Honolulu is often celebrated for its beaches, surf culture, and tropical weather, but the city also holds one of the most diverse and historically rich museum scenes in the Pacific. From royal Hawaiian artifacts to contemporary Asian art and aviation history, the museums here offer a deeper understanding of the islands beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether you are a first-time visitor looking to escape the midday sun or a local resident seeking a cultural refresh, there is a space designed to inspire you.
The unique geography of Oahu has made it a crossroads of Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences for centuries. This blend is reflected in the curatorial choices and architectural styles of the city’s top institutions. You will find everything from grand, marble-columned academies to intimate, plantation-era homes filled with personal heirlooms.
Visiting these cultural sites is also one of the best ways to support the preservation of Hawaiian history. Many of the smaller museums are run by dedicated non-profits and historical societies that rely on visitor engagement to fund restoration projects. Your admission fee often goes directly toward protecting fragile artifacts, documents, and indigenous language resources.
For families, these venues provide educational experiences that are both interactive and air-conditioned, offering a welcome break from the heat. For solo travelers and couples, they present a quiet opportunity to reflect on the complex narratives that have shaped modern Hawaii. The diversity of the collections ensures that history buffs, art lovers, and science enthusiasts will all find something compelling.
Navigating the museum landscape in Honolulu can be overwhelming, as many of the best spots are spread across the city, from downtown to the slopes of Punchbowl. Some are located within walking distance of Waikiki, while others require a short drive or bus ride. Planning your itinerary around a few key neighborhoods will help you maximize your time and minimize travel stress.
Below, you will find a carefully curated guide to the most significant and engaging museums in the area. This list includes a mix of world-renowned institutions and hidden gems, ensuring a well-rounded cultural itinerary. Use this guide to decide which stops best align with your interests, budget, and available time on the island.
Bishop Museum
| Address | 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 847-3511 |
Chose this as my "cultural getaway" in Honolulu and I'm glad I made the stop. A bit expensive, but worth the price. The main exposition contains absolutely beautiful artefacts and the building is splendid. Coming out of this museum I have a better understanding of not only Hawaiian but generally Polynesian cultures pre-USA, and the impact colonisation has had on these peoples. Other expos were fun too, especially the interactive/scientific one for kids.
Largest collection of Pacific Island heritage artifacts in the world this is a great place to learn and understand the Hawaiian culture. With visiting exhibitions, great speakers, a planetarium, special events and more you definitely will get the most bang for your buck with a membership. Especially since it includes parking!!
If your kids hear the words “museum day” and immediately start negotiating for an early exit, the Bishop Museum might surprise them.
This place is much bigger than it looks from the outside. There are four different buildings packed with exhibits, and it does a great job balancing things that interest adults with plenty to keep kids engaged. You can easily spend several hours here without feeling like you are seeing the same thing over and over.
One unexpected hit during our visit was the LEGO Bricks exhibit in the hall. The kids absolutely loved it and probably spent more time there than they would admit. It was a nice break between the larger cultural and science exhibits.
The museum does an excellent job telling the story of Hawaii, Polynesia, and the natural world. Some exhibits are highly interactive while others are more traditional, so there is a good mix depending on your interests. Adults will appreciate the history and artifacts while kids can bounce between the hands on activities and displays.
There is a small café if you need a snack, but here is your pro tip: if you want a Spam musubi, get there early. They sell out quickly and once they are gone, they are gone. Do not be the person staring sadly at the empty spot where the musubi used to be.
The planetarium is pretty small, so do not expect NASA headquarters. That said, it is still worth checking out. There are a few fun exhibits and the planetarium show is only $3, making it one of the better bargains in Honolulu.
Overall, Bishop Museum is one of the best family attractions on Oahu. It manages to be educational without feeling like homework and entertaining without feeling like a theme park. Bring comfortable shoes, arrive early, grab a musubi before they disappear, and plan for more time than you think you will need. This is one museum where the adults and kids can both leave happy.
Absolutely incredible and SO worth it. I found this via Reddit recommendations if you wanted to learn about the local culture. All the exhibits are excellent and we got to see the Aloha Tiles exhibit which was magnificent and “10 stars” according to my Lego-obsessed child. All the permanent displays are wonderfully put together, the interactive elements are fun and I could have easily spent two days at the museum. Definitely watch a planetarium show as it’s a neat small space and we learned a lot about wayfinding. I’m sure all the shows are great. Could not recommend the Bishop Museum more.
We love reading about Hawaii's history. The exhibits are informative and interesting. The current brick exhibit is very impressive! Lunch....planetarium show....it was all amazing.
Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
| Address | 900 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 532-8700 |
The museum is exceptionally well maintained, with effective air conditioning throughout the building, making it comfortable to explore even in Hawaii’s warm climate.
