Top Museums in Honolulu

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.

Lucoral Museum

If you have a desire to learn about the natural treasures of the sea, then this establishment in Waikiki is the place to visit. There are fascinating exhibits on how coral and pearls transform into beautiful jewelry and works of art. Other exhibits showcase endangered plants and birds of the islands, and there's a wonderful area devoted to Hawaii's volcanic past. There is a for-sale area where you can pick up local arts and crafts made from the natural materials of the Hawaiian Islands.

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.

Contemporary Museum

At this museum atop Mount Tantalus, six galleries feature changing exhibitions by renowned local, national and international artists. A separate pavilion houses a permanent installation of David Hockney's striking sets for the Ravel opera 'L'enfant et les Sortileges'. The tranquil outdoor sculpture garden has permanent exhibitions of works by Robert Arneson, George Rickey, Viola Frey, and Arnold Zimmerman, among others. The estate is set in a peaceful botanical garden; a map of the garden is available. There is a cafe adjacent to the garden; museum admission is not required for access. There's also a gift shop featuring unusual contemporary gift items. Museum programs include childrens' workshops on the first Saturday of each month and exhibition workshops scheduled with each exhibit. Docent-led tours are available daily. On the third Thursday of each month the museum is free to enter, thanks to corporate sponsorship.

Queen Emma Summer Palace

This beautiful country-style estate was built in 1847. A decade later, it was purchased by the Hawaiian monarchy as a retreat for Queen Emma, the consort of King Kamehameha IV. Today, the lovely plantation-style structure is furnished with Emma's possessions and maintained by the Daughters of Hawai'i society. These wonderful women all have the true spirit of Aloha. The grounds are lush and peaceful, and rain showers occur almost daily. The old house is beautifully nestled in a deep canyon in the Koolau Mountains. Guided tours are given daily except on holidays. There is a $5 admission charge ($1 for children under 12). Purchase Hawaiian memorabilia and crafts in the gift shop. Credit cards are accepted in the gift shop, but you must use cash or traveler's checks to pay the admission.

Nohea Gallery

This is one of the best places to see and purchase the lovely creations of Hawaiian painters, printmakers, woodworkers, jewelers and other artisans. The galley is located in the historic Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, one of Waikiki's earliest hotels. It is open and airy with wonderfully styled displays. Almost every day, you can encounter one of the gallery's many artists and craftsmen on the scene, producing new works and talking to gallery visitors.

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.

Tabora Gallery

There are just a few artists represented in this small gallery in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Bazaar, but each is a master. The work of owner Roy Gonzales Tabora is the mainstay, but you will also find oils and pastels by Roy's son Rudolf Gonzales and Juno Galang. Gary Reed's Hawaiian landscapes are highly regarded by art collectors. Laser prints, lithographs, serigraphs and originals are all on sale. This is a charming gallery with a very friendly staff.