Oahu Traveler's guide

Excerpt

THE BUS

The Bus is definitely the best bargain on Oahu. For 25¢ you can go just about anywhere including around the island. School age children ride for 10¢.

If you'd like to take the four hour trip around Oahu, board the #8 bus to Ala Moana Center requesting a transfer to Kaneohe/Wahiawa (#52) or Wahiawa/Kaneohe (#52). They both circle the island but in different directions. If you stay on the same bus for the entire trip, you'll have to pay another 25¢ at Ala Moana for the #8 bus which takes you back to Waikiki. Should you get off during your trip and board another bus, request a transfer to use at the Ala Moana Center.

Remember:

Take exact change. Drivers cannot make change.
Luggage and large parcels are not allowed on the bus.
Waikiki buses are often full, but don't fret. They run every three minutes.
Most of the buses you will take from Waikiki downtown (toward Honolulu or Ala Moana Shopping Center) should be boarded on Kuhio Ave.
If you need a transfer, ask for one when you board the bus, not when you exit.

Makai—toward the ocean

Mauka—toward the mountains

Diamond Head—toward the end of the island crowned by Diamond Head

Ewa—the opposite direction from Diamond Head

For information about routes, times, regulations or sightseeing destinations, call 531-1611 any time between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.

 

Honolulu and Diamond Head

King's Alley Waikiki

alii—old royalty of Hawaii

aloha—hello, farewell, love

da kine—means whatever you want it to, generally a positive remark

hale—house

hana—work

haole—Caucasian

heiau—ancient temple

holoku—formal dress with train

kai—sea

kamaaina—a person who was born in the islands or who has lived here a long time

kane—man

kapu—forbidden, keep out

kaukau—food

keiki—child

kokua—help

kona—south

lanai—porch

laulau—pork or beef cooked in ti leaves

luau—feast

mahalo—thank you

makai—toward the sea

malihini—stranger

mauka—toward the mountains

muumuu—loose dress

ono—delicious

opu—stomach

pali—cliff

pau—done

pua—flower

poi—crushed taro root

puka—hole

pupu—hors d'oeuvres

wahine—female

wikiwiki—hurry

 

King Kamehameha Statue, Honolulu

HONOLULU HIGHLIGHTS

King Kamehameha Statue—King Street in front of Judiciary Building and across from Iolani Palace. Impressive bronze statue of Kamehameha the Great. Draped with forty foot flower leis on June 11, Kamehameha Day.

Iolani Palace—King and Richards Street. The only royal palace on American soil. Queen Liliuokalani spent nine months here under house arrest after her unsuccessful attempt to restore the overthrown monarchy in 1893. (Wed.-Sat., 9-2:15, Reservations.)

Iolani Barracks, Archives of Hawaii and Bandstand—All on palace grounds. Free concert Friday noon by the Royal Hawaiian Band.

State Capitol Building—Mauka of Iolani Palace (toward the mountains). Magnificent architectural achievement with volcano-shaped crown and roof opening allowing tropical rain to fall on main level five floors below....