Guide to Historical Sights on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii

Whether you are a military enthusiast or have a fascination with Hawaiian history and culture, the island of Oahu is the perfect destination. Here is a guide to historical sights on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

No guide to historical sights on the island of Oahu would be complete without a rundown of three of the most popular sights in U.S. military history. Three historic Navy vessels - the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Battleship, and the USS Bowfin Submarine - are all located in the same area on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The USS Arizona Memorial is easily the most popular historical sight on all of Oahu. It is also the saddest. Over a thousand lives were lost due to the sinking of the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial today is like stepping into the past. Be certain to arrive early, as parking is limited and spaces do fill up fast. For further information on the USS Arizona Memorial, call 808-422-0561.

Punchbowl Cemetery, also known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, is another can't-miss historical sight on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. This is where the Hawaiians buried their royalty in ancient times. For the past six decades, Punchbowl Cemetery is also where the United States military buried those who sacrificed their lives defending our nation in the Pacific. To reach Punchbowl Cemetery from Waikiki, travel on Queen Emma under H-1 until it becomes Lusitana, then follow signs. Admission to the cemetery is free and the gates are open from 8 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening. You can receive more information by calling 808-532-3720.

If you are staying on the island of Oahu for any significant amount of time, you must reserve a few hours for the Iolani Palace. Treated as a royal palace for just over a decade, Iolani Palace was sadly used as a government building for three-quarters of a century hence. The palace has since been wonderfully restored, and remains a truly magnificent historical sight on the island of Oahu today. Guided tours of the Iolani Palace are provided at a reasonable price, but you will want to book in advance by calling 808-522-0832, as there is limited space on the tours and they do often fill up quickly.

So, when taking a break from the sun and sand of Oahu's magnificent beaches, be sure to check out these historical sights on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. And be sure to bring a camera.