DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT 175 stratospheric steps lead you to the summit of Diamond Head.  This ancient volcano got its name, in the 1700s, when British soldiers, thought they saw diamonds on its slope.  Although the discovery proved to be calcite crystals, the name still remained.  In 1908 it was purchased by the military and used to house various weapons and artillery.  Today, over 600,000 visitors ascend this landmark to experience unparallel, 360 - degree views that span from Koko Head to Barbers Point.  The numerous stairs and increase in elevation make this hike moderately challenging. Diamond Head Trail is 1 3⁄4 miles to the rim and takes about 1 1⁄2 hours.  Go early in the day to avoid the heat - there is NO shade!  Bring water and a flashlight (for the tunnel).  Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.
	PEARL HARBOR A lustrous ivory memorial marks the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, the final resting place for 1,177 crewmembers who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  Every year, this 184-foot monument welcomes approximately 1.4 million visitors to pay their respects at one of America’s most revered and sacred sites.  This National Park Service Site houses a visitor center, museum, bookstore and an Interpretive Exhibit Panel. Admission is free. The park is open seven days a week 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (808) 422-0561.
	‘IOLANI PALACE  Constructed over a period of 3 years, this royal residence is the only one of its kind in the United States.  King David Kal_kaua, the seventh of eight monarchs who ruled Hawai‘i, spared no expense during the build of this regal landmark having it fitted with telephones and electricity before the White House.   All rooms are open to the public for viewing via guided tours that begin every 30 minutes throughout the day.  Also located on the grounds is the Coronation Pavilion where King Kal_kaua and Queen Kapi‘olani were crowned, a royal burial site, the Hawai‘i Archives Building and ‘Iolani Barracks.  No photography or video is allowed inside the palace.  It is located on the Corner of King St. and Richard St. Admission fee is $15.00 - $20.00. www.iolanipalace.org  808-522-0832.
	KUHIO BEACH TORCH LIGHTING & HULA SHOW Watch the sunset at Kuhio Beach while you enjoy a traditional torch lighting ceremony and hula show.  Be sure to show up 20min early and bring a towel.  This event happens everyday except Mondays from 6-7 pm at Kuhio Beach hula mound. Located at 2453 Kalakaua Ave.  Free admission. (808) 843-8002.
	WAIMEA VALLEY The verdant beauty of Waimea Valley is a complete contrast to the stark cityscape of Waikiki.  It provides a cultural haven for those in search of ancient Oahu. Take a tour through the valley’s lush tropical gardens and discover rare and endemic plant species.  Partake in various demonstrations aimed to educate visitors on ancient Hawaiian traditions. The Hawaiians believed that the waterfall in Waimea had healing powers and would bring wounded soldiers to here to recover.  Today these therapeutic waters are used as a stage to entertain guests from around the world as divers climb up the falls and plunge, 60 feet, into the abysmal pond below.  Waimea Valley is located on the famous North Shore of Oahu across the street from Waimea Bay. 59-864 Kamehameha Highway. Park hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.  (808) 638-7776.
	VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES Nestled at the base of the majestic Ko‘olau Mountain range is the Byodo-In Temple.  Built in the 1960s, this temple pays homage to the arrival of Japanese immigrants in Hawai‘i and is a replica of a 1,000 year-old Buddhist temple in Japan.  A 10 foot tall, gold and lacquer Buddah, the largest created in the past 900 years, greets visitors as they remove their shoes and enter the temple of peace and tranquility.  A teahouse, meditation house and carp pond surround the temple providing visitors with a quiet retreat.  Byodo-In Buddhist Temple is located at 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744. (808) 239-8811.
	BISHOP MUSEUM The Bishop Museum houses millions of artifacts from the Pacific and Hawai‘i. It is known as the largest museum in the state.  Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, the museum was originally built to showcase the family heirlooms belonging to Mr. Reed’s late wife, Bernice Pauahi Bishop.  Mrs. Bishop was the last descendent of the royal Kamehameha family.  Besides housing Hawaiiana and Pacific Island artifacts, the museum boasts an entomological collection of over 13.5 million specimens making it the third largest collection in the United States.  The Jhamandas Watumuli Planetarium is a lively part of the museum and is devoted to the astronomical sciences with daily shows and solar viewing. 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI. 96817. (808) 847-3511. (Photo: Stan Shebs)
	DINNER AND A MOVIE ON THE BEACH Enjoy “Sunset on the Beach” at the Kapahulu Pier.  Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon beachgoers are treated to a classic movie shown on 30-foot screen.  Prior to the movie, local musicians take the stage and serenade moviegoers until the sun goes down.  Nearby, local vendors sell food and drinks from white, canopied booths making for a perfect movie night.  Sunset on the Beach happens at Queen’s Surf across the street from the Honolulu Zoo.  Look for the movie screen.
	WAIKIKI AQUARIUM The Waikiki Aquarium was founded in 1904 and has over 2,500 organisms from 420 species on exhibit daily.  Known as the third oldest aquarium in the United States, this oceanic laboratory gives visitors a chance to get eye to eye with a shark, watch coral grow, discover new sea species and spy on a seal.  The admissions desk is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Last guests can exit at 5 pm.  2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki. (808) 923-9741.
	TAKE AN ART WALK DOWNTOWN Street smart meets art cool on the first Friday of every month in the downtown district of Honolulu’s Chinatown.  First Friday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour of downtown art galleries, restaurants and boutiques that offer free activities for all to enjoy.   Island-wide businesses set up kiosks that sell everything from handbags to sushi.  Spend the night discovering new local artists and artisans all while devouring delectable local fare.  After work business types flood the streets at 5pm while the late night crowd opts for a 9pm call time.  Many of the galleries, shops and cafes remain open until at least 9:00pm.  Various nightclubs keep their doors open until 2am.  Try to get to the popular venues early to avoid standing in line.

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