Bishop Museum

We didn't have nearly enough time to see everything, but the Hawaii Hall, in the main part of the museum, is one of the most beautiful museum spaces I've seen. We had a wonderful docent tour, and the planetarium presentation about wayfinding by the stars was very interesting. We learned a lot.

A must stop for those interested, and even those who are not, in learning about the history, arts and culture of the Hawaiian people. There are three buildings on the premises: Bishop’s Museum, Science Hall and a building housing a temporary Contemporary Art Exhibit. There is a planetarium requiring tickets (and additional cost for non-members). The Science Hall is geared towards kids with lots of interactive exhibits. The rich dark wood staircases add to the beauty of the interior. The Kahili room in the Hawaiian Hall was one of my favorites. The room displays the various types of Kahili (a long pole decorated at one end with feather plumes and used in ceremonies) along with portraits of the monarchy. You can also see King Kamehameha’s cape made of feathers. A floor is dedicated to the role of gods in Hawaiian life. Other exhibits include items from cultures such as Polynesia and Micronesia. One of the most unique and unforgettable items is the life-size replica of a sperm whale hanging from the ceiling of the Great Hall. It has skin on one side and a skeleton on the other side. Also hanging from the ceiling is a giant turtle, a stingray, and an outrigger canoe. One can spend an entire day in the main museum. Entrance is through the gift shop and parking is available. Something for everyone! Highly recommend.

The complex is subdivided into different buildings. To access one building to the next, one walks along the garden called the great lawn, except paki hall that houses the sports hall of fame. The sport hall of fame is the least impressive and can be skipped (its also the hardest to access).

The main hall: hawaiian hall is the best one. It gives very detailed history into the hawaiian royalty and history.

I also gave the planetarium show (extra fee) a miss although we did go inside the waiting area to look at the displays (plus a toilet break).

The museum exhibits are spread across several buildings and include natural history, contemporary art, interactive games on the lawn, and a planetarium, so there is a lot to see and do. The natural history exhibits in the Hawaiian Hall are very "word-heavy" with lots of long explanations for artifacts, so younger children will make quick work of the artifacts while the adults are still plowing through all the signage that goes with them. Highlights include an exhibit on race versus culture, which begins with a history of how the concept of race was invented, applied to humans around the world, used in an attempt to identify the "perfect Hawaiian," and became the abhorrent practices of eugenics. Another highlight is the full-sized grass "hale" or house. Spend an hour in the Hawaiian Hall and you will almost certainly learn a word or two of Hawaiian.

The museum is a little off the beaten path in Honolulu, it's neither near Waikiki nor the historic center, and it takes forever to reach by bus, but it's really worth the effort. Lots of local history. Allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything it has to offer. Nice gift shop.

Through artifacts and pictures, re-creations, sea specimens and tools from indigenous people of the Pacific Islands, the museum tells the story of Hawaii. Housed in several buildings, including stately Romanesque building that serves as the main building, this setting for such an expansive and important collection lends additional gravitas to the importance of preserving this history. There are interactive elements for kids, and when we were there they had an exhibit on the history of surfing. Definitely worth the price of admission!

This is a beautiful historic museum. The displays about Hawiian history were so interesting and beautifully done. There is a hand-on exhibit next to the historic building which is mainly for kids. There is also a science building that seems to be in disrepair or in transition. The price is kind of steep compared to other museums of this type on the mainland - but this is Hawaii so expect to pay a bit more. Plan on spending at least 2 two hours or more to savor all of the displays on all three floors of the historic buildings.

This museum exhibits different types of exhibitions of the Hawaiian and Pacific culture, which makes it an incredibly unique place to visit. Includes the planetarium as well that makes it even more interesting. This is a museum to go when you are visiting Honolulu.

This museum charges $5.00 for every checked bag and $33.95 pp ($30.95 for seniors, $25.95 youth, 4-17). Exhibitions are spread amongst several multi storied spread apart buildings and the ADA restroom is away from the main exhibition buildings. This Museum is not convenient for anyone who doesn’t walk easily or is disabled. Not worth the price

This is a very nice museum, with great exhibits on the history of the Hawaiian islands, and of Polynesia in general.
Great displays of artifacts, with detailed, interesting explanations.
Current exhibit of the story of surfing is wonderful.