Attractions in Honolulu

One could easily maintain that all of Waikiki is the number 1 tourist attraction in Honolulu.  However, there are 2 major attractions outside of "town" that are among the most popular places to visit in all of the Hawaiian Islands.  If you visit Honolulu, be sure to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial.  The tour is free, although you will have to arrive early to get a ticket.  No matter when you go, please plan on waiting an hour or two, maybe more.  However, it will be well worth your while.  This recommendation must be tempered if you are planning to do the visit with young children.  Save this attraction for when children are at least old enough to appreciate it and walk around on their own.

The USS Arizona, a battleship sunk on December 7, 1941, along with many other US Navy ships, is the heart of a tour of Pearl Harbor.  However, there is much to see before and after the Arizona, so allow yourself plenty of time.  In addition to the free tour, including a boat ride out to the memorial over the sunken Arizona, there are paid tours available, which are worthwhile for those wishing to explore Pearl Harbor in greater depth.

The second most popular attraction for tourists on Oahu, The Polynesian Cultural Center, is actually on the side of the Island opposite downtown Honolulu.  Some people feel that the PCC is a bit touristy.  However, it does provide employment for young Polynesians from all over the Pacific, not just from Hawaii.  If you are the kind of person who hates Disneyland and other theme parks, then you may want to pass on the PCC.  However, it is much more authentic than Disneyland and will give you an opportunity to see Polynesian culture without having to travel over thousands of miles of sea, as Polynesia is very spread out.  The exhibits cover Tahiti, New Zealand (Maori), Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and other Polynesian islands.  The Center is a non-profit, founded by Brigham Young University Hawaii.