Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762 (from Honolulu, highway 63 Likelike Highway to 83 Kahekili Highway/Kamehameha Highway, about 20 miles NW of Kaneohe). +1 808 293-3339, +1 800 367-7060 toll free from mainland U.S. Monday-Saturday, 11AM - 8PM; individual attraction hours vary, see website for details.

Hawaii's most popular paid tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers something found nowhere else: the opportunity to experience the culture not just of Hawaii, but also of seven other Polynesian island groups, all in one place.

Recreated traditional villages of Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rapa Nui offer educational exhibits by native islanders, some of which can be hands-on. Award-winning Horizons evening show offers Polynesian entertainment.

Basic admission $50 adults, $38 children, includes cultural center and evening show.

Alii Luau package $80/$56 includes luau and basic admission. Parking $5. Other premium packages available. Discounts for Hawaii residents and U.S. military.

USS Arizona National Memorial— Memorial to those moored at Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor. They were the initial targets of the first wave of attacks on the Americans. The 184-foot memorial was completed in 1961 and a flag is flown from the destroyed mast.

Visitors can see a historic short film recapping the events and explore the Pearl Harbor Museum, complete with wartime memorabilia. Open from 7:30AM to 5PM daily and is closed on all major holidays.

Honolulu Academy of Arts, 1035 Kinau Street Lot. $10. Considered Hawaii's premier example of kamaaina- (old-time-) style architecture, the Academy is the state's only general fine-arts museum and has expanded steadily over the last decade.

It boasts one of the top Asian art collections in the country, including James Michener's collection of Hiroshige's ukiyo-e prints.

Founded by a Hawaiian princess, the Bishop musuem displays the world's greatest collection of natural and cultural artifacts from Hawaii and the Pacific.

Iolani Palace 364 South King Street. The only Royal Palace on US soil and the seat of the Hawaiian government until the 1960s. $6 - $20.

Queen Emma's Summer Palace. Built in 1847, the restored home of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Hawaiian monarchy. Hours: daily 9AM–4PM; closed major holidays. Admission: Adult $6, Child 17 and under $1, Seniors $4; reservations required for groups of 20 or more.

Banzai Pipeline, North Shore.Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore is the "happenin' place to be.Banzai Pipepline is one of the most famous surf sites for professional surfers all around the world like professional surfer John John Florence and Nathan Fletcher.

The best time to head out to Banzai Pipeline is in the winter.That's when the waves could reach up to the possible height of 30 to 40 feet.