Diamond Head Hike

Hiking Diamond Head is a great experience.  The Diamond Head hike is open from 6am to 6pm every day and costs $5 per car or $1 per person if you walk in.  It consists of a somewhat rocky dirt path for the first part, then continues through what used to be military installations closer to the top. The views from the top are incredible, overlooking Kokohead, the ocean, and Waikiki.  I would definitely recommend this hike.  It isn't that hard or too long but gives you a good workout and is lots of fun.

Pow Wow Hawaii

Pow Wow Hawaii is a contemporary art movement that brings artists from all over the world to Honolulu, where they paint amazing murals on buildings all over downtown.  This year was the fourth time this event has taken place.  I love how many of the artists incorporated Hawaiian culture into their art.  If you want to learn more about it or see a map of where you can find the murals, visit their website here: http://powwowhawaii.com/. 

Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a famous Buddhist temple in Japan.  It is located right off Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.  It costs $3 per person to visit the temple.  There is also a small gift shop near the temple.

There is a bell you can ring before entering the temple.

 

There are signs asking you to remove your shoes out of respect before you enter the temple.  Once inside, it is a relatively small room with a huge Buddha statue inside.  They have incense there that you can light if you wish.

The grounds around the temple are beautiful.  They have ponds, streams, statues, and waterfalls, as well as koi and swans. 

Overall, I think this is a nice place to visit if you have some time to kill or have a big interest in Buddhist or Japanese culture, but not something I'd make a big effort to go see if you're on a short vacation.