Follow L'esprit Sud Magazine as we venture in Honolulu for a day full of exploration and culinary experiences. We have a lot of beautiful places to share through our photography as well as useful tips that will help you make the most of your stay in Honolulu. This article, A morning of exploration, is the first one of a series of three. We hope you will enjoy your visit of this culturally rich and naturally amazing Hawaiian city. Aloha kakou! - Greetings to all of you!
Our day starts very early with the visit of the The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor. This National Historic Landmark marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by Japanese imperial forces. The memorial, inaugurated in 1962, is visited by more than one million people annually, making it one the top attraction of the Island. Because of the limited spaces available every day to visit the memorial, it is advisable to be there at 7h30 am, when the Visitor Center opens to get your tickets. This will limit your waiting time to almost nothing, and allow you to plan other activities for the same day.
Before boarding the shuttle that will bring you to the USS Arizona Memorial, you will have to watch a 20 minutes film that gives a really good description of the events. If you have extra time, we also recommend the self audio tour through the museum that details the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and which should take about 45 minute to complete.
Accessible only by boat, the memorial is a floating bridge that crosses above the middle of the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. On a clear day, you can really see well the ship resting under the water. As you look over the edge, you will see the rusting remains of the USS Arizona. It is quite a disturbing feeling to know that 1,102 sailors are buried just under our feet.
As you walk along the bridge, you can't help but notice the strong smell present in the air. Oil is still bubbling up from the sunken ship, almost 70 years after it went down. In a National Geographic Magazine feature published in 2001, concerns were expressed that the continued deterioration of the USS Arizona's bulkheads and oil tanks from saltwater corrosion could pose a significant environmental threat from a rupture, resulting in a significant release of oil*.
*The National Park Service states that it has an ongoing program closely monitoring the condition of the submerged vessel.
The two hours and a half we spent at the USS Arizona Memorial were really worth the early wake-up as they gave us a better insight of the event that precipitated the US into W.W.II, and also a cultural understanding of the Hawaiian Islands.
Before boarding the shuttle that will bring you to the USS Arizona Memorial, you will have to watch a 20 minutes film that gives a really good description of the events. If you have extra time, we also recommend the self audio tour through the museum that details the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and which should take about 45 minute to complete.
Accessible only by boat, the memorial is a floating bridge that crosses above the middle of the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. On a clear day, you can really see well the ship resting under the water. As you look over the edge, you will see the rusting remains of the USS Arizona. It is quite a disturbing feeling to know that 1,102 sailors are buried just under our feet.
As you walk along the bridge, you can't help but notice the strong smell present in the air. Oil is still bubbling up from the sunken ship, almost 70 years after it went down. In a National Geographic Magazine feature published in 2001, concerns were expressed that the continued deterioration of the USS Arizona's bulkheads and oil tanks from saltwater corrosion could pose a significant environmental threat from a rupture, resulting in a significant release of oil*.
*The National Park Service states that it has an ongoing program closely monitoring the condition of the submerged vessel.
The two hours and a half we spent at the USS Arizona Memorial were really worth the early wake-up as they gave us a better insight of the event that precipitated the US into W.W.II, and also a cultural understanding of the Hawaiian Islands.
Only by visiting the USS Arizona memorial can we grasp the size of the tragedy that happened on December 7th, 1941.
Arrival to the USS Arizona Memorial, a floating bridge above the sunken ship that can accommodate up to 200 persons.
The contrast between the peaceful and timeless architecture of the memorial designed by Honolulu architect Alfred Preis, and the rusting remains of the sunken ship is striking, and induce contemplation.
The USS Missouri Battleship, here viewed from the USS Arizona Memorial, is also part of the Pacific National Monument and can be visited.
The Visitor Center where you will find 3 exhibits explaining the attack.
Many photographs taken before the tragic event are exhibited at the Visitor Center. They really have an interesting cultural meaning as they describe how life was in O'ahu during the 40s.
Life goes on in Pearl Harbor ... A couple of zebra doves and their young
After a first part of the morning dedicated to history and remembrance, you may want to change your mind and get closer to Mother Nature. Just 15 minutes away from Waikiki Beach, you can literally loose yourself in a lush tropical rainforest and see a pristine natural waterfall. Nestled deep in the rainforest, the Manoa Falls Trail has been a long time favorite among tourists and locals alike for its incredible biodiversity and refreshing appeal.
Through only a 0.8 mile long (1.3 km), the path passes though so many different ecosystems that you will feel being in an arboretum. On your journey to the waterfall, you will travel through a lush rainforest of giant ferns, wild gingers, guava trees, and a bamboo grove. Expect also some tall and unique tree formations as well as some plant and flower species only found here. Your camera is definitely required!
This hike is often muddy and slippery because the Manoa Valley gets a lot of rain. The hike to the falls is classified as "easy" but on some parts of the trail, you will be walking on boulders and tree roots, so wear shoes with firm soles and take care not to slip in those areas.
If you do not have a lot of time in Honolulu but still want to experiment the beautiful Hawaiian rainforest, the Manoa Falls Trail is the perfect solution. In less than 2 hours, you can access Oahu's tallest accessible waterfall, and be back to the city for lunch.
Through only a 0.8 mile long (1.3 km), the path passes though so many different ecosystems that you will feel being in an arboretum. On your journey to the waterfall, you will travel through a lush rainforest of giant ferns, wild gingers, guava trees, and a bamboo grove. Expect also some tall and unique tree formations as well as some plant and flower species only found here. Your camera is definitely required!
This hike is often muddy and slippery because the Manoa Valley gets a lot of rain. The hike to the falls is classified as "easy" but on some parts of the trail, you will be walking on boulders and tree roots, so wear shoes with firm soles and take care not to slip in those areas.
