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10 Historic Sites in Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
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1. Lawai International Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Kmm808
My family has lived within 10 minutes of this place for over a hundred years and never heard about it!! My son found it online and just happened they were doing tours this past Sunday. They offer you tea and cookies, homemade by the "aunties" that volunteer there. Then there is a presentation about 30 minutes long about the culture and history of the place. It is pretty amazing!! It was raining a little, so they passed panchos out to everyone. Did I mention that this is all FREE?? By donation, but they don't ask you to donate. They just have little bowls out. We gave about $20 per person. The hike itself and visiting the pavilion takes about 30 minutes if you don't stop walking. It is built into the side of the hill and zig zags up and down the hill. If you have vertigo, or are afraid of heights, this is probably not good for you to do. Also not good for small children as their are areas with no handrails that is an easy 10 foot + drop. But if you are able to experience it, you will leave feeling at peace and lighter.
2. Kapaia Suspension Bridge
3. Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
This historical park was a former leper colony run by Father Damien in the 1930s.
Reviewed By JoeP808 - Estes Park, United States
Kalaupapa - the leper colony - Fr Damien. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is now run by the National Park Service. It occupies a small 3 mile by 3 mile peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. Access today is only by the small planes operated by a couple local airlines. Note: There used to be access by a guided mule trail down the cliffs, but the trail has been closed for some time due to rock slides. Your flight must be coordinated with a tour guide in Kalaupapa who will get the permits necessary to visit. Otherwise you will not be allowed to leave the airport property. The Historical Park preserves the living community where people were banished to live apart from the rest of the world with leprosy, now called Hansen's disease. The cure for Hansen's disease was found in the 1940, but many of the residents elected to continue to live on their peninsula. Six still live there, aged 78 to 96. Touring the area will take you through the town of Kalaupapa, the original settlement area of Kalawao, and past the original churches still standing. The cemetery holds the tomb of Fr Damien, the priest who came to minister to the patients, and ended up dying of the disease. All the while you are there you can look to the south and see the sea cliffs that cut the peninsula off from the rest of the island, called topside. These sea cliffs are the highest in the world. I can see why being made to live there was referred to as the most beautiful prison in the world. What an interesting glimpse into history.
4. Puukohola National Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Historical park honoring King Kamehameha
Reviewed By artess1 - Tiburon, United States
The"Place of Refuge" national park has a fascinating Hawaiian history and is still a sacred site with Chiefs Temple and 3 Heiaus, one of which is located just offshore underwater. It has a small, charming gift shop and "guided tours" are offered twice a day (morning & mid-afternoon). However, the "self-guided tour" is easily followed on your own. Local volunteers are Informative and work thruout the park maintaining the grounds, restoring paths, walls & other structures found thruout and the Chiefs Temple surrounded by large, wooden Ki'i's statues. One guide explained a question we had re. the Hawaiian laws & sanctuary while weaving a grass cape for an upcoming ceremony. NOTE: As a sacred site, the activities by visitors are truly limited to walking & viewing the gorgeous location & grounds (No pets, beach or picnicking equipment, weddings, etc). Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a sun hat & definitely a water bottle.
5. Waimea Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,434 reviews
Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.
6. USS Arizona Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,456 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By lindar1961 - Inverloch, Australia
The Pearl Harbour complex is well set out. Even though the entry fee seems expensive you do get value for money. The entry includes a boat tide to the USS Arizona, exploring the Bowfin submarine, a bus ride to Ford Island (active Naval Base), exploring the Missouri (battleship) and entry into the aviation museums. Very moving and memorable.
7. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,333 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By Y6801YCsusanc
This is a memorial every American visiting Hawaii should not miss. Even though I read complaints posted on TripAdvisor about not being able to visit the memorial itself, it still doesn't take away from the SIGNIFICANCE. They show a movie about what led to the attack on Pearl Harbor which was well presented before going onboard a boat that takes you briefly around the harbor. There is a lot to see here. You can visit a museum detailing the history of the events happening in the Pacific at that time and what led up to the attack. You can also visit both the World War II submarine, USS Bowfin and it's accompanying memorial to lost submariners and the submarine museum; next you can visit the battleship USS Missouri and excellent museum and where the Japanese surrendered. There is also an air museum which we didn't have a chance this time to visit. Kids 12 and up would get more out of this than young children and they should be exposed to this history and never forget it. I was lucky to meet a Pearl Harbor survivor, Sterling Cale. He signed his book for us and I had my picture taken with him (no charge), so don't miss this and thank him for his service to our country.
8. Battleship Missouri Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,097 reviews
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 8-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
Reviewed By 786chloeh - Brisbane Region, Australia
Amazing ship and wonderful to be able to explore alot of the ship, could easily spend a few hours here as so many things to see and defiantly take the 30min guided tour of the top deck as they give you alot of information
9. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,652 reviews
This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
Located on the southern edge of Kealakekua Bay, Pu'honua Honaunau was designated as a National Park in 1961. Also called Place of Refuge this extraordinary historical sight offers a fascinating journey through Hawaiian history. Within the extensive grounds of the park are a Great Wall over 1000 feet long and 10 feet high built of lava rock in the 1500's, reconstructed thatched roof Hawaiian houses, temples and wooden carvings of gods protecting the Hale-o-Keawe mausoleum. Park Rangers offer introductory talks at times during the day and a visitors center, restroom facilities, picnic tables, tide pools, hiking trails and free audio tour of the cultural sights is available. There is a small fee to park.
10. Pu'ukohola Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A stone temple built by King Kamehameha in 1719.
Reviewed By ayakoi619
This is a old temple, Heiau, which was built by King Kamehameha I and one of the best preserved place compare to all of the others which locate in Hawaii state. You also can enjoy short trail around the heiau, so please wear comfortable shoes. Visiting the center first, then look around the heiau will be easy to understand for young kids.
