The Waikiki you see today bears no resemblance to the Waikiki of yesteryear, a place of vast taro fields extending from the ocean to deep into Mānoa Valley, dotted with numerous fish ponds and gardens tended by thousands of people. This picture of old Waikiki can be recaptured by following the emerWhging Waikiki Historic Trail ★ (www.waikikihistorictrail.org), a meandering 2-mile walk with 20 bronze surfboard markers (standing 6 ft., 5 in. tall—you can’t miss ’em), complete with descriptions and archival photos of the historic sites. The markers note everything from Waikiki’s ancient fishponds to the history of the Ala Wai Canal. The trail begins at Kuhio Beach and ends at the King Kalakaua statue at the intersection of Kuhio and Kalakaua avenues.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: Getting Tickets

The USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin and Submarine Museum, USS Missouri Memorial, and Pacific Aviation Museum are all accessed via the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Park here and purchase tickets for all the exhibits. (Entry to the USS Arizona Memorial is free, but you still must get a ticket. Better yet, for the USS Arizona, reserve your spot at www.recreation.gov to avoid a long wait.) Shuttle buses will deliver you to the sites within Pearl Harbor.

Other Natural Wonders & Spectacular Views

In addition to the attractions listed below, check out the hike to Diamond Head Crater ★★★; almost everybody can handle it, and the 360-degree views from the top are fabulous.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.