A whale of an art…read more.. Titled "Earth Day Hawaii" this is a a sight that I can never resist to glance at every time I pass it which really isn't as frequent since you need to head into Waikiki on Kalakaua Ave driving past the Hawaii Convention Center and you'll see it on your left which is painted on the side of a condominium. Wyland Whaling Wall #67 apparently is what it is I just recently learned this and whenever I grab something from the 7-Eleven which is right beside it I do take a quick glance before I carry on my way to start my day and like how we appreciate seeing nature's beautiful rainbow which oddly I thought this mural had as well this artist rendition of nature is certainly greatly appreciated for all of us to enjoy. Thank you!

Queen Kapi'olani was an influential Hawaii royal during the late 1800's. Her love for children and…read morepeople, led her to establish a women's and children's medical facility that, today, carries her name and has grown into the largest women's/children's hospital in Hawaii. The Queen also initiated endeavors to ensure native Hawaiian children had access to education. Several schools in Hawaii carry her name. A statue to honor her memory stands in the 100 acre park also named for her, Queen Kapi'olani Regional Park. The statue is the work of Hawaiian artist, Holly Young. Young, who studied chemistry and philosophy on the mainland, and had become a world renowned artist. Visitors to the statue cover the Queen with leis. The queen stands regal wearing a blue dress of the period. She looks out towards the ocean. The Queen's story is told on a plaque behind the statue. Worth a visit. There is paid parking around the park near the statue.

You will find this statue in Kapiolani Park across the street from and overlooking Waikiki Beach…read more This statue is the work of Holly Young and it was dedicated on December 31, 2001, the Queen's birthday. This bronze statue stands 6'6" tall and sits on a one and a half foot black granite pedestal. You will find a couple of bronze plaques on its pedestal that provides viewers with some brief information on this treasured queen. Queen Kapiʻolani was the wife of King David Kalakaua and was known for her compassion and care for her people. The statue depicts the queen at the age of 40, in "street costume" . Her face has a warm, subtle smile and one of her arms is slightly extended with an open palm, as if to welcome someone into her home. It is normal to see the statue adorned with a flower lei around her neck and/or in her hand. It is in great condition and has been given periodic face-lifts. From what I learned about Queen Kapiʻolani, she is more than deserving of having a statue dedicated in her honor. It is definitely worth a visit, but like most all statues that I reviewed, it is not a long stop and you should consider making it park of a larger itinerary with a few of Waikiki's many nearby attractions.

For sure there's lots to see in Waikiki on the beach but here's a landmark that gets overlooked a…read morelot for other things around here. It has a lot of history for the locals. The Stones Of Life have some kind of mystical powers. A lot of this may just be stories, but have become a part of the culture. These represent Hawaii's longtime history of a place for healing and inclusion, among other things. Cool pieces of local history and worth going for a look on the way to something else. It's got a pretty interesting story. There's four stones, each representing a spirit who brought healing powers to Hawaii in ancient times. Fun to discover something pretty simple with so much history. The Hawaiian name for these is Nā Pōhaku Ola Kapaemāhū A Kapuni. A pretty significant aspect of local culture. These spirits were named Kahalo, Kapaemahu, Kapuni, and Kinohi. It was only in 1997 that these stones were placed here. They were taken from other places where they had been placed close to their favorite bathing areas according to the information on the plaque. Local officials thought it would be a good idea to put all these together in one area. This would also help preservation efforts and increase interest. Good place to find some history on the beach and learn about local history. It's located on Kalakaua close to the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. This is one of the more culturally significant things about Waikiki.

These might literally just be a bunch of stones that you end up disregarding because it's by…read moreWaikiki Beach and the restrooms. However, they have historical significance. The four stones are said to hold the power (mana) of four Tahitian healers from Raiatea. These healers traveled throughout the islands administering their miraculous cures. When it was time to go back to their homeland, they gave their names and spiritual power to these four stones. You might think they're just stones, but they are meant to represent the spirit and heritage of the Hawaiian people.

What an experience!! Highly recommend! Lopaka is a great guide and story teller…read more The tour is engaging and mysterious. We started off sitting on the steps of the bandstand in Waikiki. Walked over to Kapiolani park, then the tennis courts. Lopaka told us stories throughout the entire tour. You do get to participate, I don't want to give too much away. You'll walk away with memories and stories to share. There is walking involved on this tour. Bring a jacket. Park at Waikiki Shell or the metered parking between the bandstand and the tennis courts (Kalākaua Ave). I can't wait to go on the next tour!

What a fun thing to do, whether your visiting or a local. A great guide and even if you don't…read morebelieve in Night Marcher's of spirits, there is a lot of history related in the tour. Allow about 90 minutes, come a little early for parking if needed. Can't say much more as I don't want to ruin the tour. Great guide with 30 years experience.

Library services in Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I had some time between appointments, so I went to explore Kaimuki Public Library. It's been a very long time since I last visited. I forgot that the entrance to the free parking lot is on Harding Avenue. There's some stairs to climb to the entrance facing Koko Head Avenue. I got a space in the shade (from the building) since it was late afternoon! Inside, it was nicely air-conditioned and had a convenient restroom. The right side was the Children's area and the left side housed Adult reading material. I was so happy to find the book that I was looking for! I was able to use the self checkout machine, but there was a line for human assistance. I needed to "desensitize" my book so that the alarm wouldn't go off. I sat at a table to read and a staff approached me and said that he was able to help me now. I told him I could just sit and read a bit... the book was getting good! I heard the warning announcement... fifteen minutes until closing. I decided to head on out and desensitized my book on the way out. Downstairs, in the meeting room, there was a program going on! How to make Pasta Jewelry - for free! I actually didn't use any pasta, but made a bracelet with all kinds of beads - even glow-in-the-dark stars! I always wanted to make a red, gold, and black bracelet! LOL! Anyway, it was a very productive experience! I found two things that I didn't expect to find! I'll be back!

