2 curated experiences
Downtown Honolulu
The only royal palace in the United States — former residence of the last Hawaiian monarchs, Kings Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. The self-guided audio tour recounts the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893 with striking historical candor. The palace was restored to its 1882 state; the throne room and blue room are extraordinary. An essential 60 minutes for anyone wanting to understand Hawaii's complicated history.
Downtown Honolulu
One of the finest art museums in the Pacific — uncrowded, high-quality, and beautifully laid out around several garden courtyards. The Japanese art collection is exceptional (one of the best in the US outside major mainland cities). European works include Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, Rodin. The permanent Hawaiian art gallery upstairs is thoughtfully curated. The courtyard café is a lovely lunch stop. Allow 2 hours but could easily fill half a day.