It was particularly impressive to see works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Monet displayed alongside pieces reflecting Hawaiian and Polynesian influences. The combination of internationally recognised art and local cultural influences creates an interesting and diverse collection, especially given the museum’s setting in Hawaii.
The museum itself is relatively compact, which works well for visitors who want to take their time without spending an entire day there. Allowing approximately one to two hours is sufficient to explore the main exhibits comfortably. The surrounding grounds also feature several attractive gardens, providing a peaceful setting and some excellent opportunities for photography.
Overall, it is a well-presented and enjoyable museum experience, particularly for those interested in both fine art and the cultural heritage of Hawaii and Polynesia.
We got to access the museum for free for the whole day after purchasing admission to Shangri La. Since we arrived later in the day we didn’t see as much as we wanted, but overall it was a nice experience. The galleries are nice and bonus that the A/C is blasting cold on a hot day. Lots of unique pieces and a really cute gift shop. I’d like to come back again and see the cafe as well as whatever we missed. I think it’s definitely worth making time to come see as they have a really nice curation of things to see.
Gorgeous, well-curated museum of art that highlights the radical beauty of several countries and their contribution to the classical and contemporary art. Galleries were organized by countries and includes some of the famous artists like Monet, Diego Rivera, Amorsolo, Claude, and many more. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was not busy. They also have a quaint cafe with delicious caffeine drinks, sandwiches, and popsicle ice creams. Street parking can be busy so plan ahead.
As tourists visiting Honolulu, we really enjoyed our time wandering around this art museum. It has such a nice peaceful vibe overall, with plenty of different art collections from Asia, Europe and local Hawaiian works, so there’s lots to look through and appreciate as we walked from one gallery to another. What I loved most is the layout with quiet open courtyards and green plants everywhere, which gives you nice little breaks between viewing the artworks when your feet get tired. The whole space never feels overly crowded, so we could take our time without rushing through each exhibit.
It’s a relaxing cultural stop during our trip, not too overwhelming, and perfectly fits a slow sightseeing day in the city. We left feeling calm and happy after spending a few hours here.
Impressive art museum! A large variety of art from all over the world, such as Japan, China, Indonesia, and much more! The Hawaiian collection was also nice, although I wish there was a little bit more. The interior is also really beautiful! I loved all the courtyards.
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
| Address | 4055 Pāpū Cir, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 734-1941 |
This is the most beautiful ocean I've ever seen! I got this beautiful fan as well. The staff were so kind and helpful. One of them, who was bilingual in English and Japanese, even went out of their way to show me the best photo zones! I saw some people surfing here, and I could barely control myself from diving right in...🦭🏝️ If you come here, you'll realize that 2 hours is definitely not enough! The sunshine here is incredibly strong, but it's totally worth it. Hope this helps and enjoy your time here 😉
What a great experience. Our tour met at the Bishop Museum, and we were shuttled to the mansion. We were greeted by a docent who gave us some general information and then turned us loose to explore on our own. There were 2 talks given, which we could listen to or continue to wonder. I was a little nervous at first that we only had an hour, but that was plenty of time for the visit. Tickets are limited and released the month prior, so you REALLY need to plan this tour if you want to go.
Heiress Doris Duke’s Shangri La home is a museum of unique and beautiful Islamic Art. You take a bus from the Honolulu Museum of Art about 20 to 30 minutes drive and after a short introduction, you’re free to explore the museum at your leisure. Tickets need to be booked months in advance as the number of visitors are limited which makes for a quiet and pleasant visit. Highly recommend a visit. The docents offer talks on some of the art. This is also a perfect place to view the ocean and take some great photos!
Every time I'm coming to Hawaii I try and visit Shangri La - not because it changes so often but because it's so beautiful, serene, and utterly unique. I say "try" because you must book far in advance to visit and it is absolutely worth the effort.
Art from across hundreds of years and dozens of cultures all on display in magnificent surroundings, informed docents with details you would definitely miss, and there's even ice cream at the end. And free admission to HoMA before/after. A perfect art day if that's your thing.
One of the most amazing places I have ever visited. Reservation is needed in an advance. The bus journey is short and the time there is barely enough but worth it. The outstanding collection of rare art put in the villa with the view that itself is priceless.
Iolani Palace
| Address | 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 522-0822 |
I visited ʻIolani Palace on Kamaʻāina Sunday and had such a wonderful experience.
The event had so many special cultural activities, including lauhala weaving, poi making, hula performances, and a performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band. There was also a food truck, and I tried the spring rolls — they were good.
I really enjoyed learning more about the history and culture of Hawaiʻi. The basement area was under renovation during my visit, so I wasn’t able to see the kitchen area, but that just gives me another reason to come back next time. Mahalo for preserving and sharing such an important part of Hawaiʻi’s history!
