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Foster
Botanical Garden
Thirteen acres of lush tropical paradise is
what the Foster Botanical Garden has to offer as one of Oahu's
many botanical garden attractions. It has been open since
1931 and has some of the most spectacular collections of flowers,
plants, and vegetation from all over the world. |
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Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Complete with a Visitor Center, the Ho'omaluhia
Botanical Garden offers visitors various activities in beautiful
natural surroundings. These activities include hiking,
nature walks, camping, bicycling, crafts, and many other programs.
You'll also be able to see plants and vegetation predominantly
from other tropical areas around the world. |
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Koko
Crater Botanical Garden
Located within Koko Crater, the 60-acre Koko Crater
Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of colorful flowers, rare
exotic plants and indigenous Hawaiian trees like kiawe, koa, and
wiliwili trees. The garden is continually being expanded
with new plants and trees that suite the gardens hot, dry climate. |
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Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden
The Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden sits on land
within Honolulu, Hawaii which was given to the state government by
Queen Lili'uokalani. The garden consists of 7.5 acres of
land featuring native Hawaiian plants and trees. The city
park and garden is open daily and free to access. |
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Wahiawa Botanical Garden
First opened as a botanical garden in 1957, the
Wahiawa Botanical Garden was previously used by the Hawaii Sugar
Planters Association for experimental tree planting around the
1920's. Visitors to the garden can still see these large
trees as well as other native Hawaiian plants. |
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Arizona Memorial
Situated in Pearl Harbor the Arizona Memorial
commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and
the death of thousands of servicemen on the USS Arizona during the
attack. The memorial is visited by more than one million
people each year and provides a great way to learn about the
history of Pearl Harbor. |
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Byodo-In
Temple
Locate in the Valley of the Temples, the Byodo-In Temple is a
Buddhist temple made to replicate a 900 year old place of worship
in Kyoto Japan. Visitor will experience koi ponds, Japanese
gardens, a nine-foot Lotus Buddha covered in gold and lacquer, and
a 3 ton brass bell at the temple. |
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Ehime
Maru Memorial
Located in Kaka'ako Waterfront Park in Honolulu,
the Ehime Maru Memorial was erected to remember a tragic accident
in 2001 where a US submarine and the Ehime Maru, a Japanese
fishing boat collided in waters near Oahu. During the
incident several Japanese fisherman lost their lives. |
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Chinatown
Like every other major city in the United States,
Honolulu also has a Chinatown. Lined with restaurants,
grocery stores, vegetable stands, and gift shops selling unique
Chinese items, Chinatown is a great place to spend the day and
enjoy the unique scenery and culture of the large Chinese
population in Hawaii. |
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Hale'iwa War Memorial
In the north shore of Oahu in Hale'iwa Beach Park
the Haleiwa War Memorial pays tribute to those who have died in
the war. Around the war memorial you can find engraved names
of all the soldiers who died during the wars and who were from the
Kahuku area. |
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Iolani
Palace
Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu this Oahu
attraction use to be the residence of the last king and queen of
the Hawaiian Islands. This is one place you can't pass up if
your interested in learning about the history and culture of
Hawaii. The palace is open for tours most of the week. |
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Hale'iwa Rainbow Bridge
A historic bridge stretching over the Anahulu
River, the Hale'iwa Rainbow Bridge marks the entrance into the
town of Hale'iwa on the north shore of Oahu. If your in the
north shore of Oahu a stop at the bridge to takes some pictures to
remember your trip to Hawaii would be a great idea. |
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Falls
of Clyde
Docked in Honolulu Harbor the Falls of Clyde
stretches 265 ft. long and was built in Scotland in 1878.
The historic ship has a long history behind it and now serves as a
floating exhibit for the Hawaii Maritime Center. The ship is
listed in the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Hale o
Lono Heiau
Constructed around 1400 A.D. and dedicated to Lono
the Hawaiian God of Agriculture, the Hale o Lono Heiau is located
in the Waimea Valley and one of the oldest historical sites in
Hawaii. The site was the location of human sacrificing by a
Hawaiian Kahuna and is still a sacred site to Hawaiians today. |
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Hawaii's
Plantation Village
An outdoor historical village in the town of
Waipahu, the Hawaii Plantation Village first opened in 1992.
The purpose of the village was to showcase the lifestyle, culture,
and history of the plantation worker's who worked in the sugar
fields between the late 1800's and early 1900's. |
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Kane'aki Heiau
Located in the Makaha Valley, this heiau was
originally built as an agricultural heiau for the god Lono.
