Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of Hawaii field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Hawaii field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation AreaAiea, Oahu
Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a 384-acre park located approximately 12 miles from Waikiki. Keaiwa Heiau is located at the park entry. Keaiwa Heiau is a medicinal or healing heiau (temple) known as a heiau ho’ola. At this site, the kahuna (priest, expert) specializing in healing would diagnose and treat various illnesses and injuries. It is unknown when this heiau was built but one source suggests that it was constructed in the 16th Century by Kakuhihewa, an ali’i (chief) of Oʻahu, and his kahuna Keaiwa. The 4-foot high stacked rock wall encloses the sacred area that measures 100 by 160 feet.
H.N. Greenwell Store MuseumCaptain Cook, Hawaii
Constructed by Englishman Henry Nicholas Greenwell in 1870, the store once served the immigrant community with supplies and goods needed in the remote Kona Districts. The H.N. Greenwell Store is the oldest surviving store in Kona and one of the oldest buildings in Hawaii. Stocked with accurate reproductions of goods that filled the shelves and hung from the ceiling joists, the store offers a glimpse of activities at Kalukalu over a century ago. You won’t leave this place without feeling that you have been transported back in time for a rare glimpse into Kona’s colorful past.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical ParkCaptain Cook, Hawaii
Site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1779. Viewing of Hikiau Heiau, a traditional religious site, and the Captain Cook monument at a distance across Kealakekua Bay.
Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic SiteHaleiwa, Oahu
Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on O'ahu, covering almost 2 acres. The name is translated as "hill of escape". Undoubtedly, this heiau played an important role in the social, political, and religious system of Waimea Valley which was a major occupation center of O'ahu in the pre-contact period.
Wai'anapanapa State ParkHana, Maui
Remote, wild, low-cliffed volcanic coastline offering solitude and respite from urban life. Lodging, camping, picnicking, shore ?shing and hardy family hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail which leads to Hana. Excellent opportunity to view a seabird colony and anchialine pools. Other features include native hala forest, legendary cave, heiau (religious temple), natural stone arch, sea stacks, blow holes and small black sand beach.
Lyman Museum & Mission HouseHilo
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum features renowned collections and exhibits on many aspects of Hawaii's natural and cultural history, including volcanic island formation, Big Island habitats, Hawaiian flora and fauna, the ancient Hawaiians, and more recent immigrant groups. Also on display are superb worldwide collections of minerals and marine shells. The adjacent Lyman Mission House was built as a home for New England missionary-educators David and Sarah Lyman in 1839 and contains original furnishings and household items depicting missionary life in the mid-1800s. The Lyman Museum and Mission House are dedicated to telling the story of Hawaii, its islands, and its people.
Wailuku River State ParkHilo, Hawaii
Viewpoints of geologic and scenic interest along Wailuku River. Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings. Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.
Pacific Tsunami MuseumHilo, Hawaii
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a museum in Hilo, Hawaii dedicated to the history of the April 1, 1946 Pacific tsunami and the May 23, 1960 Chilean tsunami which devastated much of the east coast of the Big Island, especially Hilo. The Museum strives to promote public education about tsunamis for the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Region.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkHilo, Hawaii
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Wailoa CenterHilo, Hawaii
Located in Piʻopiʻo and the Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Wailoa Center is Hawai’i Island’s largest venue for showcasing the work of local and international artists. With exhibits that change monthly, the two galleries within Wailoa Center offer opportunities that provide inspiration and exposure to artists and community members alike. The Wailoa Center is free and open to the public.
Pala'au State ParkHo'olehua, Molokai
Scenic overview of historic Kalalupapa to which persons with Hansen's Disease (leprosy) were once banished. Short trail leads to a phallic stone thought to enhance fertility. Picnicking and camping in a ironwood grove.
