Located just a short drive from Waikiki on the other side of the H1 Freeway is the Manoa Valley.
Primarily a residential area, the valley has some great places to visit. It's a perfect day trip for visitors staying in Honolulu and Waikiki who don't want to have to spend most of the day driving.
Within the valley you'll find the University of Hawaii's main campus. The campus itself is quite lovely, but for me the highlight is the University of Hawaii bookstore. The University of Hawaii Press publishes some of the best books on Asia, Asian Americans, Hawaii, and the Pacific.
Between the university and the back of the valley is a highly populated residential area that you need to drive though to get to the valley's true gems, the beautiful Manoa Chinese Cemetery, the Lyon Arboretum, and the trailhead to the Manoa Valley trail which will take you to Manoa Falls. Parking is available at each of these locations.
