Best things to do in Honolulu

Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Recognised worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects and educational programmes, the institution was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honour of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family of Hawaii. Originally, the museum housed the extensive family heirlooms of the royal family, but now the collection includes millions of artefacts, documents and photographs relating to Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. All of these treasures are housed in the former Kamehameha School for Boys in Bernice Street, Honolulu, which was established by the princess, and moved to a new location in 1940.

Website www.bishopmuseum.org

USS Arizona Memorial Museum

The USS Arizona was one of several United States battle ships that were sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy during its surprise historic attack on Pearl Harbour, Oahu, on December 7, 1941, causing the US to enter into World War II. The Arizona sank in about nine minutes, along with 1,177 sailors and marines who were on board. Visitors are carried by Navy shuttle boats to the unusual memorial centre, which has been constructed over the sunken hull that lies six feet (2m) below. The names of the dead are inscribed in stone inside the memorial. Visitors are shown a documentary film, and can view artefacts and exhibits explaining the tragedy. The memorial is open daily and is very popular. It's strongly recommended that visitors make advanced reservations online.

Website www.nps.gov/usar

Honolulu's Chinatown

Visitors who enter Honolulu's Chinatown neighbourhood through the Gateway Plaza on the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets in the city's downtown business district will step into an exciting and exotic world made up of a colourful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures. Here Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and a myriad of other ethnic groups work in harmony to sell their wares, serve their delicacies, and perpetuate their cultural traditions. The market sells an array of delicacies from noodles to duck eggs, and tantalising smells issue from the numerous inexpensive speciality restaurants in this 15-block area. Visitors can also consult an herbalist, view an art exhibit, watch a dragon procession, make an offering at a Buddhist temple, or perhaps buy a precious jade memento in this rich and memorable part of town.

Website www.chinatownnow.com

Waikiki Aquarium

The award-winning Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu is home to more than 3,500 plants and animals. One of the oldest aquariums in the United States, the facility is a great place to say hello to the colourful inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean, including zebra shark, giant octopus, monk seal, sea turtles, and giant clam. The aquarium offers classes and activities for children. These are very popular and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Website www.waikikiaquarium.org

Diamond Head Crater

One of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii, Diamond Head dominates the landscape over Honolulu. Officially termed an extinct volcanic tuff cone, the mammoth cone is a US Monument and a popular attraction on Oahu. Located near resorts and beaches in Honolulu, Diamond Head has a hiking trail that takes roughly two hours to complete; while the trail is uneven and includes nearly 200 steps, the view of Oahu from the summit is well worth the effort. Hikers should bring plenty of water and protection from the heat, as there are no facilities along the trail, and the only comfort station is located at the base of the crater.

Website www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/

Honolulu

Things to do in Honolulu

Bishop Museum

USS Arizona Memorial Museum

Honolulu's Chinatown

Waikiki Aquarium

Diamond Head Crater

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Bishop Museum

USS Arizona Memorial Museum

Honolulu's Chinatown

Waikiki Aquarium

Diamond Head Crater