Molokaʻi Museum and Cultural CenterHo'olehua. Molokai
The Molokaʻi Museum and Cultural Center offers a glimpse of what life on Molokaʻi used to be like. Through newspapers, photos, short videos, and personal accounts from island locals, you’ll learn about the island’s history over the last 150 years. Hear the stories of patients with Hansen’s disease who were sent to live out their days in the infamous leper colony on the isolated peninsula of Kalaupapa. Tour the R.W. Meyer Sugar Mill, a carefully restored, turn-of-the-century mill, showcasing Molokaʻi’s agricultural history. Catch a glimpse of the sugar process including a mule-driven cane crusher and a steam engine. The museum also features eclectic exhibits on everything from petroglyphs to plantation-era furnishings.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical ParkHonaunau, Hawaii
Extending along the lava flats of the Kona Coast, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is home to some of the most significant traditional Hawaiian sites in the Hawaiian archipelago. One of the most prominent features of the park is the puʻuhonua or place of refuge which is enclosed by the Great Wall, a massive 965-foot-long masonry wall. Serving as a sanctuary in ancient times for defeated warriors, noncombatants, and those who violated the kapu (sacred laws), the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau remains a most sacred place to those who step foot on its grounds.
Royal Mausoleum State MonumentHonolulu, Oahu
The Royal Mausoleum State Monument – Mauna ‘Ala, is the burial place of Hawaiian royalty. This sacred site is comprised of tombs with members of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties with their retainers, a historic chapel, several historic trees, and a Curator’s cottage. While Mauna ‘Ala is open daily for public visitation, it is highly recommended that the public contact the Curator in advance of a huaka’i. Doing so helps maintain the sanctity of Mauna ’Ala by avoiding overlapping of visitors and potential vehicle parking impacts.
Diamond Head State MonumentHonolulu, Oahu
Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, which is visible from the trail in the park.
‘Iolani Palace State MonumentHonolulu, Oahu
Royal Palace of the Hawaiian Monarchy. Officially dedicated in 1882, 'Iolani Palace served as the setting for the monarchs and their courts on formal occasions. Guided tours of the palace interior by advance reservations (fee charged)--call the Friends of 'Iolani Palace at (808) 522-0832; tour hours are 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday. Landscaped grounds popular for informal lawn picnics and Friday noon band concerts. National Historic Landmark
Waikiki AquariumHonolulu, Oahu
The Waikiki Aquarium brings guests face-to-fin with colorful tropical fish, reef sharks, living corals, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, sea jellies, squid, octopus and more. The exhibits, programs, and research focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. The aquarium also serves as the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region.
Hawaii State Art MuseumHonolulu, Oahu
To promote, perpetuate, preserve and encourage culture and the arts, history and the humanities as central to the quality of life of the people of Hawai`i.
Honolulu Academy of Arts - HonoluluHonolulu, Oahu
The Honolulu Academy of Arts is Hawaii's premier art museum, with a collection of more than 50,000 works. An encyclopedic museum where original works of art can be experienced in state-of-the-art galleries, it has major strengths in the arts of Asia, European and American painting, and graphic and decorative arts. With education as its mission, the Academy also administers the Academy Art Center at Linekona, the largest private art school in the Islands.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Art GalleryHonolulu, Oahu
The University of Hawaii Art Gallery presents a varied exhibition program which plays a significant role in providing information about the visual arts in both an historical and contemporary context. One of the finest temporary exhibition facilities in the nation, the gallery consists of approximately 4,200 square feet of versatile space with an installation system of modular and movable walls that allows the utmost in flexibility of presentation.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and ParkHonolulu, Oahu
USS Bowfin (SS-287) is a fleet attack submarine that fought in the Pacific during WWII, and helped to make famous the term, "Silent Service." Bowfin was launched on 7 December 1942, exactly one year to the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger, so it is fitting that she is permanently homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Hawaii Children's Discovery CenterHonolulu, Oahu
The Hawaii Children's Discovery Center provides a world-class, interactive, participatory learning environment designed to inspire the young and "young-at-heart" to new heights of learning and discovery.
Bishop MuseumHonolulu, Oahu
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai'i and other Pacific island cultures.
Hawaii Army Museum SocietyHonolulu, Oahu
Here at the U.S. Army Museum Hawaii the biggest artifact is the building itself. The museum is housed in Battery Randolph a massive reinforced concrete implacement with roofs as much as 12 feet thick. The battery was built around 1911 for two 14 inch guns that could fire projectiles as far as 14 miles. It was part of a coastal defense system that was to protect Honolulu Harbor from invasion.
