Oahu's natural beauty is unmatched, but this Hawaiian island has so much cultural richness to take in between beach visits. If you're like me and enjoy learning about the places you travel to, hitting a museum or heritage center is a must. This list is filled with my favorite Oahu museums experiences and insider tips to round out your itinerary--whether you're looking for educational activities or something to do indoors when it rains.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my list of things to do in Oahu, too!
Museums to Visit on Oahu
Bishop Museum
A natural history and Polynesian museum was my favorite and most memorable experience on the island--which is wild for a beach destination, right?!
The Bishop Museum is named after the late Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a member of the Hawaiian royal family, and largely supplied by her personal collection of artifacts. The collections fill several floors across multiple buildings to tell the beautiful and wrenching story of Polynesian and Hawaiian history with exhibits spanning geology, education, traditional practices, art, and modern Hawaiian identity.
I found the exhibitions so engrossing that I didn't think to take many pictures. Part science museum, part cultural museum, this is a must-visit to gain perspective on the paradise all around you when visiting Oahu and the other Hawaiian islands. Get your Bishop Museum tickets and pencil it into your plans.
Don't feel like doing the planning? Copy my week-long Oahu itinerary!
Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is the former home of Hawaii's last monarchs and the only royal palace in the US. This museum in Oahu includes the restored palace interiors, formal clothes, and artifacts. I did the self-guided tour because it fit best with my schedule, and wasn't disappointed.
After checking in and watching a brief orientation video, you're set up with a headset and hand-held screen to dictate your path through the palace. Plan for at least 90 minutes and dress appropriately, as this palace is also a sacred site.
Exploring the palace, along with the two previous museums I mentioned, painted a more fullsome picture of the beauty and the tragedy of Hawaii's history and how it came to be the 50th state of America. I recommend incorporating each one into your itinerary for this reason!
Pro Travel Tip
Purchase your tickets and book your time slot in advance. There are a variety of exhibits and viewing options, and this ensures you get your pick!
Check out my women's packing list for Oahu, including museum outfits, bathing suits, and more!
King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
Just a five-minute walk from the palace is The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, which walks visitors through the past and present legal and political systems of Hawaii and the impact of Western influence.
This free museum in Honolulu is a good fit for travelers interested in the local history of colonialism, and the U.S. annexation of Hawaii, and the enduring conversation around land rights.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
If you're interested in WW2 museums or aviation history, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a must. Located on Ford Island and part of the collective Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the aviation museum spans two historic hangars and includes outdoor exhibits like fighter planes and bombers.
Immersive exhibits walk you through the events of December 7, 1941, and beyond. If you've ever wondered how Hawaii factored into American wartime history, this stop is both sobering and educational.
USS Arizona Memorial
This submarine museum and memorial site is actually a national park and one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii--and for good reason.
Accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from the Pearl Harbor Museum, the USS Arizona Memorial sits directly over the sunken battleship, offering a poignant and respectful tribute to the people who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
While entry to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free, reservations are highly recommended. Because these sites are very popular, a guided tour can help you get the most from your experience.
Honolulu Museum of Art
As someone who has visited art museums around the world, The Honolulu Museum of Art rivals them all! It is so well laid out and includes extensive collections from each continent, grouped by region.
One complaint I have is that the section of African continental art filled only part of a room, whereas some individual countries from elsewhere took up entire buildings. That problem isn't unique to this museum, but worth mentioning, to me.
The beautiful courtyards between each building also feel like art themselves. And there's a cute little cafe onsite in case you want to turn your visit into a leisurely afternoon lunch situation.
Hungry for more? Read my guide to where to eat in Oahu for travelers next!
Pro Travel Tip
If you're visiting downtown Honolulu or UH Manoa, this art museum is easily accessible from either area.
Hawaii Heritage Center
For a hyper-local experience, the Hawaii Heritage Center will give you a look at how different ethnic groups have shaped Honolulu's history and culture, and Hawaii's identity.
Located in downtown Honolulu's Chinatown, this local cultural museum highlights the lived experiences of Hawaii's immigrant communities, including Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese. This museum is comparatively much smaller but still impactful, and perfect for an intimate view of Oahu.
Honorable Mentions
I haven't personally visited the following museums, but they come highly recommended by other travelers.
Capitol Modern - Formerly called Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM) and located in downtown Honolulu, this museum has free admission and is open Monday through Saturday.
Hawaiian Railway Society - If you're a transportation buff or traveling with kids, this train museum and historic railway ride is a charming option.
Plantation Village Museum - A living history plantation museum in Waipahu that offers guided tours about Oahu's immigrant labor communities.
More Oahu Moments
Whether you're into art, history, culture, or just want to check out some solid gift shops, these Oahu, Hawaii museums offer something for every kind of traveler. I hope you'll check a few off this list of museums to visit in Oahu soon and very soon. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
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