Attractions, Destinations and
Points of Interest in Hawaii

Here are Nayna's picks for the top ten Hawaii travel attractions, destinations and points of interest. At Tanega Travel we can assist you with travel, vacation and honeymoon packages to these and many other great locations. Please check out our main page at tanega.com for more information and to receive a customized quote for your travel arrangements. Aloha!

Nayna Tanega Goodin
e-mail: tanega@hawaii.rr.com



  1. USS Arizona Memorial, Island of Oahu (the "Gathering Place").

    Arizona Memorial

    Without a doubt, this is the #1 destination on Oahu for our internet customers. The historic Arizona Memorial (photo above) is located in Pearl Harbor, near Ford Island. If you haven't been to Hawaii for a while, you'll be surprised to see a brand new bridge linking Ford Island to the area near the ferry landing. Within the next two years, the Battleship Missouri ("Mighty Mo") is scheduled to be permanently moored near the memorial. We can see all this from our offices at Tanega Travel!

    After you visit the memorial, stop by the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum. Shopping is available nearby at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet on most Wednesdays and weekends. There's a wide assortment of reasonably priced gifts at the swap meet (such as T-shirts and souvenirs). And just minutes away by car you'll find Pearlridge Center (where we're located) and the Waikele Premium Outlet.

    PunchbowlPunchbowl

    On the way back to Honolulu, many of our customers visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific known locally as "Punchbowl" (photos above, left and right).

    Where to stay: Most likely you'll want to stay at one of the many fine hotels in Waikiki. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a favorite choice for its beautiful beach and proximity to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. My husband and I had our wedding reception there way back in 1978. The Outrigger Reef Hotel is another favorite. A new resort in Ko Olina (on the Waianae Coast), the Ihilani Resort & Spa, is the closest thing to a neighbor island resort on Oahu. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  2. Polynesian Cultural Center, Island of Oahu.

    Polynesian Cultural CenterWaimea Bay

    For a taste of old Hawaii and Polynesia, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center (photo above, left). Located in Laie (on the northern part of the island), the center is easily reached by tour bus from Waikiki. If you're renting a car, the drive is very scenic. The center makes a nice stop on a round the island tour! There are many beaches and parks along the way. If you continue on the the North Shore, make sure to stop at the beautiful Waimea Bay (photo above, right).

    Where to stay: Most likely you'll want to stay at one of the many fine hotels in Waikiki. However, you could also stay at the Turtle Bay Hilton on the North Shore, known for its golf course, tennis courts and horseback riding. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  3. Diamond Head, Island of Oahu.

    Diamond HeadBeach at Waikiki

    Have you hiked up to the top of Diamond Head? No, you won't find any diamonds up there (like the early sailors thought), but you will find memories to last a lifetime! Make sure to bring drinking water and a flashlight (part of the climb in through a dark tunnel). Nearby you'll find the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. For a break, stop by Kapiolani Park or Kuhio Beach.

    Where to stay: Waikiki's the place! Many of the hotels offer a great view of Diamond Head. For a five star experience, check out the Halekulani Hotel (my daughter had her christening there). Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  4. Hanauma Bay Nature Park, Island of Oahu.

    Hanauma Bay Blow Hole
    Just past Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay (photo above, left) is a favorite attraction for visitors and locals alike. Bring your swimming suit, mask, snorkel and beach mat. The reefs are alive with a multitude of mostly tame fish. Sorry, no fishing allowed here! Continuing down the road, you'll come to the Blow Hole (photo above, right) just off a scenic rest stop. Take photos but don't get too close! Stop for shave ice at one of the lunch wagons along the road.

    makapuu lighthouseRabbit Island

    Sea Life ParkSea Life Park

    A few miles further, past Sandy Beach (photo) and the Makapuu Lighthouse (photo above, top left), you'll come to a scenic view overlooking Rabbit Island (photo above, top right) and then Sea Life Park, with aquariums, whales, dolphins (photo above, lower left), penguins and sea lions (photo above, lower right).

    Where to stay: Most likely you'll want to stay at one of the many fine hotels in Waikiki. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  5. Honolulu's Museums and Art Galleries, Island of Oahu.