The Iolani palace is a historic attraction located in central Honolulu. The palace visit is well managed with specific entry time, informative guides and a helpful audio narration for each section of the palace. The adjacent gift shop and a visual history of the palace adds to the experience. Highly recommended!
Good place to learn Hawaiian history. We didn’t buy tickets in advance. We explore the State Capital building while we waited for the tour.
Iolani Palace was an incredible experience! This is the only official royal residence in the United States, which served as the home of Hawai’i’s last monarchs. We enjoyed learning about its deep culture and rich history. We bought tickets in advance, but you may also be able to purchase them onsite from the ticket office. The tour is about an hour long and self-guided. Prior to the tour, they provide you with a headset to listen to the stories of each room. Before entering, you must wear shoe covers. The palace is very strict about preserving its original furnishings, decor, architecture, and artifacts. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through each room and learning about its fascinating history. The palace’s beautiful views, both inside and outside, added to our overall experience. I highly recommend visiting this historical landmark while visiting Hawai’i!
This was our fourth trip to Hawaii and we had already done all of the U.S. Memorial/History stops. We are not into crowds or shopping or such, so opted for an eBike tour in the morning and this Hawaiian Monarchy tour in the afternoon. I loved it!!
It was an audio tour that was so well-organized! The historical information was presented in a thoughtful, thorough and engaging way. The Iolani Palace is gorgeous and learning more about this piece of Hawaiian history was special.
Highly recommend!!
Capitol Modern: the Hawaii State Art Museum
| Address | 250 South Hotel St Second Floor, 250 S Hotel St #5, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 586-0900 |
Fantastic free museum just a short walk from Iolani Palace. It’s the perfect place to visit after your tour, or even if you find the Palace is sold out for the day. There are two floors of beautiful local art to explore. Note: If you have a bag, you’ll be asked to check it at the desk on the second floor. A peaceful, air-conditioned break with great culture!
It was late when we got there so we only got to see the exterior of the museum and its surroundings. I can spend my time bird-watching there and I won't complain 😊
Wonderful Museum with great Artworks. Free Entry which is very unusual and wonderful as it let anyone to see and experience the artworks. Other museums admission in Honolulu are very expensive.
Staff / Security guards were very friendly and informative.
We had wonderful time at the museum, highly recommended
Beautiful museum. I checked out the courtyard, and the two galleries. Enjoyed everything.
Really glad I made this museum part of my visit to Honolulu. The curated exhibition for the Hawai'i Triennial 2025 was excellent.
I also appreciated the section with climate artists in residence, I wish more museums followed this initiative.
The museum is not huge, so it's easy to fit a visit into other plans. Plus, it's free (compared to $40 at the Bishop Museum!).
Lucoral Museum
| Address | 2414 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 778-8189 |
Lovely people ! Lovely gift shop ! Lovely museum ! If you love pearls and minerals I cannot recommend it enough !
I had SUCH a great time here, you can see it was made with passion and pride ! It’s so charming, and I’m so happy to have come here.
The jewelry is handmade here, and the upstairs gift shop ressemble a mermaid treasure cove. I had stars in my eyes the whole time. 🐚
Please come by and support them by shopping in the gift shop as the museum is free ! A great range of prices too, and many designs !
FREE - multi-generational family-owned museum, please consider purchasing from gift shop in support of this amazing place! Gallery collection on 2nd floor via elevator.
Some may argue the organization of the rocks and specimens - that shouldn’t overshadow the amazing collection that Grandma Lu envisioned. She was passionate about educating children of the local and endangered species in Hawaii. Her family is very proud to honor her work today! Very much worth a visit.
I recently had the pleasure of supporting a beautiful family-owned jewelry business, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. From the moment I connected with them, it was clear how much care and passion goes into every piece they create. Their craftsmanship is truly exceptional—each item feels unique, thoughtfully designed, and made with real attention to detail.
What stood out most to me was the personal touch. You can tell this isn’t just a business to them—it’s a labor of love passed down and nurtured within their family. They were incredibly kind, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure I found something perfect.
If you’re looking for meaningful, high-quality jewelry while supporting a local family business, I highly recommend them. It feels great to wear something that not only looks beautiful but also carries a story and heart behind it.
This museum was a great experience to see the natural history of Hawaii along with other collections of history donations from other countries as well.
Since Hawaii has no official natural history museum, this family has taken the lead to showcase it in this free museum.
The jewellery in the gift shop is very comprehensive and has lovely staff. We had a lovely time and it's quite easy to get to.
I've added a bunch of photos from the gift shop, since the other reviews have a big selection of the museum photos already.
It's free, what do you have to lose? 🥰
Such beautiful jewelry and when I mentioned my favorite color was blue, the owner offered to make me a custom necklace with blue stones. Also everything is very reasonably priced with good deals on buying multiple at a time. I love all the pieces I bought!
