Everyone goes to Pearl Harbor when they visit Hawaii, but remember, that's American history, not necessarily Hawaiian history. Here in 2019, with the Hawaiian Renaissance at a near boil, there are a lot of cultural and historical points of interest that showcase the days before Western contact with Hawaii, which trace the roots and customs of the Kingdom and Monarchy of Hawaii. Here are 10 places to check out on your next trip.

The Bishop Museum has, by far, the most extensive collection of Native Hawaiian artifacts and stories, sharing the cultural and natural history of the islands from the arrival of the first settlers nearly 2,000 years ago up to the modern area. Special exhibits hone in on fun yet historical topics-like the birth of surfing-while the permanent halls display capes, tools and other items from past civilizations.

Hawaii once operated under a judicial system known as the "kapu system," in which certain things were deemed by the king to be forbidden, or "kapu." The kapu system was used in many ways: to prevent crime, of course (it was kapu to steal), but also to influence social behavior (it was kapu for women to eat with men) and enforce environmental standards (certain times of the year, it would be kapu to pick certain fruits).

Anyone who broke a kapu would be put to the death, unless they were able to evade the King's killing party (seriously!) and flee to a Puuhonua, or a place of refuge, where they could be rehabilitated by a kahuna, or priest. Puuhonua o Honaunau is the preserved remains of one and is a national historic park. It can be visited on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Given its location on Alii Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona, amongst all the shops and restaurants and happenings, it's no wonder people walk right by the Hulihee Palace without giving it a second thought. But that location is more of a blessing than a curse. Easily accessible and sitting oceanfront, it is said to have been used by more Hawaiian royalty than any other home in the islands, originally built of lava rock back in 1838. Saved from disrepair in the early 20th century, today it is a museum that showcases Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani.

The Iolani Palace was built by the last king of Hawaii, David Kalakaua, who was determined to put Hawaii on the world map as a respected power. An avid traveler, he learned from his trips to Europe that great nations had great histories-including statues that honored past leaders-and that they were not shy in their presentation of power. Kalakaua had the Iolani Palace built in the 1880s and placed a statue of King Kamehameha, Hawaii's most famous ruler, across the street. Take a tour to learn about its storied past and see the inside of this great palace.

Fishponds were used in ancient Hawaii as a sustainable way of harvesting fish. Through the use of the tides, seaweed cultivation and a two-gate system, Hawaiians were able to create a replenishing source of fish for its communities. You can read more about them in some of our recent articles. Fishponds are found all over the islands, so look for one wherever you are, such as Waiaopae (Lanai), Heeia (Oahu), Alii (Molokai), Koieie (Maui) and Kaloko (Big Island).

Poipu Beach bustles with beach goers, and for the past few years, an ancient village has been unearthed under their noses. The Kaneiolouma Heiau is still revealing new discoveries as it is being excavated, going from an overgrown jungle just a few years ago to the sprawling complex we see today. Check out some photos of the progress, and stop by the interpretive sign to learn more about the project. It's exciting to see that there are still hidden secrets, even in the most developed areas.

Back in the day, Hawaiians, especially royalty, gave birth on large stones, known today as "birthstones." Most were slanted in a recline, or birthing, position. Read the full story behind their relevance and then stop by the Kukaniloko Birthstone State Monument to see a few in Central Oahu.

During the second half of the 19th century, a leprosy outbreak prompted the Hawaiian leaders to quarantine all infected patients. The site chosen was the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. A small town and support system developed on Kalaupapa-headed by the infamous Father Damien-but over the years, more than 8,000 patients died in isolation. Today, a handful of patients still live at Kalaupapa and the peninsula has opened up to visitors via organized tours.

Iao Valley is the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, although you wouldn't know it from its green, pristine topography today. In 1790, King Kamehameha's army from the Big Island invaded Maui during Kamehameha's quest to conquer and forcibly rule the islands. Aided by canons he obtained via foreign trade, he won the battle (but he did not entirely conquer Maui until several years later). There was so much loss of life in the historic battle that the river, which you will see when you visit, is said to have "run red."

The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site shares the history of the Kingdom's beginning. Situated beautifully above the ocean stands the great temple of Kamehameha, Puukohola, and a once-functioning fort, Mailekini Heiau. It is highly recommended that you take a guided tour to make the place come alive and hear the stories attached to this revered landscape.