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During your Honolulu vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Aliiolani Hale
Don't be surprised if this place looks familiar; you probably saw it on Magnum, P.I. This gingerbread Italianate building, designed by Australian Thomas Rowe in Renaissance revival style, was built in 1874 and was originally intended to be a palace. Instead, Aliiolani Hale ("chief unto heavens") became the Supreme Court and Parliament government office building. Inside, there's a Judiciary History Center, which features a multimedia presentation, a restored historic courtroom, and exhibits tracing Hawaii's transition from precontact Hawaiian law to Western law. Allow an hour at most to see it.
Olomana Golf Links
Low-handicap golfers may not find this gorgeous course difficult, but the striking views of the craggy Koolau mountain ridge are worth the fees alone. The par-72, 6,326-yard course is popular with locals and visitors alike. The course starts off a bit hilly on the front nine, but flattens out by the back nine. The back nine have their own surprises, including tricky water hazards. The first hole, a 384-yard, par-4 that tees downhill and approaches uphill, is definitely a warm-up. The next hole is a 160-yard, par-3 that starts from an elevated tee to an elevated green over a severely banked, V-shaped gully. Shoot long here -- it's longer than you think -- as short shots tend to roll all the way back down the fairway to the base of the gully. This course is very, very green; the rain gods bless it regularly with brief passing showers. You can spot the regular players here -- they all carry umbrellas, wait patiently for the squalls to pass, and then resume play. Reservations are a must. Facilities include a driving range, practice greens, club rental, pro shop, and restaurant.
Contemporary Museum
Set up on the slopes of Tantalus, one of Honolulu's upscale residential communities, the Contemporary Museum is renowned for its 3 acres of Asian gardens (with reflecting pools, sun-drenched terraces, views of Diamond Head, and stone benches for quiet contemplation). Its Cades Pavilion houses David Hockney's L'Enfant et les Sortileges, an environmental installation of his sets and costumes for Ravel's 1925 opera, and six galleries display significant works from the last 4 decades. Equally prominent is the presence of contemporary Hawaii artists in the museum's programs and exhibitions. Ask about the daily docent-led tours, and look for an excellent cafe and shop. Depending on your passion for art, you could spend an hour here to all day.
Aqua Ocean Tower
Ocean Tower Hotel is a short ? block to world- famous Waikiki Beach and located next to the Marriott. It offers spacious accommodations, many with ocean views, for the value traveler to experience a great Waikiki location with services such as FREE Wireless Internet, FREE Daily Continental Breakfast, FREE In-Room Safe, FREE Local and Toll-Free Calls, FREE Daily Newspaper. This intimate, low-rise property with Deluxe Ocean View to Moderate City Views has 9 floors, 2 elevators and easy access ...
OHANA Waikiki Malia
The OHANA Waikiki Malia is a terrific choice for accommodations when visiting Waikiki. This 327-room hotel is conveniently located on Kuhio Avenue,only a short stroll to many of the shopping, dining and nightlife options Waikiki has to offer.Beginning Dec 22, 2006 guests staying at Ohana Waikiki Malia can take advantage of the Ohana Waikiki Connection, which includes Complimentary Internet Access,Complimentary local and long distance phone calls to US and Canada,Complimentary in-room ...
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