You will experience fun, enjoy the perfect weather, go on great hikes, try delicious food, marvel at captivating scenery, and learn about history when you visit Aiea, a census-designated place in Hawaii. Located at the center of Oahu, Aiea is a peaceful but bustling place where you will find both a countryside charm and an urban feel. You will get to realize your dream of dining in Hawaii when you check out The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl, which serves Asian-inspired dishes. If you are into adventures, you will want to hike at Aiea Loop Trail, which treats you to unforgettable views of the southern coastline of Oahu and Halawa Valley. You can also explore Honolulu and Pearl City, which are within reach. Continue reading to learn more about the best things to do in Aiea, Hawaii.
1. Dine and go bowling at The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have you heard of the luscious and appetizing local food in Hawaii? If yes, then The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl is a good place to start your food trip. This establishment is a unique dining set-up in a bowling alley, serving Asian-inspired dishes you’ll love.
You might want to order its famous oxtail soup, which is simmered with Chinese spices, ginger, mushrooms, and peanuts. The cherry on top is the homemade ponzu sauce. The restaurant also offers delectable cakes and other sweet treats that you’ll want to order again.
Rental shoes are available, and bumper lanes are provided for children eight years of age and below. Reservations are highly recommended, as the place easily gets full.
The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl
Address: 99-115 Aiea Heights Dr # 310, Aiea, HI 96701, United States
Website: The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am -12am
2. Camp at Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area
If you’re looking for a lovely place to hike, then Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a great spot. This tourist spot is a state park close to Waikiki, and it is a recreational area with groves of Norfolk pines and eucalyptus trees.
The place boasts campsites, picnic tables, water fountains, and pavilions, and it provides restrooms and showers. You will find picnic tables along the paved roads and pavilions with barbecue grills.
It also features 10 campsites that you can access for tent camping. If you want to go camping, however, you will have to get permits from the State Parks office in Honolulu.
Moreover, to preserve and protect the natural resources in the area, vehicles, such as ATVs are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, pets, and any commercial activities are also not allowed. In case of emergency, you can request assistance from a resident caretaker near the front gate.
Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Address: 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701, United States
Website: Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Opening hours: 7am - 6:45pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
3. Stroll through Aiea District Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Aiea District Park is one of the best parks in the area, and it is open 24 hours for free. If you’re looking for a place to work out and play sports while in Oahu, this place is good for you, especially if you’re on a budget.
The park offers two public tennis courts that are well-lit, as well as a well-maintained baseball annex. It even has indoor basketball courts with space for people to watch, softball and volleyball facilities, and a swimming pool.
The place is also a famous picnic spot, with a lot of open spaces where kids will enjoy playing around. It is even designed with wheelchair-accessible entrances and water fountains.
You can join recreational programs in the area that include athletic leagues, special events, art programs, and environmental education opportunities.
Aiea District Park
Address: 99-350 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea HI 96701, United States
Website: Aiea District Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Relax at Halawa Xeriscape Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Relax at Halawa Xeriscape Garden, which is filled with fragrant blooms and a series of xeric plants or dry plants. Xeric plants use less water than most popular plants, which is why they are good for water conservation.
The garden was introduced in September 1989 by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), with a mission to educate Oahu residents on how to save water in landscaped areas. It continues to educate locals and even tourists on various kinds of plants and water-saving irrigation techniques that you can apply in your own garden.
In short, it’s an Instagram-worthy place with fun activities that enable us to learn more about taking care of our natural resources.
Halawa Xeriscape Garden
Address: 99-1268 Iwaena St, Aiea, HI 96701, United States
Website: Halawa Xeriscape Garden
Opening hours: Wed & Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, & Sun)
Price: Free garden tours can be obtained via appointment; self-guided tour fees are not applicable
5. Visit the locals' favorite, Aiea Shopping Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Aiea Shopping Center is a beautiful shopping mall that is complete with all the local goodies in the area. Establishments, such as Mc Donald’s and other shops, make sure to maintain the historical value of architecture while adding a touch of modernity.
The mall is one of the largest in Hawaii. It is a one-stop spot for different activities and luxuries.
Aiea Shopping Center
Address: 99-115 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701, United States
Website: Aiea Shopping Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 5am - 9:30pm
6. Hike at Aiea Loop Trail
The famous trail in Aeia is called Aiea Loop Trail, which starts at the entrance of the park. It is famous for its breathtaking views of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and Diamond Head.
If you decide to hike here, you will experience an uphill climb that takes between two and a half hours and three hours. The trail is suitable for families since it is not that challenging.
As you trek along the trail, you will appreciate nature and discover a stream at the end of the path.
Aiea Loop Trail
Address: 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
Website: Aiea Loop Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 6:45pm (daily)
Nearby attractions
7. Learn about history at Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which was built in 1962, you will get to learn about one of the most significant moments in US history and the story of how the country was involved in World War II. This memorial park also serves as the resting place of 1,102 sailors and marines killed on the USS Arizona when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941.
Note that the place is only accessible by boat shuttles.
Pearl Harbour Memorial
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
Website: Pearl Harbour Memorial
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Tour USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
The term “Silent Service” is made famous by the USS Bowfin fleet attack submarine that played a role during World War II. This submarine is called “The Pearl Harbor Avenger,” and it is now maintained and preserved at Pearl Harbor.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hawaii today, and it comes with free self-guided tours and outdoor exhibits you’ll enjoy browsing.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Address: 11 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
Website: USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. See historical markers at Ford Island Historical Trail
An islet in the heart of Pearl Harbor, Ford Island is also called Rabbit Island, Marin’s Island, and Little Goats Island. It is next to East Loch and is only accessible to visitors who are on a tour of USS Missouri Battleship or Aviation Museum.
You can explore Ford Island Historical Trail, which has historical markers that reflect the island’s history. You will find 30 historical markers that reveal major sites and events that are related to the island.
Ford Island Historical Trail
Address: Oahu, Hawaii
Website: Ford Island Historical Trail
Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Challenge yourself at Moanalua Valley Trail
Moanalua Valley Trail is a real challenge. It is for experienced hikers, so if you are willing to get dirty and want to experience a rush of adrenaline, you will want to visit this trail.
A trek here will be hard but worthwhile since you will be captivated by majestic views of the sunset, valleys, and rainforest.
Moanalua Valley Trail
Address: 1849 Ala Aolani St, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States
Website: Moanalua Valley Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Endless fun in Aiea
Discovering other places and cultures doesn’t have to be expensive. It is, even more, special and intimate to discover the beauty of a place like Aiea through a simple morning stroll at a park, a visit to a restaurant that serves delicious local food, or a hike. There is always satisfaction you feel from the simple things in life.
History
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