As you might expect from any world-class city, the Honolulu area offers a wide range of things to see and do. Explore museums that house ancient Hawaiian artifacts and Royal feather cloaks, in addition to Chinese treasures from the Ming Dynasty and original masterpieces by Van Gogh, Gauguin and Warhol. You can also reflect on Hawaii's pivotal role in American history as you peruse the WWII archives at the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Best of all, Halekulani makes it incredibly easy to do it all. Halekulani's "For You, Everything" program invites hotel guests to enjoy many of Honolulu's top cultural offerings.
Included in the program are the Honolulu Museum of Art, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Hawaii Pops, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Doris Duke's Shangri La and Hawaii International Film Festival (seasonal – spring and fall.). Tickets can be arranged through the concierge.
The Bishop Museum was built in 1889 by Charles Bishop as a tribute to his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who was a member of Hawaii's royal family. The museum features the largest Asia/Pacific natural history collection in the world, along with displays of ancient Hawaiian crafts and exquisite royal artifacts.
Complimentary access provided to Halekulani guests
Built in Honolulu, Hawai‘i from 1936-1938, Shangri La overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head and houses Doris Duke’s collection of Islamic art. Of the many homes that Duke inhabited, Shangri La is the only one that she built from the ground up and filled from the inside out.
Hawaii Pops
Matt Catingub and the Hawai’i Pops will partner with Hawaiian music luminaries such as Amy Hānaiali’i, Na Leo Pilimehana, Henry Kapono, Raiatea and Jimmy Borges for concerts at the Hawaii Convention Center as well as special, more intimate venues around Oahu.
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900. The symphony is the oldest orchestra in the USA west of the Rocky Mountains.
Hawaii's oldest and largest art museum was founded in 1927. It is recognized for its outstanding collection of Asian, European, Pacific, American and African art, showcased in some 30 galleries surrounding six garden courts.
June 6 through August 18: Enjoy an exhibition of samurai weaponry at The Honolulu Museum of Art. Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor highlights the striking duality of deadly weaponry created with artistic beauty. Sixty-three works by 30 master craftsmen span the 13th to 20th centuries, providing a comprehensive overview of samurai art and artifacts. Click here for more details.
Complimentary access provided to Halekulani guests
Built in 1822, this Renaissance-style mansion is the only royal palace in the United States. It was once the official residence of Hawaii's last monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliíuokalani. Painstakingly restored, the Palace today is a monument to the Hawaiian monarchy's grandeur.
Complimentary access provided to Halekulani guests
With its reputation of artistic excellence, Hawaii Opera Theatre attracts principal singers, stage directors and conductors from the mainland, Europe and Asia. Accompanied by the Honolulu Symphony, talented local singers fill smaller roles and comprise the chorus. Each season, a six-week period from January through March features three grand operas.
Art & Architecture Tour
Experience the rich culture of Hawaii’s iconic showcase of acclaimed architect Vladimir Ossipoff, Liljestrand House. Built for Betty and Howard Liljestrand, the Liljestrand House is an outstanding example of Mr. Ossipoff’s work and of mid-twentieth century Hawaiian modern architecture.
The tour continues with docent-led walk around the historical Spalding House campus of the Honolulu Museum of Art, which features galleries of art, a permanent installation of David Hockney's L'Enfant et les sortilèges, a café, and sculpture-filled gardens overlooking Diamond Head and Honolulu.
Savor the memories of the day over lunch at the Spalding House Café. Sit indoors in a gallery-like atmosphere amid changing displays of art, or outdoors in a garden setting for coffee and lunch. Chef Susan Lai Hipp's menu features contemporary, Mediterranean-accented fare.
The Art and Architecture tour occurs on the first and third Thursday of each month, except July 4, September 5 and October 3, 2013 from 9:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Round trip transportation and tour is complimentary for registered, in-room guests. Space is limited to 11 guests per tour. Reservations can be made with the Concierge.