Hawaii is a great destination to spend the vacation with your partner. The island is the largest of all the eight major Hawaiian Islands. 

This big Island offers many things to explore by its visitors. From hiking through the lush green rainforests, witnessing the breathtaking views of waterfalls and Sea shores, and going on a tasting tour to explore Hawaiian cuisine. 

But have you guys ever thought about exploring the history of Hawaii Island? Many things that we see today are somehow connected with the things that happened in the past. 

In this post, I’ve listed 7 Famous Museums in Hawaii that are worth exploring.

7 Famous Museums in Hawaii

Your trip can become more memorable by learning about Hawaiian history, including the Hawaiian kingdom, astronomy, native Hawaiian culture, and other natural and cultural history. 

You can explore the various collections and displays of works of art, artifacts, and island treasures.  

Following are the most famous museums in Hawaii:

1. Honolulu Museums of Art

For art lovers, Honolulu Museums of Art, also known as Honolulu Academy of Art, is a must-visit museum. This museum exhibits Hawaiian history and culture and even hosts various art exhibitions, films, as well as live performances. 

The museum has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 art pieces from over 5,000 years. These art pieces are from Asian textiles, European paintings, and traditional artworks from Africa and Oceania. 

Anna Rice Cooke founded this art museum in 1922. 

The museum hosts an Art After Dark event on the last Friday of every month. A visitor must visit this museum to enjoy the live music, dance performances, and arts.

2. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

The largest museum in the state is the Bishop Museum. This museum was initially built to hold the collection of Hawaiian antique and royal heirlooms of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. 

But at present, it holds one of the largest collections of natural specimens in the entire world. The bishop museum is now also regarded as a leading institution covering the natural and cultural history of the Pacific. 

Visitors can learn about the lives of native Hawaiians, immigrants to Hawaii, and the residents of other Pacific islands here.

The museum has a Science Adventure Center where they host Hawaiian navigation-inspired planetarium shows that Children are gonna love. 

3. ‘Iolani Palace

‘Iolani Palace is the only official royal palace on American territory and a centuries-old symbol of the Hawaiian monarchy. King Kalakaua started the construction of the palace on 31st December 1879, and it was finished in 1882. 

The Italian Renaissance inspired the exterior design of the palace, but elements of traditional Hawaiian designs and style can also be seen. 

Visitors will get to see various royal portraits, ornate furniture, precious royal jewelry, military weapons, and royal paperwork. You also get to know about the early use of advanced technology here. “Iolani palace had an electric light even before the White House and also had a flush toilet, which was considered a rare luxury at that time.

4. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a famous historic site located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This was the site where the attack on Pearl Harbor happened on 7th December 1941, led to World War II. 

The USS Arizona Memorial, the battleship Mission Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum are all located at Pearl Harbor. 

Pearl Harbor is the only U.S. Navy base that has received the title of National Historical landmark. 

A visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is very important for all those history lovers interested in knowing about World War II and for people who want to pay tribute to all the people who lost their lives on that day. 

5. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is located at Mauna Kea’s foothills. The center is the connection between the historical and spiritual significance of the mountains of Hawaii with the Hawai’i tradition of exploration utilization of stars. 

Mauna Kea’s foothills is one of the most famous observatory sites in Hawaii. They conduct various educational events all day, and they let the young visitors to hands-on exhibits. 

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a great place to learn about the history of astronomy and the Polynesian navigation of Hawaiian people.  In addition, you can also learn the early Hawaiian deep knowledge of the night sky, and even you can learn about how to understand constellations and stars. 

6. Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design

Shangri La is the former residence of a billionaire heiress and a philanthropist named Doris Duke. This museum is the center of Islamic arts, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation now manages the entire property.

Doris Duke was often called the “ richest little girl in the world”, and her extensive trips across the world had contributed to the collection of magnificent art. 

The main highlights of the museum are gilt and painted ceiling from Morocco, painted wooden interiors from Syria, beautiful pair of shaped carpets from India, Vivid ceramics from Iraq and metalworks, and vibrant textiles from Spain and India. 

Additionally, you will be able to see Arabesque wall decorations, stained-glass windows, a beautiful garden, wooden ceilings, and fountains.

Visitors must not miss the Duke’s Taj Mahal–inspired bedroom and the Moroccan-commissioned lounge room. 

7. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum takes the visitors step by step towards the history of sugar production and how it directly impacted the island of Maui.

The museum shows the role of Alexander and Baldwin in developing the Sugarcane industry in Hawaii. The museum contains various images, artifacts, and records of that time. Sugar was a significant industry.

Visitors from all over the globe visit the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum to get a look at the lives of laborers.

Bottom Line

Hawaii Island is a full package of fun and adventure. The island offers a lot of experiences to its visitors. Doing hiking, exploring volcanoes, waterfalls, beautiful beach sights, and going on a taste tour is a must when you visit this tropical Island, Hawaii.

But exploring the museums and historic landmarks is going to tell you a lot about the culture and people of the Island. So, if Hawaii is on your next trip list, then don’t miss out on all these museums.  

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Namrata123