Oahu Hawaii – Island Adventures, Scenic Drives & Must-See Sights

Why is Spam so popular - It may be because of food shortages during WW2, the answer might be a bit more complex than that, so we would suggest you read "the history of Spam in Hawaii". This love for Spam dates back to World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Hawaii received Spam in their rations due to its long shelf life. After the war, Spam became a household item, partly due to limited access to fresh meat and its affordability compared to other protein sources.

Because it is so popular, Spam is widely available in Honolulu, Hawaii, and can be found at many restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Below are some places to find Spam in Honolulu:

• Musubi Cafe Iyasume: Serves a variety of Spam dishes, including Spam musubi, Teriyaki Spam, Egg Spam, and Bacon & Egg Spam.
• Pork Tamago Onigiri: An Okinawa-based chain that specializes in Spam, egg, and rice foldover sandwiches.
• McDonald's: Serves Spam and eggs for breakfast.
• Aloha Pizzeria: Serves Hawaiian pizza with Spam, Banzai Burger, and Hawaiian burger with Spam.
• Camado Ramen Tavern: Serves Spam fried rice.
• Eating House 1849: Serves an adobo hapa burger and Spam and three cheese quesadilla.
• Greek Grotto: Serves a gyro with Spam.
• Hard Rock Cafe: Serves Spam burnt end skewers with BBQ glaze and Spam & kimchi fried rice with fried egg.

Additionally, Hawaii hosts the annual "Waikiki Spam Jam" festival, where vendors offer creative Spam dishes, celebrating the beloved canned meat.

As you can see in this static map, we visited a number of diverse locations, each of them are linked so that you can click on any that you would like to view.

1. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki
2. USS Arizona Memorial
3. USS Missouri Memorial
4. Diamond Head State Park
5. Nuuanu Pali Lookout
6. Haleiwa
7. Polynesian Cultural Center
8. Byodo-in Temple, Kaneohe
9. Bishop Science Museum
10. Punchbowl Cemetery
11. Duke's Waikiki Restaurant
12. Hanauma Bay

The following is a suggested itinerary based upon maximizing your time on Oahu and proximity to these individual destinations;

Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on Oʻahu and known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi. The Hawaiian name is most likely derived from lae (browridge, promontory) plus ʻahi (tuna) because the shape of the ridgeline resembles the shape of a tuna's dorsal fin. Its English name was given by British sailors in the 19th century, who named it for the calcite crystals on the adjacent beach.

Diamond Head is part of the Ko'olau Range of volcanoes that began erupting below sea level over 2.6 million years ago. A single eruption around 300,000 years ago created the crater. The crater encompasses 350 acres. The crater is much larger than its rim as it was formed explosively.

Image Credit: This image is the property of Steve Jurvetson via Wikimedia Commons using the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Our goal for this visit to Diamond Head was to hike up the trail to the top, where the views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean are just stunning. From the parking lot on the crater floor, the trail to the summit is 0.8 mile one way and climbs 560 feet in elevation. There is a paved concrete walkway for a distance of 0.2 miles at the start of the hike, but the trail becomes uneven and steep, requiring caution and appropriate footwear. Portions of the trail involve steep stairways and another portion of the trail goes through a long, narrow tunnel which is lighted.

Reservations are required and can be obtained online here. The fee is partially for entrance and partially to park inside the parking lot. Reservations are for a specific date & time, so that the park does not become over crowded.

We visited the USS Arizona (BB-39) Memorial and then took the bus over to visit the USS Missouri (BB-63). The Missouri is one of the four Iowa class battleships that were built late in WW2 (BB-63 entered service on 11 June 1944). The Navy had originally ordered six ships based upon the Iowa ship class design of which four were completed ( USS Iowa BB-61, USS Missouri BB-63, USS Wisconsin BB-64 and USS New Jersey BB-62), and two were cancelled ( USS Illinois BB-65 and USS Kentucky BB-66) in order to build more aircraft carriers.

The hull construction of the USS Kentucky was halted in January 1950 and the ship's bow was removed in order to repair the USS Missouri's bow damage when it ran aground outside Chesapeake Bay later in 1950.

