Oahu Exploring

Best Historical Museum: The date that will live in infamy -- December 7, 1941 -- is remembered daily at USS Arizona Memorial (1 Arizona Memorial Pl.; tel. 808/422-0561). Pay tribute to the more than 1,100 crewmen who died aboard the sunken battleship during one of the free tours offered between 7:45am and 3pm.

Best Wave: Arguably the most famous and deadliest break anywhere, the Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park, Pupukea) demonstrates the spectacular forces of the world's largest ocean releasing its fury on an offshore reef. When the forecast calls for big waves, be there with a towel, sunscreen, and a camera (unless your name is Laird Hamilton, entering the water isn't worth the risk).

Best Workout: More than an hour's climb up the Diamond Head trail (tel. 808/587-0300) is a natural stair-climber that can provide a last-minute beach-body boost. The entrance fee ($5 per vehicle; $1 per pedestrian, 6am-6pm daily) is a far better value than the local gym: The hike's payoff includes a rich ecological setting, plus unparalleled views of Honolulu from the summit's historic artillery control station.

Best Art Museum: The Hawaii State Art Museum (250 South Hotel St.; tel. 808/586-0308) houses some of the islands' top artworks. The museum, built in 1928 as a YMCA, rotates its free exhibitions, ensuring that no two visits will be the same.

Best Jungle Adventure: Lyon Arboretum's (3680 Manoa Rd.; tel. 808/988-0456) collection of tropical vegetation is well worth the suggested entrance donation ($5). A short trail through the rainforest along Manoa Creek takes you to the breathtaking, 150-foot Manoa Falls.