    For the rich history and culture of Hawaii, visit the largest museum in the state, the Bishop Museum, located just off the H-1 Freeway in Kalihi (roughly between Waikiki and Pearl Harbor). The Honolulu Academy of Arts near downtown Honolulu offers a wide range of art, and is especially know for its extensive Asian collection. Honolulu is the home of internationally known artist, Masami Teraoka. Check out his fabulous on-line Art Theatre, which includes many works depicting Hawaii and attractions such as Hanauma Bay.

  6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii (the "Big Island").

    Volcano

    This is the #1 attraction in the state! Witness the raw power and majesty of Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano, which has been erupting on and off for several years. Stop for lunch at the Volcano House. If you plan to hike the rim, make sure you bring comfortable shoes and water!

    Where to stay: Most visitors to the Big Island stay at one of the hotels or resorts of Kona, which is on the other side of the island from the Volcanoes National Park. Accommodations are also available in Hilo, home of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival (hula) . We can also arrange convenient day trips from Oahu. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  7. Haleakala National Park, Island of Maui (the "Valley Island").

    Haleakala

    From the fire of lava we turn to Maui's "House of the Sun." Wake up early and catch the sunrise, but make sure to bring a jacket or sweater -- on rare occassions it snows here! Haleakala is the world's largest dormant volcano. Did you know that measured from the ocean's bottom, Hawaii's volcanoes are some of the highest mountains in the world?

    On the way back from Haleakala, stop by the Iao Needle and Valley.

    Where to stay: Wailea, Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua. Maui has some great resorts. Condo rentals are also available. From November to March, you might even get to see some humpback whales. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  8. Hana, Island of Maui (the "Valley Island").

    Road to Hana

    A few hours by car and a world away, you'll find the rustic charm and serenity of Hana. You can "hear" the plants grow out there! Watch out for the "little pig's crossing." Visit the Pools of Ohea ("Seven Sacred Pools"). It's a long drive so come prepared with snacks and drinks. And make sure to stop at the famous Hasegawa General Store!

    Where to stay: Hana is within driving range of Wailea, Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua. Maui has some great resorts. From November to March, you might even get to see some humpback whales. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  9. The Fern Grotto, Island of Kauai (the "Garden Island").

    Tucked along a bend in the beautiful Wailua River, the Fern Grotto is the #1 place for weddings in the islands. The grotto is accessible by tour boats and kayack rentals are also available. Did you know that Mt. Waialeale on Kauai receives the most rainfall of any spot in the world?

    Waimea Canyon Kalalau

    After the grotto, you can drive to Waimea Canyon State Park ( the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific") (photo above left) and visit the Koke'e State Park, Kalalau Lookout (photo above right), and Captain Cook's Landing. Perhaps you could even arrange for helicopter or boat tours of the rugged Na Pali Coast. Be careful along the coastal area. For that matter, be careful at all of Hawaii's beaches. We have a saying -- "never turn your back to the waves!"

    Coastal Beauty Sunset at Hanalei

    Where to stay: My family and I love to stay at the Hyatt Regency Kauai. Poipu is on the drier side of the island. The weather is usually great and the beaches are breathtaking. The last time we went to the Hyatt, a Hawaiian monk seal had pulled out of the surf to take a nap on the beach! The Sheraton Kauai in Poipu will also be opening soon and the Princeville (photo of Hanalei, above right) is always a big hit with our clients. Condo rentals are also available. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.

  10. Kona, Island of Hawaii ("the Big Island").

    Known for its dry weather, black lava flows and world class resorts, Kona ("Kailua-Kona") is a favorite destination among our clients. Deep sea fishing, golfing and the Ironman Triathalon are just a few of the many sporting activities in Kona.

    Where to stay: The Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kona Surf, King Kamehameha, just to name a few. Condo rentals are also available. Let Tanega Travel give you a customized quote for your travel arrangements.



Orchid Tanega Travel International, Inc.
98-211 Pali Momi Street, Suite 640A
Aiea, Hawaii 96701 USA

Tel: (808) 487-8066
Fax: (808) 488-5778
e-mail: tanega@hawaii.rr.com
website: www.tanega.com

Description: Member of the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (TA 664). On the internet since: February, 1995. Specializes in travel packages to Hawaii, interisland packages, hotels, car rentals. Located on the Island of Oahu, near Pearl Harbor.


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