Nancy Phelps Photography

The Pacific Aviation Museum stands on hallowed ground, in the area that signifies the thousands of lives lost at Pearl Harbor and the resulting demonstration of American strength and might that finally ended World War II. In fact, the museum on historic Ford Island occupies hangars from Wold War II and is ranked as the No. 8 aviation attraction in the nation.

Kahilu Theatre began as the dream of a native Hawaiian, who wanted to create a theater that would inspire creativity and a passion for the arts among local residents and visitors. Built in 1979, the 490-seat theatre in the town of Waimea hosts stage performances throughout the year, as well as free community events, a youth concert series, meetings, lectures and other special events.  The gallery in the theater displays work of up-and-coming Hawaiian artists as well as established artists on the Big Island. The Youth Concert series is a special series of performances from the headlining shows, reworked especially for a younger audiences. Performances have included HANDS, a Chinese Percussion Team; Kealoha, the founder of HawaiiSlam; and PHILADANCO!, a Philadelphia Dance Company.

Sample the variety of tastes and the unique flavor of local hops at the annual Kona Brewers Festival on the shores of Kailua Bay. The growing microbrewery movement in Hawaii promotes local companies and their art form.