Heading north from Honolulu, the fertile central valley of O'ahu still bears remnants of its plantation past. Charming historic towns dot the landscape up through the center of the Island between bustling Honolulu and the wide sweep of the dramatic North Shore.
Dole's unique garden displays pineapple lore from all over the world.
The pineapple Garden Maze is made of 14,000 colorful Hawaii plants. After the Maze, ride the "Pineapple Express," a two-mile, 20 minute fully narrated train tour for kids and adults. You'll learn about the history of pineapple and agriculture in Hawaii, hear the fascinating story of James Dole and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Central O'ahu and the North Shore.
Hawaii's Plantation Village, Waipahu
Escape the present day and explore O'ahu plantation heritage and culture at Hawaii's Plantation Village in Waipahu. You'll learn how more than 400,000 immigrants who arrived between 1852 and 1947 to work on O'ahu plantations actually shaped Hawaii's into the vibrant multi-ethnic community it is today,.
In addition to hosting events, the Aloha stadium is home to Hawaii's largest flea market on Wednesday and Saturday, 8am to 3pm and Sunday from 6:30am to 3pm.
Leilahua Plateau, Wahiawa
Leilehua Plateau's protected central location and 1,000 foot elevation has made it a rich agricultural region as well as a vital military headquarters.
Kukaniloko,Wahiawa
Kukaniloko birthing stones are a gathering of sacred stones marking the place where Hawaiian Royalty gave birth and a place much revered by Native Hawaiians today.
Wahiawa Botanical Garden
Home to tropical flora that require a cooler environment, with a special effort to develop their collection of native Hawaiian plants.
Pearl Harbor
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."
--Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval based in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark, Pearl Harbor got its name from the pearl oysters that were once harvested here. Today, Pearl Harbor is a vivid memorial to the events of December 7, 1941 --"a date which will live in infamy" -- and is also the headquarters and home base of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which is the world's largest naval command.
The aerial attack on Pearl Harbor left thousands dead and wounded, and drove the United States into the World War II. The visitors center, museum, monuments and poignant exhibits honor those who fought as well as those who worked to restore peace. There's a lot to see, so allow several hours for your Pearl Harbor visit.
Begin your journey at the Visitors Center with a walk through the USS Arizona Memorial Museum, then watch a film with vintage newsreel footage that explains the day's events, and plaques honor those lost. Next, a short boat ride takes you to the USS Arizona Memorial, which was constructed astride the sunken battleship as a memorial to the 1,177 men who lost their lives in the attack.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is a living museum that offers a glimpse into life on the historic "Mighty Mo". Climb aboard the last and most celebrated battleship ever built. It was aboard the 60,000 ton ships decks that the documents ending World War II were signed.
The USS bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a National Historic Landmark featuring this restored World War II sub and fascinating information on the history of submarines and underwater warfare. The adjacent park honors submariners lost in WWII and includes interactive exhibits of guns and torpedoes.
Complete with simulators, historic exhibits and actual fighter planes and bombers, the Pacific Aviation Museum is located in the battlefield hangars on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island.
The USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 crewmen who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack, when the 35,000-ton battleship sank under a barrage of torpedoes in only twelve minutes.