The parking lot is a bit interesting as it wraps around the back of the building. The spots…read moredirectly under the library are very tight so be careful! There is also a drive up book drop off that's convenient and some street parking right by the entrance but beware there are some tow away zone times. This location just got a self service kiosk which was really quick and easy to use. I just scanned my card and then scanned my book and I was done! I tried to get my baby a library card but they said she had to sign for it. Oh well, something to do when she gets older! They have a great summer reading program with incentives and prizes for kids and adults. Can't wait until next year's one!

I was looking for independent movie theaters and discovered the Movie Museum on Yelp. They were…read moreshowing Hamnet which recently got nominated for - and WON! - a bunch of awards, so decided to check it out. This place is a true hole-in-the-wall theater. The entrance is slightly hidden so it can be hard to spot, the inside is super cozy with only about 16-18 comfy recliners, and you can bring your own blanket to get settled in. It feels very local and intimate. The owner said she's been in business since the 90s. A few things to know: you have to call ahead to make a reservation, tickets are $8 cash only, parking is in a paid lot, and masks are required (or you can buy one there for 50 cents). I think they used to allow outside food, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. It also looks like they've shifted focus--while they used to rent VHS and DVDs, now the movie screenings are the main draw. If you're looking for a cozy, community-style movie night, this place is absolutely worth your time!

This place is so weird. The owner is definitely not in it for the money, because it is a bit of a…read morepain to get a seat there. Cash only. I tried to call for tickets a few times with no luck. When I did reach someone they were dealing with "issues" and couldn't help me at the moment and didn't call me back. When I did get thru I could not seem to work out reserving a seat over the phone. Finally, I got to go see a movie about 2 years after this place hit my radar. The room has a bit of a musty smell. The recliners are sticky. You must recline your seat or the person behind you can't see. The experience of buying a ticket is a bit of a hassle. But... It is just $5 for the movie, the a/c is freezing and you can BYO anything. Including the BO. Seems like a lot of regulars go there. Adorable quirky older folks. My type of peeps. I want to go back and get drunk next time. And bring durian or something smelly to eat.

The legendary story of Makua and his seal friend Kila, was the inspiration for this bronze…read moresculpture on the east side of Waikiki. The book was written by Fred Van Dyke. The sculpture is fun and makes me smile when ever I pass. According to the attached plaque, Holly Young was the artist and the sculpture was commissioned by the City of Honolulu Commission on the Arts. The book honors family and the ocean, important Hawaiian values. Visitors place leis around the necks of the boy and seal. There is some public pay parking across the street near the zoo.

I always see them in the corner of my eyes. Didn't mind reading the history of this but this time,…read moreI was curious. The pigeon made me do this. Give them a lil check but failed to read what's on the stone. It needs an update coz letters are kinda unreadable, so here comes google & read some information about this public sculpture. This bronze charmer located in the end of Kuhio Beach Park has an interesting story behind it. The sculpture shows a young surfer named Makua sharing a moment with a monk seal which is named by Kila. It was an inspiration of a children's book "Makua Lives On The Beach", a story about Hawaiian values of love & respect. After knowing all of these, I'll be looking on that public sculpture the next time 'round a lil different. Appreciating it more & give a stare for a minute. I'd be taking more photos too the next time I'll stroll Waikiki downtown. Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow yelpers!

I always try to go every year with my dad as a tradition to watch the spotlight on Asia movies at…read moreHIFF. Really love how it is at Kahala Theater now because Dole is kind of sketchy not gonna lie.... With the newly renovated theater I'm glad that they choose to hold HIFF here. My only issue is that if you are not quick to get your tickets everything is literally sold out... Make sure to make your decision on what movies to watch because those seats get sold fast.

HIFF hosts so many amazing films each year and I've been very lucky to see several films the last…read morefew years at theaters. Each year, HIFF also hosts a special summer film series at Prince Waikiki. I went last year and there were a couple Hawaiian based films that were interesting. Yesterday, I was able to experience the official showing of Songs of Love from Hawai'i by Jinyoung Lee Won at Prince Waikiki. It was an incredible moving documentary about the history of Korean American immigrants in Hawaii. Beautiful music. It's a must see. 53 minutes long. There was a Q&A at the end which was interesting to learn how she came up with idea of the film. There will be a few showings of the film upcoming fall if you are interested in September & October. Can't wait to see what other amazing films come to fruition next year!

Hidden gem! The second floor is an incredible showcase of a collection from across the world, and…read moredon't miss the full jade Buddha on the first floor. I did significant damage purchasing pearl and angel skin coral jewelry from Flora and they are now some of my favorite pieces in my rotation (and I'm normally a Cartier girl!). Really interesting that they do school field trips here to have students familiarize themselves with all different types of rocks, minerals, and other similar material. Highly recommend for folks stopping by in Waikiki, not a tourist trap for sure!!!!

What a great cause from this small family run business. No admission price. Kids from schools are…read morebrought to see up close gems, stones, corals from all over the world to see and touch first hand. Large intricate sculpted figures on display. There is a wide variety of quality jewelry for purchase. Better priced than many other establishments I've went to. Such as 3 for $20 or 2 for $30 for bracelets, earnings and necklaces. Much better quality too. Very nice people. Parking can be tricky. If you luck out on street parking I suggest Target/international market place perhaps?