"History and Modern Culture in One Place Known today as the Hawaii Five-O headquarters façade, Aliiolani Hale means "house of the heavenly king" in the Hawaiian language. The building was designed under King Kamehameha V and served as a palace with government offices for the Kingdom of Hawaii until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893 and the Republic of Hawaii was established. Shortly after Hawaii became a US state, the building was renovated. However, as the government grew, various departments moved out of Aliiolani Hale and now the Hawaii State Supreme Court makes use of this historic building along with a museum about the Hawaii judiciary and a law library. In front of the iconic building, there is a statue of King Kamehameha I, who founded the Kingdom of Hawaii."

"The largest museum in Hawaii studies and preserves the history of the islands and the Pacific—for those interested in local culture, it's a must. The Victorian building originally housed family heirlooms from Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha I, including her ancestor's royal feathered cape.Today the Bishop teems with more than 24 million artifacts, documents, and photos about Hawaii and other Polynesian cultures. Other highlights include everyday items, like combs made from coconut-leaf ribs, and extraordinary ones, like the leiomano (a shark-tooth-studded weapon kept hidden until battle). Don't miss the 55-foot sperm whale skeleton and other natural-history exhibits, along with a planetarium showing how voyagers navigated the Pacific, guided by the stars."

"A Slice of Royalty in America The grand koa wood staircase was shining with a new coat of oil as the focal point of the room; it’s beautiful curves lead the eye gently from the second floor down to the first floor. Men and women dressed in ornate gowns and neck-restricting tuxedos floated around the staircase receiving each other with a proper handshake or curtsy. The party was just beginning as horses pulled up to the ultra modern palace depositing people of stature out of their buggies. The year was 1882 in the island nation of Hawaii. Even though I like to live in the present, I couldn’t help but imagine the past as I was led through the Iolani Palace in Oahu. The docent painted a perfect picture of arriving at a ball in the mid 1880’s – the sites, sounds, and even the dinner entries that would be served. After the docent led tour you can have the pleasure of saying the you've been in the only palace in America! More Info: Iolani Palace Tour Information: Guided Docent Led Tours – Adults: $20 / Children (5-12) $6. This tour is available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Audie Tours – Adults: $13 / Children (5-12) $6. This tour is available from Monday through Saturday 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Be sure to check the times and costs on the website which will have up to date information and details. Get all of the details including great historical information, information on the restoration, and learn about upcoming events on the Iolani Palace website: www.iolanipalace.org."

"Hundreds of local and international artists have gathered each Valentine's Day week since 2011 to make music, murals, and live installations in Honolulu's Kakaako district. They also host block parties and panel discussions. Centered on the Lana Lane Studios collective, the event has splashed gorgeous designs all over the neighborhood... and is now expanding out to Guam, Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand , Singapore , Taiwan, the mainland U.S., and beyond. Print or save directions to the art online—http://powwowhawaii.com/mural-map—or just wander the streets, stopping for an Aussie-style coffee and botanical bounty at Paiko, then perhaps stopping by one of the world's most famous luthiers: Kamaka Ukulele."

"This family-run luthier shop has been handcrafting world-renowned instruments since 1916. They are often made of koa, a native wood prized for its luminous, almost psychedelic wood grain patterns. The company's rich-toned ukes inspire beginners and maestros alike. The Ukulele Hall of Fame has already honored its first two generations, and two more are helping to keep the art alive at the Kamaka store and factory in Honolulu's up-and-coming Kaka’ako neighborhood. They offer free guided tours Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Tip: Leave any strollers or bulky backpacks behind, as the hour-long walk-and-talk involves stairs and tight quarters."

"This 4,000-acre private nature reserve moonlights as an adventure playground and also a film set. Kaaawa Valley serves as Hollywood's "Hawaii backlot" and has hosted more than four dozen shoots, ranging from Elvis hits to Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates . It recently blazed across the silver screen in 2016's Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates , as the stars forded rivers and tore past jungled mountains on ATVs. Visitors can follow in their tire treads with rip-roaring one- and two-hour tours. Riders must be 16 years old and wearing closed-toe shoes (long pants are also highly recommended). Add $15 for the Kualoa shuttle to and from Waikiki."

"This nonprofit perpetuates the art, science, and spirit of traditional Pacific Ocean exploration. It has two wa‘a (voyaging canoes): the modern Hikianalia, which has erased its carbon footprint, and the Hokulea, which proved Polynesians didn't just drift to Hawaii—they navigated by the stars and other ancient seafaring techniques. Launched in 1975, this lovely vessel helped inspire a cultural revival. Hokulea completed a round-the-world voyage in June 2017, traveling approximately 40,300 nautical miles and visiting 150 ports. She is now sailing the islands, keeping the heritage and ancient wayfinding skills of Hawaii alight, while also sharing a message about sustainability. Check its website to catch up with the crew!"

"Oahu's Largest Ancient Temple The cultural site is home to Pu‘u o Mahuka, Oahu’s largest heiau, or ancient temple. The site has beautiful panoramic views, and you can look out to Waimea Bay, which is cool when the waves are big. — Hoku Haiku Off Pupukea Rd. This appeared in the June/July 2013 issue. Read more about Hoku Haiku’s North Shore neighborhood in Oahu. By Afar Magazine"

"Back in the 19th century, Queen Emma of Hawaii used to slip away to this summer retreat when she felt like a change from court formality. Today, the landmark is preserved in stately style by the Daughters of Hawaii. Inside it's an eclectic mix of European, Victorian and island styles—all beautiful Hawaiian quilts and carved koa-wood furniture. Wander and absorb, or book a guided tour if you want to go in-depth with the history."

"Shangri La If you're interested in architecture, design, or Islamic art, Doris Duke's Shangri La is for you! Don't be fooled by the simple facade; the interior of the home as well as the views from the gardens are spectacular! Islamic art from all over the world (including entire rooms transported from other countries and a Mughal Garden modeled after the Pakistani original) awaits you. The living room opens completely on one side to a lawn overlooking a magnificent ocean view, and the dining room was created to feel like an Islamic tent! Shangri La is a truly unique experience! (Tickets are limited and usually sell out, so be sure to reserve your space in advance)."

"Pearl Harbor Once an oyster-farming backwater, this area was held sacred to the shark goddess Ka‘ahupahau. But it's forever etched into America's psyche due to the 1941 Japanese surprise attack on the naval base, which launched the U.S. into WWII's Pacific theater. Today, more than a million visitors pay their respects annually at the museums and memorials, which include the USS Bowfin, the USS Missouri, and the wreck of the USS Arizona. Buy tickets online to avoid the inevitable long wait. Ford Island also houses the Pacific Aviation Museum here: Historic hangars showcase vintage aircraft like a Japanese Zero and a Curtiss P-40E Warhawk. Plane buffs should add on a $10 combat-simulator flight."