Museums & Galleries in Honolulu

Hawaii's premier natural and cultural history institution, the Bishop Museum houses the world's largest collection of Polynesian artifacts. Founded in 1889, the museum features the spectacular Hawaiian Hall with three floors of treasures including feather capes worn by Hawaiian royalty, ancient surfboards, and traditional canoes. The planetarium offers shows about Polynesian navigation by stars. Special exhibitions cover volcanic activity, Hawaiian ecology, and Pacific cultures. The museum's Science Adventure Center engages children with interactive displays about Hawaii's unique environment and geological history.

With over 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years, the Honolulu Museum of Art is the Pacific region's premier fine arts museum. The collection includes exceptional Asian art, particularly Japanese woodblock prints and Chinese ceramics, alongside European masters, American contemporary works, and Pacific Island art. The museum's Mediterranean-style courtyards provide serene settings for sculpture. The Spalding House campus in Makiki Heights offers contemporary art with spectacular city views. Special exhibitions, art classes, and the museum café make this a cultural oasis in downtown Honolulu.

Part of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum offers a fascinating look at undersea warfare. Walk through the actual WWII submarine nicknamed the 'Pearl Harbor Avenger,' exploring cramped quarters where 80 sailors lived and worked. The museum displays torpedoes, periscopes, submarine technology, and personal stories of submariners. Audio guides provide detailed explanations as you navigate through torpedo rooms, crew quarters, and the control room. The outdoor waterfront park displays submarine weapons and rescue equipment, offering unique photo opportunities.