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
| Address | 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 441-1000 |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Visiting the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum was such an incredible experience. ✈️🇺🇸 Seeing the historic aircraft up close and learning more about the events of December 7, 1941 made the visit feel so much more meaningful.
The exhibits do a wonderful job of bringing the history to life, and being there in person really gives you a different perspective than simply reading about it in a book or seeing it in a movie.
We learned so much and were truly impressed by the entire experience. If you’re visiting Pearl Harbor, I definitely recommend making time for the Aviation Museum. It was one of the highlights of our visit and a place we’ll remember for a long time. ❤️🇺🇸
One of the highlights of my visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum was climbing the Ford Island Control Tower. The panoramic view of Pearl Harbor from the top was incredible and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the events of December 7, 1941. What made the experience even more powerful was seeing the windows still riddled with bullet holes from the attack, a vivid reminder of the violence and chaos of that day.
Our guide was outstanding—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating details that brought the history to life.
The experience was meaningful to me because my father served as a pilot of C-47s, “Gooney Bird,” in the South Pacific Theater from 1943–1944 and later for the U.S. Air Force. General Dwight D. Eisenhower considered it one of the most important pieces of equipment that helped the Allies win World War II, reportedly listing “the bazooka, the jeep, the atom bomb, and the C-47” along the tools most vital to Allied success.
We always enjoying visiting while staying on Oahu. Attended a change of command ceremony at the Mighty Mo and made the short drive from there to the museum. Without a military ID card, you’ll have to arrange a visit with a tour company or the visitor center. Lots of aircraft spanning the many decades of military history.
I recently visited the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Hangar 79 on a sunny morning in Oahu, and it completely blew me away easily one of the most powerful and well done historical sites I’ve experienced in Hawaii. Hangar 79 itself is a living time capsule; you can still see the actual bullet holes and shrapnel damage from the December 7, 1941 attack right there on the walls and beams. Walking through it feels incredibly moving, especially with the restored aircraft displayed inside like the P-40 Warhawk and the massive B-17 Flying Fortress. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum ties it all together perfectly with interactive exhibits, personal stories from veterans, and incredible artifacts that make WWII aviation history come alive in a respectful, educational way.
The whole complex is super clean, well-organized, and the volunteers and staff were genuinely passionate my guide even took extra time to explain the mechanics of the planes and the strategic importance of Pearl Harbor. The views overlooking Ford Island and the harbor are stunning too, especially when you step outside between the hangars. Whether you’re a history buff, a military family, or just visiting Hawaii, this place is a must do. It’s emotional, informative, and incredibly well preserved. I left feeling both humbled and inspired. 10/10, highly recommend spending at least 2-3 hours here. You won’t regret it!
Our second stop while at Pearl Harbor was the Aviation Museum. Located just a few moments from the USS Missouri on Ford Island. In my opinion the Aviation Museum was one of the cooler stops on our trip. I really enjoyed all the different types of planes and carriers they had on display. We also ate Lunch at the Cafe in the Aviation Museum and the food was delicious!
The bus picked us up from the USS Missouri and dropped us off at the Aviation Museum, there was a short line to check in at the front desk of the museum before you could enter the inside portion of the museum.
They had a flight simulator inside the internal museum as well as a gift shop and restaurant.
The Hangar still had the original bullet holes in the glass from the Pearl Harbor attack which was a really neat part of history to be able see. They also have a section where they are restoring some planes and helicopter parts.
My favorite thing they had was this wood paneled plane in the hangar. They also had some old Military trucks out front of the hangar that were really cool. I highly recommend visiting the Aviation Museum while at Pearl Harbor.
Hawaii Army Museum Society
| Address | 2131 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 955-9552 |
An amazing little museum about wars and the history of Hawaii. Starts with King Kamehameha and ends with the Vietnam War. It’s free entry which is amazing because the exhibitions are so well thought out and preserved. Definitely recommend for any ages. It’s airconditioned well too so it’s good to get out of the heat for a bit. They also have a nice gift shop for souvenirs.
This was a very cool museum. If you were interested in military history, World War II history or just island history. This is the place to visit. The best part about it, It’s completely free. There were many many exhibits. I learned many things that I did not know prior to that, And got to see many things I would’ve never seen had I not gone. I highly recommend this place.
This is a great museum. You will be hard pressed to find anything else completely free in the middle of waikiki. The staff is extrenely knowledgeable ajd helpful. Grrat guft shop for memorabilia to bring home as well. Not only do they display US hawaiian army history, but they chronologically house the hawaiian islands history before the US occupation all the way through the Vietnam war. Plenty of parking across the street that is quite expensive for the day if you're not staying nearby, but less than half price for DoD and they have really good weekly rates that are probably less expensive than nearby hotels.
This is a great museum about the Army's history in Hawai'i. There are some repairs needed because it was leaking in quite a few areas.
