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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Beach, Landmark
Map Pin
330 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Waikiki Beach
Welcome to Waikīkī, one of the most famous beaches in the world, and the starting point of our Honolulu driving tour.

The name Waikīkī means “spouting fresh water” in Hawaiian, referring to the network of streams and springs that once flowed from the valleys into the marshlands here. In ancient times, Waikīkī was highly valued for its fertile wetlands, taro fields, and fishponds. It wasn’t just a beach — it was a thriving agricultural and community center.

By the 15th century, Waikīkī had become the preferred retreat of Hawaiian chiefs and royals. They built summer residences here and surfed the long, gentle waves. In fact, Waikīkī is where surfing evolved into a royal pastime, practiced by ali‘i (Hawaiian nobility) on large wooden boards. King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands, established his residence in Waikīkī after his victory at the Battle of Nu‘uanu in 1795.

Later, in the 19th century, Waikīkī hosted Hawaiian monarchs such as King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani. Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch,” encouraged Hawaiian cultural revival and often entertained foreign dignitaries here.

Waikīkī’s transformation into a modern resort began in the early 20th century. In 1901, the iconic Moana Hotel — nicknamed the “First Lady of Waikīkī” — opened its doors. The famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel, or “Pink Palace,” followed in 1927. These hotels attracted wealthy travelers from the mainland, many arriving by steamship, and Waikīkī quickly became synonymous with Hawaiian tourism.

As you look toward the shore, you’ll see the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. Born in 1890, Duke grew up surfing these very waves. He went on to win multiple Olympic medals in swimming and is credited with spreading surfing to California, Australia, and beyond. He’s not just a sports figure — he’s a cultural icon who introduced Hawaiian traditions to the world.

Today, Waikīkī is a blend of history and modern tourism: ancient surfing grounds turned into a bustling hub of hotels, shops, and nightlife. But if you strip it back, you’re standing on the very sands where chiefs ruled, kings resided, and Hawai‘i’s global image was shaped.

From here, we’ll head east toward Diamond Head, another symbol of Oʻahu that holds its own fascinating history.

Read More

  https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/waikiki
Place #2
Distance: 1.78mi , Attraction : State Park, Landmark, Hiking
Map Pin
7672+W6 Honolulu, HI, USA
POI 3 Tour Image
Kahala Lookout
On your left is the Kahala Lookout, perched just above Diamond Head. From here, you get one of the best panoramic views on Oʻahu — the turquoise waters of Maunalua Bay stretching toward Hawai‘i Kai, the upscale neighborhood of Kahala below, and, on a clear day, even the outlines of Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi across the channel.

This lookout sits on the rim of Diamond Head, which Hawaiians call Lēʻahi, meaning “brow of the tuna,” because its profile resembles the dorsal fin of a tuna fish. Diamond Head was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, brief volcanic eruption. What you see today is the remains of that crater, weathered and shaped by time.

In the early 1900s, the U.S. military recognized this ridge as a strategic defense site. Look closely and you’ll notice remnants of old bunkers and artillery stations built to watch over the approaches to Pearl Harbor. Diamond Head’s tunnels and lookout posts are still visible for hikers who climb to the summit.

The view from this Kahala Lookout highlights the contrast that defines Honolulu — natural volcanic cliffs, sparkling coastline, and some of the most exclusive real estate in the islands, all in one sweeping scene.

  https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Waikiki Beach
Map Pin Place 2 Kahala Lookout
Map Pin Place 3 Diamon Head Crater
Map Pin Place 4 Diamond Head Memorial Park
Map Pin Place 5 University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Map Pin Place 6 Fun Facts About Honolulu
Map Pin Place 7 National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – Punchbowl Crater
Map Pin Place 8 Punchball Crater Loop
Map Pin Place 9 Hawai‘i State Capitol
Map Pin Place 10 Kawaiahaʻo Church & King Lunalilo’s Tomb
Map Pin Place 11 King Kamehameha the First Statue
Map Pin Place 12 ʻIolani Palace
Map Pin Place 13 ʻIolani Barracks
Map Pin Place 14 Honolulu Chinatown
Map Pin Place 15 Aloha Tower
Map Pin Place 16 Ala Moana Beach Park
Map Pin Place 17 Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon



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