Took a walk with one of the hiking clubs in the area visiting a number points of interest in this…read morearea which included the Royal Mausoleum grounds. Such peaceful well tended grounds, the final resting spot for Hawaiian Royalty. A number of well kept monuments to view, including an historic building which is now used as a chapel.

Mauna 'Ala is a state monument and part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and…read moreis described on their website, "The Royal Mausoleum State Monument is the burial place of Hawaiian royalty. It includes members of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties with their retainers." The property is taken care of by kahu (keepers/ caretakers) a few that were descendants of Hoʻolulu, chosen to help bury King Kamehameha I's remains. Kamehameha I is not buried here as his body was hidden by his friends Hoapili and Hoʻolulu to preserve the sacred mana (power). This is one of the only places where a Hawaiian flag is flown by itself. There's a tree next to the gate out front which we were told they've tried to cut down a few times, but it keeps growing back. So now it's a fixture. Along the drive way there are palm trees planted that we were told represent a Hawaiian monarch. On the property there are different tombs, crypts and a chapel. In front of the tombs are two golden globes on sticks. These are pūloʻuloʻu or "kapu sticks" used to symbolize forbidden areas (burials, heiau/ temple, residences of royalty), sacredness, and no trespassing. It also symbolized mana, authority and the deceased ancestors of Hawaiian royalty (ali'i). Traditionally they are filled with mementos of ancestors (bone, hair, teeth) wrapped in kapa (mulberry) cloth. These golden globes do not contain mementos and are decorative and symbolic. The first tomb we saw was of John Young 'Olohana who came from Britain. He became an important military advisor to King Kamehameha I. Which helped him unite the Kingdom of Hawaii. He also served as the Governor of Hawai'i Island when King Kamehameha was away. He's the grandfather of Queen Emma. We stopped by remnants of a chain used to secure European cannons that Kalanikūpule (King of Oahu and Maui) used to fight Kamehameha I Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea for the title of kingship of all the Hawaiian Islands (Aliʻi Mo'i). Kalanikūpule had gun ports cut along Nuʻuanu Pali's mountain ridge. Kamehameha's warriors pushed on until Kalanikūpule's men were cornered by Pali Lookout. The cannons led to a stalemate and Kamehameha has some of his men climb the Pali to go around and attack the cannons from behind. This surprise allowed Kamehameha's men to take control. Leading to 'The Battle of Nuʻuanu'. Where Kamehameha's men forced Kalanikūpule's men off the Pali cliff dropping down 1000 feet. Kalanikūpule was captured and sacrificed to Kūkāʻilimoku, the god of war. The next tomb was The Kamehameha Dynasty tomb. It holds Kamehameha II to V and their family members. This includes King Kamehameha IV Alekanetero ʻIolani Kalanikualiholiho Maka o ʻIouli Kūnuiākea o Kūkāʻilimoku (anglicized as Alexander Liholiho) and Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke. Both of which chose this site for Mauna 'Ala and are the founders for The Queens Medical Center (1859). Their mission was to provide healthcare to all Native Hawaiians and to the people of Hawai'i. Their son Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa a Kamehameha is listed as "Kahaku o Hawaii" on the tomb. A name given by the Hawaiian people. Haku meaning "boss", he was the "little boss". A few of us offered ho'okupu (flower, lei, gifts) to show respect. Next there is a Charles Reed Bishop monument. His ashes are buried in the Kamehameha tomb. He was the husband of Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (her mission was to provide education to Hawaii's children), a major donor to the Kamehameha Schools, founder of the First Hawaiian Bank and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Further down there's the Wiley tomb. This tomb houses Robert Crichton Wyllie, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Queen Emma's birth parents, High Chief George Naʻea and High Chiefess Fanny Kekuʻiapoiwa Kailikulani Leleoili Kulua Kekelaokalani Young Naʻea. And her hānai (adoptive) parents Dr. Thomas Charles Byde Rooke and Grace Kamaʻikuʻi Young Rooke. The last royalty to be buried here is Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa. We were allowed special access into the Kalākaua Crypt and the Chapel. Both of which required shoes to be taken off. These areas are not usually open to the public. Overall, it was a very interesting experience learning about the Hawaiian monarchy and culture. I had the privilege of touring Mauna 'Ala, the Royal Mausoleum to celebrate Heritage Day 2024. On the tour we discussed how it's important to know where you come from, in order to know where you're going. It's a very profound experience and reminds us to be in the moment. To give respect, appreciation, and gratitude to those that came before us. To connect ourselves to our ancestors, to the land, and to the community.

