By Sabah Karimi
Honolulu is the capital of Oahu. It has become a popular destination for all types of travelers heading to Hawaii for their tropical escape. It's home to many luxury hotels and bed and breakfast hot spots, and you'll find several cultural attractions and sites to explore within walking distance from the
beach. Go on a hiking adventure, surf the pristine waters of Waikiki Beach or explore local art exhibits in downtown Honolulu to make the most of your visit!
Visit the Waikiki Aquarium
Over a quarter of a million people visit this attraction every year. It's one of the best places to explore the coral reef, see Hawaiian monk seals up close and learn about aquatic life on the shores of Hawaii with interactive exhibits and programs. The aquarium houses over 500 species of animals and plants. The exhibit is open year round. You'll find it at 2777 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. Call (808) 923-9741 or visit the Waikiki Aquarium website for more information.
Hike in Kapiolani Regional Park
This beautiful nature preserve is home to the Diamond Head Tennis Center, an archery range and miles of hiking and nature trails that will give you a chance to take in some of Honolulu's breathtaking natural sites. The park is located at 3840 Paki Avenue just a short drive from the beach. Call (808) 971-2504 or visit the Kapiolani Regional Park website for more information.
Go Surfing with the Pacific Soul Surfing School
Learn to surf the waters around Waikiki Beach with a one-hour lesson from professional surf instructors at the Pacific Soul Surfing School. The team of instructors offers lessons for all skill levels, and guarantees that you'll learn how to surf in your lesson or you get your money back. Both morning and late afternoon private lessons are available. Call (808)942-4544 for more information.
Visit the Cedar Street Galleries
See the original works of over 350 local artists at this gallery that houses both contemporary and historical pieces including ceramics, photographs, bronze and wood sculptures, and watercolor paintings. The galleries feature both permanent and rotating exhibits, and also host a number of special events throughout the year. You'll find it at 817 Cedar Street in Honolulu. Call (808) 589-1580 or visit the Cedar Street Galleries website for more information.
Explore Foster Botanical Garden
This 60-acre garden is located on the eastern end of the island of Oahu and is home to one of the largest collections of botanical plants and flowers in Hawaii. You can take a 1.5 hour self-guided walking tour through the gardens any time of day; the garden is open from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. The garden is located at the end of Kokonani Street. Call the Honolulu Botanical Gardens Parks and Recreation Department at (808) 522-7060 for more information.
Resources
About the Author:
Sabah Karimi is a professional web and print copywriter with an educational background in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She writes in several niches including travel, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle and small business. Karimi received a Top Content Creator Award from Demand Studios in 2009.
