Even if you do not have kids, this is a must-see on your vacation. It's a great rainy-day diversion; plan to spend at least half a day here. The Bishop museum was founded by a Hawaiian princess named Bernice Pauahi who collected priceless artifacts. When the princess passed away, she left a will asking her husband to create a museum with the artifacts she collected. She hoped it would enrich and delight the people of Hawaii, and it has. The Bishop Museum has the world's greatest collection of natural and cultural artifacts from Hawaii and the Pacific. You'll become a kid again in this interactive, fun environment: walk down a "Hawaiian origins" tunnel into the deep ocean zone, stopping along the way to play with all the cool, high-tech toys, then explore the interior of a volcano and climb to the top to get a bird's-eye view of an erupting caldera that looks like the real thing.

From insect specimens and ceremonial spears to calabashes and old photos of topless hula dancers. A visit here will give you a good basis for understanding Hawaiian life and culture. You'll see the great feathered capes of kings, the last grass shack in Hawaii, pre-industrial Polynesian art, even the skeleton of a 50-foot sperm whale.

To enjoy the costumes, implements and other relics of the Hawaiian past, get out your map and locate 1525 Bernice street. you won’t have far to travel if you are in Waikiki, but you will have to pay to park. You can also enjoy shopping or a movie after the museum in the nearby mall. The museum is open daily (except Christmas) and the admission price is fair and goes to a good cause. You can call 808-847-3511 to find out about the latest activities, events and shows. This is another wonderful activity to add to your Hawaii vacation. Fun and learning all in one.