Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is located at the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Kalakaua Boulevard. The zoo boasts parking areas, a gift shop and picnic and special event areas. The Honolulu Zoo features a broad spectrum of creatures, including mammals such as the black rhino, Sumatran tiger, sun bear, orangutan, elephants, giraffes, meerkats and many more. It also has a wide variety of birds, snakes and lizards such as parrots, pythons and Komodo dragons. The children's zoo features guinea pigs, llamas, donkeys, the pot-bellied pig and the red-footed tortoise.
Iolani Palace
Hawaii has two royal palaces. Iolani Palace, built in 1882, is located in Honolulu on Richards Street. Wandering around the grounds is free. You can view the domed pavilion where concerts are held as well as the building that houses the state archives, which document the history of the Hawaiian people with photographs and original documents. Take a guided tour inside Iolani Palace and enrich yourself with history through its artwork, artifacts and period furnishings. One of the most significant events to take place inside the palace was when Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown in 1893. This was just prior to Hawaii becoming an incorporated territory of the United States.
Waikiki Beach
No visit to Honolulu is complete without a day sunbathing at Waikiki Beach, a popular stretch of sand that is fortified with shower and restroom areas, public phones, picnic areas and, of course, lifeguards. Rent a surfboard and take some lessons. Enjoy the views while swimming, snorkeling, diving or pole fishing. You can also take a ride in an outrigger canoe. Just be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and to stay hydrated.