The site has been reconstructed several times and is still a
sacred place to Hawaiians and anyone visiting the temple should
respect the site. |
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Japanese Cultural Center
The Hawaii Japanese Cultural Center is located in
Honolulu and is for those who want to learn about the history,
heritage, and culture of the Japanese American population who live
in Hawaii. Within the center you can find a historical
gallery, a gift shop, teahouse, and resource center among other
things. |
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Hawaii
Maritime Center
A maritime museum located along Honolulu Harbor at
Pier 7, the Hawaii Maritime Center is a great place to learn about
the maritime history of the Hawaii islands. Two ships with
great importance to Hawaii are docked at the Hawaii Maritime
Center, the Falls of Clyde and the Hokule'a. |
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Dole
Pineapple Plantation
The most famous crop to come from Hawaii is without
a doubt the pineapple and what better a place to learn about this
fruit by visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Attractions
located at the plantation include the Pineapple Express, the
Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. |
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Diamond Head
Probably the most well-known attraction in all of
Hawaii, the image of Diamond Head Crater is synonymous with the
image of Hawaii and has graced the face of hundreds of thousands
of postcards. The silhouette of Diamond Head Crater towers
over Waikiki and is a great attraction for first-time tourists. |
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Kuilioloa Heiau
Located along the Waianae Coast on a peninsula at
Kaneilio Point, the Kuilioloa heiau is made up of three platforms.
Like all other heiaus the site is sacred to the Hawaiian people
and respect should be given when at the site. Visitors
should make sure not to move anything around. |
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Kukaniloko Birthstones
Part of the National and Hawaii Register of
Historic Places, the Kukaniloko Birthstones State Historic Site is
one of the most significant historical sites on Oahu. The
area was the location of several heiaus and was a chiefly location
where royals and chiefs were born in addition to other significant
historical events. |
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East
Coast Cliffs
The East Coast Cliffs of Oahu offer some
spectacular coastal views of the island with high clifflines and
sandy beaches being pounded by the powerful waves of the Pacific
Ocean. Visitors traveling along the East Coast Cliffs of
Oahu will enjoy the natural sights of Oahu. |
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Pali
Lookout
Breath-taking views of the windward side of Oahu
and the Koolau Mountain Ridge is what you can expect when you
visit the Pali Lookout, and you don't even have to do any hiking
to get to the lookout, just take the Pali Highway until you reach
the junction to the Pali Lookout, park your car, and enjoy the
beautiful scenery of Oahu's windward side. |
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Judiciary History Center
Located inside the Aliiolani Hale, the Judiciary
History Center contains information about the legal history of
Hawaii as well as landmark decisions and court cases in Hawaii.
Public exhibits are located at the Judiciary History Center;
admission is free and group tours can be scheduled in advance. |
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King
Kamehameha Statue
Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, the King
Kamehameha Statue is situated right in front of the Aliiolani Hale
building and is a popular tourist attraction. During the day
you'll always see tourists taking pictures in front of the statue,
and if your in the downtown area you might as well too. |
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Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau
A state monument in Hawaii and located on the north
side of the island on top of a hill which overlooks Waimea Bay is
the Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau. What remains of the original ruins
of the heiau was made into a rectangular shape. The heiau is
considered a sacred place to Hawaiians and respect should be given
when around the area. |
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Mission Houses Museum
Established by the Hawaiian Mission Children's
Society in 1923, the Mission Houses Museum is located in downtown
Honolulu and consists of three mission houses which served as
missionary homes and workplaces for the first Christian
missionaries who came to Hawaii. |
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Wizard
Stones
Located in Waikiki next to the beach these four
Wizard Stones are sacred to the Hawaiian people and are made up of
bellstone, or basalt rock, which make a bell-like noise when
struck. They represent four healers who lived on Oahu who
healed and educated the people of the island. |
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Chinaman's Hat
A small island located off the coast of Kualoa Park
in Kaneohe Bay which got it's name because the shape of the island
resembles a straw hat worn by Asian people. |
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Barber's Point Lighthouse
This 71 foot lighthouse located on Barber's Point
on the southwest of Oahu is named after Captain Henry Barber.
It is not open to public access but can be seen if make a trip to
Barber's Point for some sightseeing. |
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Natatorium
Located on the eastern side of Waikiki right next
to the Waikiki Aquarium the Natatorium is an architectural
attraction nowadays, but used to be a popular recreational area
for residents and tourists. Inside the Waikiki Natatorium is
a salt water swimming pool. |
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Ala
Wai Canal
Without a doubt if your in Waikiki you won't have a
hard time finding the Ala Wai Canal. The canal creates the
northern boundary of Waikiki and stretches from one end of Waikiki
and empties out into the Pacific Ocean at the Ala Wai Yacht
Harbor. |
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US
Army Museum of Hawaii
A great place to see World War II relics, the US
Army Museum is located in Waikik at Fort DeRussy. You'll be
able to see historic tanks, artillery, and even a military chopper
sitting on the roof of the museum. In addition there are
exhibits and educational programs at the museum for the general
public. |
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Aloha
Tower
One of Oahu's more popular attractions among
tourists, the Aloha Tower Marketplace, located along downtown
Honolulu, is situated on Pier 9 at Honolulu Harbor. It
offers visitors wonderful views of boats coming in and out of the
harbor, gorgeous sunsets, outdoor restaurants, and many shops. |
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Delmonte Pineapple Corner
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Fort
DeRussy
Today a great recreational park located with
historical significance, Fort DeRussy is located in Waikiki and
was built in 1915. It use to house anti-aircraft guns to
protect Honolulu against enemy planes during World War II.
