10 great things in Hawaii that most Aussie visitors miss

It’s not all sunsets, swims and Mai Tais. Dig a bit deeper to discover Hawaii’s rich culture, history and local hangouts.

Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace is the only official royal palace in the United States.Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority

The only official royal palace to ever exist in the US, Iolani was home to the last reigning monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii, King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Lili’uokalani. Located in downtown Honolulu, the building and grounds have been respectfully preserved and underwent an extensive restoration before opening to the public as a museum in 1978. Special tours and exhibitions are dedicated to royal fashion and history. See iolanipalace.org

Pineapple Garden Maze

This beautifully landscaped brainteaser is best capped with some pineapple sorbet.Credit: iStock

At one time the world’s largest plant maze, the fun and interactive attraction at the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Oahu covers 0.8 hectares. The outdoor brainteaser, built around a landscaped pineapple design, features hidden stations and deliberate dead ends to challenge competitive types. After you’ve navigated your way out, indulge in a Dole Soft Serve, a delicious pineapple sorbet. See doleplantation.com

There are 137 islands

Many visitors to Hawaii go no further than the beautiful island of Oahu, home to Waikiki beach, downtown Honolulu and North Shore surf breaks. There are, in fact, 137 islands, seven of which are inhabited. The island of Hawaii, known locally as the Big Island, is home to Volcanoes National Park, while Kauai, the “green island” is a favourite filming location for Hollywood productions. Maui, a celeb magnet, boasts some of the most glamorous resorts in the state. See gohawaii.com/au

Cowboy culture

North Kohala: Horseback riding may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii.Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Steeped in Hawaiian ranching history, a thriving cowboy culture continues today. Known as “paniolo”, Hawaiian cowboys in wide-brimmed hats live and work mostly on the Big Island’s cattle ranches. A heritage centre at Pukalani Stables, run by a preservation society, is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to join guided horseback rides on a working cattle ranch with Paniolo Adventures. See paniolopreservation.org and panioloadventures.com

Lewers Lounge

A secret jazz bar at one of Waikiki’s most elegant resorts? Don’t mind if I do. It’s easy to walk right by Lewers Lounge at Halekulani Hotel, hidden away in a corner near the entrance to Orchids restaurant. If you know, you know, and clearly many do, as it’s almost always at capacity. Dark-wood finishes, mood lighting and elegantly dressed guests (no thongs or beach attire) set the scene for live jazz, Tuesday to Saturday nights. See halekulani.com

The Blue Room

Waikapalae wet cave, also known as the Blue Room, is Hawaii’s answer to Italy’s Blue Grotto.Credit: Getty Images

Hawaii’s version of Capri’s Blue Grotto, the Blue Room is a mysterious cave on Kauai with a blue glowing interior. Not officially open to swimmers, the cave takes some work to get to from the parking area at Ke’e Beach. All kinds of myths and legends surround it (some say a malevolent spirit lives inside the cave), and mishaps have been reported, so take care in pursuit of the perfect holiday snap. See kauai-hawaii.com

Hawaii regional cuisine

There’s more to eating and drinking in the islands than fruity cocktails and poke tuna. Hawaii Regional Cuisine is a movement dedicated to celebrating traditional ingredients and cooking methods used for generations. Championed by local chef legends including Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman, locally sourced regional dishes can be enjoyed at their signature restaurants, Roy’s and Merriman’s. See gohawaii.com

Shangri La Museum

The former Diamond Head residence of heiress Doris Duke is now a public museum dedicated to the arts and culture of the Islamic world. The lavish oceanfront mansion and grounds, just outside of Honolulu, house priceless artworks collected on Duke’s global travels. It’s also a lot of fun to imagine the wild parties she once held here in her paradise. Advance bookings essential to avoid disappointment. See shangrilahawaii.org

Friday night fireworks

The free Friday fireworks spectacle is a surprise highlight.Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort’s weekly fireworks extravaganza is not to be missed, yet many visitors don’t know about it. Filling the night sky with colour every Friday from 7.45pm, the display launches from the resort’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon area. Best vantage points include the sand at Fort DeRussy Beach (adjacent to the Hilton) or from a sunset cruise. See hilton.com

Maui’s Makawao Forest

The beauty of nature on Maui extends beyond the idyllic beaches to the refreshingly green interior. Makawao Forest is the place to go for an adventurous hike, bike ride or relaxed bush walk. It’s popular with locals, so expect to hear a friendly “aloha” along the way. Tackle the 10.6-kilometre Kahakapao loop trail to work off those sunset Mai Tais. See prideofmaui.com