However, the entrance is free but donations are welcomed.
Didn’t get a chance to tour the museum but as they were closed on the day I was able. I still really enjoyed the outside exhibits. Certainly will pay a visit next trip!
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
| Address | 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 422-3399 |
It was quite a somber experience once you take the ferry boat out to the actual "grave". We said a prayer for all. The memorial wall is beautifully carved. The boat fits a few people and runs all day. I recommend watching the movie. On our way out of the gift shop I spotted a puffin!! It snuck into one of the open pipes by the museum. It was so pretty! The gift shop is a great size and easy to maneuver around. Prices were reasonable. PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR LICENSE PLATE NUMBER TO PAY FOR PARKING. ALSO....IT IS A CLEAR BAG OR COIN PURSE ONLY FACILITY. Bag storage is available, but if you're reading this review, you will be prepared.
Absolutely the most incredible and moving monument. What an honor to be able to visit and pay respects to our brave servicemen list that fateful day. Above all be respectful and you will move on and of the memorial quickly. There's a boat on boat off procedure. You will not be allowed unlimited time to visit.
If you can't get the tickets online, I suggest you get the self-guided audio tour which is very good and get on the standby list for the boat ride to the memorial. We got on the boat ride before we could do the second stop of the self-guided tour. Parking was easy and you don't have to buy an advanced you just click the QR code. After the self-guided tour which was about an hour and a half we went to the Missouri on a separate ticket that we bought there.
My only problem was with the visit to the Arizona you are reminded by navel personnel before you board the memorial that it is a cemetery and to remain quiet. Then as you are quietly experiencing the emotional impact of what you are standing over another member of the navel personnel yells the same reminder and sort ruins the moment. Maybe I missed someone misbehaving? Outside of that a very nice memorial with great exhibits and educational information.
Our family had an incredible experience visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The exhibits and short introductory film provide excellent historical context, making the visit both educational and deeply moving. The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial was peaceful and unforgettable, offering a powerful opportunity to reflect on the events of December 7, 1941, and honor those who lost their lives.
For USS Arizona Memorial boat tickets - we signed up for Standby wherein they send text msgs when there’s slots available ~ wait time for us was about 20mins.
Tip if you got a child: Ask at the Visitor Center for the free Junior Ranger activity booklet. It kept our child engaged with fun, age-appropriate activities while helping them understand the history in a meaningful way. After completing the booklet, kid earned a free Junior Ranger badge, which made the experience even more memorable.
Overall, Pearl Harbor is a must-visit destination in Honolulu—beautifully maintained, well organized, and an unforgettable place to learn, reflect, and remember.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
| Address | 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 595-3167 |
Great experience. I found the capes made from the bird feathers very fascinating. The docents are very knowledgeable. Look online for special events that may be happening too. If you are following Google directions, it will take you past the entrance. Look for the brown sign on the left side of the road that marks the entrance on the right side of the road.
I thoroughly enjoyed this museum! True Hawaiian culture to enjoy here. The house is beautiful and the guided tour information was extremely informative.
Any additional questions no matter how trivial we're beautifully explained by the intelligent history expert who has big goals and a great Hawaiian history to share. Only took about an hour to walk through, although you can go much faster if you don't read the tour guide.
The pictures do not do it justice. It's way cooler in person. You have to go shoeless.
Interesting quick stop to check out along the way. I'll let the pictures do the talking here.
Beautiful preservation work & grounds with dedicated volunteer staff. Sadly, they made visitors leave at 12:30 which was disappointing considering the $16 admission. Also, that could have prevented visits all together for folks planning on their posted times.
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
| Address | 11 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Phone | (808) 423-1341 |
Must visit if you have not already! So much history, awesome displays, and you have the chance to board an actual submarine! The museum is interactive and informative. We had a lot of fun walking around the grounds and being on the submarine was definitely one of our favorite activities. You do need to pay entry to visit but it is worth it.
Never been on a submarine before this point and I have got to say it is well worth it. It is definitely a TIGHT FIT inside the vessel. We were guided through the main walkway inside the submarine and it was a quick b it informative tour. My favorite part was the small utilitarian kitchen. It was in such a compact space!!! The “Bowfin” also had a range of 10,000 miles which I thought was very neat, especially with 4 v16 diesel motors. What a feat of engineering! I also loved how we got to go up on deck and explore the anti aircraft guns and consider the brave souls that fought on this vessel. One star removed because I feel it would have been a better experience to see more decks of the vessel (periscope deck).
Also, if it is raining, BE CAREFUL. The deck is VERRYY slippery.
An amazing experience for a military museum.
You are encouraged to touch, turn and learn!
This is not a hands-off museum!!
Staff is amazing. Rick went out of his way to explain, story-tell and otherwise make for an unforgettable experience. It didn’t hurt that his background was Secret Service and protected a previous president!
