Places to See in Honolulu

Pearl Harbor tops the list of places to see in Honolulu.  There are hundreds of sites that we recommend you see, but we will give you the top 5 here.

1. Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. You may be thinking, "Why would I visit a cemetery?" This is more than a cemetery. It is a volcanic crater with amazing views, culture and history. It is a site of human sacrifices a couple hundred years ago when it was called Puowaina. Hawaii's astronaut's grave is there. You will recognize the statue of Lady of Columbia from Hawaii 5-0.

1. Hawaii State Capitol Building. You might not think that a state capitol building is worth a visit. Especially in a state with world class beaches everywhere. But you would only think that if you have never been to the Hawaii State Capitol Buiding. The building has symbolism throughout and it is one of a kind. It is surrounded by water to represent our island state. The eight columns represent  the eight main Hawaiian Islands and are shaped to represent royal palm trees. The two legislative chambers even represent the shape of a volcano.

1. Iolani Palace. Iolani Palace was magnificent when it was opened in 1871 and it is still a top place to see in Honolulu today.  It is the only royal palace on United States soil. It had electricity and telephones before teh white house. Many original elements of the palace are still in place. The palace has been used often in Hawaii 5-O as well.

1. King Kamehameha Statue. The king Kamehameha statue is an great site to see. The history behind the statue is unusual. King Kalakaua wanted the statue as he was building Iolani Palace. The 100 anniversary of Captain Cook's rediscovery of the Hawaiian Islands was approaching in 1878.  The sculptor was in italy and when the statue was headed  to Hawaii, the ship carrying it wrecked near the Falkland islands. The statue was lost. A second was commissioned, but it was not finished until after the first was recoved and sent to Hawaii. The King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu is the second. The original is in Kamehameha's birthplace on Hawaii, the Big Island.

1. Diamond Head. The most iconic volcano in the world is better described as a volcanic crater than a volcano. It is the backdrop to beautiful Waikiki and undoubtedly tops the list of popular places to see in Honolulu. Some tours drive you to Diamond Head for the views. Otherwise you can go there by taxi to hike inside.  From the inside, there is a trail where you can hike to the top. The view at the top is spectacular and well worth the 45 minute walk.

All of these top places to see in Honolulu can be seen on the city tours that come with Pearl Harbor Tours. Diamond Head can be seen from the lookout at Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, but is best seen on the Pearl Harbor and Oahu Island Tour.