There's just so much to see and do in exciting Honolulu! The downtown area of Honolulu, located just minutes from the Oahu vacation rentals of Waikiki, offers many wonderful attractions. Aloha Tower is famous for greeting all who arrive in the port of Honolulu by ship. Recently restored, you can take an elevator to the top and get the best views of Honolulu and the surrounding area. The Bishop Museum is a must see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Hawaii. The museum contains the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts. The museum is not within walking distance of downtown or Waikiki, but there is plenty of free parking available and public transportation does service the museum. The Hawaii Maritime Center is located near Aloha Tower. The museum details the maritime history of Hawaiian and the Polynesian people. An excellent audio tour is available and highly encouraged. Be sure to see the historic ship the Falls of Clyde, the world's last four masted, fully rigged ship which is designated as a National Historic Landmark. See the famous Hokule`a, the Polynesian sailing canoe that retraced the voyages of ancient Hawaiians throughout the South Pacific by using the stars and ocean currents to navigate.
When you rent house Oahu be sure not to miss the historic area of downtown Honolulu. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:15 pm, the 'Iolani Palace, built in 1882, is the only royal palace on American soil. The palace served as the residence of the last two Hawaiian monarchs from 1882 to 1893. The Palace is now operated by the non-profit Friends of 'Iolani Palace. Renovations are ongoing as are the efforts to regain the original furniture and belongings that stood in the palace in the days of the monarchy. Located nearby to the palace is the State of Hawaii Capitol Building which offers tours on a limited basis. Also nearby is the Mission Houses Museum which honors the memory and lives of the missionaries who came to Hawaii in the 19th Century. While you're visiting the historic area be sure to see the famous statue of King Kamehameha I which stands across the street from the 'Iolani Palace in front of the Hawaii Judiciary Building.
Sitting atop Punchbowl Crater is the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the final resting place for more than 40,000 war veterans who served the United States in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. This is a solemn place but one filled with much beauty and peace. Other sites of interest include the Queen Emma Summer Palace, the summer retreat of Queen Emma, wife of Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV). The home is wonderfully maintained by the non-profit Daughters of Hawaii. Located at 2261 Nu'uanu Avenue is the Royal Mausoleum, where the remains of six of the eight Hawaiian monarchs are interred.
When people are on vacation, they like to treat themselves to things which they don't usually get to enjoy. Shopping is one of those special treats which are enjoyed by many travelers, and Hawaiian vacation rentals are the smart option for canny shoppers to store their treasures. Oahu offers a wide range of shopping options, with eleven major shopping centers on the island and a number of smaller shops to choose from. Visitors can enjoy picking up specialty items here and there, browsing local goods or spending entire days on the shopping scene. The best of the major shopping malls in Oahu are:
Ala Moana Center, Aloha Tower Marketplace, DFS Galleria, Kahala Mall, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Waikele Outlets, and Ward. For specialty items, some of the best shopping options include: Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Dole Cannery Mall, Harry's Music Store, Manuhealii Polynesian Treasures, and R. Field Wine Company. For an exquisite Oahu vacation, let us help you make your dreams come true!
