Top Rated Attractions in Honolulu

Wedged between the Hawaii State Library and the Iolani Palace, the original archives building was the first building in the USA to be solely dedicated to archival purposes. Designed by architect Oliver Green Traphagen and completed in August 1906, it still is the repository dedicated to collecting and preserving government records that include many documents from the Hawaiian monarchy to present legislative sessions. There is an invaluable collection that includes photographs, documents on Hawaiian history, royal documents and even logs of Pacific Ocean voyages. The building is a reflection of Hawaiian renaissance revival architecture that includes a 30x40 foot fireproof steel vault. - Lottie Tagupa

Ali'iolani Hale is an important historical building in downtown Honolulu; originally designated as a royal palace, it was completed in 1874, and currently houses the Judiciary History Center of Hawaii. The structure is modeled on the architecture of the Italian Renaissance masters, and a golden statue of King Kamahameha I has been placed in the lawn. The Center is the hub of legal activity and education, and is open to the general public. Other government offices are also housed alongside it in Ali'iolani Hale.

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

At the base of the Ko'olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple from Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell—ring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely.

Located just a few steps from the Iolani Palace, this classic medieval fortress was originally built in 1871 on the grounds of where the Hawaii State Capitol Building is. Halekoa (as it is historically called) was the home of the Royal Guard of the Hawaiian Kingdom until the overthrow in 1893. In the post monarchy years, it was the headquarters of the Hawaii National Guard. It also served as an annex for government offices and disaster shelters. In 1965, the building was moved stone by stone to the Palace grounds. Today, the building is home to the offices for the Friends of Iolani Palace, a gift shop, visitors and ticket office of the Palace Grounds.

Built by Christian missionaries in the 1830s and 1840s, this church has always been frequented by Hawaiian royalty. The handsome gray edifice, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was constructed of 14000 coral blocks. The upper gallery houses a collection of portraits of Hawaiian monarchs. Traditional Hawaiian-language services are held here every Sunday. The pews at the rear are still reserved for descendants of Hawaii's royalty.