The USS Missouri played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater, and was the site of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945, which marked the end of the war. After World War II, the USS Missouri was decommissioned and then recommissioned several times, serving in the Korean War and the Gulf War, among other conflicts.

The Iowa-class battleships were indeed a remarkable feat of engineering and design, and they were built to be formidable warships capable of engaging in naval battles on a large scale. It's unlikely that we will ever see such large and heavily armed battleships again, as modern naval warfare has shifted toward smaller, more agile ships with advanced technology and weaponry. Nonetheless, the Iowa-class battleships remain a testament to the technological achievements of their time and their significant contributions to naval history.

Where are all of the Iowa Class Battleships Today?

Pearl Harbor Background Info from Wikipedia: Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. It was often visited by the Naval fleet of the United States, before it was acquired from the Hawaiian Kingdom by the U.S. with the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands are now a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the United States Pacific Fleet. The U.S. government first obtained exclusive use of the inlet and the right to maintain a repair and coaling station for ships here in 1887.

Click the Wikipedia Link below to go to the full article about Pearl Harbor.

If you look at a map of Oahu, the "North Shore" is pretty much where you would expect, it is the entire north end of the island. We wanted to traverse Haleiwa, Waimea Bay and then continue on around the north end and then south to Kaneohe so we could come back to Honolulu via the Pali Pass.

The North Shore of Oahu is a beautiful and iconic stretch of coastline that spans approximately 7 miles along the northern coast of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is famous for its big waves, pristine beaches, and lush tropical scenery. The North Shore is also a popular destination for surfers and water sports enthusiasts, as it boasts some of the world's most challenging and rewarding surf breaks.

Aside from its surfing fame, the North Shore boasts stunning beaches, including the peaceful Ehukai Beach Park and the scenic Turtle Bay. The area is also rich in cultural history, with the charming town of Haleiwa serving as the cultural and artistic heart of the North Shore.

Getting to the North Shore from the Hotel was straight forward; North on the H-1 to the H-2 and then exit onto route 99 to Haleiwa. We hung out awhile at the beach there, and then drove further north on route 83 (Kamehameha Highway) to Waimea Bay. Route 83 begins to swing south at Kawela Bay and we continued south to Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts , where we stopped to purchase some nuts and enjoy their coffee. From there we continued south to route 61 that took us back to Honolulu via the Pali Pass.

• How to get to the North Shore: From Waikiki here is a Google Map Link. If you wanted to circum-navigate Oahu like we did, you would continue northeast on Hawaii Route 83 until it intersects either Hawaii Route 61 or Hawaii H-3.
• Our North Shore Image Gallery: Here is a link to our image gallery..
• North Shore Wikipedia Article: here is a link to that Article..
• North Shore Google Images Set: Here is a link to that Google Images Set.
• North Shore Website Here is the link to their website.

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (informally known as the Punchbowl Cemetery) is a national cemetery located at Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since it is located in the same general direction of the Pali Lookout, we stopped here on the way up to Pali Pass. In addition, one of Celeste's uncles (James Serrenho) has his name inscribed on the memorial wall. Mr. Serrenho was aboard the USS Morrison (DD-560) during the invasion of Okinawa when the ship was sunk after repeated kamikaze attacks on May 4th 1945.

Located within the crater of an extinct volcano, the cemetery offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Lush tropical greenery cascades down the crater walls, creating a vibrant contrast against the white marble headstones. Meticulously maintained lawns and gardens provide a sense of peace and tranquility. The cemetery's architecture is both solemn and inspiring, with the towering white columns of the Memorial symbolizing the sacrifice of those honored within. As visitors gaze out from the crater rim, they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu, adding to the overall sense of awe and respect.

When you realize that all of these grave sites are occupied by WW2 heroes, it is a beautiful tribute to the price they paid to our country.

We were searching for some Chinese food and Celeste found this restaurant, and since it is highly rated, we decided to give it a try for lunch. WOW - we sampled several dishes from their dim sum menu and everything we had was excellent! We had to wait a few minutes, as this is a very popular restaurant in Honolulu - have patience because you will enjoy the food here!

