Diamond Head State Monument
Awe-inspiring shoreline vistas spanning from Koko Head and Wai'anae are afforded atop Diamond Head or Le'ahi, a popular Oahu landmark within Diamond Head State Monument. The park covers 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater and Diamond Head Summit Trail, which was built in 1908 as part of the island's coastal defense system. The 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the summit has paved and unpaved trails with numerous switchbacks and some uneven, strenuous and often, steep ascents. Patrons will catch a glimpse of the military history of Diamond Head as they enter the Fire Control Station, which directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger. Hikes can take up to two hours to complete.
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Division of State Parks
Box 621
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
Tel: (808) 587-0300
hawaiistateparks.org
Ala Moana Beach Park
Sitting between Waikiki and Honolulu's downtown area is Ala Moana Beach Park, which offers 100 acres of land with grassy areas, banyan and palm trees that afford ample shade, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and tennis courts. Visitors can enjoy scenic jogs and strolls, or relax under the sun on the sands of the half-mile-long beach, which was created in the 1950s by the Dillingham Dredging Company. Protected by a shallow outer coral reef, the waters are normally calm with few waves, suitable for swimmers of varying skill levels. Families with children and novice swimmers should take heed that the ocean's bottom drops off quickly. Stay at the east end of the beach, toward Diamond Head, to avoid stepping on reef or stones in the water. Lifeguards are on duty daily at this Honolulu attraction.
Ala Moana Beach Park
1201 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Tel: (808) 547 7275
to-hawaii.com
Kuhio Beach
Originally known as Pualeilani, the home of Prince Kuhio and his wife, Princess Kahanu, Kuhio Beach was opened for public use in 1918. In 1951, additional sand from other parts of the Hawaiian island was brought in to expand the beach. Visitors to this popular attraction in Honolulu can enjoy a beautiful and scenic haven. You can have a picnic under the shade of palm trees, sunbathe on the golden sands or head to the tropical waters to swim or snorkel.Protected by a seawall, the beach waters are perfect for families with small children. Concession stands rent out essentials such as chairs and umbrellas, and sports equipment including surfboards, snorkeling gear and outrigger canoes. Torch lighting ceremonies at sunset, hula dancing and movies played on a portable screen top off this Hawaiian experience.
Kuhio Beach
Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Tel: (808) 843-8002
hawaiiforvisitors.com
