U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii

The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii tells the military story of Hawaii from ancient times through the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Battery Randolph at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki, the tanks and artillery out front are reminders of Hawaii's strategic role in the history of the U.S. military, even amidst the tourist heaven of Waikiki.

Opened in the mid 1970s, the museum has recently been renovated, and it shows. Admission is always free, so a donation is made on behalf of each Go Oahu Card visitor. The audio guide (about $5 per person) gives a thorough overview of the museum's galleries and historic artifacts.

TripAdvisor reviewer midway42 sums up the experience, "As someone who has visited a couple dozen military museums on four continents, I can definitively say these guys know what they are doing." Visitors routinely call the U.S. Army Museum a hidden gem, a surprising find, and well worth the visit. The small gift shop has military memorabilia and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Allow at least an hour for your visit, more if you're a military history buff.