oahu Adventure Eco-Tour
An eco-tour is the best way to teach present and future generations the importance of conservations, preservation and continuation of our life and eco systems around the world. In this tour, families are exposed to the Paiko Lagoon wildlife Sanctuary, Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Lookout, Kaupo Lava flow and tide pools, Waimanalo Bay , Enchanted Lake Bird refuge, ancient Ulupou Heiau temple, Pali Lookout (which was described by Mark Twain as one of the most beautiful sights on earth).

North Shore Eco-Tour
The first stop on this tour is the Valley of the Temples where visitors can see the Byodo temple at the base of 2000 foot cliffs. Then the tour takes the passengers along the Kahana Bay to the Laie Point. Shrimp Farms, Endangered bird populations, ancient temples, Hawaii 's Stonehenge, the Dole Plantation and Pearl Harbor will be seen as part of this tour.

Honolulu Horse and Carriage Tour
For those who prefer old fashioned horse and carriage rides through town, Honolulu offers a 30 minute rid through the city with the driver gently pointing out interesting targets. This promises to be a leisurely ride through a fascinating country with picturesque beauty everywhere you look.

Dinosaur Exhibit
For those who are interested in our ancient Dinosaurs, the Honolulu Community College has a permanent exhibit of dinosaur fossils on display for people of all ages.

Helicopter tours
The amazing beauty and rich diversity of the vast number of Hawaiian Islands may be seen from a helicopter. In a scene that reminds us of Jurassic Park , we can see the valuable rainforests and volcanic lava and craters from the top of the islands.

Trips to other islands
There are many boat tours and cruises that visitors can take part in which allows them to visit extinct volcanoes, lush waterfalls, amazing eco-systems and varied cultures. The major islands that are worth seeing are the Big Island where the world's most active volcano Kilauea is located, Maui, with its rainforest hikes and amazing beaches, Kona, Hilo and Kauai for their awe-inspiring beauty and marine life.