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Bishop Museum

Entrance pergola at the Bishop Museum

Enhance your trip to Oahu by learning more of the history of Hawaii and exploring the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts and natural history specimens in the world at the Bishop Museum. Discover the deeply rooted values, traditions, languages and origin stories of the islands dating back thousands of years.

Charles Reed Bishop founded the museum in 1889 to celebrate his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Originally designed to store royal family treasures, heirlooms and documents belonging to the Princess, it is renowned across the globe for its extensive collections, advanced research and its rich variety of educational experiences.

Guests can visit the Museum’s signature galleries, including the Hawaiian Hall, which takes visitors on a journey through the different realms of Hawai‘i; the Pacific Hall, which demonstrates how the diverse people of Oceania connected through history and values; and the Picture Gallery, displaying 19th century Hawaiian art, rare books, and collectibles. The Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kāhili Room honors the Hawaiian Monarchy with some of their personal effects on display, Nā Ulu Kaiwi‘ula Native Hawaiian Garden and the interactive Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center are also available year-round. The Bishop Museum shares all updated information regarding special exhibitions, daily programs and events on its website.

Those looking to visit the Museum from the comfort of their own home can explore the Online Learning Center, which features photos, videos, blog posts, activities, and other interesting materials covering topics from history to culture to science. The Bishop Museum also hosts lectures, panel discussions, storytelling and more through their very own podcast, which can be enjoyed through iTunes.

The Bishop Museum has been a special partner of Halekulani’s “For You, Everything” program for many years. If you have visited the Museum before, we encourage you to share your photos and favorite memories with us on social media by tagging @HalekulaniHotel.

Bishop Museum Hawaiian Hall
Bishop Museum houses over 25 million historical, cultural and natural treasures
Hawaiian model ships on display at the Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is Hawaii's premier natural and cultural history museum

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