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.
Known as the "Pride of the Pacific," the Hawaii Theatre Center began as a classical downtown venue in 1922, where vaudeville, plays, musicals and silent films were the standard of the day. Eventually, the theater fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1984. But an energetic local group of activists saved the historic venue from the wrecking ball, and the theater reopened its doors in 1996 as a 1400-seat performance center.
The art of hula is celebrated every April at the Merrie Monarch Festival, the largest 3-day dance festival on the islands and named after the last monarch of Hawaii, King David Kalakaua. In addition to the hula competition, there's also a crafts fair, an art show, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.