In Hawaiian, Oahu means "The Gathering Place," an appropriate name for the island that hosts more than five million visitors annually, and is home to 75 percent of the state's population. An estimated three-fourths all visitors to Hawaii stop in Oahu, most to enjoy the world-famous beaches at Waikiki. But Oahu is also home to the only royal palace in the United States, one of the finest collections of Asian art outside of Asia and an estate that features more than 3,500 examples of Islamic art. So, if you want to learn more about Hawaiian culture than can be gleaned from the hotel-sponsored luau, leave your pi–a colada at the tiki bar and take a few hours to discover Oahu's artistic and historic treasures.

The Bishop Museum

The best jumping-off point for your tour is the Bishop Museum, which houses literally millions of artifacts, animal specimens, photographs and books all relating to the cultural and natural history of Hawaii and the Pacific. Founded in 1889 to house the Kamehameha royal family's heirlooms, today, the Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state with one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world.

While Hawaii's modern history, beginning with the arrival of Captain James Cook and his party in 1778, is well-documented, before the arrival of Europeans, the history of the islands was passed down through legends and chants. This tradition continues, and generations of native Hawaiians are familiar with the stories that define their history and culture. Many of the artifacts that feature prominently in these tales can be found in the Bishop Museum. Through the museum's Ola Na Mo'olelo (Living Stories), visitors hear the stories so familiar to generations of Hawaiians. Every weekday, cultural specialists re-enact historical events, and afterward, visitors are encouraged to take a behind the scenes tour to view objects related to the day's story. The Bishop Museum: Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except Christmas. 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, 808-847-3511, www.bishopmuseum.org

Iolani Palace

The subject of one Ola Na Mo'olelo at the Bishop Museum is the story of King Kalakaua; his wife, Queen Kapiolani; and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch. The story takes you through the 17-year reign of the "Merry Monarch", during which time Kalakaua revived ancient Hawaiian traditions, including the hula. The docent-led tour at Iolani Palace continues the tale after Kalakaua's death, to the overthrow and house arrest of Liliuokalani in Iolani Palace, and the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.

The design of the palace itself was influenced by Kalakaua's visits to European capitals, but features island touches like numerous outdoor walkways and lanais. Visitors are asked to refrain from touching anything inside the palace, and must wear booties over their shoes. Tempting though it may be, sliding in the booties, "Risky Business"-style, across the vast hardwood-floored rooms is discouraged. Iolani Palace: Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. King and Richards Streets, Honolulu, 808-522-0832, www.iolanipalace.org

Honolulu Academy of Arts

Internationally recognized for the diversity and quality of its collection, the Academy houses one of the finest collections of Asian art outside of Asia. Its 30 galleries feature works by Picasso, Monet, Gauguin and Cezanne, and host diverse traveling exhibitions. While famous for its Asian art collection, the Academy's permanent collection also showcases textiles from around the world, Hawaiiana, African and Western art. The Academy also serves as the orientation center for tours to Shangri La, Doris Duke's palatial Honolulu estate. As such, the center hosts educational programs on Islamic art, a passion of Duke's and the theme of her estate. Honolulu Academy of Arts: Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays and all federal holidays; guided tours Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m, Sunday at 1:15 p.m. 900 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, 808-532-8700, www.honoluluacademy.org.

Shangri La: The Doris Duke Estate

In 1935, heiress Doris Duke married and took an around the world honeymoon. During that time, she became enthralled by the art of the Islamic world. Also captivated by Hawaii during what was to be a short stay, Duke decided to build Shangri La, a vast estate near Diamond Head that would be her winter home for more than 50 years.

The home combines Islamic architectural elements, mosaics, ceramics and tapestries in a uniquely Hawaiian landscape. All of the more than 3,500 pieces featured in the home were painstakingly chosen by Duke herself, and assembled by architects and designers. While not a specific study in Hawaiian culture, Shangri La is an interesting chapter in Hawaiian history. Duke enjoyed surfing, sailing and Hawaiian music, and established many local friendships, most notably with renowned surfer Duke Kahanamoku and his family.

Doris Duke created Shangri La as a private retreat, away from the curious eyes of the public. Today, the home is open to the public for small group tours. It is owned and supported by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, created in Duke's will to promote the study, understanding, and preservation of Islamic art and culture. Tickets are available through the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and often sell out months in advance. Shangri La: www.shangrilahawaii.org. For tickets, contact the Honolulu Academy of Arts, 808-532-8700, www.honoluluacademy.org.

Pop Culture

Hawaiian culture goes far beyond the loud shirts, coconut-shell drink receptacles and dashboard hula dolls, but that's not to say that there's no place for the kitschy pop-culture element. Walk around the Chinatown area of downtown Honolulu, and you'll find antique stores full of tiki torches, old ukeleles, carvings of the Hawaiian deity Ku, 1950s postcards and the like. This bustling marketplace is also home to wonderful lei stands, restaurants and open-air produce markets. Tourist areas around Waikiki also offer ample opportunity for shopping, but for fresh-flower leis and authentic Hawaii memorabilia, it's fun to explore the shops in this area. Several art galleries also populate the streets surrounding Chinatown; entertainment and receptions take place at many of them from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

If you want to taste one of Hawaii's most popular food items, just stop by any local 7-Eleven. No, they won't sell you a bowl of poi, I'm talking about musubi - a fancy name for rice topped with Spam then wrapped in seaweed. Yes, Spam. Hawaii leads the nation in per capita Spam consumption, consuming nearly 7 million cans per year. That's about six cans for every man, woman and child. Even McDonald's has Spam on the menu.

For a sweeter treat, find a shave ice stand. Ice is shaved, right off the block, into a fine powder and topped with fruit flavors. The best stands put the shave ice on top of ice cream for a refreshing, fruity, creamy treat that's not to be missed. While there are many stands across the island, Matsumoto Shave Ice on the North Shore is the most famous, counting Tom Hanks and Kristi Yamaguchi among its patrons. Matsumoto Shave Ice: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, www.matsumotosaveice.com.

These are but a few of the cultural and artistic experiences that Oahu has to offer. For more information about arts and culture in Oahu, visit www.artswithaloha.com, or contact the Oahu Visitors Bureau at 877-525-6248 (OAHU) or www.visit-oahu.com.

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