The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor has introduced new exhibits and aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle that protected the skies above the islands for 16 years after spending 15 years flying for the U.S. Air Force. Also new to the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor are the Attack Wall that shows the intricate choreography of the Japanese Imperial Navy's attack on December 7, 1941, aircraft engine design exhibit, second bombing display, 1940s aircraft restoration shop, Aviator's Tour, and free combat flight simulator.
Royal Hawaiian Center offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural activities in the heart of Waikiki. Its recently added Kaulani Heritage Room offers guests free multimedia presentations about the Hawaiian people, Kamehameha Schools and the history of Waikiki. The Center also offers free daily cultural classes, including hula, lei making and 'ukulele lessons.
The Star of Honolulu will begin to offer its 2.5-hour Premier Whale Watch Cruise daily from December 15, 2008 to April 30, 2009. The Star of Honolulu offers panoramic walkways, a 60-foot high observation sun deck, educational and fun whale activities with the crew of Certified Naturalists, and Hawaiian cultural activities. Or, for a more casual and affordable whale watch, Star of Honolulu offers a two-hour Wild Whale Watch Cruise aboard the Starlet. The cruise features whale narration, crew of Certified Naturalists and guaranteed whale sightings from January 2 to March 31, 2009. The 2-deck 340-passenger motor vessel also offers casual Polynesian sunset dinner cruises daily.
At the end of the year, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor will undergo a $52 million renovation of its visitor center and museum. The upgrade will help O'ahu's most-visited attraction better accommodate the thousands of daily visitors, as well as provide more exhibit space.
Festivals and Events
O'ahu is home to the largest number of festivals and events in Hawai'i. Each year, visitors have the opportunity to connect with the local community and experience renowned events that showcase the island's rich arts and culture scene, the world's top amateur and professional sporting competitions and championships, and the many ethnic celebrations that are exclusive to Hawai'i.Rock into the New Year with The Bangles at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. The all-female rock group of the 1980s will perform some of their greatest hits, including "Walk Like An Egyptian," "Eternal Flame," "Manic Monday," and songs from their newest album, "Doll Revolution," on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at the resort's Coral Ballroom. The concert is being brought to Honolulu by Hawai'i Pacific Entertainment and JP Productions.
Following the Super Bowl, the biggest names and hardest hitters in the National Football League (NFL) travel to O'ahu for the NFL Pro Bowl to battle for conference bragging rights at Aloha Stadium. Events prior to the February 8 game include an autograph session, 'ohana (family) day, cheerleader appearances, and tailgate party.
Each winter from December 1 to February 28, the world's best big wave surfers are invited to Waimea Bay on O'ahu's North Shore to compete in the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The Eddie can only be held when surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day. The holding period for the event is between December 1 and the last day in February. When the surf is big enough, thousands flock to watch the likes of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons compete in the prestigious surfing competition.
The Sony Open in Hawai'i kicks off the PGA Tour by bringing 144 of the world's best professional golfers to O'ahu's exclusive Wai'alae Country Club from January 12-18. Past participants include 2005 winner, Vijay Singh, 2003 and 2004 winner, Ernie Els, and Hawai'i's own Michelle Wie and Tadd Fujikawa. The six-day event is the largest charity event in the state of Hawai'i and has raised approximately $8 million for local not-for-profits since 1999.
Celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the Star of Honolulu where guests will enjoy spectacular views of the fireworks at Aloha Tower Marketplace and along the Waikiki coastline and receive a "champagne" toast, special party favor, dinner, live entertainment, and dancing. Cruise packages available from $150 and up. New Year's Eve sunset and Starlet offerings are also available.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing returns to the North Shore of O'ahu from November 12 to December 20 for the men's series and women's Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach. Kicking off with the Op Pro at Haleiwa, the series continues with the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing and women's Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, and lastly the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the famous Banzai Pipeline. O'ahu's North Shore is home to these final events on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 2008 calendar that will crown surfing's new world champions.