The US Army Museum is located on the grounds of Fort DeRussy. |
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Honolulu Zoo
A great attraction on Oahu if your bringing kids
with you for your vacation. The Honolulu Zoo is located in
Waikiki right next to Kapiolani Park and is a great place to visit
if your on a budget. Admission fee into the zoo is only a
few dollars ($8) and it will keep you fascinated for hours. |
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Crouching Lion
A famous rock formation that resembles a crouching
lion which is located on a mountain ridge above Kahana Bay.
One attraction to check out if your exploring the area during your
vacation. The crouching lion is known to the Hawaiian peopl
as Kupua, a relative of Pele, and the area is sacred to the
locals. |
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Dillingham Airfield
Mostly used for recreational aircrafts for
skydiving hand gliding, and parachuting, Dillingham Airfield is
located on the North Shore of Oahu and is a regional airport with
one runway. You might recognize the airfield from the tv
series "Lost", as several scenes were filmed at the airfield. |
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Diamond Head Coast
The Diamond Head coast offers some great views of
the southern coast of Oahu and of Diamond Head Crater. There
are several spots along the road where you can pull-over and look
over the cliff line to watch surfers. If your feeling
adventurous you can even hike down to the beach. |
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Diamond Head Lighthouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
the Diamond Head Lighthouse is located on the coast of Diamond
Head and is currently utilized as a US Coast Guard facility.
The lighthouse is 55 feet tall and can be seen as you travel from
Waikiki to Diamond Head on Diamond Head Road. |
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Haleiwa
Located in the North Shore of Oahu, the town of
Haleiwa is a popular destination for tourists and has become known
as a surfing town. Visiting Haleiwa should be on your agenda
when visiting the island of Oahu for the first time to experience
the culture and people of the North Shore. |
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Hawaii
Convention Center
Located in Honolulu along the Ala Wai Canal, the
Hawaii Convention Center host hundreds of conventions and events
on Oahu every year. There's not much to see at the center
unless some sort of event is taking place, but the architecture
and tranquil surrounds of the building along the Ala Wai Canal may
be of interest. |
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Goat
Island
Also known as Mokuauia Island, this uninhabited
island located just off Malaekahana Beach on the windward coast of
Oahu offers three great beaches and some great snorkeling.
The island is just 720 feet away from the main coast of Oahu so
you can take a kayak, swim or if the tide is low enough hike out
to the island. |
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Halona
Blowhole
Located on Oahu's southwest coast just after
Hanauma Bay when driving from Waikiki, the Halona Blowhole is a
popular tourist attraction on Oahu. The best times to see
the blowhole in all it's glory is usually during a windy day
during high tide. |
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Hanauma Bay
Probably one of Oahu's most popular bays and
amazing natural landmark, Hanauma Bay is well-known among tourists
and is a great destination for your first time on Oahu. The
bay is located on the east coast of Oahu and provides for some
great snorkeling and swimming in it's protected waters. |
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International Market Place
In the heart of Waikiki, the International Market
Place is a great place to find unique Hawaiian gifts, accessories,
and clothing. The open air marketplace has more than 120
shops selling all sorts of Hawaiian products and gifts; there's
even a food court with many restaurants to choose from. |
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Ka'ena
Point
The western most point of Oahu, Ka'ena Point is a
great attraction for the adventurous traveler and hiking.
During the winter months when large waves hit the shores of Oahu
the locals say some of the largest waves have been seen pounding
the coast off Ka'ena Point which makes it a popular destination to
enjoy the power of nature. |
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La'ie
Point
If your traveling around the windward or north
shore of Oahu, La'ie Point can be a great destination to enjoy
spectacular views of the Windward Coast, parts of the North Shore,
Goat Island, and other small islands just lying off the coast of
Oahu. |
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Kapiolani Park
This beautiful park makes up the east side of
Waikiki and is a great place to have a picnic or barbeque with
Diamond Head hovering in the distance. There are tennis
courts, an archery field, soccer field, and softball field within
the park. The park is one of the largest parks in Honolulu
and is right along Waikiki Beach if you decide to go swimming or
surfing. |
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Sharks
Cove
Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Sharks Cove is
one of the best snorkeling and dive spots not only on Oahu, but
around the world according some dive magazines. You'll get
to experience an abundance of sea life in their natural habitat
when visiting Sharks Cove. |
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Punchbowl
Located in Honolulu, Punchbowl Crater is an extinct
volcano and is also the location of the National Memorial Cemetary
of the Pacific. During ancient Hawaiian times the area was
used for human sacrifices offered to the gods. |
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Makapu'u Lighthouse
Spectacular views of Oahu's east coast is what one
could expect from the Makapu'u Lighthouse which sits on top the
cliffs of Oahu's eastern coastline close to Makapu'u Beach.
