S.H.
ETA: as another tip: there is traffic on the highways and freeways. The peak traffic times are typically in the early morning, before 8:30am (when people are driving to work and school). And then again starting at about 5:00pm. (when people are getting off of work and driving home etc.)
So if you have to get anywhere by a certain time, at those times, plan ahead.
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http://www.gohawaii.com/oahu/experiences/culture
http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2013/04/oahu_v...
http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/info/culturalprogramming
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/travel/budget-oahu-activiti...
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500395_162-57508051/hawaiian-...
1) I would recommend going to see the "Iolani Palace."
It is right in downtown Honolulu.
http://www.iolanipalace.com/
2) And also seeing the "Bishop Museum."
http://www.bishopmuseum.org/
3) Also "walking tours in Honolulu":
http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahusights/ss/honolulu_walk_...
http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/honolulu/
http://www.ohanatours.org/
Make sure you have a stroller for the 3 year old.
The Polynesian Cultural center is very visual and displays the various Polynesian cultures. Not only, the Hawaiian, culture. Hawaiians are not the same as say, the Tongans or Samoans etc. These are all different Polynesian cultures. Hawaii is a melting pot, of MANY cultures.
Per Hawaii, it is the Hawaiian culture, which is indigenous. And it was the Hawaiian Monarchy, which was overthrown by the outsiders. Thus, Iolani Palace, is the place to see and learn, about it.
The Polynesian Cultural Center, is quite a drive from Waikiki. It is on the opposite side of the island.... and yes it is an all-day into the evening type thing especially if you all stay for the Luau. And with a 3 year old in tow... it might be too long. Realistically.
From Waikiki, it would probably take 1 hour to drive there one-way. Also keep in mind traffic on the Highways.
4) Also just for fun and free is "Sunset On The Beach" in Waikiki:
http://www.sunsetonthebeach.net/
5) Also, the local Honolulu Police Department has free, tours- (and this is something not all Tourists know about):
http://www.honolulupd.org/community/index.php?page=museum
Also, while at the Honolulu Police Department, on the ground floor, there is a SMALL snack shop/store. THIS is where, you can find and buy "Hawaii Five-0" t-shirts and souvenirs. And also Honolulu Police Department souvenirs.
Finding Hawaii Five-0 t-shirts, is hard to find. Even for locals. There is no, Hawaii Five-0 stores.
So, this is a tip, for you. You can find it at the Honolulu Police Department's, snack shop/store.
And if you go here, bring cash. Because if I remember correctly, the snack shop/store only accepts cash. I went there with my kids before and bought stuff.
6) Hawaii is also full of very diverse foods. So, I would suggest TRYING all the different types of ethnic foods. Not only going to McDonald's to eat, for example. Hawaii is known for its good foods.
"Luaus" are a Hawaiian feast of traditional foods. Which is more commercialized now, for the mainstream palates.
It is not "Luau" food per say, that gives people food poisoning. Food poisoning can be derived from ANY food. Even an American style BBQ. It is about food preparation. Or the source of where the food ingredients came from. Or, some people may get "sick" from eating non-mainstream foods, because they are not used to it in everyday life.
7) I also recommend going to "Hanauma Bay" for snorkeling.
http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/inform...
http://www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com/
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hanauma-bay-nature-preserve.html
7) Hawaii is not cheap. Yes it costs money. Even for locals. A gallon of milk, on sale is close to $6. Regular price it can be close to $8.
For example.
But in Waikiki, like all tourist spots, things do cost more.
You cannot, get a wide view or experience of the "Hawaiian" culture, with just one, venue.
Hawaii is very ethnic. Comprised of many many ethnicities and cultures. So be prepared to see many different "skin" colors. But yes, we all speak English. And don't go around in grass skirts.
It is also very casual here. Shorts and t-shirts and slippers is worn by most everyone. We do not dress formally here or wear suits and ties.
But be sure you all have comfortable covered shoes AND bring flip-flops (we call it slippers), because you will be doing a lot of walking.
And do not wear, socks with sandals or with flip flops.
This is "tourist" garb. And it will make you stand out.
And bring and use lots of sunscreen.
Even being out for 15 minutes in the sun, will get you sunburned.
If you have a rental car, also bring cash/quarters etc. Because that is what parking meters take. Or some meters take debit cards etc., but in Waikiki by the Zoo mostly.
There are also ATM machines everywhere.
Public restrooms are frequent. In any mall, hotel, or fast food chain restaurant etc.
8) Oh yeah, this is also a place to see/go:
The Mission House Museum
http://www.missionhouses.org/
It is about post-Hawaiian and the influence of the Missionaries in Hawaii and their impact on Hawaiians/Hawaii...and thus their impact on Hawaiian history.
It is located in Downtown Honolulu.
Many sights to see, in Downtown Honolulu area.
And it is not located far from Waikiki.