Military History Among Surf & Sand of Honolulu
April 22, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Museums, Outdoor Activities, Things to See & Do, attractions, history
When I visit Hawaii, I love the sunny beaches (of course), but Hawaii is also rich in history and culture, and I always work a couple of these destination into my vacation plans.
Honolulu is rich in military sites and history, and although at time it can be painful to think about, these sites should be on every visitors list of things to see and do. The islands and the country were shaped by the events of Pearl Harbor, and whether you choose to go on your own or as part of a tour, I think any trip to the islands …read more
Oahu Dolphin Cruise: Hoku Nai’a Wild Dolphin Watch
July 1, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Cruises, Fun for Families & Kids, Outdoor Activities, Sports & Recreation, Things to See & Do
My trip to Hawaii last fall was motivated by a desire for some rest and relaxation, some warm weather, and an overall escape from my gray Seattle life. I was longing for time spent on a balcony, watching the sunset or sunrise, listening to the waves, and having a slow-paced week ahead of me.
In fact, that type of vacation is one of the reasons people love Hawaii – sun, sand, surf, and stepping on the treadmill of ordinary life.
But at some point, you’re going to want to do something else. I had a handful of ideas of those “other …read more
Bishop Museum Explain the History & Culture of Hawaii
April 27, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Fun for Families & Kids, Museums, Things to See & Do
Honolulu’s Bishop Museum offers the natural and cultural history of Hawaii’s indigenous people. Founded in 1889 by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last heir to Kamehameha I, you’ll find artifacts and exhibits representative of all the Pacific Islands.
A couple of my favorite highlights are the Science on a Sphere exhibit and the Science Adventure Center.
Science on a Sphere is a 68 inch, 200 pound fiberglass sphere suspended from the ceiling. It serves as a sort of 3-D movie, displaying full color, satellite and animated images. You can watch a hurricane forming, a dust storm, violent solar storms, or any …read more
Honoring Veterans at Honolulu’s Punchbowl
February 12, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Things to See & Do
If you watched the NFL Pro Bowl over this past weekend, you got a glimpse of Oahu, Honolulu, and the Waikiki area. It’s very tempting to think of the island as one of sun, sand, surf, sunbathing, and adult beverages. All that would be true, of course, but there is another side to Hawaii, a side full of history, culture, and reverence.
On my recent trip to Honolulu, I had the opportunity to enjoy both aspects of island life, and today’s post touches on a more serious side of island life.
Overlooking the city of Honolulu, is the extinct volcano Punchbowl …read more
