Museums and Culture in Hawaii

Oahu

Bishop Museum

Museums are always a great way to gain an insight to any destinations heritage, art and culture and Hawaii is no exception. On Oahu, it’s the Bishop Museum which is not only the largest museum in Hawaii, but also dedicated to the state’s history and considered by many to be the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific.

Honolulu Museum of Art

Also on Oahu is the Honolulu Museum of Art, billed as the largest private presenter of visual arts programs in Hawaii with its huge collection containing more than 50,000 works spanning 5000 years. There is always an exciting new exhibition to bring repeat visitors back and those looking for classy souvenirs can find publications, stationery, prints, and posters from both international and Hawaii artisans and designers unique to the islands.

The Big Island

Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

On the Big Island, you can learn about the link between ancient Hawaiian culture and the stars through a variety of exciting displays and interactive exhibits at the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii in Hilo. Opened in 2006, the $28 million, 40,000-square-foot exhibition and planetarium complex is located on nine acres in the University of Hawaii's Science and Technology Park. Be sure to see a screening in their big screen theatre.

Maui 

Lahaina Whale & Ocean Arts Festival

Not forgetting Maui, the local Lahaina Town Action Committee is busy promoting their own island’s cultural attractions. The popular and quirky town is an attraction in itself with always something going on in and around the business district which is virtually a museum in itself. Each year on the first weekend of March, Lahaina celebrates the annual migration of Pacific Humpback whales with the Lahaina Whale & Ocean Arts Festival when local artists display and sell their best marine-themed art, while musicians and hula troupes entertain.