Journey Through Hawaii's Past: Top Museums to Explore

Hawaii isn’t just a place to vacation, or a place for surf sessions and wave breaks. This paradise is home to a rich culture that dates back for many centuries. From the fascinating Polynesian heritage woven deeply into the roots of the state, to significant historical events in U.S. history, Hawaii has a museum to cover it all. Here are the best.

Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, selected as the Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, is a museum of history and science in the history-rich Kalihi district of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

The Honolulu Museum of Art is the largest of its kind in the state, and was founded in 1922 by Anna Rice Cooke. This mission of this museum is to “bring together great art and people to create a more harmonious, adaptable, and enjoyable society in Hawaii.”

Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

Shangri La is an Islamic-style mansion built by heiress Doris Duke just outside of Honolulu. The mansion is now both owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

The site of the World War II bombings, Pearl Harbor is now home to many facets of history. The USS Arizona was a battleship built for and by the United States Navy in the mid-1910s. The ship and its crew was devastated on Dec. 7, 1941 during the Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese. Located on the famous Ford Island, sits the USS Missouri, another American battleship, and the third ship of the Navy to be named in honor of the U.S. state of Missouri, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a non-profit founded in 1999 to develop an aviation museum in Hawaii.

The Lyman House Memorial Museum, Hilo, Big Island, HI

The Lyman House Memorial Museum, or the Lyman Museum, is a Hilo-based museum of natural history founded in 1931 in the Lyman family mission house, which was originally built in 1838.

Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu, HI

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a Polynesian theme park and living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu. At this center, Pacific Island people “demonstrate their traditional arts and crafts and perform their lively songs and dances.” Get immersed in Polynesian culture at this fascinating living museum.

Hulihe'e Palace, Kailua-Kona, HI

The Hulihe'e Palace is located in Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive. What was once the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, is now a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaii, displaying beautiful furniture and artifacts.

Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational shrine situated on the island of Oahu at the Valley of the Temples. In August 1968, it honored the 100-year anniversary of the earliest Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.

Queen Emma Summer Palace, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

Hānaiakamalama, also known as the Queen Emma Summer Palace, was as a retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert Edward. Today, the palace stands as a historic landmark, museum, and tourist site.

Key Insights at a Glance

Bishop Museum, Honolulu: Hawaii's State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, located in Honolulu's Kalihi district, focusing on the history and science of the Hawaiian islands.

Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu: The largest art museum in Hawaii, founded in 1922 with a mission to harmonize art and community engagement.

Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures: An Islamic-style mansion built by heiress Doris Duke, showcasing Islamic art and hosting cultural events.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Located at the historic site of the WWII Pearl Harbor attack, this museum focuses on aviation history and features significant warships like the USS Arizona and USS Missouri.

The Lyman House Memorial Museum, Hilo: A museum of natural history based in the Lyman family's original mission house, built in 1838.

Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie: A living museum and theme park that offers a deep dive into Polynesian culture through traditional crafts, songs, and dances.

Hulihe'e Palace: Formerly a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, now a museum showcasing royal furniture and artifacts.

Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe: A non-denominational shrine commemorating the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, located in the Valley of the Temples.

Queen Emma Summer Palace: Historic retreat for Queen Emma and her family, now serving as a museum and tourist attraction displaying royal history and artifacts.