Thing To Do & See

Waikiki Beach

The 2-mile stretch of white sand commonly referred to as Waikiki Beach runs from Hilton Hawaiian Village in the west to Kapi'olani Park in the east. Along the way, the beach changes names and personalities. In the early morning, the surprisingly quiet beach belongs to walkers and joggers. Strolling down the beach toward Diamond Head at dawn can actually be a meditative experience.

Honolulu Academy of Arts

Displays must-see collections of Asian, European and Pacific art. Phone to make reservations for tours ($25) of Doris Duke's former mansion Shangri La, a trove of Islamic art.

Kaka'ako Waterfront Park

South of downtown Honolulu and just off Ala Moana Blvd at the end of Cooke St, little Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is protected from much of the city noise by a small grassy rise. Roller bladers cruise along the rock-fringed promenade, which offers clear views of Diamond Head, Waikiki and Honolulu Harbor. The 28-acre park attracts experienced surfers in the morning and picnickers in the afternoon.

Haleakalā National Park

Get ready for an otherworldly experience at Haleakalā National Park. Its astonishing volcanic landscape so resembles a lunar surface that astronauts practiced mock lunar walks here before landing on the moon. You simply haven't seen Maui, or at least looked into its soul, until you've made the trek up to the top of this awe-inspiring mountain.

Read more about Haleakalā National Park

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Hapuna is legendary as having Hawai'i's most accessible beaches. Its clear water and golden sand are the picture of a classic tropical beach and it is ranked among the world's best beaches by Condé Nast Traveler. When calm, Hapuna affords good swimming and diving, but winter surf can produce strong currents and a pounding shorebreak. Numerous tourists unfamiliar with the water conditions have drowned, so be careful.

Hilo Farmers Market

Nearly 20 years old, Hilo's Farmers Market is an island-wide event, as locals gather from all over to shop for fresh produce and catch up with friends. Covered stalls sell top-quality island produce: papayas, liliko'i, breadfruit, apple bananas, mangoes and star fruit. You'll find lots of Asian greens, organic vegetables and local produce. There's prepared food, too: bento boxes (with Spam musubi) and machete-cut coconuts for drinking.