The Bowfin is well preserved and maintained and gives you a glimpse of Submarine life in the 1940s.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum & USS Bowfin was the final museum we visited while visiting the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. This was a smaller museum with some construction taking place inside. You also get to go inside the Bowfin Submarine which was a really cool opportunity to get to go inside a WWII Submarine and see how the crew spent their times. It was warm inside the submarine, and very close quarters but was an amazing experience.
They take a photo of your party in front of the bowfin before you go on board and to our pleasant surprise - it was one of the coolest photos we got while in Hawai'i. They do a replica print from the original Pearl Harbor Oahu News Article with your photo on the front, we now have it framed in our house. We purchased this and they gave us the opportunity for a free pearl at the pearl counter.
Both myself & my boyfriend opened a pearl at the pearl counter and both we picked had 2 pearls each.
Overall I think that purchasing the Pearl Harbor Passport was the best option as we got to see each of the museums and filled up most of our day.
Yes, it is a small submarine, but I still like it plus I already spend whole day all another museum so short walk will save me lots of energy. Most rooms are smaller than a battleship of course. I buy a passport ticket so for me is so much worth! I get to see every place without waiting on a line or thinking about buying a ticket place by place.
USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Missouri Memorial
| Address | 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 455-1600 |
Toured the USS Missouri with my kids (ages 4 and 7 at the time) and my honest take: it really depends on your kids. If they're into ships or WWII history, they'll be fascinated. Mine are more into planes and hands-on stuff, so they got hot and tired pretty quickly, though bribing them with Dole Whip afterward saved the day.
The ship itself is genuinely impressive. You walk the exact deck where Japan signed the surrender ending WWII, see the nine massive 65-foot guns, and go below deck to the sleeping quarters and kitchens. The Divine Wind kamikaze exhibit is moving and sobering, worth slowing down for. We also loved watching volunteers hand-clean the brass surrender plaque, one of those little unplanned moments that ended up being a highlight.
Heads up: there are a lot of stairs, some genuinely steep, so this is tougher with toddlers or preschoolers. It also gets hot on the main deck, so go early if you can.
We recently went back and tried the new scavenger hunt they've added, and it's harder than it looks. I thought I'd breeze through it and ended up backtracking more than once. It's a great option if your kids like a challenge, but budget more time than you'd expect, it adds a real chunk to your visit.
Food options on site are solid too. Slider's Grill has plate lunches with great views of the Arizona Memorial, and yes, there's Dole Whip.
Bottom line: an important, well-run piece of history that's worth it if your kids can handle the walking and stairs. Consider the scavenger hunt if you want to keep them more engaged.
The USS Missouri Battleship Museum is a great, low-key option if you want something easy but genuinely worthwhile. History buffs in particular will get a lot out of it.
I recommend buying your ticket online ahead of time to skip any lines. Once you’re there, the 30-minute guided tour is well worth it — it covers a ton of the ship’s history and background. After that, you’re free to explore the deck and exhibits at your own pace.
Plan for about 1–2 hours total to see everything comfortably.
We got to visit the memorial through Karma Tours and our guide, Ariel, was funny, incredibly educational, and let us know of all the history while going from Waikiki to the port and then across the bridge to the base.
The memorial itself was somber, respectful, impactful, and a great, if harrowing experience when reflecting on the events. A cruiser boat shuttles you out and back and there are enough plaques to show your relation to the sunken Arizona.
After a break, we went into the base and got to walk around the USS Missouri - what a huge ship! We had just enough time to tour the bridge levels and crew quarters after a few presentations from a guide on the main deck. Guns are massive. Really puts things on perspective.
We didn't have enough tour time left to do the narrated extended ship tour, or the submarine museum / submarine tour but at least getting to see it was cool, too. Definitely a full day excursion if you intend to do everything the port and ship offers.
As you enter the ship you can feel the History!
I thought I smelled Bunker-C and the ship has been restored to Largely like it was during WWII.
The self-guided tour is well marked and quite good. The additional VIP tours are well worth it.
Ours was lead by a retired military member that actually served on the Missouri! This added an extra layer of VIP!
The ship is well maintained and largely accessible.
Highly recommend. And, get the Captain’s Tour.
What an astonishing piece of history. Exquisitely preserved. The history behind this ship can take you DAYS to fully comprehend. I loved this experience and really appreciated the tour guide, although I wish they would do smaller groups and for a much longer time (to take you through more niche places of the ship…especially the upper decks). I do also appreciate that they have tours in other languages as it is not only an important part of history for the U.S, but also for the entire world.
Bus shuttles you right to entrance.
Hawaii's Plantation Village
| Address | 94-695 Waipahu St, Waipahu, HI 96797 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (808) 677-0110 |
The site is incredibly immersive, with the reconstructed buildings really making you feel the history in this place! Paired with the informational handbook they give you, any visit to here leaves you well informed and glad you came.
