Oahu

Missionaries who were serving in
northern California were first called
to preach in Polynesia in 1850. The first
convert was baptized the next year, and in
six months, there were five congregations
with over two hundred people. In 1865, the
Church purchased land in Laie for a colony,
sugar factory, and schools. These structures,
in addition to the temple completed in 1919,
brought attention to The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In fact, ten years after the Church developed
Laie, the village became a favorite
visiting place for King Kalakaua and Queen
Kapiolani. The King even contributed to
building the community chapel and laid the
cornerstones in place during the dedication
ceremony.

In 1921, Elder David O. McKay envisioned
that a university--adjacent to the
temple--would make Laie the educational
and spiritual center of the LDS Church in
the Pacific. At the groundbreaking ceremony
in 1955, President McKay predicted the university's
students would influence millions
of people over the coming years. Today,
BYU-Hawaii is a four-year liberal arts school
with 2,400 undergraduate students from
more than seventy countries.

In 1914, a young missionary named
Matthew Cowley was serving in New
Zealand and developed a deep loved for
the Maori people. He was concerned with
the erosion of traditional island cultures.
Cowley said he hoped "to see the day
when my Maori people down there in New
Zealand will have a little village there at Laie
with a beautiful carved house. . . the Tongans
will have a village too, and the Tahitians and
Samoans and all those islanders of the sea."

Unfortunately, Cowley didn't live to see
his dream realized. Over the decades, others
worked to establish what is now known as
the Polynesian Cultural Center, which was
opened in 1963. This tourist attraction is
owned by the Church and employs many
BYU-Hawaii students as a means to help
them pay for tuition.

Today, Hawaii has two temples (Laie and
Kona) and nearly 65,000 members. With all
prophecies fulfilled, Laie remains Oahu's
true "gathering place." Although you should
spend some time in the small town, you will
likely want to visit additional places during
your stay on the island.

Pearl Harbor

As another top tourist destination in
Hawaii, Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona
Memorial remind visitors of the tragic attack
on December 7, 1941. More than one million
people visit the harbor annually to see the
remains of the Arizona, where 1,177 crewmen
lost their lives, and to tour the U.S.S.
Missouri--the ship where General Douglas
MacArthur accepted Japan's unconditional
surrender on September 2, 1945, ending
World War II.

It's best to get to Pearl Harbor early in the
morning before the tour buses arrive. While
you're there, you can view a 23-minute documentary
film about the attack, check out
the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial, and take a
boat to the U.S.S Arizona Memorial. Allow
75 minutes for the tour. Also nearby is the
U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park,
the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the U.S.S.
Oklahoma Memorial, where 423 crewmen
died.

Chinaman's Hat

If you're driving on the east coast of the
island, you're bound to see a cone-shaped
island off the shore. The outcropping of lava off Kualoa Point resembles a peasant's hat
worn by the rural Chinese, so it was named
Chinaman's Hat. The surrounding reef is
home to a plethora of marine life.

Although you can see the island from
a number of vantage points, the best view
is on the island itself. You can walk to the
island during low-tide, but during the
wintertime, it's best to use kayaks. On the
island, you'll fi nd a small beach in a secluded
cove. There's also a cave that's perfect for
exploring.

Diamond Head

As the most famous volcanic crater in the
world, Diamond Head should absolutely be
on your list of things to see. Located on the
southeast coast of the island, Diamond Head
got its name from British soldiers who saw
the glimmering calcite crystals from a distance
and believed there were diamonds in
the soil.

The volcano has been extinct for 150,000
years, so there's no reason to worry about
hiking the Diamond Head trail. When the
United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, they
built a defense fort called Fort Ruger in the
crater.

Waikiki Beach

If you don't mind the crowds, take a stroll
along Waikiki Beach, a two-mile stretch
in Honolulu. Lined by hotels and resorts,
Waikiki Beach is the tourist Mecca of Hawaii.
For decades, people have gathered here to
soak up some sun, splash in the surf, and go
canoeing--outrigger style.

Waikiki Beach is a great place to learn
how to surf, especially since the waves
will be smaller in the summertime. Shops
around the shore rent surfboards and offer
surfing lessons. While you're in Waikiki,
you might as well check out the hotels and
shops after the sun has set. It's definitely an
adventure!

Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace is a Hawaiian national
treasure and the only official state residence
of royalty in the United States. The palace
served as the official residence of the kingdom's
last two monarchs, King Kalakaua
and Queen Liliuokalani. It was the center of
social and political activity during the monarchy
period.

This national historic landmark is located
in downtown Honolulu. It's a great place to
learn more about Hawaiian history and heritage.
Go to www.iolanipalace.org to find times and
prices for tours.

North Shore

The North Shore of the island is just packed
with adventure. Sunset Beach boasts having
the biggest waves, which means surfing
competitions are always going on. Check
out surfers as they ride (and wipe out) on
twenty-foot swells. And make sure to stay for
the amazing sunset--after all, it's not called
Sunset Beach for nothing.

No trip to Oahu would be complete without
stopping at Matsumoto's, the world's
most famous shave ice shop, located in
Haleiwa. These inexpensive treats come in
every flavor imaginable, and are a great way
to cool off from the Hawaiian heat.

