Polynesian Cultural Center
Visit Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Maori New Zealand and the Marquesas without boarding a plane or obtaining a passport. You'll enjoy hands-on activities and demonstrations such as dancing the hula in Hawaii, coconut husking in Samoa and fishing in Tahiti. The centre also offers one of the best luaus (Hawaiian feast) on Oahu.

55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Tel: (808) 293 3333 or 1 800 367 7060.
Website: www.polynesia.com

Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum is Hawaii's largest museum and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Its US$17 million Science Adventure Center encompasses six zones featuring dozens of interactive displays, the centerpiece of which is a 7.9m  (26ft) man-made volcano.

1525 Bernice Street
Tel: (808) 847 3511.
Website: www.bishopmuseum.org

Iolani Palace
Built in 1882, Iolani Palace was the official residence of the last two reigning Hawaiian monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Many precious artefacts are on display, including centuries-old wooden calabashes, feather capes and helmets, and the royal thrones and crown jewels.

364 South King Street
Tel: (808) 522 0832 or 538 1471 (tours).
Website: www.iolanipalace.org

Sea Life Park
Among the diversions at this world-class marine attraction are an aquarium filled with 2,000 reef animals, including sharks, turtles and tropical fish; a seabird sanctuary; sea turtle lagoon; Humboldt Penguin breeding habitat; and up-close-and-personal sessions with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays.

41-202 Kalanianaole Highway
Tel: (808) 259 2500 or 1 866 393 5158.
Website: www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

Chinatown
This feast for the senses offers herbal shops, acupuncture clinics, dim sum restaurants, noodle factories, boutiques selling embroidered silk cheongsams, and open-air markets selling fresh fish and produce. Looking for leis? You'll find the best prices and selections at the stands on Maunakea Street.

Roughly the area bordered by Nimitz Highway, Nuuanu Avenue, and River and Beretania Streets
Tel: (808) 533 3181.
Website: www.chinatownhi.com