Lucoral MuseumHonolulu, Oahu
If you have a desire to learn about the natural treasures of the sea, then this establishment in Waikiki is the place to visit. There are fascinating exhibits on how coral and pearls transform into beautiful jewelry and works of art. Other exhibits showcase endangered plants and birds of the islands, and there's a wonderful area devoted to Hawaii's volcanic past. There is a for-sale area where you can pick up local arts and crafts made from the natural materials of the Hawaiian Islands.
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl HarborHonolulu, Oahu
The museum teaches visitors about the pioneers of aviation and the latest in aerospace technology. High interest, hands-on activities for kids in grades K-12 include historic themes and STEM instruction. Field trips are available for groups of 15 or more. Self-guided tours with audio handsets are available for small groups. Summer programs include a variety of programs that immerse students in the history and technology of aviation at our unforgettable site on Ford Island. The Pacific Aerospace Museum is located at the Honolulu International Airport central lobby.
Mission Houses MuseumHonolulu, Oahu
The Hawaiian Mission Children's Society, a nonprofit educational institution and genealogical society, exists to promote an understanding of the social history of nineteenth-century Hawai'i and its critical role in the formation of modern Hawai'i. The Society operates the Mission Houses Museum, comprised of three historic houses, and a research library. The Society also compiles the genealogical records of the American Protestant missionaries in Hawai'i and promotes the participation of missionary descendants in the Society's activities.
Hawaiian Historical SocietyHonolulu, Oahu
The Library of the Hawaiian Historical Society provides a research collection of printed and manuscript material for use by scholars, historians, history buffs, serious students, Society members, and others in the community interested in the history of Hawai'i and the Pacific Island area.
USS Arizona MemorialHonolulu, Oahu
The official website of USS Arizona Memorial memorial from the National Park Service. It is also referred to as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Queen Emma Summer Palace - HanaiakamalamaHonolulu, Oahu
Hanaiakamalama (The Southern Cross), or Queen Emma Summer Palace, served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. It is a now a historic landmark, museum, and tourist site preserved by the Daughters of Hawai'i. Queen Emma Summer Palace was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Palace is open seven days a week, guided tours are offered for a fee, and the palace hosts events, offers facility rentals, and has a gift shop.
Honolulu ZooHonolulu, Oahu
Around 600,000 people visit the Honolulu Zoo annually. It is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles and unique in that it is the only zoo in the United States originating from a King's grant of royal lands to the people. Many visitors enjoy seeing the hippos frolic in the water from an underwater vantage point.
Ahupua'a O Kahana State ParkKaaawa, Oahu
The primary purpose of this park is to nurture and foster native Hawaiian cultural traditions and the cultural landscape of rural windward O'ahu. Established as a "living park", there are thirty-one families living in the ahupua'a of Kahana. These families assist with interpretive programs that share the Hawaiian values and lifestyle.
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar MuseumKahului, Maui
Located next to Hawaii's largest working sugar factory in the historic plantation town of Puunene, Maui, the award-winning Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is a marvelous repository of information and exhibits about one of the most significant and influential periods in Maui's history. Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of Maui's sugar industry, the 1,800-square-foot Museum not only charts the establishment and growth of the industry, but looks at sugar's influence on the development of Maui's water resources and rich multi-ethnic make-up, and features intriguing displays on the inner workings of a sugar mill.
Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space CenterKailua Kona, Hawaii
The Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center is located at Kona International Airport. The space center is an educational facility dedicated to the memory of Hawaii’s first astronaut who perished during the Challenger Mission in 1986. The Center’s interactive exhibits and videos tell the history of manned space flight, physics and daily life in space.
