A Drive Around Oahu, Hawaii

Stop 1 - Downtown Honolulu

The Hawaii State Capitol building

Aloha! What better place to start a tour of Oahu and the city of Honolulu than at the Hawaii State Capitol building. The rectangular building has architectural features meant to symbolize various aspects of the Hawaiian Islands. For example, the columns surrounding the building symbol the coconut palm trees that are so abundant in Hawaii. Planters around the base of the building represent the coconuts themselves. Inside the building's central courtyard (not visible in the photo above) the walls slope inward to give the illusion of being inside the crater of a volcano. Overall, it's a simple, yet elegant structure where the Hawaiian Senate and House of Representatives meet.

Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil

Directly behind the State Capitol is Iolani Palace, the residence of the last Hawaiian monarchs, including Queen Lili'Uokalani, a statue of whom stands between the two buildings. Iolani Palace was built in 1891 and is now on the register of National Historical Sites. Forty-five minute guided tours are available on most days.

King Kamehameha, Hawaii's first and most renowned king

Behind the Iolani Palace and across the street is the Honolulu City Hall, with the imposing statue of King Kamehameha shown above standing in front. King Kamehameha gained control of the many islands of the Hawaiian chain and united them under his rule in 1810.

Aloha Tower Marketplace

A short drive away, on Honolulu's waterfront, is Aloha Tower Marketplace. The tower itself was built in 1926 and, at the time, it was the tallest building in Honolulu. Today, it is the center of a busy shopping area with many places to buy unique Hawaiian arts and crafts.

The Hawaiian Maritime Center

Model of a traditional Hawaiian outrigger boat

Almost directly adjacent to the Aloha Tower Marketplace is the Hawaiian Maritime Center. This nautical museum traces the story of Hawaii's people and their relationship with the sea. A self-guided audio tour explains the many exhibits inside the museum and also describes the Falls of Clyde a 4-masted full-rigged sailing ship that is moored just outside.

Bishop Museum, Hawaii's "Smithsonian Institute"

Polynesian ceremonial dress

Just on the outskirts of western Honolulu is the Bishop Museum, which is considered by many to be Hawaii's equivalent of the Smithsonian Institution. The Museum's half-dozen buildings, including a planetarium, house a collection of almost 200,000 Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts and several million insect, marine, plant, bird, and mammal specimens. The Museum also has displays of various Hawaiian arts and crafts, like wood carving and weaving, and guided tours of some of the more important exhibits.

Next, we'll head east, back through downtown Honolulu, and visit the Waikiki tourist district.

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Last Updated: January 1, 2003