Be warned: bug spray is heavily recommended; so much so that they actually lend you a bottle to spray yourself with when you purchase tickets.
Good plantation to visit. Very historical about the progression of the sugar industry in Hawaii. The guided tour was long— a little too much off topic talk by the tour guide which made the tour very Lengthy and toward the end there was no end in site because of the off topic speeches. I suggest the tour guides stick to a script or outline about the plantation and not detract from that. What the guide might think is funny can be offensive to many people. He also used ‘BS’ in his communication several times.
This village museum showcases the history of immigration to Hawaii’s plantations, offering visitors the chance to learn about the history that has shaped Hawaii’s culture today. I highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Hawaii’s history and culture.
Must-see outdoor museum to learn rich history and step back in time to plantation life in Hawaii. Plan accordingly, if visiting on a rainy day. Grounds can be slick and have standing water on the pathways. There are umbrellas available in the main building, which is helpful. Also, inside the main building, there are other cultural exhibits to explore like Hele mai: Let's Eat Exhibit (Hawaii’s Food) and a gift shop. 10/10 recommend, especially if you’re a history buff! Thank you to the staff for the great hospitality today!
It was heavy learning experience as a Filipino learning about not just how Filipino immigrants were conditioned in these plantations, but others such as the Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Okinawans, etc. The history is very rich and is an important landmark to have here in the islands, showing both the good and bad experiences these people underwent during this period of time. It shows how Hawaii is a very diverse environment with many different groups trying to find there footing here in the islands. I highly recommend visiting and supporting the efforts here in preserving this part of history. Will warn about mosquitoes so I suggest getting repellent.
Children's Discovery Center
| Address | 111 Ohe St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 524-5437 |
So many things to do here! My toddler likes to role-play and she really enjoyed every rooms. They have a variety of interactive and dramatic rooms like: hospital, diner, grocery, police station, bank, theatre, puppet show, car mechanic, and a tv station where you can pretend to be a news anchor telling about the weather forecast! There’s even an area for PWD which is really nice and inclusive. I love that everything was kept clean and organized at all times. There are staff who cleans the room whenever no one’s in it. There’s also a water/jungle play area, and a cafe. They have a big open parking area. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn’t that busy.
The Children’s Discovery Center in Children’s Discovery Center is a great spot for letting kids explore burn energy and actually learn something without it feeling like school. Free parking is a huge bonus especially in Waikiki and it already makes the visit feel easier from the start.
It is also reasonably priced which makes it a solid value for families. The location is ideal since it is near the beach and close to the farmers market so you can easily turn it into a full morning outing.
The exhibits are hands on and interactive which keeps kids engaged for about two hours before they naturally start to wind down. There is plenty for them to touch build pretend and explore without it feeling overwhelming.
Overall the Children’s Discovery Center is an easy affordable and fun stop if you are in Waikiki with kids. Pair it with a beach walk or farmers market visit and you have a full day planned without much hassle.
Hawaii Children's Discovery Center is an excellent choice for a family weekend outing with younger kids in Honolulu. Located at 111 Ohe St. near Kakaʻako Waterfront Park, this hands-on children's museum emphasizes learning through play, sensory exploration, and multicultural awareness in a safe, engaging indoor space—perfect for a break from beach days, rain, or too much sun.
Practical Details for a Weekend Visit
Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (closed Mondays; Tue–Fri 9:00 AM–1:00 PM). Rainforest Adventures closes 30 minutes early.
Admission: $15 general, $12 kamaʻāina/military (with ID), $8 seniors. Kids under 1 are free. Memberships are available and a good value for repeat visits.
Parking: Free on-site or nearby in the Kakaʻako park lot—convenient for families.
Food: Kids Cafe offers child-friendly options (open weekends 10 AM–2:30 PM). You can bring your own snacks/lunch to enjoy outside on the lanai or in the park. No food/drinks in exhibit areas.
Strollers: Not allowed in galleries (park them in the lobby); baby carriers available if needed. Plan for 2–3 hours, following your child's pace.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening on weekends to beat crowds, as it can get busy. Supervision is required.
What Makes It Great for Younger Kids
The museum's theme is "YOU!!!" with five main galleries full of interactive, age-appropriate exhibits that encourage touching, pretending, and discovering:
Tot Spot & Little Explorers (in Fantastic You and Rainforest Adventures): Ideal soft-play zones for toddlers and babies up to age 3–5.
Your Town: Kids can role-play as firefighters, bankers, mechanics, or performers—great for imaginative play.
Fantastic You: Explore the human body with fun, hands-on elements like Mr. Bones.
Hawaiian Rainbows: Hawaii-themed fun like picking pineapples, running a plantation store, or loading cargo on a ship/airplane—ties in local culture.
