One of our favorite ways to experience and learn about Hawaiian culture is to make a visit to some of the island’s museums.
Bishop Museum
Visit WebsiteFounded in 1889, The Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state. It houses millions of objects, documents, photographs aimed to carry on and educate on Hawaii’s history and culture. Learn about Native Hawaiians through impressive exhibits, research projects, consulting services and educational programs.
Hawaii Plantation Village
Visit WebsiteHawaii Plantation is a beautiful village showcasing the rich history of Hawaii’s sugar plantation. Known as the outdoor museum of Hawaii’s cultural history, walk around the grounds with a local guide to authentic plantation homes, agrictulure, and other artifacts dating back to the early 1900’s.
Honolulu Museum of Art
Visit WebsiteThe Honolulu Museum of Art is a favorite gathering place for many to celebrate art, culture and history. There are over 50,000 objects at the Museum’s permanant collection and a visit to HOMA is a unique and memorable experience for all.
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Visit WebsiteLearn about the Japanese American experience in Hawaii at this cultural center in Honolulu. Celebrate the culture and traditions through educational programs, special exhibits, and community events.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Visit WebsiteThis national cemetery located in Honolulu is in a volcanic crater that was formed an estimated 75,000 – 1000,000 years ago called the Punchbowl. The cemetery opened in 1949 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Shangri La
Visit WebsiteLearn about Islamic arts and design at the Shangri La’s exhibits, educational programs, and other community engagement. Shangri La was built as the island home for Doris Duke in 1937. Duke fell in love with Hawaii after she and her husband visited on their honeymoon. She spent years collecting art and other decorative pieces that represented the Islamic culture. The home became a public institution in 1965 and it later opened to the public in 2002.