Nestled at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains
is the peaceful Byodo-In Temple. This
Buddhist temple is a replica of one in Japan,
and houses the largest wooden Buddha
made in over nine hundred years. You can
walk around the gardens and enjoy a tranquil
afternoon among lotus leaves and fi sh ponds.

Ted's Bakery in Haleiwa makes an unforgettable
Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie, so
delicious people come from all over just for a
slice.

Some believe that Laie's Hukilau Café's
banana pancakes were the inspiration for
Jack Johnson's song "Banana Pancakes."
Their delicious food also inspired the filmmakers
of 50 First Dates, who actually used
the café as inspiration for the movie's set.

Laie Hawaii Temple

Sitting on eleven acres, the Laie Hawaii
Temple gleams as a beacon to Hawaii and
Polynesia. This temple was dedicated on
Thanksgiving Day in 1919 by Harold B.
Lee and, until the Hamilton New Zealand
Temple was completed in 1956, served as the
temple for Hawaii and the Pacific islands. It
is a smaller version of the Cardston Alberta
Temple, although it was completed beforehand
to be the fifth temple built during the
last dispensation.

The Laie Temple is situated in the middle
of a large plot of lush, landscaped ground
and appears larger than it really is. The surrounding
land is beautifully crafted with
palm trees, a descending pool, and tropical
flowers. Watch the sun set behind the temple
and stop by the newly renovated visitors'
center.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the
number-one paid attraction in Hawaii, and
for good reason, too. Just a short walk from
BYU-Hawaii and the temple, the PCC has
seven native villages where visitors can participate
in daily adventures of the Hawaiian
and South Pacific cultures. The tour visits
the people and islands of Hawaii, Samoa,
New Zealand, Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti,
and Tonga.

While you're there, feast at Hawaii's most
authentic luau and enjoy the singers and
dancers at the world's largest night show.
A definite must-see for all ages. Check out
www.polynesia.com to purchase tickets.

Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation, located in Wahiawa,
boasts "Hawaii's Complete Pineapple
Experience." This historic plantation was
one of Oahu's first pineapple plantations,
where thousands of immigrants found their
homes in Hawaii. Today, the plantation
supplies much of the country's pineapple
products.

Some attractions include the Pineapple
Express, a train that takes passengers on a
tour of the agricultural lands of the plantation;
the Pineapple Garden Maze, the world's
largest maze with 1.7 miles of paths; and the
Plantation Garden Tour, a self-guided tour
of the variety of crops grown on the North
Shore. For a special treat, dig into some Dole
Whip ice cream. Go to www.doleplantation.com to
learn more.

Waimea Falls

Waimea Falls is located in the 1,800-acre
Waimea Valley Audubon Center, a beautiful
rainforest area on the North Shore of Oahu.
After a short walk to the waterfall, you'll find
a breathtaking backdrop of tropical plants,
a plethora of tropical birds, dark lava rock,
and rushing water. Go to waimea.audubon.org
to find out more.

Visitors are welcome to wade or swim in
the pool and enjoy the waterfall. In ancient
times, the Hawaiians believed that the falls
had healing powers to help their wounded
soldiers. In fact, the water has a reddish tint
because of the iron oxide in the volcanic soil
through which it flows, and water with iron
oxide is known to bring people happiness
and health.

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My Memories of Hawaii

Bette in Oregon

My husband and I went to Hawaii in the late 80s and experienced all the tours you spoke of. Such good memories. Your article is beautifully written. I can smell the flowers and taste the pineapple ice cream. Must go there one more time.

it's alright.........

A. in O'ahu

The names and places that you've written about in your article of places to visit while in O'ahu are correct. They are of interest. Just make sure you got lots of water, good shoes and a hat on. Another place, just to shop, is the elaborate Aloha Stadium Swap Meet on Wednesday's, Saturday's and Sunday's. Saturday being the best day, w/the most vendors. A'hui ho.........

Article on Oahu

Leigh ann in Lake Worth, FL

My husband & I & our then 17 year old son visited another son stationed at Pearl Harbor in Jan 2007. Your article was a flashback, as we did visit all of those places while we were there. It was a wonderful trip to a beautiful place, indeed. Thanks for the remembrance, this is a great basic guide for future visitors to follow.

Ah, I remember...

Beverly in New York City

It was fun to read your article and reminicse on my month long stay in Hawaii in 1984. I did many of the things you spoke of, snorkeling and the luau and sunset being among my favorites. The PCC was amazing and it is probably even better now. I will always remember the soft trade winds and the fresh smelling floral lais around my neck from the island of Oahu. Truly, paradise on this earth.

Oops...

Michael in Laie, HI

"This temple was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1919 by Harold B. Lee" - actually the Laie Temple was dedicated in 1919 by Heber J. Grant.

I miss Hawaii

Marianne in Lacey, WA

We lived there for 5 years and like others I can still remember getting off the plane and the beautiful smell of the flowers. Going shopping at the swap meet and good friends. Getting to know the local families was the best. When I visited a few years back it was great to have friends and to go visit. It's well worth the visit.