If you do not have a lot of time in Honolulu but still want to experiment the beautiful Hawaiian rainforest, the Manoa Falls Trail is the perfect solution. In less than 2 hours, you can access Oahu's tallest accessible waterfall, and be back to the city for lunch.
This moderate hike is great for adults and kids. It only takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the idyllic Manoa Falls, and even less to come back.
The beginning of the trail crosses though a grove of Eucalyptus trees before gradually ascends though the lush rainforest.
As with anything in life, the hike is more about the journey than the destination.
If you have seen Steven Spielberg's movie "Lost World: Jurassic Park", you have actually seen the trail and its prehistoric landscape as it was featured in many scenes of the movie.
This forest of giant bamboos was a nice treat on our way to the waterfall.
When you take the time to look around, you will discover native flowers that can't be found anywhere else on the planet.
The waterfall, called waihi in Hawaiian, is approximately 150 feets (45 meters). The amount of water depends on the rainfall. There is always water in the falls, but during the summer month, the fall is thin.
The trail can become challenging in certain areas, especially during the rainy season. It rains more often here than in Waikiki and along the coastline, so a word of caution is advised for novice hikers.
When visiting Hawaii, you cannot but notice all the chicken roaming freely along the side of the roads. We saw this cute family on the parking lot of the Maona Fall Trail. What a sweet surprise!
To read Part 2 of this article.
For more information
Pear Harbor - Pacific National Monument
Visitor Center is open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day
Price: The parking and tour program of the USS Arizona Memorial is free. You can rent an audio tour for $5 (English, Japanese, Spanish and French) which is highly recommended for those waiting for their tour to begin as waiting time can be up to 3 hours during high season. If you want to make it a day event, three other exhibits are also available: the USS Bowfin Submarine ($10), the USS Missouri Battleship ($16), and the Pacific Aviation Museum ($14). If you want to visit all four of Pearl Harbor's main attractions, the admission fees will total about $40.
Note: Scheduled tours vary due to visitation, but generally begin every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy summer and winter holiday periods, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the Visitor Center as early as possible as, often times, all tickets are given away before 12 noon. Strict security measures prohibit purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage and/or other items that offer concealment. Visitors may only bring a camera and cam-recorder. A storage facility is available in the immediate area of the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. There is a nominal storage fee of $3/bag. The storage facility is in operation daily 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address:
No. 1 Arizona Memorial Place,
Honolulu, HI, 96818
USA
Tel: (808) 954 8777
For more information, consult their Website.
Manoa Falls Trail
Open everyday from sunrise to dawn
Price: The Trails and falls are on State land so access is free. For parking, hikers have two choices. 1) Parking in the Paradise Park lot for a fee of $5.00 or 2) Park in the lower neighborhood for free.
Note: Because of the tropical nature of this location, mosquitos do abound so we strongly recommend the use of insect repellents. If you don't have any on hand, the little shop Rainbow's End Snack Shop located at the Paradise Park lot sells insect repellent in travel size wipes, as well as bottled water. During the rainy season (January through March), the trail can become very muddy, so hiking boots would be more appropriate than sneakers. Finally, visitors to the falls should be aware of another potential danger: leptospirosis, a debilitating disease caused by bacteria present in many inland bodies of water on the island. Swimming or taking a dip in the pool is not recommended.
Direction: Located close to The University of Hawai’i Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Head out West Manoa Road which is just north of Honolulu and west of pacific cemetary. Drive to the end and you will find the starting and ending point.
For more information, consult the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program's Website.
Price: The parking and tour program of the USS Arizona Memorial is free. You can rent an audio tour for $5 (English, Japanese, Spanish and French) which is highly recommended for those waiting for their tour to begin as waiting time can be up to 3 hours during high season. If you want to make it a day event, three other exhibits are also available: the USS Bowfin Submarine ($10), the USS Missouri Battleship ($16), and the Pacific Aviation Museum ($14). If you want to visit all four of Pearl Harbor's main attractions, the admission fees will total about $40.
Note: Scheduled tours vary due to visitation, but generally begin every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy summer and winter holiday periods, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the Visitor Center as early as possible as, often times, all tickets are given away before 12 noon. Strict security measures prohibit purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage and/or other items that offer concealment. Visitors may only bring a camera and cam-recorder. A storage facility is available in the immediate area of the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. There is a nominal storage fee of $3/bag. The storage facility is in operation daily 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address:
No. 1 Arizona Memorial Place,
Honolulu, HI, 96818
USA
Tel: (808) 954 8777
For more information, consult their Website.
Manoa Falls Trail
Open everyday from sunrise to dawn
Price: The Trails and falls are on State land so access is free. For parking, hikers have two choices. 1) Parking in the Paradise Park lot for a fee of $5.00 or 2) Park in the lower neighborhood for free.
Note: Because of the tropical nature of this location, mosquitos do abound so we strongly recommend the use of insect repellents. If you don't have any on hand, the little shop Rainbow's End Snack Shop located at the Paradise Park lot sells insect repellent in travel size wipes, as well as bottled water. During the rainy season (January through March), the trail can become very muddy, so hiking boots would be more appropriate than sneakers. Finally, visitors to the falls should be aware of another potential danger: leptospirosis, a debilitating disease caused by bacteria present in many inland bodies of water on the island. Swimming or taking a dip in the pool is not recommended.
Direction: Located close to The University of Hawai’i Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Head out West Manoa Road which is just north of Honolulu and west of pacific cemetary. Drive to the end and you will find the starting and ending point.
For more information, consult the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program's Website.
Interactive map
Check out our interactive map of Hawaii to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.
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