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Museum · Honolulu, Hawaii
Bishop Museum
The largest museum of natural history and culture of Hawaii and Polynesia, founded in 1889 in Honolulu, with feather cloaks of Hawaiian chiefs, objects from the Pacific islands, a planetarium and a science center.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum (Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum) was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last direct descendant of the Kamehameha royal family. It began with the family’s Hawaiian object collections and today houses millions of items of Pacific culture and natural history.
The main hall, Hawaiian Hall, from 1898, has three floors of koa-wood display cases surrounding a central open space, with a sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Each floor represents a domain of Hawaiian cosmology: the gods and nature, daily life, and the kings and chiefs. There are feather cloaks and helmets used by the royalty, wooden carved images of gods, and everyday objects.
The adjacent Pacific Hall shows canoes, clothing, and tools from other islands of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. The science center features a scale volcano with explanations about the islands’ formation, and the planetarium presents the sky used by Polynesian navigators.
The gardens contain native plants and species brought by the first Polynesians. Cultural performances and craft demonstrations take place on some days.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the Hawaiian Hall, the Pacific Hall, and the science center; more time if you include a planetarium show.
Best time
In the first days of your trip, to understand the islands’ history and culture before visiting other sites. It’s a good option for rainy afternoons.
How to get there
In the Kalihi neighborhood, about 4 km northwest of downtown Honolulu and roughly 10 km from Waikiki, accessible by city buses and with on-site parking. Paid admission; prices are on the museum website.
Tip
Start at Hawaiian Hall, from the bottom floor upward, following the order of the three levels. Check the day’s schedule for planetarium shows and cultural demonstrations.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bishop Museum
What to see at the Bishop Museum?
Hawaiian Hall, with the royal feather cloaks and objects of Hawaiian culture, the Pacific Hall, the science center, and the planetarium.
How much time to allocate for the Bishop Museum?
Two to three hours; with a planetarium show, half a day.
Where is the Bishop Museum located?
In the Kalihi neighborhood, northwest of downtown Honolulu, about 10 km from Waikiki.