Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum provides excellent exhibits of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, including Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms. The museum was founded in 1889 in honor of the royal Kamehameha family and it is definitely one of the must sees when visiting Honolulu.

• Web:

  www.bishopmuseum.org

• E-mail:

  communications@bishopmuseum.org

• Address:

  1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 847 3511

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–5pm

Byodo-In Temple

Ring the 5-foot and 3-ton brass bell for good luck, feed droves of eager carp, ducks and swans in the garden's pond, or just relax in the ambiance of the Byodo-In Temple. However, make sure to visit the 2-ton carved wooden statue of the Buddha sitting placidly inside the replica Temple, hearkening 11th century Uji, Japan.

• Web:

  www.byodo-in.com

• E-mail:

  byodo-in@nsmg.com

• Address:

  Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 239 8811

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8:30am–4:30pm

Chinatown Cultural Plaza

The sprawling Cultural Plaza in Chinatown is a shopping square surrounding a courtyard that hosts an incense-enveloped shrine and the Moongate stage for holiday performances. Near the canal, you will meet local community members playing cards and mah-jong.

• Web:

  www.chinatownculturalplaza.com

• Address:

  100 North Beretania Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 521 4934

Diamond Head State Monument

Hawaii’s most famous landmark, the Diamond Head, is a volcanic crater with a 360-degree view over the island, and its name comes from English sailors who thought its calcite crystals were pure diamonds. The scenic hike up to the summit, taking the so-called stairway to heaven, will not be soon forgotten, and so it happens to the views from atop.

• Web:

  dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument

• Phone:

  +1 808 587 0300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–6pm

• More info:

  Last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30pm.

Dole Plantation

The days of pineapple plantations were pivotal for the economic success of Hawaii, and visitors are now given the chance to explore this rich history. At Dole Plantation, exhibits will tell you more about this far-reaching market, while a gift shop, a snack concession, educational displays and the world's largest maze will serve your entertainment.

• Web:

  www.doleplantation.com

• Address:

  64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 621 8408

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30am–5:30pm

Foster Botanical Gardens

For peace and relaxation away from the bustle of tourist areas, head to the Foster Botanical Gardens and walk among a variety of placating bromeliads, orchids and other tropical plants. Many of the trees are still in residence from 1853, when Queen Kalama leased a portion of her land.

• Web:

  www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr-menu/site-dpr-sitearticles/568-foster-botanical-garden.html

• Address:

  180 North Vineyard Boulevard, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 768 7135

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4pm