Museums in Downtown/Honolulu Harbor (Honolulu)

Iolani Palace

Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately old three-story building is a real treat to tour. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. The Palace Galleries showcases jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes and reservations are suggested.

Hawaii Maritime Museum

This location is deemed a national U.S. Historic Landmark. The magnificent four-masted Falls of Clyde sailing ship is anchored alongside a wharf, and although it has been prohibited to visitors for safety reasons, the museum is definitely worth a trip. The permanent display will take you from the days of the early canoe-faring Polynesians to Captain Cook's "discovery" of the island chain, all the way up to the naval activities at present-day Pearl Harbor. You can peruse a sizable World War Two naval exhibit. Whaling exhibits are also featured, including a massive humpback whale skeleton. The museum is located next to the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 4-12, and free for children under 4.

Bishop Museum

This museum provides a fascinating look into Hawaii's colorful past. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop for his wife, the last descendant of the Kamehameha family, the museum has multiple permanent and special exhibits. From diverse subjects including Hawaiian royalty to hands on science exhibits to contemporary works by native American artists, it contains an array of artifacts. Guided tours and presentations are offered in English and Japanese daily.

Mission Houses Museum

Protestant missionaries established their headquarters on this site in 1820. The prim New England-style white Frame House dates to 1821. The Coral House, so named because it was built from blocks of coral, houses the original iron and mahogany printing press. Descendants of the state's missionary families operate the museum. Museum tours are given daily. On Kama`aina Days "living history" guides dressed in period costume demonstrate 19th-century life in Hawaii. Check website for details.

Honolulu Academy of Arts

The impressive holdings of Hawaii's fine arts museum include one of the nation's finest collections of Asian art as well as a 17,000-piece collection of graphic arts and artifacts from Hawaiian and other ancient civilizations around the world. Italian Renaissance and American works are also on exhibit. Guided tours are available. The 290-seat Academy Theatre presents more than 400 programs annually. A restaurant and gift shop is also onsite.

King Kamehameha V - Judiciary History Center (Ali`iolani Hale)

Ali`iolani Hale is an important historical building in downtown Honolulu; originally designated as a new royal palace, it was completed in 1874, and currently houses the Judiciary History Center of Hawaii. The structure is modeled on the architecture of the Italian renaissance masters, and a golden statue of King Kamahameha I has been erected on the lawn. The Center is the hub of legal activity and education, and is open to the general public. Other government offices are also housed alongside it in Ali`iolani Hale.

Wyland Galleries

This is one of several Wyland galleries located throughout the island chain. On display are the enchanting whale paintings by the gallery's namesake, along with works by other underwater and nature artists. John Pitre, Scott Hansen and Al Hougue are a few of the painters and sculptors that have permanent exhibits at Wyland Galleries. The original works are pricey, but reasonably priced prints are generally available. Other Wyland Galleries are located on Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii.

Robyn Buntin of Honolulu

This large gallery not far from the Honolulu Academy of Arts specializes in Oriental and Oceanic art and antiques. Offerings include carved netsuke (owner Robyn Buntin is an expert collector), Japanese prints, Buddhist sculptures, jade pieces, scholar's table items, oceanic woodcarvings and many other fine pieces, some up to 5,000 years old. The gallery also represents the works of several contemporary Japanese artists and Hawaiian artists such as Avi Kiriaty. Fine framing is available as well.

Details Gallery

The bustling artistic activity in Chinatown has a new participant—Details Gallery, which allows you to appreciate various artists in their exhibition space on Bethel Street. Every month there is a new theme or a new artist for you to gain more perspective on. So go ahead and check out the artistic Details.

Louis Pohl Gallery

In this era where art gets lost somewhere in publicity and galleries are merely visited to 'fit in the chic and hip crowd', Louis Pohl Gallery stays away from such an environment. At this gallery, art takes precedence over all other things. The parameters and standards set by its namesake ensure that only artists with an innovative streak in them display their work here. It also features works of resident artists like John Bade, Janice Brown and Tamara Moan. Don't miss out on the 'First Friday Gallery Walk' and 'Second Saturday', held each month to celebrate art.

Kim Taylor Reece Gallery

Kim Taylor Reece, is the most talented and fine photographer practicing this art from the past 25 years. Extensive research and traveling has helped Kim in capturing the beauty of nature. Set amidst picturesque settings, the gallery features excellent and amazing collection by Kim Reece. Do visit the gallery, the fineness and detailing is truly mesmerizing. Truly, it will be an one-of-a-kind experience for you.