Recreation & Activities 186 • Hawaii Nature Center (HawaiiNatureCenter.org) • Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club (HTMC1910.org) • Hawaii State Parks Hiking Information (dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu) TENNIS Tennis is a wonderful way to have fun, get into shape and meet new people–all while enjoying a little friendly competition. Hawaii’s weather is conducive for yearround play, with courts located on almost every military installation. Most facilities are also equipped with lights for night play. The Hawaii Pacific Tennis Foundation (HawaiiTennis.org; 808-479-6727) provides private lessons for adults and juniors at Schofield, Fort Shafter and Tripler. Several military base tennis shops feature teaching pros and stock what you need gearwise, including Hickam AFB (808-4225092), Pearl Harbor (808-473-0610) and MCBH-Kaneohe Bay (808-258-8081). The United States Tennis Association Hawaii Pacific Section (USTAHawaii.com; 808-585-9530) offers a spectrum of tennis programs at 25 public park sites. Pick your passion from lessons, cardio tennis, flex or regular leagues and tournaments. Once you’re into it, gear up at your base exchange. MILITARY As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you’re privy to perks that will make your stay in paradise even more remarkable. NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC – “PUNCHBOWL” The resting place for more than 25,000 victims of three American Wars–World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War–the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (808-532-3720; 2177 Puowaina Dr.) is truly the “Cemetery of Heroes.” Of special note is a monument honoring Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who perished aboard the Challenger space shuttle in 1986. Also noteworthy are The Courts of the Missing white stone tablets bearing names of those missing in action from WWII. This backdrop to Downtown Honolulu is open daily from 0800-1800. OAHU ARMY NATURAL RESOURCE PROGRAM Of the 2,400 native plant species remaining in Hawaii, nearly half are endangered and most are indigenous. Since 1995, this preservation program’s staff has managed lands with more than 100 of these endangered species–including plants, tree snails and forest birds. Opportunities to volunteer on conservation-based service trips include invasive weed removal, forest restoration work, nursery maintenance and education. Contact Kim Welch or Celeste Hanley at 808-656-7741. Or you may visit www.Manoa.Hawaii.edu/hpicesu/dpw.htm. PACIFIC HISTORIC PARKS As headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor serves as a central gathering place for the National Park Service’s recently renamed Pearl Harbor National Memorial (nps.gov/valr/index.htm; 808422-3399). It was formerly known as World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Founded in 1979, Pacific Historic Parks (PacificHistoricParks.org) is a non-profit cooperating association of the National Park Service. It supports and funds educational and interpretive programs for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, plus three additional American Memorial Parks. The Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center, USS Utah and USS Oklahoma memorials, plus parts of Ford Island and Battleship Row remain part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The USS Arizona Memorial is open seven days a week. Walk in tickets have been discontinued so advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Ticket reservations can be made up to a week in advance for a $1 per ticket convenience fee. Standby seats may not always be available. Tickets include a 25-minute documentary at the PHVC Theater about the Pearl Harbor attack, and a Navy-operated harbor tour of Battleship Row and the area around the USS Arizona Memorial. The Pacific Historic Parks (PacificHistoricParks.org) offers USS Arizona Memorial Tours, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Tours, Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Tours and package tours for families with children or couples. Request your military rate.
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