Culture hit list

Discover a rich and storied history, both native and multicultural, at these must-visit sites.

Polynesian Cultural Center ▶ Native Hawaiians take a lot of pride in their identity and enjoy sharing their culture. At O‘ahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center (polynesia. com), watch a local shimmy to the top of a coconut tree, visit a traditional village and savour an ali‘i lū‘au (a traditional  repit feast) and show featuring dance, music and blazing  reknives.

Iolani Palace ▶ Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the palace (iolanipalace.org) was once the o cial residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. The elegant edi ce in Honolulu, O‘ahu, is the sole o cial royal palace in the US. Fun fact: it had electric lights four years before the White House.

Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park ▶ Hundreds of years old, yet beautifully restored, Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau (nps.gov/puho) remains one of Hawai‘i’s most important historic spots. A former refuge for fugitives, the royal grounds are guarded by ki‘i (wooden carvings of local gods), making them sacred sites that provide an important glimpse into native heritage.

Kilohana Plantation ▶ Trace Hawai‘i’s rich migrant past and explore some of the  nest examples of plantationera architecture at The Kilohana Plantation (kilohanakauai.com). This museum on Kaua‘i o ers railway tours, nature walks and a lū‘au that delves into the history of the Garden Isle.

Byodo-In Temple ▶ Located in the foothills of Ko‘olau Mountains, in O‘ahu’s Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the temple (byodo-in.com) was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the  rst wave of Japanese migrants to Hawai‘i and is a replica of a famous Japanese temple of the same name. The grounds are home to wild peacocks and there are paths coursing beneath the trees where you can stroll around a koi pond, ring the bonshō (sacred bell) and  nd a nook in which to meditate.

Pearl Harbor ▶ A Japanese air a ack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 prompted the United States’ formal entry into World War II. Hear stories from survivors on tours of the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bow n Submarine Museum & Park and the new Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center (pearlharbor.org).

Getaway

With dramatic landscapes, spectacular sunsets and plenty of indulgence, the Hawaiian Islands are perfect for a couple’s holiday where adventure meets romance.

MAUI Go natural ▶ Take in the stunning beauty of lush rainforests on a gentle hike through Iao Valley State Park. Home to the Iao Needle, a sky-piercing green outcrop, the historically significant valley also offers spectacular views. End the day with dinner at The Mill House (millhousemaui. com), a charming eatery nestled in a tropical plantation. The restaurant focuses on local cuisine and honours native culture with dishes that express a sense of story as much as flavour – think pork musubi with pickled vegetables and bonito aioli. Arrive before sunset to enjoy the spectacle as the Waikapū Valley reveals itself in pink and purple.

O‘AHU Taste some tipples ▶ Head 35 minutes west of Honolulu for a spirited visit to Ko Hana Distillers (kohanarum. com), Hawai‘i’s first and only producer of agricole, a Frenchinspired style of rum. While traditional rum is distilled from molasses, this liquor uses the juice of fresh pressed cane. Their daily 30-minute tours end in a tasting of the goods under the shadows of O‘ahu’s photogenic Wai‘anae Mountain Range. Don’t forget to take a bottle home.

KAUA‘I Shoot the breeze ▶ Much of the spectacular coastline of Kaua‘i can only be reached by water, so a sailing excursion is a great way to see the island and to access your own private beach for the day. With Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures (napali.com), you can go by yacht, catamaran or raft along the Nāpali Coast to snorkel with tropical fish and turtles amidst colourful reefs. Or opt for a raft whale-watching trip and witness humpbacks, dolphins and even seals frolic in their natural habitat. Romantic sunset dinner cruises are also available.