Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout (see above), stop for a panoramic view of Oahu's
windward side, and return to the town-bound highway on the other side.
Take the Old Nuuanu Pali Rd. exit off Pali Hwy. (Hwy. 61).
Puu Ualakaa State Park
All ages.
The best sunset view of Hon-
olulu is from a 1,048-foot-high hill named for sweet potatoes. Actually, the
poetic Hawaiian name means “rolling sweet potato hill,” because of how early
planters used gravity to harvest their crop. The panorama is sweeping and majes-
tic. On a clear day—which is almost always—you can see from Diamond Head
to the Waianae Range, almost the length of Oahu. At night, several scenic over-
looks provide romantic spots for young lovers who like to smooch under the
stars with the city lights at their feet. It's a top-of-the-world experience—the
view, that is. Plan to arrive about a half-hour before sunset and stay another 10
minutes after sunset to watch the stars come out.
At the end of Round Hill Dr. Daily 7am-6:45pm (to 7:45pm in summer). From Waikiki, take Ala Wai Blvd. to
McCully St., turn right, and drive mauka (inland) beyond the H-1 on-ramps to Wilder St.; turn left and go to
Makiki St.; turn right, and continue onward and upward about 3 miles.
TWO MORE MUSEUMS
Honolulu Academy of Arts
Ages 10 and above.
This is a great place to
spend a rainy day. The Academy is the state's only general fine-arts museum; it
boasts one of the top Asian art collections in the country and also on exhibit are
American and European masters and prehistoric works of Mayan, Greek, and
Hawaiian art. Considered Hawaii's premier example of
kamaaina
-style architec-
ture, the museum features magnificent courtyards, lily ponds, and a cafe.
900 S. Beretania St. (
&
808/532-8700,
or 808/532-8701 for recorded information. www.honoluluacademy.
org. Admission $7 adults; $4 students, seniors, and military personnel; free for children under 12. Tues-Sat
10am-4:30pm; Sun 1-5pm. Tours Tues-Sat at 11am and Sun at 1:15pm.
U.S. Army Museum
Ages 4 and above.
This museum, a former military fort
built in 1909 and used in defense of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, houses
Moments
More to Discover
It's a rainy day and the kids are bored. Or your little darlings are lob-
ster red from being in the sun (even after you told them to put more
sunscreen on). Take them directly to the
Hawaii Children's Discovery
Center,
111 Ohe St., Honolulu (
&
808/524-5437;
www.discoverycenter
hawaii.org). Perfect for children ages 2 to 13, this 37,000-square-foot
place of color, motion, and activities will entertain them for hours with
hands-on exhibits and interactive stations. Where else can they can
play volleyball with a robot or put on sparkling costumes from India or
dress up as a purple octopus or write their names with backwards let-
ters while looking in a mirror? Lots of summer classes and activities
range from playing with clay to painting (most of them invite adults to
participate, too). Admission is $8 for adults, $6.75 for children ages 2
to 17, and free for children under 2. The center is open Tuesday
through Friday from 9am to 1pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am to
3pm. Take TheBus, no. 19 or 20 from Waikiki, or nos. 55, 56, and 57
from Ala Moana Center.
