Field Guide: Lazy Sunday Excursions

It’s the last day before the workweek. Take a load off by enjoying these five relaxing excursions.

The Cream Pot

Start the day off right with a hearty brunch at The Cream Pot. This two-year-old restaurant is a country getaway nestled on the ground floor of the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel, with hanging pots, white lace curtains and faux stone walls. We recommend The Classic, a French rolled omelet filled with mushrooms, chopped bacon, caramelized onions and gruyère cheese. For something sweet, the chocolate-filled crepes with Maui strawberries hit the spot. Tip: Call ahead to make a reservation at least 40 minutes prior to arriving, but prepare to wait anyway; the small space gets busy. 444 Niu St., 429-0945.

Flags Flying

Go fly a kite! Head to Flags Flying in Ward Warehouse for kites ranging from keiki diamond-shaped kites to stunt kites with  wingspans of nine feet. “We do custom orders online, too, even for kite surfing,” says co-owner Jeannette Phillips. The kites run from $19 to $280. Phillips and her sister Mary help flyers customize their kites with tails and also sell parafoil kites. If you live on the east side, Waimanalo Park is a reliably windy launch spot. Townies, head to Kakaako Waterfront Park. 591-8999, flagsflying.com.

Tour and Tea

Learn about the temples of Indonesia, or the art of protesting, during Tour and Tea at the Honolulu Academy of Arts every Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. (as well as Tuesday afternoons). “You get to hear the back story behind these works,” says communications director Lesa Griffith. “It adds so many more layers to a piece you might otherwise pass by.” Sip ice tea at the Pavilion Café after the tour. 900 S. Beretania St.; call 532-8700 for reservations. Tour and Tea is free with museum admission and for members. honoluluacademy.org.

Kamaaina Sundays

Locals get in free the first Sunday of every month during Iolani Palace’s Kamaaina Sundays. (This month’s, however, is on the second Sunday, Jan. 9, because of New Year’s.) Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., docents provide guided tours of the first and second floors of the palace, including the throne room, dining room, music room and bedroom suites. Don’t forget to stroll through the kitchen and the artifact galleries in the basement. “It’s a wonderful place for families to have lunch on the lawn afterward,” says volunteer coordinator Cindy Ascenio. 522-0822, iolanipalace.com

Horseback Riding

Escape the hustle and bustle of town by riding horses at Kualoa Ranch, sauntering along its trails on a one-or two-hour tour. The shorter trail ride takes you through the southern part of the ranch, near an 800-year-old loko ia (fishpond), while the two-hour ride winds past World War II bunkers and locations where Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, 50 First Dates and Lost were filmed. Riders also enjoy incredible views of Chinaman’s Hat and the Koolau mountains. 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, 237-7321, $53 for one hour, $79 for two hours, with the kamaaina discount, kualoa.com.

Did You  Know?

The Royal Hawaiian Band, comprising more than 30 members, performs Hawaiian and contemporary music every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Kapiolani Park Bandstand. The concerts are free; we recommended picking up a plate lunch from Diamond Market & Grill before heading to the park. honolulu.gov/rhb, diamondheadmarket.com.