DOWNTOWN. Built in the early 1880s, this graceful Italian Renaissance structure is America's only royal palace and was home to Hawaii's last two rulers. When American businessmen overthrew the monarchy, they used the palace as the capitol until 1969; after it was vacated by the state government, restoration was begun. These days, three of the building's four floors are open to tours, and visitors can glimpse the ornate throne room, koa-wood staircase, and a wealth of plasterwork and elaborate furnishings. Amazing jewels and artifacts are available for viewing in the Galleries. Guided tours are not open to children under 5 (they are allowed in the Gallery tour). Reservations recommended for guided tours.

DOWNTOWN. Originally intended as a royal residence, this historic building was reconfigured to house government offices when Iolani Palace was constructed. Today, it is still the home of Hawaii's supreme court. The elegant interiors, complete with graceful curves and ornate trim, are available for touring, and the Judiciary History Center (located on the ground floor) tracks Hawaiian history back two centuries. In front of the building, which faces Iolani Palace, is a statue of King Kamehameha I, in regal costume, arm outstretched.

DOWNTOWN. This landmark tower, sitting at the edge of Honolulu Harbor, once provided the initial greeting to visitors disembarking from cruise ships. Inscribed with the word "Aloha" and boasting clock faces, the tower also offers an observation deck, from which folks can take in views of Honolulu. These days, the tower (which was built in 1926) serves as the centerpiece of Aloha Tower Marketplace, a complex of shops and restaurants.

FORD ISLAND. In commission from 1944 until 1998, this imposing battleship, nicknamed "Mighty Mo," saw her share of protection and peacekeeping missions. However, her most notable presence was in Hawaii in 1945, when the papers formalizing Japan's surrender were signed on her decks and WWII came to an official end. Today, not far from the USS Arizona memorial, she rests in retirement and invites visitors to browse her decks. To reach her mooring point off Ford Island, guests must first purchase tickets at the USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum site. Tours include general admission fees.

DOWNTOWN. Nestled in downtown Honolulu is this sacred structure, the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the US. The first Catholic missionaries arrived on Hawaiian shores in 1827, and the construction of the church was completed in 1843. The land on which it sits was given to the mission by King Kamehameha III. In 1864, Father Damien de Veuster was ordained here. De Veuster tended to, and greatly improved, the leper colony on the island of Molokai, remaining in his post even after contracting the disease himself. In 1972, the cathedral was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.