American Dental Association 2009 Annual Session Honolulu - Spouse and Guest Activities

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head's crater is one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks and a definite must on your trip to Honolulu. You can reach the start of the train by car or bus and it costs $1 to enter the park, or $5 if you drive your car in. Diamond Head gets its name from British sailors who thought they discovered diamonds there - in fact the stones they found were worthless crystals. Hiking Diamond Head is not a walk in the park, but its not too strenuous either - your whole family should be able to handle it. I'd recommend arriving early to get parking and to complete the hike (which should take about 1.5 hours) before it gets too hot and bright on the trail. Also be sure to wear old clothes, comfortable hiking/walking shoes, and suncreen. Bring plenty of water and a camera and you're all set! If you get tired, just take a break and keep going, the view from the top is definitely worth the effort!

Hanauma Bay Nature Park

Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the islands - and with good reason! It's waters are beautiful as are the coral and oceanlife. The spot was once damaged as a result of too many tourists and a lack of conservation efforts so now you may have to wait in line before snorkeling and you will have to watch a short educational preservation video. You can rent equipment there or at a local dive/snorkel shop. Be sure to purchase a cheap underwater camera to capture all that you'll see!

USS Arizona Memorial

If you can drag yourself away from the beaches, shopping, and restaurants, the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu is a worthwhile, educational, and moving site to visit. You can take tours throughout the day and rent headsets if you want more insight to all that you'll see. Be aware that they will not let you take bags into the memorial and you will have to pay $3 for each bag you leave at the door - so just leave them at home if you can. There's also a short informational video at the start of the tour and while you're there you can visit the USS Bowfin Submarine and the USS Missouri.

Foster Botanical Garden

Experience the wonderful colors, scents, and textures of the Hawaiian flora by visiting the Foster Botanical Gardens during your time in Honolulu. The Foster Botanical Gardens occupy approximately 14 acres of space just off the H1 highwayand are home to over 4,000 tropical plant species. The land was originally bequeathed to a German physicist and botanist by Queen Kalama in 1853 but didn't become a public garden until 1931. Today it exists as a living flora museum and hosts 75,000 visitors annually. Some of the most interesting parts of the gardens are the Orchid Conservatory, Prehistoric Glen, and the Exceptional Trees section. Admission is $5 for adult non-residents and $3 for adult residents.

Honolulu Academy of Arts: The Academy Art Center at Linekona

The Honolulu Academy of Arts is more than just an art school and cultural center - it is also Hawaii's largest fine arts museum, with particularly strong Asian art collections. The Academy also has a very popular cafe where you can make reservations to enjoy a delicious meal while you're out there enjoying the art. If you don't make reservations, you can just get your food for takeout and eat in the peaceful Chinese garden. It's a nice break from the loud and bustling beaches of Honolulu. There's even sections for younger children which are very hands-on.

http://www.honoluluacademy.org/cmshaa/academy/index.aspx

Waikiki Aquarium

The Waikiki Aquarium is a small facility but it features a number of unique exhibits that make it well worth the trip for anyone who wants to learn more about Hawaii's tropical sea life. The indoor galleries are pleasant, but some of the best features are the outdoor 75,000 Edge of Reef habitat, Moi hatchery, and endangered Monk Seal pool. The aquarium is also a leader in coral farming and supplies live corals to aquariums around the world. Admission is $9 for adult non-residents, $6 for adult residents, and just $4 for youths and $2 for juniors.

And for anyone going to Honolulu, I recommend this site for Honolulu Hotels

www.waquarium.org

Ko Olina Golf Club

Oahu is not necessarily the island that first pops to mind when you think of great Hawaiian golfing, but The Ko Olina Golf Club is certainly worth a visit. It's one of the best golf clubs on the island and is conveniently located close to a number of resorts. It's well-maintained, scenic, and the staff are all friendly. Chances are you'll want to have at least one round during your time in Honolulu and this course is a good bet.

http://www.koolinagolf.com/

Honolulu - Ala Moana Center

The Ala Moana shopping center is home to over 200 shops, making it the largest mall in Hawaii as well as the largest open air shopping mall in the United States. Many of the shops here are higher end but you can find souvenirs as well as well as a number of mid-range stores. Be sure not to bring many valuables as several cars are robbed each day. But don't let that put you off the experience, the variety of shops and people-watching make it one of the best places to shop in the islands.