The Bishop Museum, Oahu
Though this grey, gothic-style stone building seems out of place in a Hawaiian residential area, its extensive collection of Hawaiian and Pacific Islands artifacts makes it a must-see. Originally begun by Hawaiian princess Bernice Pauahi to hold her own collection, it now holds over 20 million items. Visitors can wander through leisurely, browsing the seashells, historic photos, and colorful feather-decorated capes. An amazing 50-foot sperm whale, originally mounted in 1901, is suspended from the ceiling in the delightful Great Hawaiian Hall.

Haleakala, Maui
Standing over 10,000 feet tall, Haleakala is a dormant volcano. Its 25-square-mile crater is big enough to fit all of Manhattan inside. Clouds often cover its upper half by midday, and snow periodically falls on its peak. During World War II, Marines trained for battle in the Pacific on Haleakala's slopes. Now it is popular with visitors, who drive to the summit to see the sunrise at Puu Ulaula Overlook. Several outfitters offer popular heart-pounding bike rides back down the peak.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
Volcano House perches here 4,200 feet above sea level on the rim of Kilauea Crater. It is Hawaii's oldest continuously operating hotel. Rebuilt several times since it opened with a grass-thatched roof and only four guest rooms in 1866--the year that Mark Twain visited--it now boasts an oversize lava rock fireplace and lovely wooden coffee tables of native koa and monkeypod. The dining room here is the place to relax over delicious 'ohelo berry chiffon pie, a house specialty made with tart berries that grow wild on the slopes of the volcano, and a cup of this island's famous Kona coffee. A second hotel building, constructed in 1877, now operates nearby as the pleasant Volcano Art Center and is a great place to purchase the paintings and crafts of local artisans. Across from the hotel, the Visitor Center schedules informative ranger-led nature walks and tells the story of Pele--the beautiful fire goddess whose anger, according to legend, causes the volcanoes to erupt.

Iolani Palace, Oahu
Surrounded by a spacious park perfect for picnicking (the Royal Hawaiian Band provides free entertainment here every Friday at noon), this palace was once the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani--the last monarchs of Hawaii--and is the only official palace in the United States. Visitors cover their shoes with colorful cotton booties to protect the floors, and then follow a muumuu-wearing guide on a journey back in time to the 1800s. In addition to seeing beautiful ornate hardware, large expanses of polished local koa wood, and a Throne Room much like the one in London's Buckingham Palace, you'll learn interesting tidbits about Hawaii's monarchs. Did you know, for example, that the king, impressed by seeing electricity in Paris, converted his palace from gas light to electricity before either Buckingham Palace or the White House?

Lahaina, Maui
Though this town can be miserably overrun with tourists, it should still be a stop on your itinerary. Its historic center is a visitor's delight. Make sure to stop for a drink or snack at the 1901 Pioneer Inn, which is the island's oldest lodging. Nearby, a huge banyan tree planted in 1873 offers shady respite an d. (In the late afternoon, when countless flocks of birds gather here, their stereophonic chittering makes it very easy to find.)

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Big Island
Centuries ago this desolate, beautiful spot was a place of refuge for criminals and outcasts. Now it offers the chance to learn a little history as you take in the exhibits or walk the popular 1871 Trail.

Spouting Horn, Kauai
Just a few miles from beautiful Poipu Beach, the ocean sprays up through a large hole in some shore lava. Many vendors gather here, selling shell novelties at bargain prices.

USS Arizona Memorial, Oahu
Commemorating the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in World War II, this is one of Hawaii's most popular visitor attractions. At the Arizona museum, displays include historical photos of the bombing's aftermath and heart-wrenching artifacts, such as letters home from very young men, many just teenagers. A silent boat ride takes visitors out to the memorial, which floats above the famous sunken ship. Many people bring leis to place at the base of a memorial marble wall engraved tightly with the names of all the men who died here. Tinkling bells play "Amazing Grace" and then the "Marine's Hymn." The gift shop does a booming business selling historical souvenirs.

Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Lookout, Kauai
Said to be Hawaii's answer to the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon State Park has an impressive lookout point. Farther down the road, Kokee State Park has a tiny museum that is fun to browse, and where wild chickens gather outside to beg for food. Past Kokee you'll find the Kalalau lookout, which grants a view of the beginning of the lush Na Pali Coast. At the end of the road, Puu Kila lookout overlooks the wettest spot on Earth.