Below are links to suggested places and events happening on-campus or in the community that may be of interest to you.
Things to Do at the East-West Center
East-West Center Events (website)
A listing of current and future events taking place at the East-West Center.
East-West Center Arts Program (website)
The East-West Center Arts Program presents performances and exhibitions by the finest artists and performers in the Asia Pacific region. EWC audiences encounter a world of tradition and innovation that spans the ancient and contemporary in the visual arts, music, dance, and theater. For more than three decades, Arts Program presentations have educated, enlightened and entertained audiences of diverse backgrounds and ages, illuminating cultural values and art forms of national and ethnic groups in the region. Check the website for gallery hours and for more information.
UH Mānoa Campus Events Calendar (website)
A listing of current and future events taking place on the Mānoa campus of the University of Hawaiʻi.
UH Mānoa Plant Map
The University of Hawaiʻi was voted #10 of the 50 most amazing college campuses in 2015. Explore the beautiful flora and fauna found on campus using the university’s interactive plant map and handout.
Things to Do on Oʻahu
Honolulu Calendar of Events (website)
The University of Hawaiʻi was voted #10 of the 50 most amazing college campuses in 2015. Explore the beautiful flora and fauna found on campus using the university’s interactive plant map and handout.
Places to Visit
List of suggested places on the island to visit in your free time, in alphabetical order. Click on the websites below for visitor information, including hours, directions and fees.
Ala Moana Center ~ Hawaii’s premier shopping, entertainment, and dining destination with over 290 stores and 29 restaurants in a unique indoor/outdoor environment. On the ground level, the Center Stage features regular and special attractions of music and dance.
Bus directions to Ala Moana Center
Aloha Tower ~ Honolulu’s famous landmark and observation deck is open to visitors and offers excellent views of downtown and harbor areas. A docking port of O‘ahu’s cruise ships, this historic site is now houses Hawaiʻi Pacific University as well as a few restaurants and shops.
Bus directions to Aloha Tower
Bishop Museum and Planetarium ~ Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family, the Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawaiʻi and other Pacific island cultures. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world as well as a planetarium.
Bus directions to Bishop Museum and Planetarium
Byodo-In Temple ~ Located in the Valley of Temples Memorial Park, this replica of a 900-year old Japanese temple in Kyoto is a non-denominational Buddhist temple, surrounded by gardens.
Bus directions to Byodo-In Temple
Diamond Head Hike ~ Having last erupted more than 150,000 years ago, Diamond Head has become one of Oʻahu’s most famous landmarks. Along this extinct crater is a hiking trail that leads from the crater up to a very popular point, known for its gorgeous sweeping views of Honolulu, Waikiki and the ocean. Be prepared for a good workout so bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear cool, comfortable clothes and shoes.
Bus directions to Diamond Head State Monument
Foster Botanical Garden ~ This beautiful garden, located near downtown Honolulu, has an extensive collection of orchids, trees, and other tropical flora.
Bus directions to Foster Botanical Garden
Hanauma Bay ~ A nature preserve dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay, Hanauma features majestic cliffs, crystal blue waters, and palm trees. Here, the snorkeler will enjoy exploring the coral reefs inhabited by a wide variety of marine life. Care should be taken because of strong tides on the ocean side of the bay.
Bus directions to Hanauma Bay
Honolulu Museum of Art ~ Hawaiʻi’s premier art museum since 1927, the museum has one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States. Admission is free every first Wednesday of the month, as well as on “Family Sundays.”
Bus directions to Honolulu Museum of Art
ʻIolani Palace ~ A Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, ʻIolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalākaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Today, visitors can enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian heritage and history. Try going on a Friday at noon to hear the Royal Hawaiian Band perform on the lawn outside.
Bus direction ʻIolani Palace
Kawaiahaʻo Church ~ The historical church was founded by missionaries and was the scene of celebrations by royalty. Sunday service is conducted in the Hawaiian and English languages.
Bus directions to Kawaiahaʻo Church
Hawaiian Mission Houses Museum ~ The oldest existing buildings in the city, erected by the first missionary contingent to Honolulu. Beautifully restored, the homes were used by the missionary families from 1821 to 1896.
Bus directions to Hawaiian Mission Houses
Mānoa Falls ~ a waterfall in Mānoa, on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi, featuring a vertical drop of over 200 feet (61 m). It is accessible from the nearest road via a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) hike during which you ascend 800 ft and end at the base of the waterfall. The length of the hike will take approximately 2 hours. The hike passes through many ecosystems and feels like an arboretum, which makes for a great photo opportunity. The path to the waterfall is often muddy and slippery, and flash floods may occur at any time, so pay attention to any weather alerts. If you go by personal vehicle, you can park in the lot for $5.00 (bring cash).
Bus directions to Mānoa Falls
National Cemetery of the Pacific ~ Informally known as Punchbowl Cemetery due to its location within the 112-acre interior of Punchbowl Crater, the cemetery has been turned into a memorial to those who died in service of their country.
Bus directions to National Cemetery of the Pacific
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout ~ It was at these scenic cliffs of Nuʻuanu Valley that King Kamehameha the Great defeated the Oahuans in a bloody battle in 1795, thus adding the island of Oʻahu to his realm. Various observation points offer breathtaking views of the island.
Drive directions to Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Pearl Harbor Memorial ~ The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona (BB-39) during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and commemorates the events of that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oʻahu was the action that led to the United States’ direct involvement in World War II. Pearl Harbor also includes the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin, and Pacific Aviation Museum.
Bus directions to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
Polynesian Cultural Center ~ A Polynesian themed theme-park featuring cultural displays and shows about the Polynesian cultures of the Pacific. Within eight simulated tropical villages, performers demonstrate various arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia.
Bus directions to Polynesian Cultural Center
Shangri La ~ The Honolulu home of American philanthropist Doris Duke, Shangri La was built in 1937 and houses an impressive collection of Islamic art and is considered one of Hawaiʻi’s most architecturally significant homes.
Bus directions to Shangri La
Waikele Premium Outlets ~ Outlet shops for a variety of designer brands of clothing, shoes, bags & jewelry.
Waikiki ~ World-famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty and means “spouting water.” Today it is a vibrant gathering space for visitors from around the world where you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. Waikiki is most famous for its beaches and every room is just two or three blocks away from the sea.
Bus directions to Waikiki
What did we miss? Let us know what your favorite places on Oʻahu are in the comments.