A Guide to Hawaii’s Most Famous Places

Pearl Harbor: Not only is Pearl Harbor the most visited spot in Hawaii, it's also one of the most visited places in the world, welcoming approximately 1.8 million visitors per year. Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Landmark, which commemorates the devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor that resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. But, did you know Pearl Harbor is actually comprised of five main venues, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Pearl Harbor itself: USS Arizona Memorial: The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the sunken hull of the Battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the ship’s crew. Battleship Missouri Memorial: General Macarthur accepted the unconditional Japanese surrender that ended WWII on September 2, 1945 on the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park: The U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287) is one of the 288 U.S. submarines that carried out the war in the Pacific during World War II. Here, you can explore the 10,000 square foot submarine museum to learn about the battle under the seas. Pacific Aviation Museum: The Pacific Aviation Museum is an immersive aviation museum complete with interactive simulators and exhibits showcasing the stories behind authentic WWII fighter planes and bombers. USS Oklahoma Memorial: The USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 crewmen who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack. Approximately nine torpedoes hit “The Okie,” capsizing this 35,000-ton battleship in only twelve minutes. North Shore and Haleiwa: The beaches of the North Shore stretch on for more than seven miles! That, along with 20+ foot waves in the winter make it an ideal surfing destination. In fact, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak, winter months, including the Super Bowl of wave riding, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). But, the reason the North Shore is on our list of must-sees on Oahu is due to more than the waves. Haleiwa, the commercial center of the North Shore, is an eclectic, bohemian town known for its artsy, fun, casual culture. It's important you venture out of Waikiki during your stay, and a visit to the North Shore is the perfect solution. Cultural Sites Throughout Downtown Honolulu: I'm writing this post just as I returned from my first visit to Iolani Palace, and I can't imagine what took me so long! If you're visiting Oahu, don't leave without soaking up some local history — downtown Honolulu and the surrounding areas is ripe with historical significance. Three sites not to miss: Iolani Palace (you can view the King Kamehameha statue across the street) The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (try the restaurant, too) Kawaiahao Church Other must-sees: Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head MAUI Haleakala National Park: Haleakala is nearlky 10,000 feet above sea level, and the climate at this altitude is completely different than down below. Many visitors enjoy watching the sun rise from the peak — others prefer sunset. Either way, surveying Maui from above the clouds is an experience not to be missed. Haleakala encompasses more than 30,000 acres of public land, the park offers hiking trails, pre-arranged horseback riding tours and more endangered species than any other National Park. Just don't forget your warm clothes! Hana, Maui: Driving the "Road to Hana" is on the bucket list for countless visitors, and it really is a must-do while you're there. Yes, the road is long. Yes, it's slow-going. Yes, it's quite curvy (620 curves and 59 bridges). BUT, the road is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, and the reward is the town of Hana, where the pastures roll right up to the main street.