Not to miss

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a tuff cone - a hill composed of compacted volcanic ash - formed by a violent steam explosion deep beneath the island's surface long after most of O'ahu's volcanic activity had stopped. Its peak provides a majestic backdrop to the flair of Waikiki.

The Hawaiians called the hill Le'ahi, and at its summit they built a luakini heiau, a type of temple used for human sacrifices. But ever since 1825, when some British sailors noticed calcite crystals sparkling in the sun and quickly mistook themselves for rich men, the hill's been known as Diamond Head.

The best reason to visit Diamond Head is to hike the trail to the crater rim, where those who persevere are treated to a showstopping 360° panorama of the entire southeastern coast of O'ahu.

Hawaii State Art Museum

A long-overdue addition to Honolulu's museum scene, Hawai'i State Art Museum showcases the best of traditional and contemporary art from Hawaii's diverse ethnic artistic community. A variety of artistic styles are on display, from fine art and sculpture to contemporary photography and mixed-media. Revolving exhibits reveal how a blending of Western, Asian and traditional Pacific folk-art forms have shaped a unique island aesthetic.

The downtown museum is easy to spot: it's a Spanish Mission-style gem that dates from 1928 when it was home to the Army & Navy YMCA.

Shangri La

In 2002 the Honolulu Academy of Arts began conducting small group tours of Shangri La, the 1930s-era home of wealthy heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke, who transformed five acres of property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head into a serene palace of graciousness and beauty.

Duke's palatial home incorporates architectural features from the Islamic world and houses Duke's extensive collection of Islamic art, ranging from glazed ceramic paintings to silk suzanis, intricate needlework tapestries that were part of young women's dowries. Throughout the estate, gardens and courtyards weave in and out of cool interiors and symmetrical fountains.

Advance reservations are required, and no children under 12 are admitted. Small-group tours begin at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and last around two hours, including transportation.