Doris Duke Foundation Islamic

In 1936, tobacco heiress Doris Duke and her then husband, James Cromwell, purchased beachfront property just east of Diamond Head. The couple built a lavish home overlooking the sea, and Duke spent the rest of her life filling it with Islamic art; richly colored carpets and embroideries, elaborate tile mosaics, carved wood and marble paneling, and architectural flourishes throughout. The residence is now known as Shangri La: Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures, and special guided tours offer you the opportunity to step inside a house that's less a home and more a living piece of art in its own right. The tour takes you through the house and around the grounds, allowing you to marvel at the detailed work inside, and the spectacular ocean views outside. It's one of the most unique tours available on Oahu.

How to get to the Shangri La
Tours of Shangri La are only available via shuttle from the Honolulu Museum of Art; no walk up visitors are allowed. Tours are held Wednesday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m, and tickets must be reserved in advance. You can book online or by calling (808) 532-3853. The Honolulu Museum of Art is located at 900 South Beretania Street. The museum's parking lot is at the Honolulu Museum of Art School at 1111 Victoria Street. From Waikiki, go north on Kuhio Avenue. Turn right onto Kuamoo Street, then Left on Ala Wai Blvd. Turn right on Kalakaua and continue up to S. Beretania St. Turn left, then turn left onto Victoria St. The parking lot entrance will be on your left. From downtown, take the H1 to the Kinau St. exit. Stay in Kinau Str., and turn right onto Victoria St. If coming by bus, the 1, 1L, 2, and 2L westbound stop in front of the Honolulu Museum of Art, east bound on S. King St., two blocks away.

Best and worst times to go to Shangri La
There's no air conditioning inside the house, and no outside covering on the grounds, so you won't enjoy the tour as much if it's too hot or if it's raining. Check the weather forecast and aim for a cooler day with minimal chance of showers.

Admission to Shangri La
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for Hawaii residents. Tickets also include admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Must see/do at Shangri La
Be sure to take your picture outside, with a stunning view of the sea behind you.

Other places to visit near Shangri La
Because visitors are taken to Shangri La by shuttle, you can't explore the neighborhood around Shangri La. But there are several other attractions not far from the Honolulu Museum of Art, including Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Kawaiahao Church, and the Mission Houses Museum.

Insider tip for visitors to Shangri La
If you take the 9 a.m. tour, you'll arrive back at the Honolulu Museum of Art just in time for lunch at the museum's café.

Author's bio: Gillian G. Gaar is a Seattle-based freelancer who writes about music, entertainment, and travel. She can't wait to visit Shangri La again.