Located at the edge of her fabulous and favorite estate, the statue of Princess Kaiulani pays homage to the aloha she has for her subjects. Historically, several Hawaiian royals maintained homes in Waikiki. None was more elaborate than that of Hawaii's beloved Princess Kaiulani. Her estate encompassed 10 acres as well as being filled with coconut groves ponds, gardens and the islands first Banyan tree. Moreover, there were many peacocks, descendants of which still roam through the Honolulu Zoo just blocks away. Ainahau was demolished to make way for the Princess Kaiulani hotel in 1955, but Hawaii's love for the young Princess still endures. - Lottie Tagupa

Built in 1915 as an army reservation to protect Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, Fort DeRussy stands today as a place where people can visit the historic fort and enjoy a large strand of white sand beach. The fort is open to the general public and provides large green spaces perfect for a picnic or to catch some waves outside of crowded Waikiki just down the shore.

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

This beautiful white historical structure was the home of Captain John Dominis, a rich merchant who built it in the 1840s. Queen Lili'uokalani married his son, John Owen, and also lived here at one time. Up until 2001, it served as mansion to the governor, following which a new residence was built in its vicinity to serve this same purpose. Washington Place is now a museum open to people eager to learn of Hawaii's history. The vintage furniture and elegant architecture are its distinguishing features, and it is definitely worth a visit. Admission is free, but donations by visitors are encouraged. Reservations for touring must be made 48 hours in advance.

Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately three-story building is a real treat to explore. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. The Palace Galleries showcase jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes and reservations are suggested.

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the city's liveliest districts, containing every aspect of a big city within a 15 block area. During the day, plenty of shop owners open their doors for tourists and locals to browse at their leisure. When the shopping is done and your appetite is worked up, fill your belly with Dim Sum or go a bit further out to find Korean, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese restaurants waiting to satiate your hunger. When the day is done, relax at a bar and have a few drinks with some friends, or go out and see a show. Chinatown theaters present everything from stand-up comedy to vaudeville, musicals, silent films, and plays.

On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet (1.83 meters) below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8a-1p daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.

When an unexpected military attack initiated by the Japanese Navy Air Service on America's naval base in Pearl Harbor jolted the entire nation, it spurred the United States' entry into World War II, thus changing the history of the world as people knew it. The attack caused subsequent world-changing events, and rendered this naval base in Hawaii a crucial part of American history and heritage. Today, Pearl Harbor is dominated by five historic sites that serve as solemn reminders of this day in American history. The USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Park, USS Oklahoma Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum are all part of the site of this war incident. The USS Arizona Memorial in particular pays homage to the sunken vessel.

This Pearl Harbor memorial park is dedicated to World War II submarines and their valiant crews. The park takes its name from a particularly distinguished sub, the USS Bowfin SS-287. Tour the narrow corridors and compartments where the crew worked, ate, and slept on nine hazardous missions. In addition to the Bowfin exhibit, there is a waterfront memorial. Also visit the Battleship Arizona and Missouri memorials.

Stand on the deck of this imposing old structure that has been painstakingly cared for and extensively renovated. The "Mighty Mo" is where General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed the end of World War II in September of 1945. The great vintage battleship now sits at permanent anchor across from the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. You can visit the Arizona Memorial first to get a sense of the complete story.