Culture of Oahu Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Oahu is rich with various historical monuments, belonging to different eras. Those who want to learn more about the role of World War II for Americans should definitely visit the USS Arizona Memorial. It is dedicated to the memory of the fallen on the battlefields. It is known that the monument is located at naval base Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The base was attacked by the Japanese, who announced the outbreak of hostilities. There is a tour to this place which is preceded by a small video with a chronicle of those events. You can visit the memorial for free, but if you want, you can pre-book a place in the tour group for a certain time, and this service costs a dollar. It takes about an hour to explore the memorial.

Arizona, which was the victim of the Japanese attack, is now still lying on the bottom of the sea. The memorial is a concrete structure located exactly above the frame of the ship. Sometimes oil stains emerge above the ship. Americans called it the "tears of Arizona". You can also visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The ship not only «saw» the battles of World War II, but also the signing of the surrender of Japan. Moreover, the famous movie «Under Siege» with Steven Seagal was filmed here.

Everyone who wants to learn more about the history of Oahu should visit Queen Emma Summer Palace. This is quite a small museum with a pleasant, even homely atmosphere. There are not too many visitors and you will learn all the interesting things about the local exhibits – interior items, outfits and household items. Makua and Kila statue –modern monument, but it was made in Hawaiian style. You should definitely visit it to feel the atmosphere of the archipelago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Be sure to visit Iolani Palace. There are not so many cities where you can visit the Royal apartments. It was built in the late 19th century, the palace was a very modern construction for those times. Iolani was connected to a telephone line and electrified even before Buckingham Palace. Now, after the overthrow of the monarchy, the former Royal residence is opened for any tourists. You can see the remains of interior details, dresses and various household items of the Royal family inside the palace. «The new palace» of Kamehameha V also deserves your attention. It is built across the street from Iolani Palace. But nowadays you can observe the construction only from outside. The state Supreme Court is located here.

Don’t pass by Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, the estate of the American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke, built in 1937. A large variety of architectural traditions of India, Morocco, Iran and Syria was taken into account during the construction of this building. For almost six decades, Duke gathered in Shangri La 2500 art objects of Muslim culture. Some of them are included directly in the interior of the house, like panels and carpets, while others are simply exhibited. Now Shangri La is open to tourists and is the venue for a variety of exhibitions and seminars.

Don’t miss a chance to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. There is located the Ethnographic Museum, which is opened for everyone who wants to get acquainted with the culture, beliefs and customs of the indigenous peoples of Polynesia. If you want to admire the beauty of Buddhist temples, go to the Valley of Temples, where are located cultural buildings that can be seen only in Oahu and Kyoto in Japan. Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau is the largest ancient temple on the island which will definitely impress you. If you have enough time, don’t miss a chance to admire the Kūkaniloko Birthstones, one of the most important ancient cultural sites on Oahu. Kawaiahaʻo Church built in 1842 is one more place that deserves your attention.