A pleasant residential area in Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. A long time ago, when my father was attending college at the University of St. Louis in Missouri, my grandmother (on a teacher's salary) bought a house in Nu'uanu Valley. (My grandfather was a dentist for the State of Hawaii. He probably helped with the mortgage...haha!) When my dad came home for the summer, he had to find his new house... on the northern edge of Honolulu... right before Kailua and Kaneohe... When it was time for my dad to get married, he brought his wife home to live with his parents. I was born three years later and was joined by my three sisters... And a few pet dogs, fish, rabbit, duck, etc. It didn't seem like we had any major issues - even with four children and four adults sharing one bathroom. LOL! We had friendly neighbors and no traffic issues that I can recall - except for crossing the Pali Highway during rush hour. I would have attended Nu'uanu Elementary School, Kawananakoa Intermediate, and Roosevelt High School, but my sisters and I were sent to private school. We did attend Summer School and learned to play ukulele at Maemae Elementary School. We didn't really have to water the yard since Nu'uanu Valley is on the cool, rainy side. There were a lot of mosquitoes because we have two fresh water streams flowing across the property and had many trees in the yard: mulberry, guava, mountain apple, breadfruit, papaya, and plumeria. Most of them are gone - along with the mosquitoes - because the house was renovated and the yard was cleared for the construction crew and vehicles. I have a lot of fond memories here: Halloween was like a street party - carloads of children from other neighborhoods would trick or treat here because it's flat, paved, and safe; we had an imu in the back yard - we would raise funds for our church and school; my dad and his friends would sing and play guitar at the garage parties; I learned to ride a bike, roller skated, and played at Queen Emma Park; my cousins, aunts, and uncles would come over for the annual Christmas party... Gosh... I cannot wait to retire and move back here! It's green, quiet, and lush, but relatively close to hospitals, the airport, churches (Congregational, Baptist, Temple Emanu-El, Tenrikyo, Catholic, etc.), theaters, and shopping malls without being crowded. Nu'uanu Valley is also home to the Korean, Philippine, and Chinese Consulates. The Japanese Consulate is on Nu'uanu Avenue. Nu'uanu Valley is no ka oi! It's the best place to live on Oahu!

We've got there by kayak, as everyone else. Island is flat, have circle trail, and don't forget to…read morewear your shoes! When we were there, we didn't see bunch of birds, but that's fine. It's still great experience to reach island that you need to row to get there :)

We kayaked from Kailua Beach to Popoia (Flat) Island. We kayaked against the wind so it was hard…read moregetting out there, but it's not too far off shore so was pretty doable and it has a small beach to get out of the kayaks. So glad we went out - great views, beautiful water, cool birds to see, and we brought lunch to eat on the island. Had a great time.

Great hike! If…read moreyou're a resident, parking is free--so check-in with the parking attendant and show them your ID. The hike is fully paved, and not much experience is required. There is a point where it turns into a steep ladder, but it is manageable. The views are great so bring your camera.

Nice place for a walk. It's does not have great views, but it is a safe place to walk . The…read morebeginning of the walk is all up hill. Return all down hill . No parking lot, you can park on the side of the road before the entrance.

The lookout area is amazing. I always take a rest stop here to watch the waves and then continue…read moreon my running route. Spectacular views of the ocean and it can't be beat. Nothing really much to say about this place except that I don't want it to get too popular because sometimes it is just super crowded and I hate that. LOL I like being able to watch the waves b y m y s e l f.

This lovely lighthouse is not open to the public, leading to a little mystique. Unwelcoming signs…read moreindicate that it is off limits and run by the government, maybe a CIA headquarters, who knows? I first discovered this little beauty on my hike up Diamond Head. There is a remarkable view from the crater rim. There is no parking allowed at the lighthouse but there is a beach overlook not far away where you can take photos and watch the sunrise. The parking is free there but fills early with surfers. You can also jog up to the site about 2 miles from Waikiki. The lighthouse is decorated with U.S., Hawaiian and other red and white flags. There is a placard outside the lighthouse that describes the history of the house which was built in 1917 and is run today by the coast guard. The light can be seen from 18 miles away to help guide water craft. I recommend a visit for lighthouse lovers. Take your camera.

Off the beaten path, sits an ancient treasure, the Ulupo Heiau Historic Site. A massive rock…read morefoundation is the remnant of a sacred rock temple/platform that would have been important to Hawaiian chiefs for hundreds of years. Faded plaques near the site tell pieces of the story. The construction of the temple was supposedly by mythical people named "menehunes", who could build such temples overnight. The original temple would have measured a massive 140 x 170 feet and had walls 30 feet high. Construction is mind boggling, indeed. My math figures that over a million rocks were carried to the site. The Heiau was most likely used to oversee agricultural fields and fish ponds below by the chief or kahuna. Kailua (the town below) was once an agricultural capital on Oahu. In later years, the Heiau may have been used to oversee war efforts. The address is the parking lot of a YMCA. Go around the building to find the site. There is no admission, just a request to not remove any of the sacred stones. There are no amenities. The site could stand renovation of plaques. There are several benches under large shade trees to sit and think about Hawaiian ancestors that would have used the site. Worth a short visit if near Kailua. I was moved by the wondrous effort to build such a site.

This was really interesting to see and, since it's hidden behind a YMCA, it is not something one…read morewould just stumble upon. I couldn't believe how big it was! The signs explaining the history were helpful in getting to know more about the structure itself and about Hawaii as a whole.

