Tropical Garden Walk and Honolulu Views
-
Port
Honolulu, Hawaii, US
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$219.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
From the Honolulu port, you will drive by air-conditioned van to the Ko’olau mountain 1,050ft above Honolulu to get a bird’s eye view of the south shore of O’ahu including Waikiki, Manoa Valley, Honolulu and in the distance Pearl Harbor and Waianae Mountain. Your guide will provide area history and help take pictures from this scenic viewpoint. We will stop at the restrooms here before departing to the next location.
You will then drive through an extinct volcanic crater known as Puowaina – “Hill of Sacrifice” which is better known today as Punchbowl Crater which holds the National Cemetery of the Pacific.
Few national cemeteries can compete with the dramatic natural setting of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The "Punchbowl" was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range.
Once an active volcanic cinder cone later became a Hawaiian place of worship with four heiau (Hawaiian Temples) wrapping around the northeastern slopes facing the shore. The most prominent, Kanelaau Heaiu, was a Luakini Heiau or a temple of human sacrifice of law breakers of ‘Kapu”.
Now the final resting place of our national heroes, there are over 60,000 grave sites here including the columbarium. At the Court of Honor, the wall has the names of 26,280 American hero’s missing in action.
Your journey continues to a tropical garden a serene green space where you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk along shaded pathways beneath mature trees. Surrounded by diverse tropical plants, you’ll have the chance to pause, take photos, and learn from your guide about Hawai‘i’s natural environment and cultural ties to the land. This setting offers both tranquility and discovery, making it a refreshing contrast to the city’s bustle.
Along the drive back, we will drive by the ‘Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. ?Iolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity. Built in 1882 by King David Kalakaua, ?Iolani Palace was the home of Hawai?i’s last reigning monarchs and served as the official royal residence and the residence of the Kingdom’s political and social life until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.
Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, ?Iolani Palace tells of a time when their Majesties, King David Kalakaua (ruled 1874 to 1891) and his sister and successor, Queen Lili?uokalani walked the grand halls.
Notes:
Minimum age is 5 years. 30-40 mins of walking is required over approximately a half mile. This tour is not suitable for guests who have mobility limitations. This tour is not suitable for walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Tour does not operate on Sundays. Bring a rain jacket Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water.