If you’re visiting the island of Oahu, Hawaii, include the historic Bishop Museum in your itinerary. Learn the early beginnings of Hawaii, get to know the monarchs, watch the Hawaiian skylight, understand volcanic activity, and so much more!
Hawaiian Hall. There are three floors representing each realm of Hawaii. The first floor is Kai Ākea which represents the Hawaiian gods, legends and beliefs. The second floor is Wao Kanaka which represents where Hawaiians live and work. The third floor is Wao Lani which represents the gods and the royalties.
Pacific Hall. It’s a two-story gallery featuring cultural treasures in the Pacific. It also showcase the diversity of Hawaii.
The Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kāhili Room displays the portraits of Hawaiian monarchy.
J Watumull Planetarium has a 30-minute showcase of the Hawaiian night sky. Photos are prohibited during the showing but inside, you’ll learn how the early voyagers and Hawaiians navigated the vast ocean using the stars and galaxy as their guide.
LEGO Exhibit. Behind me is the Titanic lego which took all of 3 months to build by 4 people from the UK using 200,000 parts. It gave me goosebumps because a background music of the famed movie was playing.
The Bishop Museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. There are package tours which include lunch or if you are a resident of Hawaii, you can purchase a day pass (without lunch) and get to visit all halls and exhibits. Kamaaina discount applies, just show your Hawaii ID.
Few more tips: No dress code in the museum but I highly suggest to dress decent yet comfortably. Bring water and bite-sized snacks especially if you plan on spending half-day touring the museum. You can buy tickets online. There’s paid parking inside and free parking out in the street. Just be wary of tow-away areas.
Shop the look
Angela Roi mini backpack
Midi dress worn as maxi (hack for petite ladies!)
Leopard print canvass sneakers
It sounds like a fascinating museum. If I ever get to Oahu, I would be sure to visit because sadly, I only know a little bit about Hawaiian history from programs I have seen on PBS. I also adore planetariums, so I would love that aspect of the museum as well. Hope you enjoyed your day exploring in your own backyard!
What a beautiful place. It would be such a pleasure to go there.
I would LOVE to visit this museum! So much to learn and see! Ive only been to Oahu once for work, but plenty times to Maui. Hopefully ill come across this place in the future!
I’ve been to Oahu many years ago but never visited the Bishop Museum! My boys would love the LEGO exhibit in particular!
Yeah, I actually enjoyed seeing the LEGO structures. Makes me want to make it a hobby
I definitely need to visit!
Looks like there was a lot to see!
When my husband and I were in Hawaii, we wanted to go to the Bishop museum but we weren’t able to make it work with our schedule but I do wish we could have based on your pictures!
There’s always a next w
I will actually be in Oahu in a few weeks! But I don’t know if we will be visiting museums, probably just going to be on the beach and poolside.
Enjoy your trip!
This looks so cool!! Hope you have so much fun 🙂