In Brief
Planning to attend APA's 2004 Annual Convention in Honolulu, but aiming to keep costs low? According to the Oahu Visitors Bureau, there are countless free and low-cost ways to take in the sights, sounds, culture, history and adventure of the island of Oahu, home to Honolulu, where APA's meeting will be held July 28-Aug. 1 in the Hawaii Convention Center.
Experience the following sightseeing activities on Oahu for under $10:
Listen to the Royal Hawaiian Band at Iolani Palace on Fridays, noon-1 p.m. Stay and tour the palace, which was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani and is a national historic landmark. Web site: www.iolanipalace.org.
Attend a Sunday service conducted in the Hawaiian language at Hawaii's most famous church, Kawaiahao Church, referred to locally as Hawaii's Westminster Abbey. Free tours are offered weekdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and after Sunday services. Address: 957 Punchbowl St. and King St., Honolulu, HI 96813; (808) 522-1333.
Learn about the history of Waikiki--a neighborhood of Honolulu and home to the famous Waikiki Beach--on the Waikiki Historic Trail Walking Tour, a community service of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. Web site: www.waikikihistorictrail.com; (808) 737-5442.
Browse or bargain-hunt for jewelry, clothes and souvenirs at the International Marketplace, an open-air market in the heart of Waikiki. Shoppers are encouraged to haggle with vendors. Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 971-2080.
See first-hand how a fragrant flower lei is created at the lei stands that line Maunakea Street in Honolulu's Chinatown. Web site: www.chinatownhi.com/leis.
Visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, a monument built to commemorate the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The memorial is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every day. Address: One Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818; (808) 422-0561.
Learn about the history of the pineapple in Hawaii at the Dole Plantation, a 40 minute drive from downtown Honolulu. Visitors can take a crack at the plantation's Pineapple Garden Maze, the world's largest maze, which covers more than two acres and features 11,400 Hawaiian plants. Address: 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, HI 96786; Web site: www.dole-plantation.com.
Hike to the top of Diamond Head, the world-famous volcanic crater and Hawaii's most recognized landmark. The Diamond Head Trail is 1.75 miles to the rim.
Watch the Friday night boat races at Ala Moana Beach Park, a 76-acre park located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki beach.
Feel the ocean spray at the Halona Blow Hole, a natural ocean geyser. Halona is located along the Kalanianaole Highway between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park.
--J. CHAMBERLIN
