Entertainment

As the geographical center of the Pacific, Honolulu is also the entertainment capital of this vast region. There is much to do and see in its many entertainment venues.

Art

Hawai'i is home to many world-class artists, and Honolulu has multiple galleries displaying their work. The Arts of Paradise Gallery in Waikiki features the art of more than 40 of Hawaii's best artists.

Honolulu Academy of Arts, which opened its doors to the general public in 1927, was the dream of Anna Rice Cooke. Her goal, which became the goal of the Academy as an entity, was to create a place where, artistically, "East meets West." There is a large main exhibit area that is used for temporary special exhibits. In addition, there are several other permanent galleries along with a wonderful shop and a delightful restaurant, the Pavilion Cafe, set in a tropical courtyard.

Cinema

In Honolulu's prestigious Restaurant Row near downtown, nine screens show first-run features. In the old Dole Cannery area on the other side of Honolulu's downtown area there is a 16-screen Signature Theatre.

Music and Dance of Polynesia and Beyond

All the colorful islands of the Pacific are well represented in the music and dance of Honolulu. Two excellent production shows are The Magic of Polynesia and the legendary Don Ho Show, both at the Waikiki Beachcomber. The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu's North Shore also presents daily and nightly music and dance extravaganzas. Free entertainment is presented often throughout Waikiki. Two of the best free shows are the classic live hula show at the Waikiki Shell and Aloha Waikiki, at DFS Galleria.

Lovers of classical music should make a date with the The Honolulu Symphony. The highly reputed Symphony attracts some of the world's finest guest conductors and soloists. The Hawaii Opera Theatre has been entertaining lovers of the genre for years.

Luau

One of the most popular forms of entertainment for the visitor to Hawai'i is the luau, a traditional Hawaiian festival party. Guests are served sumptuous food and drink and treated to a music and dance extravaganza. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on the beach at Waikiki, offers the Royal Hawaiian Luau, one of the best around. Germaine's Luau is another favorite, as is the luau at Paradise Cove. On the North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a luau that is widely praised for its authenticity and quality.

Museums

Honolulu boasts one of the country's most interesting local history and cultural archives, the Bishop Museum. Located downtown, this fascinating place was founded in 1889 by Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a member of the Hawaiian royal family. The museum primarily focuses on the islands of the Pacific Basin, but it also houses a fascinating astronomy exhibit. Also downtown, the Mission Houses Museum allows one to step back in time to the early 19th century, when Honolulu was a bustling whaling port. In North Honolulu, Hawaii's Plantation Village recreates life on a sugar plantation through several decades.

For those interested in Military history, the island of O'ahu offers many choices. At the northern end of Waikiki, you'll find the historical Fort DeRussy. The mighty Battleship Missouri has been turned into a Navy and World War II museum at Pearl Harbor. Nearby, the Bowfin Memorial Park has many exhibits about undersea warfare in the last century.

The Music Scene

The most popular venue for rock and pop concerts is the 9000-capacity Neal Blaisdell Arena, located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu also do their share to entertain the rock and pop fans visiting Waikiki.

Nightclubs

Honolulu, like most cities, has a wide variety of spots where nightlife flourishes. Most of these nightclubs are in the tourist area of Waikiki. In the Waikiki Trade Center you will find the large and luxurious Zanzabar Nightclub. Other night spots include the boisterous Pipeline Cafe, and Chai's Island Bistro in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which features the best local Hawaiian performers. There are also countless karaoke and hostess-bars throughout Honolulu. Ala Moana is the main area for these establishments.

Live Theater

The premier house for live theater is the Diamond Head Theatre in the shadow of the Diamond Head State Monument. Another place to see live theater is at the Manoa Valley Theater near the University of Hawai'i. The Honolulu Academy of Arts has the Doris Duke Theatre that sometimes presents plays and musical showcases.

Golf

One of the main reasons visitors come to the Hawaiian Islands is the abundance of beautiful golf courses. Honolulu's home island of O'ahu has a number of great choices. Coral Creek is a favorite for its lush tropical landscaping, exotic coral formations and challenging par-72 course. On the North Shore you'll find the Links at Kuilima. The crowded Ala Wai Golf Course is a convenient and reasonably priced place to play. If saving a few dollars is important, Stand-by Golf can get you next-day and same-day tee times at discounted rates.

For information on all of Honolulu and Oahu's many activities, stop by a hotel activity desk, an activity broker or any airport kiosks. The most thorough source of information is the Convention & Visitor's Bureau (+1 800 464 2924 / http://www.gohawaii.com).