Your Rainbow World: Global cultures, celebrations, and similarities/differences around the world.
Rainforest Adventures: Learn about environments and conservation with a dedicated little ones area.
This place is a little out of the way but it's worth a visit, especially if you've done all the swimming and what not. I took my 5 year old and he really really enjoyed himself. It's a tiny bit dated but there's multiple floors of great interactive displays for the kids. I think kids up to 7 years old would enjoy it. The little Asia town is really cool and well done.
Such a great place, you can learn, teach, read and play all in a super safe and clean environment. Fun dress up exhibits, a great library with wall to ceiling books, water feature where you can 'fish', just a great place for learning and discovery away from computers, Ipads and the digital world. Plan to spend plenty of time, we were there 3 hours and didn't get to see everything.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
| Address | 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 422-3399 |
A powerful and historic site. While entry is free, be warned: no bags are allowed inside. Storage is available for $7 per bag, and they charge per item even if they are stored together for a group. Pro-tip: Consolidate everything into one single bag before you get to the window to save money!
Also, if you don't have a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial, check the kiosks for free standby tickets—we were able to snag some easily. A truly moving place of history.
Do your research and get passed for the ferry to see the arizona and to see the three Missouri, Aviation, and Submarine museums. All are amazing. There is a free shuttle bus that goes between the three museums. This is an all day affair but worth every minute!
Been on my bucket list to see for many years. Great weather, a lot to see and do. Once on the Arizona it was surreal, peaceful quiet to respect those lost. Plan for a full day, enjoy all that this place has to offer. Tons of history. Was bit confined space on the Sub, being 6'8" made it challenging to get through the doors but was well worth the tight spaces. For all those Taylor Swift fans she made the timeline wall 2024.
All due respect to the men and women serving.
Facilities need improvement.
Many bathrooms out of order vending machines out of order.
Grounds not kept up over grown.
Museum was an additional charge??
Another $50 to get in.
Souvenir picture for $25 is a ripoff. Yes for a good cause but really?
Very humbling in the Arizona mememorial.
Very impressed with how people respected it and even though over 100 people were there extremely quiet .
Submarine tour was good interesting to see how cramped it was.
Worth while going..
Thanks again for your service.
The visitor center at Pearl Harbor provides access to many naval historical memorials as well as a ferry trip to the USS Arizona memorial. The memorial of submarines lost during the war is quiet moving as is the well documented memorial of the attack on Pearl harbor on Dec 7th, 1941.
Tips for Planning Your Museum Visits in Honolulu
To make the most of your cultural exploration in Honolulu, a little advance planning goes a long way. The city’s layout, traffic patterns, and unique cultural protocols mean that a thoughtful approach can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some expert recommendations to help you navigate the local museum scene efficiently and respectfully.
Check for Kamaʻāina and Military Discounts
Many major museums in Honolulu offer significant discounts for Hawaii residents (Kamaʻāina) and active-duty military personnel. Always carry a valid ID or proof of residency, as these discounts are often not advertised online and can save you a substantial amount on admission fees.
Respect the Cultural Protocols
Some museums house sacred Hawaiian artifacts or royal belongings. You may notice signs asking visitors not to photograph certain items or to maintain a quiet demeanor in specific halls. Always observe these rules, as they are not just museum policy but a matter of cultural respect for the host culture.
Plan Around the Midday Heat
While museums are air-conditioned, the walk between them can be intense, especially in the summer months. Schedule your outdoor walking or garden portions of a museum visit for the early morning or late afternoon. Use the peak heat hours between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to enjoy indoor galleries.
Utilize TheBus and Ride Shares
Parking in downtown Honolulu and near Waikiki can be expensive and difficult to find. If you plan to visit multiple locations in one day, consider using the city’s public bus system, TheBus, which is reliable and affordable. Alternatively, a single ride-share drop-off can save you the headache of circling for parking.
Allow Time for the Gift Shops
Unlike generic souvenir stands, museum gift shops in Honolulu often carry high-quality, locally made crafts, books, and prints. These shops are excellent places to find authentic gifts that support local artisans and the museum itself. Budget an extra 20 to 30 minutes to browse without feeling rushed.
Honolulu’s museums offer a journey through the soul of the Pacific, revealing stories that the beaches and hotels simply cannot tell. By stepping into these spaces, you connect with the artistry, resilience, and spirituality of the people who have called these islands home for generations. Whether you spend an hour or an entire day, the insights gained will add a profound layer of meaning to your time on Oahu.
As you plan your itinerary, remember that the best travel experiences often come from slowing down and engaging deeply with a place. Choose a few museums that resonate with your personal interests rather than trying to rush through them all. The stories contained within these walls are meant to be savored, leaving you with a richer appreciation for the vibrant cultural tapestry of Honolulu.