The food here is very good, or should I say we found it to be good. Apparently a lot of Honolulu residents like it too, because there was a line of people who were waiting to have a meal. Their menu is varied and extensive and can be found here.

Our goal in visiting the Bishop Museum   was to be able to view their extensive Polynesian artifacts, which is the world's largest collection. Now you might be saying to yourself "hmm, we don't like museums" but this one is unique and it has a huge amount of Polynesian "way of life" exhibits and I promise you that you will find a visit here to be educational and entertaining.

For those of you who might not be familiar with the "Polynesian Mystery", there has been a mystery for some time now about how over ten million square miles of the Pacific Ocean were discovered by voyagers sailing in large double-hulled canoes. Part of the mystery is "how did they navigate" across those huge distances? For example, it is 2,628.72 miles from Tahiti to Hawaii and there is ample evidence that there were numerous voyages between the two islands. Christina Thompson's   book "Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesian" is a very good description of the Polynesian people, who and where they came from, and how they navigated around the Pacific Ocean. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Polynesian history - I've read it and it is an engaging and in depth account of Polynesian history.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s premier visitor attraction, offering an immersive and educational journey through the diverse cultures of the Pacific. Located in Lā‘ie, on Oahu’s North Shore, this 42-acre living museum brings to life the traditions, history, and artistry of Polynesia through its six authentic island villages representing Hawai‘i, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands, and Tonga.

Visitors can explore each village to experience firsthand the unique customs, music, dance, and craftsmanship of these Pacific Island cultures. Interactive exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and engaging performances provide a deeper understanding of Polynesian heritage. The centerpiece lagoon offers daily canoe tours, allowing guests to glide through the lush landscape while learning about the traditions of Polynesia from knowledgeable guides.

Beyond the villages, the PCC features spectacular entertainment, including the world-renowned evening show "HĀ: Breath of Life," a breathtaking performance combining fire dancing, storytelling, and traditional Polynesian choreography. Guests can also enjoy authentic Polynesian cuisine, including a luau experience with traditional dishes such as kalua pig, poi, and haupia (coconut pudding).

Duke’s Waikiki: A Celebration of Surfing, Aloha Spirit, and Island Flavors

Duke’s Waikiki is ideally located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, right on Waikiki Beach. With its open-air dining area, guests can enjoy stunning views of Diamond Head, the Pacific Ocean, and breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets.

The ambiance at Duke’s is a seamless blend of history and aloha spirit—a place where the legacy of surfing’s greatest ambassador is honored through its decor, laid-back vibe, and warm hospitality. Live Hawaiian music fills the air, and the open-air setting allows guests to experience the magic of Waikīkī’s golden sunsets with their toes in the sand.

Culinary Delights & Signature Cocktails

Duke’s is known for its exceptional island fare and handcrafted tropical drinks. During our visit, we indulged in their famous Mai Tais, expertly mixed with premium rum and fresh tropical flavors, perfectly complementing the beachside setting. We also tried their macadamia nut hummus, a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish, which was absolutely delicious.

Their menu features a variety of fresh, locally inspired dishes, including:

• Hula Pie – a decadent macadamia nut ice cream dessert, drizzled with chocolate and whipped cream
• Fresh Island Fish – served grilled or prepared with signature Hawaiian flavors
• Kalua Pork Sandwiches & Huli-Huli Chicken – local favorites bursting with smoky, sweet flavors
• A wide selection of handcrafted cocktails - including their renowned Lava Flow and Tropical Itch

If you’re interested in exploring Duke’s full menu and drink offerings - click here for their menus and drink list.

Who Was Duke Kahanamoku?

Duke’s Waikiki pays homage to Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890–1968), a Hawaiian hero known as the "Father of Modern Surfing." Duke was an Olympic gold medalist in swimming, a Hollywood actor, and an ambassador of Hawaiian culture. His legacy lives on in the restaurant’s atmosphere, from vintage surfboards and historical photos to the warm hospitality that mirrors his legendary Aloha spirit.