Hawaii's Best Stuff
Cultural Excursions
Cultural Excursions
Listen to and learn a few Hawaiian words before visiting the Isles with a trip to our Hawaiian Glossary. See fascinating museums and cultural centers to get a better feel of our history, traditions and people.
Bishop Museum. This museum
is a showcase of both the natural and cultural history of Hawaii
and the Pacific Basin. Royal cloaks, crowns, masks, weapons,
and more are on display. A must-see!
Hawaii Maritime Center. Colorful exhibits and displays show the danger of the islands' rich seafaring heritage. Hawaii's largest maritime collection, spans 2,000 years of Hawaiian history. The center is host to both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Hawaii's Plantation Village. A personal guide escorts you on a fascinating tour through a historic village where plantation life of Hawaii's 19th century sugarcane society has been authentically recreated. See homes and cultures of Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Puerto Rican, Okinawan, Korean, and Filipino plantation families.
Honolulu Academy of Arts. This museum of world art includes a permanent collection of over 34,000 art works. The museum is located in downtown Honolulu on the corner of Beretania and Ward Avenue. An active program of special exhibitions is scheduled throughout the year. For 24-hour recorded information, phone (808) 532-8701; or reach a receptionist at (808) 532-8700.
Iolani Palace. The only
State Residence of Royalty in the United States, Iolani Palace
was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani,
the last monarchs of Hawaii. 1882-1893.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
at Punchbowl. The impressive Honolulu
Memorial honors the sacrifices and achievements of American Armed
Forces in the Pacific during World War II and the Korean Conflict,
plus those missing from the Vietnam Conflict. Walking tours by
the American Legion are available.
Maui
Maui Ocean Center. A
must-see is this 5-acre marine park in Maalaea, just outside
of Kahului. Visitors can actually walk through the largest aquarium
in the state via an acrylic tunnel, and view sharks, fish and
other marine life as they swim about. Small pools allow for close-up
viewing. The center also hosts the Whale Discovery Center, a
gift shop and restaurant.
Maui Tropical Plantation. Located in Waikapu Valley at the base of the West Maui Mountains, this agricultural showpiece has 112 acres filled with crops, fruits, flowers, and foliage. Some of Hawaii's most gifted performers also entertain here. Take pictures of colorful tropical flowers, the lagoon and fields. Admission is free.
The Big Island
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This park is unmatched in its geologic grandeur. A natural wonder that should not be missed, the park's numerous facilities, informative displays and miles of hiking trails allow visitors to learn about and actually get inside this active volcano--while it's not erupting, of course!
Kauai
Kokee Museum. Located in Kokee State Park, the museum is home to fascinating exhibits that highlight Kauai's natural history. Visit the museum after viewing spectacular Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Century 21 All Islands. Let Julie Lum help you find your Hawaii dream home.