The following Guides for Oahu, Hawaii should prove helpful for activities, scenic areas, dining and points of interest for the visitor. This three (maybe ...four) part series I am not only doing for the public but especially for the:

** ActiveRain Members coming to Oahu in January for the CRS Sellabration!**

Hawaii is known worldwide as one of the most scenic places on the face of the earth. From flower blooms to ocean views to beautiful blue skies you can expect to see and preserve these memories with unreal photographs as well as gaining a sense of peace within from our rich Hawaiian history.

Downtown Honolulu: 

• Iolani Palace- See the magnificent feather cloak of Kiwala'o, the Crown Jewels, the Chamberlain's Office and other treasures of the Monarchy period.  call (808) 522-0832

• The State Capitol:  The legislature will be in session and you can attend sessions and hearings for both the House and the Senate.  They are free and open to the public.  You can also visit the Governors and Lt. Governor's offices and sign their guest book.

• State Art Museum:Open to the public.  Across the street from the Capitol building and Iolani Palace.

• Kamehameha Statue Kamehameha unified Hawaii and under his government maintained peace even though there was intense pressure from the Western civilization. Located at the corner of King and Punchbowl Streets

• Mission Houses Museum  Tours through the old structures include the oldest frame house and the first printing office in the islands. Located at the corner of King and Kawaiahao Streets.

• Kawaiahao Church King Lunalilo, the first elected monarch of Hawai'i, was burried on the church grounds and Kawaiahao Church was the first Christian Church in Hawaii. Some of their founders and decendants are buried on the grounds as well. Many are married at this historical church to this day. Located at the corner of King and Punchbowl Streets.

• Honolulu Academy of Arts I haven't been here for about 10 years but this is one of my favorites. The building is so beautiful with its architechtural design.  Fine Asian art collections. For more information call 532-8700 (Additional info from Pete:  hosting this "Art After Dark" event the last Friday of each month.  Live music, food, drinks, and most of the galleries are open.  Great way to get younger folks to visit the museum, as it has become one of the trendy places to see and be seen)

• Washington Place -From Queen Liliuokalani to Governor Lingle this is the oldest structure that has been in continuous use. For more information, please call 586-0240

• Honolulu Hale City and County of Honolulu Government (Mayor's Office) Open courtyard looking up into the sky is the centerpiece of this masterpiece.  530 South King Street

• Queen Emma's Summer Palace Wife of King Kamehameha IV and the symbol of the island's cosmopolitan culture  2913 Pali Highway 808-595-3167

• Bishop Museum (founded in 1889) the Bishop Museum is by far one of the most outstanding examples of our Hawaiian history with over 24 million cultural artifacts that were acquired over the past 112 years that tell the story of Hawaii and the Pacific. 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i   96817    Phone: 808.847.351

• The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor  December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on this site, propelling the U.S. into World War II. This floating memorial in Pearl Harbor is the resting place for many of the 1,177 crew members killed on the USS Arizona battleship.                                             

Stay tuned for Parts II and III for your guide to Oahu!!

     Read Part II here:  ActiveRain Guide to Oahu: Points of Interest (Part II)