Hidden Treasures
in Hawaii, HI

(808) 885-4426

All of the romance and intrigue of the ranching lifestyle is embodied in the history of the Anna Ranch Heritage Center. The ranch dates back to the early 20th century and is fully restored for visitors to tour and enjoy.

(808) 455-1600

The USS Missouri Memorial stands as a testament to the winning will of the U.S. military in World War II, and also as a icon of strength to her devoted crew that spanned three generations. Nicknamed the Mighty Mo, the Battleship Missouri served through three wars. Today she is devoted to preserving the stories and memories of former crew members and other veterans through oral history recordings and transcriptions. Specially trained guides take visitors on a tour of the ship. In fact, part of the tour recreates the footsteps of General Douglas MacArthur.

(808) 961-5711

The East Hawaii Cultural Center is an important force that promotes Hawaiian arts, culture and creative traditions. Since Hawaii is a multi-ethnic state, the council was founded in 1967 with six charter organizations that reflect the diversity of the Pacific islands. The cultural center is home to an effective alliance of arts organizations, including the Big Island Dance Council, Hawaii Concert Society, Bunka No Izumi, Kin Ryosho Dance Academy, and the Philippine Women's Circle.

Visitors to the East Hawaii Cultural Center can browse through three public galleries and enjoy local, national and international art exhibits. The second floor of the center features a theater, art studio and dance floor. The adaptive space is perfect for theater and performance pieces, along with expressions of dance.

In addition to activities at the center, the East Hawaii Cultural Center sponsors other huge, island-wide events such as the Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival and the Hamakua Music Festival. Hula festivals, dance festivals and Aloha Saturdays in the Park are also big draws for tourists and residents alike.

(808) 739-9797

Discover First Friday in Oahu, where local artists gather in Honolulu's Chinatown to sell their wares. The fun is both indoors and out, with refreshments, entertainment and specials in the area bars and restaurants.

(808) 422-3399

The USS Arizona Memorial is a stoic memorial that will stir emotions in every visitor who enters its gates. The memorial is part of the WWII Valor in the Pacific national Monument., which includes sites on Ford island and several historic Battleship Row mooring quays. The USS Arizona Memorial is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

While the tour is free, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but it's usually all gone by noon. The Visitor Center features a 23-minute film on the history of the Pearl Harbor attack. A Navy-operated launch awaits to view the Memorial. The entire program takes 75 minutes. An audio tour narrated by Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine is a great way to pass the time while waiting to start your tour. The audio tour will guide you through the Visitor Center, interpretive displays, interpretive information on the shuttle boats and on the Memorial.

(808) 768-5488

The Neal S. Blaisdell Center has been a gathering place for community members of Honolulu since 1964. The multi-purpose arena has an excellent reputation for bringing in top entertainers, sports events and exhibits.

Recently remodeled and expanded in 1994, the complex is essentially a circular facility that is perfect for concert and sporting events, and can seat up to 8,800. Setting a record for his time, Elvis Presley sold out concerts at the Blaisdell Center in the 1960s and 1970s. A bronze statue of The King has been erected outside.

Recent performers have included Metallica, Days of the New, Rage Against the Machine, America, Pearl Jam, Elton John, George Michael, Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Motley Crue, No Doubt, Fleetwood Mac, Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, 'N Sync, LeAnn Rimes, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Nine Inch Nails, Gwen Stefani, Akon and Journey, among others.

The Blaisdell Center keeps thing interesting with other types of events, like the WWE, Disney on Ice, American Idol Live!, Sesame Street Live, college basketball and volleyball, and international gymnastics.

(800) 367-7060

Learn about the culture that encompasses the Hawaiian Islands as you explore the Polynesian Cultural Center. Enjoy a tour of gorgeous Oahu, experience an authentic luau, and see a breathtaking show of Polynesian dance, music, and storytelling. The Polynesian Cultural Center gives you the opportunity to discover the history and beauty of Hawaii.

(808) 239-8811

Visit the Valley of the Temples in Oahu, a memorial park that lies at the foot of the 2,000-foot Koolau Range. The highlight of the area is a Japanese temple called Byodo-In.