Attractions in Waikiki (Honolulu)

The Honolulu Zoo

An attractive flamingo pond greets you at the entrance of this 42-acre municipal zoo in Waikiki. Rare wildlife inside the lush park includes the Hawaiian nene goose, Francois monkeys and Galapagos tortoises. There is a children's petting zoo with llamas and a retired milk cow. Just before, during, and after a full moon, the zoo's special "Zoo by Moonlight" guided tour offers an uncommon glimpse of the habits of nocturnal animals; call for schedule. Admission: USD6 adults, USD4 kama'ainas, USD1 children 6-12 years old.

The Damien Museum

This small museum is dedicated to Father Damien Joseph De Veuster, a Belgian-born priest-martyr who worked among the victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) who were exiled to Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. He eventually contracted the disease and died of it. The museum's two rooms overflow with interesting photographs, artifacts and other memorabilia. A 20-minute video depicts the priest's life. In 1995, Pope John Paul II declared Father Damien blessed, the second of the three steps necessary before canonization as a saint. Admission is free.

Oahu Nature Tours

Guide Michael Walther has spent his life studying local flora and fauna, and he imparts his knowledge during these interesting eco-excursions. Invigorate yourself with an early morning hike to the 763-foot summit of the Diamond Head Crater. Visit magnificent waterfalls during the afternoon rainforest excursion in the Ko'olau mountains. There are five tours in all, as well as two combination tour packages.

Saint Augustine Church

Established in 1854 by some of the original Hawaiian settlers, this magnificent edifice stands out among the high rises and condos of Waikiki. It is obviously a building with a history—you can tell even before reading the placard above the entryway. If the church is imposing and majestic from the outside, it is awe-inspiring from the inside. Full-length stained glass windows and a tiered ceiling ornament the vast interior. Behind the church is the Father Damien museum and a group center for disadvantaged Tongan youth.

Waikiki Aquarium

Located just a few short blocks from Waikiki Beach, this is a great place to learn about Hawaii's amazing ocean world. You can see 400 different species at this small but mighty museum, including monk seals, sharks and sea turtles. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to narrate tours and answer questions. The aquarium has a good gift shop where you can ask about special events and excursions. It offers some terrific educational and community outreach programs.

Diamond Head State Monument

This crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. The historic trail to the 761-foot summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike to the top. Stay on the trail, wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen, take along water and bring a flashlight to light your way through the tunnels. Those who reach the summit are rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view of O'ahu. The tunnel gates close promptly at 6p. Admission: USD1 per person, USD5 per vehicle.

Navatek I Cruises

The designers of the 6.5 million-dollar Navatek I utilized cutting-edge technology and advanced design techniques to make it one of the most stable small boats in the world. Even people who tend to get motion sick should be fine on it. Lunch and dinner cruises are available. Prices range from USD50-120 for adults and USD30-72 for children 2-11. Call or check the Web site for detailed information on each of the cruises offered and ask about their specials and package deals.

Maita'i Catamaran

If the idea of a calm, elegant dinner cruise bores you, this might be the kind of marine excursion that you like. The sleek, 44-foot craft is the fastest in all the islands, thanks to its custom-designed mast. It cuts through the waves at speeds of up to 20 knots—though not without a little splashing. In the daytime, the Maita'I takes passengers on a 90-minute cruise to Diamond Head, while the evening cruise sails straight into the sunset. Sunset MaiTai Sail $34 adults, $17 child 13 and under, includes beverages, TradeWind Sails $23 adults, $12 child, 3 and under free.

TID Tours and Travel

The best of Oahu's attractions are at your fingertips. Low rates are offered on submarine dives, city tours and other popular activities. Day tours to other islands are also available. Visit Maui (The Valley Isle), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle) or the Big Island. The highlights of each island are included in the tour, along with airfare. Single-day tour costs start at around $15 (Pearl Harbor and City Tour) and go up to about $149 (Big Island Circle Tour). Overnight packages are also available. Call for details.

All Hawaii Cruises

Hop on board Captain Bob's Barefoot I for a fun-packed day on the water. The glass-bottomed catamaran is designed for optimal viewing of sea life and maximum stability in the water. After pick-up from your hotel, you'll enjoy swimming, snorkeling and Hawaiian water volleyball in the dazzling clear water of a secluded bay, followed by a barbecue picnic. The boat sails by noted landmarks like Chinaman's Hat and Gilligan's Island. Book a few days in advance.

Honolulu Horse & Carriage

Oahu's balmy weather makes it the perfect place for an evening stroll;or better yet, a romantic carriage ride. This company offers carriage rides through Waikiki nightly, from 6:30p-11p. Each ride is approximately 20 minutes and passengers may choose to be dropped off anywhere they choose (as long as it is convenient to the route). All day rentals are also available for special occasions; contact the office for details. The location for the rides change in December.

Hawaii Connection, Inc

If you or someone you know speaks Hungarian as a first language, this is the company best equipped to assist you. The Honolulu office can help with everything from booking a flight or a hotel to choosing the best island tour led by a Hungarian speaker. Get information on major island attractions, parks, monuments and places of interest. Please call for more information.