Just north of Honolulu and on your way to the Contemporary Museum of Art, the Tantalus Rainforest in Makiki is a fresh change of scenery from the busy city. Located at 2,013 feet, the Tantalus Rainforest and Mountain offer visitors panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline while surrounded by an array of wildlife, flowers and exotic fruit trees.
Contemporary Museum of Art, Makiki, 2411 Makiki Heights Drive, tel. 808-526-0232, www.tcmhi.org. This is my favorite museum on O`ahu – it's located away from the city on 31/2 acres of terraced sculpture gardens with striking views of Honolulu. The museum is a peaceful place to spend the afternoon. The exhibits are always fascinating and the atmosphere is open and airy. The museum hosts exhibitions by some of the world's most renowned contemporary artists and one of the highlights is a permanent exhibit by David Hockney inspired by Maurice Ravel's opera L`Enfant et les Sortilèges (The Child and the Bewitched).
The Contemporary Museum of Art has an award-winning café that serves up some delectable dishes. The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm; closed Mondays and most holidays. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students. Children under 12 are admitted for free. Parking is free and plentiful.
Lyon Arboretum, 3860 Manoa Road, tel. 808-988-0464, www.lyon-arboretum.com. This public garden, deep in the lush folds of Manoa Valley, is home to hundreds of tropical flower species, plants and trees. Set on 193 acres, this is a great spot to hike, bird watch and relax. To get to Lyon Arboretum, drive north on University Avenue, which turns into Oahu Avenue after you pass the University of Hawaii campus. Pass East Manoa Road and then turn right onto Manoa Road. Signs will direct you to Paradise Park and then to Lyon Arboretum.





