This museum has an excellent collection detailing the various Polynesian cultures and has been described as the world's best Polynesian anthropological museum. In addition to static exhibits, the museum has craft demonstrations and even Hula shows. Bishop Museum also features a planetarium.

1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu

Bus 2

Tel (808) 847 3511

Website www.bishopmuseum.org

Admission $15.95

Open 9am-5pm daily

Chinatown

Hawaii has long had a strong Asian influence and Honlulu's Chinatown is one of the most fascinating Asian communities in both the United States and the Pacific region. The neighbourhood has interesting architecture, gardens, shrines and temples.

'Iolani Palace

This former royal palace in the heart of downtown Honolulu has served as the State Capitol until 1969. The palace has undergone extensive restoration and tours of the palace show visitors the exquisite interior including the amazing throne room. The grounds of the palace include gardens and interesting buildings.

Mililani Street, Honolulu

Tel (808) 522 0832

Website www.iolanipalace.org

Admission $6 gallery, $12 audio tour, $20 grand tour

Open Wed-Sat 8am-4pm

Hawaii State Capitol

Hawaii's unique State Capitol building is an interesting mis-match of architectural styles.

South Hotel Street Mall, Honolulu

Website www.state.hi.us/about/capitol.htm

Admission free

Honolulu Zoo

Although Honolulu's zoo is nothing much by international standards, it is a good range of native Hawaiian birds.

151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu

Tel (808) 926 3191

Website www.honoluluzoo.org

Admission $8

Open 8.30am-4.30pm daily

USS Arizona Memorial

This major US naval base made the headlines on 7 December 1941 when a surprise Japanese attack dragged the United States into World War II. During the attack the USS Arizona was sunk killing 1177 US soldiers. The USS Arizona Memorial is a major drawcard attracting around one and half million visitors each year. The memorial includes a theatre, a museum and a wall with the names of the people who died during the attack. The nearby Bowfin Park is home to the USS Bowfin - a WWII submarine - and many other war time relics.

Kamehameha Highway, Pearl Harbor

Bus 20, 42

Website www.nps.gov/usar/

Admission free

Open 7.30am-5pm daily

Waikiki Aquarium

An interesting aquarium although not quite the same as seeing the fish in the wild while snorkelling. However it is a good place to learn about sea life because of its informative displays.

2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki

Bus 2

Website www.waquarium.org

Admission $9, students $6

Open 9am-4.30pm daily