Honolulu Sightseeing

Diamond Head and Waikiki's beaches are musts, of course, but there is so much more to see on Oahu.

Kawaiahao Church, Mission Houses Museum, the Hawaii Maritime Center, the Hawaii State Art Museum and Washington Place (the former home of Queen Liliuokalani and 12 Hawaii governors) are worthwhile diversions within walking distance of Honolulu's skyscrapers.

Just outside the city proper, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl is the final resting place for more than 44,000 US servicemen and women. In Kahala, Shangri La, the estate of the late philanthropist Doris Duke, houses her impressive collection of Islamic art.

Immigrants who came to work on island sugar plantations at the turn of the last century are remembered at Hawaii's Plantation Village in Waipahu. Thirty-two original and authentically recreated structures are furnished with clothing, furniture, household items and other artefacts donated by local families.

Set against the verdant Koolau mountains, Byodo-In Temple is a magnificent replica of the 950-year-old Buddhist temple of the same name in Uji, Japan. Of note are a koi-filled pond, a 2.7m (9ft) wooden Buddha decorated with gold leaf, and a three-ton brass bell that supposedly brings peace and happiness when rung.

Stroll a mile through the world-class botanical gardens at Waimea Valley to arrive at Waihi Falls, where, conditions permitting, visitors can swim in the waterfall pool. The gardens feature 6,000 species of plants from Asia, South America, Africa and Polynesia. Also of interest are ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including house foundations and a heiau (temple).

Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
Tel: (808) 923 1811 or 1 800 464 2924.
Website: www.gohawaii.com

Oahu Visitors Bureau
Tel: (808) 524 0722.
Website: www.visit-oahu.com

There are currently no passes for attractions in Honolulu.