Hui No`eau Visual Arts CenterKailua Kona, Hawaii
Located on the upcountry estate of Kaluanui, the Hui No`eau Visual Arts Center provides an array of programs that support lifelong learning in the arts including public workshops and classes, lectures, exhibitions, art events, historical house tours and educational outreach programs with schools and community partner organizations. One of the last of its kind on Maui, we are a non-profit, non-degree granting, community-based arts education organization offering open access to quality arts instruction by professional teaching artists. Our programs and services are accessible to all, regardless of artistic aptitude or ability to pay registration fees.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical ParkKailua-Kona, Hawaii
Within its approximately 1,200-acre boundary, the park protects the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement, the coastal portions of five different ahupua‘a (traditional Hawaiian land divisions extending from the mountains into the sea), and a great concentration and variety of tangible and intangible resources that attest to the Hawaiians’ presence on the land. Among the park’s diverse resources are loko i‘a (two fishponds and a fishtrap that were used for food production), kahua (house site platforms), ki‘i pōhaku (petroglyphs), heiau (temples), graves, and a network of historic trails.
Hulihe'e PalaceKailua-Kona, Hawaii
The Hulihe'e Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i, on Ali'i Drive. Once a summer vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, today Hulihe'e Palace is a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani.
Ala Kahakai National Historic TrailKailua-Kona, Hawaii
Established for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources, the Ala Kahakai NHT is a 175-mile trail corridor full of cultural and historical significance. It traverses through hundreds of ancient Hawaiian settlement sites and through over 200 ahupua'a, or traditional sea to mountain land divisions. Cultural resources along the trail include several important heiau (temples), royal centers, kahua (house site foundations), loko 'ia (fishponds) ko`a (fishing shrines), ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs), holua (stone slide), and wahi pana (sacred places). Natural Resources include anchialine ponds, pali (precipices), nearshore reefs, estuarine ecosystems, coastal vegetation, migratory birds, native sea turtle habitat, and several threatened and endangered endemic species of plants and animals.
Ulupo Heiau State Historic SiteKailua, Oahu
It's 1750. Kailua is the political seat of power for the district of Ko'olaupoko and a favored place of the O'ahu chiefs for its abundance of fish and good canoe landings. The houses of the ali'i (chiefs), their families, and their attendants surround Kailua Bay. Behind the sand beach is the large, fertile expanse of Kawai Nui which has been converted to a fishpond surrounded by an agricultural fieldsystem. Kawai Nui is a large, 400 acre fishpond with an abundance of mullet, awa, and o'opu. Ka'elepulu and Nu'upia fishponds are nearby. The maka'ainana (commoners) provide support for this chiefly residence. Farmers grow kalo (taro) in the irrigated lo'i (fields) along the streams from Maunawili and along the edges of the fishponds. Crops of dryland kalo, banana, sweet potato, and sugarcane mark the fringes of the marsh. The fishermen harvest fish from the fishponds and the sea. The kahuna (priests) oversee the religious ceremonies and rites at several heiau around Kawai Nui. There is Ulupo Heiau on the east with Pahukini Heiau and Holomakani Heiau on the west side.
Kalaupapa National Historical ParkKalaupapa, Molokai
The primary story being told at Kalaupapa National Historical Park is the forced isolation from 1866 until 1969 of people from Hawai'i afflicted with Hansen's disease (leprosy) to the remote northern Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of Molokai.
Nu'uanu Pali State WaysideKaneohe, Oahu
Impressive view of windward O'ahu from brink of pali (cliffs) at 1200 feet elevation, Ko'olau Range. Winds are usually so strong that one can lean against the wall of wind.
Ka'ena Point State ParkKapolei, Oahu
Relatively remote wild coastline with picnicking opportunities and shore fishing. Large sandy beach at Keawa'ula Bay with board surfing and bodysurfing for experts and swimming only during completely calm conditions in the summer; lifeguard services. Long family hike (2.7 miles one-way) along volcanic coast with tide pools, small natural stone arches and fine views of Makua coastline. Early morning dolphin sightings from point near Kaluakauila stream mouth. Viewing of the large sea cave, Kaneana, legendary home of Nanue the shark man. Hot, dry area with little shade. No drinking water.
Lapakahi State Historical ParkKawaihae, Hawaii
Learn about the tradition Hawaiian lifestyle by taking a self-guided tour through the partially restored remains of this ancient Hawaiian coastal settlement. Nearby ocean waters comprise a marine preserve with various activities regulated.