This Italian style fountain s a tribute to a woman who was somewhat influential on Oahu during the…read moreearly part of the 20th Century. I frequently walk by the fountain and enjoy the mist from the spraying water. The fountain is across from Kapiolani Park on the southeast side. I wondered who Louise Dillingham was, so I looked her up. She was a socialite who was born in Chicago and moved with her husband to Honolulu. They built a villa at the base of Diamond Head, that today, is a private school. She was an early supporter of the Women's League of Voters and also supported the planting of War Gardens during WWII. She lived from 1885-1964. The fountain runs on and off throughout the year. It's the kind of fountain that you want to jump into on a hot day (but that would get you in trouble). There is metered and free parking near the fountain, but no walkways up to the fountain.

"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him participate in synchronized diving."…read more ― Cuthbert Soup, Another Whole Nother Story Before the television show, "FRIENDS", was popular, I'm pretty sure my high school friends and I jumped into this fountain and waded around one night... Those were the days... hah! But maybe it was just a dream... ? I really cannot remember... Located towards the end of Kalakaua Avenue, you'll find this grand water feature at the turnabout when you want to head back to Waikiki. Or - just drive past it if you want to go to the Kahala District. Either way, this Honolulu landmark is dedicated to Louise Dillingham who was married to developer/businessman Walter F. Dillingham. Louise was an active member of the Board of Parks and Recreation and played an important role in the ongoing efforts to preserve and beautify the Island of Oahu. Since July 1967, this fountain has entertained tourists and residents alike. I still enjoy listening to the water falling from its heights to the pool below and watching the movement of the water as the wind blows through it... and wonder if my friends and I really did jump in when we were teenagers...

I enjoy visiting temple ruins throughout the islands so I can learn about Hawaiian ancestors. So…read morefar, I have visited about a half dozen temples on the island. Yesterday, we made the drive to see Ku'ilioloa Heiau on the west side of Oahu. The temple is on a little peninsula in Pokai Bay within a recreational beach park. A plaque describes the temple. The temple is dedicated to the dog kapua (spirit). Ceremonies at the temple were made to protect travelers of land and sea. The temple sits at the point of peninsula where magnificent panoramic views of the ocean meet the land. A rectangular foundation of volcanic rock remains prominent. An offering of flowers and a coconut has been left at the site. People were fishing off the rocks in front of the temple. The setting is beautiful and a perfect spot for meditation. The site is maintained by the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. The is plenty of free parking in the lot of the park and a restroom facility within the park.

The following historical account about Ku'ilioloa Heiau was written by Bud Hardwick in 2009:…read more "The south end of Pōka'i Bay is formed by Kaneilio Point, a sharp pointed peninsula that seems to challenge the ocean itself as it juts out into the sea. On this slender finger of land studded with swaying coconut palms you will find the remains of a fascinating historical site. This is the location of Ku'ilioloa Heiau which served different functions during the 1,000 years that it has been in use. Without question, the daytime view from the end of the peninsula is tremendous; one can see far up and down the coast and countless ridge tops are visible. Keeping an eye out for friendly traders or marauding war canoes would almost certainly have been one of the first functions of this site. Possibly its first sacred use was as a place of refuge. In the Hawaiian Kapu (taboo) system of laws, many offences were punishable by death. The simplicity and clarity of this seemingly harsh system was tempered by the prevalence of "places of refuge" where accused violators could remain in safety while less violent and less permanent punishments could be negotiated. As you wander out to the point, notice how the less protected water of the south side of the peninsula has carved intricate forms into the native rock headland. Here you'll find numerous frothing "blow holes" which spew spray and thunder from the sea. At the seaward most tip of the point, you'll see evidence of ancient and modern practices. The outlines of brown-black lava rock indicate only a small part of the structures that once dominated this spot. Though the original structures have been badly damaged by man and the elements, this is still a sacred site. If you look among the rocks and stones of the tidal area, at the very end of the peninsula, you will find modern memorials to loved ones, whose ashes have been spread into the sea from this point. One of the primary functions of the Heiau has been its use and dedication to the protective spirits of those traveling by land and sea. It is this connection with distant travelers that connects the site with the figure of Pōka'i, The Navigator. Recorded in legend and song; Pōka'i was reputed to have been a voyaging chief of Kahiki who is credited with bringing the versatile and valuable coconut palm to the Hawaiian People. Coconut palms dotting the peninsula are only a small reminder of the great grove of coconuts that lined the back shore of the entire bay and provided shelter and a vast array of materials for the village. This grove was considered sacred and was known as "Ka Uluniu o Pōka'i." Not just of legend, it was an obvious feature that was noted by western sailors of the 1700s. The location of this site, distant from the steep mountains and home fires of dwellings would have made it an ideal Navigation Heiau. From here, specialist in astronomy could study the stars and celestial features. Possibly predicting seasons and events, most certainly learning the star maps that would guide them across seemingly featureless oceans. Pōka'i means "night of the supreme one" and one can only imagine the daring and bravery of these earlier seafaring people, whose navigation ability continues to astound modern sailors. Pōka'i Bay, a place of beauty, safety, and history; where the sea meets the land and the past meets the present." #Yelp 365: 070/365