A short 2-mile hike is required if you want to get to the actual
lighthouse. |
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State
Capitol Building
The Hawaii State Capitol Building is located in the
heart of downtown Honolulu and is the location where the executive
and legislative branch of government convenes and administers
their duties for the state of Hawaii. It was opened in 1969
replacing the 'Iolani Palace as the state house. |
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Tantalus Lookout
Overlooking Diamond Head, Waikiki, Honolulu, and
Punchbowl Tantalus lookout offers some spectacular views of
the southern side of Oahu. The drive up to Tantalus Lookout
is a winding road which takes you up to some great lookout spots
on Tantalus. Well worth the drive if you have time during
your vacation. |
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Waikiki Aquarium
Located along the shores of Waikiki next to a live
reef, the Waikiki Aquarium is home to over 3,000 sea animals
representing about 500 different aquatic species. If you'd
like to learn about the various sea creatures which make the
ocean's of Hawaii their home this is the place to do it. |
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Valley
of the Temples
Located on the eastern side of Oahu, this memorial
park is situated in a lush valley overlooked by the jagged hills
of the Ko'olau Mountains. It is the location where thousands
of religious residents of Hawaii have been buried from religions
such as Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, and Shinto. |
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Waikiki Shell
Located in Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Shell is an
outdoor amphitheatre which is the locations of a countless number
of live performances, concerts and events in Hawaii. The
reggae concerts sponsored by local radio stations are a huge hit
for the locals and if your on vacation you might be able to grab
some tickets to experience a concert at The Shell. |
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Bishop
Museum
Founded by Charles Reed Bishop and built to honor
Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last living descendant of the
royal Hawaiian family the Kamehamehas. The Bishop Museum is
the largest museum in all of Hawaii and visitors can find Hawaiian
artifacts and featured exhibits at the museum. |
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Contemporary Museum
Just like its name suggests, the Contemporary Museum has been
featuring modern and contemporary art since 1940. The museum
is located in Honolulu Hawaii and its mission is to educate people
about art through interactive art exhibits, family events, and
various forms of entertainment. |
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Hale'iwa Surf Museum
Located in the town of Wahiawa at the North Shore
Marketplace, the Hale'iwa Surf Museum is a great attraction to
stop at if your around the area and into surfing. You'll
find some nice collections of surf videos, pictures, and of course
surf boards. |
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Honolulu Academy of Arts
Located on South Beretania Street in downtown
Honolulu, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is possibly Hawaii's
largest museum dedicated to the preservation of Hawaii's diverse
ethnic communities. The museum currently houses over 50,000
pieces of artwork, sculptures, and media. |
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Maunawili Falls
Located in the town of Kailua on Oahu, Maunawili
Falls is one of many waterfalls on the island. A freshwater
swimming hole and waterfall is what awaits those who are willing
to make the one hour hike to the falls. |
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La'ie
Falls
A rather small 15 foot waterfall which is only
accessible from a trail which crosses through private property and
which requires a permit. The best time to experience La'ie
Falls is when there has just been a rain storm because during dry
days there isn't much to the falls. |
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Waimea
Falls
Located in Waimea Falls Park on the North Shore of
Oahu visitors can take tour buses up the valley to Waimea Falls.
Hula dancing and rock diving are performed hourly at Waimea Falls
and there are also a number of trails and attractions within the
park. |
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Sacred
Falls
A 80-foot high waterfall located in the Sacred
Falls State Park has gotten a reputation for being a dangerous
hike to the falls because of the steep canyon cliffs alongside the
trail with frequent falling rocks, landslides, and flash floods
during rainy conditions. After an incident in 1999 where a
number of people died the park was indefinitely closed to the
public. |
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Manoa
Falls
A 150-foot waterfall, Manoa Falls requires a 1.5
mile hike on a path through lush, tropical jungle which is often
very slippery and muddy due to the rainforest environment of Manoa
and constant rains. A freshwater pool at the bottom of the
waterfall makes for a refreshing swim after the hike. |
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Sea Life Park
Located on the Eastern Coast of Oahu
almost directly across the street from Makapu'u Beach, Sea Life
Park is a fun attraction to visit if your sight-seeing on the
eastern side of the island. You'll be able to experience
Hawaii's marine life at the park including dolphins, sea lions,
and more. |