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic SiteKawaihae, Hawaii
Built between 1790-91 by Kamehameha I, Pu'ukohola Heiau displays the skill of chiefs, men, women, and children under the astute leadership of Kamehameha I. With the assistance of two stranded European sailors, John Young and Isaac Davis, Kamehameha I extended his reign over all Hawaiian Islands. The remains of John Young's homestead may be toured at the site.
Kokee Natural History MuseumKekaha, Kauai
The museum has a collection of natural history exhibits including endemic and introduced animals that live in Koke`e. There are also exhibits about human activities in the area that is a unique history all its own. Admission to the museum is free with a suggested donation, but is inside Kōkeʻe State Park, which does have an entry fee.
National Tropical Botanical GardenKoloa, Kauai
The importance of plants to life on earth is immeasurable. We depend upon them for the air we breathe, for the food we eat, for shelter, and for medicine. Ninety percent of all plant and animal species on our planet exist in the tropics -- that warm moist belt that circles the earth. And it is in these regions where the extinction rate is the highest. Species are disappearing faster than anyone knows. They cannot be replaced. The National Tropical Botanical Garden is dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity and stemming this tide of extinction - through plant exploration, propagation, habitat restoration, scientific research, and education. NTBG's gardens and preserves are safe havens for at-risk species that otherwise might disappear forever.
Lahaina Restoration FoundationLahaina, Maui
Lahaina Restoration Foundation manages and maintains the Baldwin Home Museum, Hale Pa'i Printing Museum, Lahaina Heritage Museum, Old Lahaina Prison, Plantation Museum, Pioneer Mill Smokestack & Locomotives Exhibit and Wo Hing Museum, which are open to the public.
Hale Pa‘ahao - Old Lahaina PrisonLahaina, Maui
This prison dates back to the early 1850's and was built by convict laborers with coral stone from the demolished waterfront fort. It had wall shackles and restraints for difficult prisoners. Those to be jailed for more than a year were shipped to O'ahu. However, the prison mostly housed ship deserters, drunks, reckless horse riders and violators of the Sabbath.
Hale Pa'iLahaina, Maui
One of the earliest Lahaina Restoration Foundation projects was the restoration of Hale Pa'i (the house of printing). It is located on the Lahainaluna Campus. The missionaries who arrived in Lahaina in 1823 explained to the Hawaiian Royalty the importance of an educational institution. Lahainaluna Seminary was founded in 1831. It was the first school West of the Rockies and survives today as Lahaina's public high school.
Polynesian Cultural CenterLaie, Oahu
To help you get a better understanding of the diverse cultures of Polynesia, we have compiled information that will help give each of our visitors a deeper understanding of the culture, customs, and spirit of the people of Polynesia.
Wailua River State ParkLihue, Kauai
Lush river valley with riverboat cruise (fee charged) to Fern Grotto, an unusual fern-covered cave set in a tropical garden; scenic vistas of attractive waterfalls 'Opaeka'a Falls and Wailua Falls) and the Wailua River Valley. The Wailua Complex of Heiau (National Historic Landmark)--remains of heiau (places of worship), pu'uhonua (places of refuge), and birthstones at this once important seat of power in old Hawai'i. Picnicking in riverside coconut grove; and dining and gift shopping at Wailua Marina.Hours: Daily during daylight hours.
Kaua'i MuseumLihue, Kauai
The Kaua'i Museum is the cultural sanctuary for the art and artifacts of Native Hawaiians and it nurtures the creative spirit of today's artists. This year, we have embarked on a journey to revitalize the historic buildings that have been home to our collections.
Haleakala National ParkMakawao, Maui
This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else.
Lava Tree State MonumentPahoa, Hawaii
Viewing of an excellent example of a forest of lava trees along an 0.7 mile loop trail. This unusual volcanic feature is the result of a lava flow that swept through this forested area and left behind lava molds of the tree trunks.
Kohala Historical Sites State MonumentUpolu, Hawaii
Viewing of Mo'okini Heiau and Kamehameha I Birthsite. A National Historic Landmark, Mo'okini is one of the most famous luakini heiau (sacrificial temples) on the island. The birthsite is a memorial to Hawai'i's greatest king who united all the island chiefdoms into a kingdom.
Kahumana Organic Farm & CafeWaianae, Oahu
Kahumana Organic Farm & Cafe is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Wai'anae. They offer half-day or daylong farm-to-school field trips, as well as overnight learning retreats and camps to learners of all ages. Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school students are welcome. Our Aina-based activities are fun, safe and interactive, covering a broad-range of subjects. Planting, harvesting, produce tasting, aquaponics, composting, Aina-based games and art projects, and animal husbandry are just some of what there is to experience! See you soon!
Dolphin Quest HawaiiWaikoloa
Come experience an immersive field trip at Dolphin Quest on the Big Island, Hawaii, located within the beautiful Hilton Waikoloa Village! Dive into an educational adventure with your school or community group, grade levels pre-school through middle school, and discover the wonders of dolphins and other sea creatures through a series of engaging activities. Our programs follow Next Generation Science Standards and activities available prior to your visit to our Dolphin Quest Lagoon, onsite activities including in-water interactions with dolphins, and post-visit assessments.
Halekii-Pihana Heiau State MonumentWailuku, Maui
Remains of two important heiau (places of worship) that were rededicated as war temples by Kahekili, Maui's last ruling chief. Viewpoint of Central Maui.
Iao Valley State MonumentWailuku, Maui
A paved 0.6-mile walk provides a scenic viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku (a.k.a. the ʻIao Needle), an erosional feature that abruptly rises 1200 feet from the valley floor. Learn about the plants brought by the Hawaiians who settled in ʻIao Valley by taking a short walk through a botanical garden. This valley is rich in cultural and spiritual values and is the site of the battle of Kepaniwai where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790.
Hale Hōʻikeʻike - Maui Historical SocietyWailuku, Maui
Take a journey through Maui’s history as you explore the various exhibits at Hale Hōʻikeʻike. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts dating as far back to pre-recorded times and displays the finely honed and sophisticated culture of pre-contact Hawaiʻi.
Hawaii Nature CenterWailuku, Maui
Numerous studies indicate that young children are the most open to attitudinal change. For that reason, the Hawaii Nature Center emphasizes elementary grade school programs. Both public and private school children enjoy our full-day environmental field programs conducted in the forest and other natural environments. An independent evaluation of the Hawai'i Nature Center's programs has confirmed that children's attitudes towards the environment significantly improved after participating in our field education programs.
Kaiwi State Scenic ShorelineWaimanalo, Oahu
A 1-mile hike (one-way) along a paved roadway leads to a lookout atop a headland above the historic Makapuʻu lighthouse (the lighthouse itself is off-limits, but can be viewed from the trail). At various points along the route there are sweeping views of the southeastern O’ahu coastline, and migrating humpback whales may be visible during whale season. No drinking water or restrooms are available.
Sea Life Park HawaiiWaimanalo, Oahu
Sea Life Park Hawaii is a world--class aquatic experience at Oahu's Makapuu Beach. Swim with dolphins, hug sea lions, and have an underwater adventure in this awesome place by the sea.
Parker Ranch Visitor Center and MuseumWaimea, Hawaii
Parker Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii is home of the Hawaiian cowboy: ka' aina o ka paniolo. The Parker Ranch story is a road from Hawaiian history to modern day life in Hawaii. Parker Ranch offers activities and events, which give insight into life on Hawaii.
Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical ParkWaimea, Kauai
The boulder-built fort stands as a reminder of Russia's short-lived adventure (1815-1817) in the Hawaiian Islands. Massive stacked-stone walls of the fort are a mixture of Hawaiian construction and Russian design. Self-guided walk with brochure available.
Hawaii's Plantation VillageWaipahu, Oahu
The Hawaii's Plantation Village in the historic Waipahu is an outdoor museum that showcases the lifestyles and experience of Hawaii's plantation workers. Furnished homes and other community structures display and interpret the history of Hawaii's multi-ethnic heritage. Asian art and architecture, along with awesome antiques and relics, are among the main features of the Village.