Part I: Oʻahu – The Gathering Place of History and Art

Oʻahu is rightfully called "The Gathering Place." For centuries, it has been the center of power, business, and culture in the islands. Here the stories of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the chaos of world conflict, and a vibrant, multicultural art scene come together. Our museum journey begins in the historic heart of Honolulu. A district that holds the legacy of our last monarchs.

The Royal Story: A Tale of Two Palaces

To understand Hawaiʻi, you must understand our monarchy. Two palaces in Honolulu tell this powerful story. One of a forward-thinking, free nation. The other of a peaceful, personal retreat.

ʻIolani Palace: A Beacon of Power and Sorrow

Standing proudly in downtown Honolulu, ʻIolani Palace is not just a building. It is the spiritual and physical multicultural center of Hawaiʻi. As the only official royal home on U.S. soil, it is a strong symbol of our kingdom's proud, free past.

Built in 1882 by our last king, Kalākaua, known as the "Merrie Monarch" for bringing back Hawaiian culture, the palace was amazing for its time. It had Hawaiʻi's first electric lights, flush toilets, and an internal phone system. This showed a level of technology that matched the great houses of Europe and even the White House.

A tour through its carefully restored rooms brings back the grand balls and world politics that once happened here. The grand hall with its beautiful koa staircase. The rich throne room. The state dining room. Yet the palace also holds deep sadness. Here King Kalākaua's sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani, was held prisoner in an upstairs room. This happened after the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. The palace stands as a living restoration. A testament to both the heights of Hawaiian innovation and the pain of its loss.

Queen Emma Summer Palace (Hānaiakamalama): A Royal Retreat

A short drive from the political center of Honolulu sits Hānaiakamalama. Nestled in the cool, lush Nuʻuanu Valley, this was the beloved summer palace of Queen Emma, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. Built in 1848 with a frame shipped all the way from Boston, its Greek Revival style offers a charming contrast to the American Florentine style of ʻIolani. This was their escape. A place of peace away from the demands of court life.

The home is managed by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi. A group of women who, in 1915, saved the palace from being torn down to make way for a baseball field. Inside, you'll find a personal collection of the queen's belongings, royal antiques, and gifts from dignitaries like her godmother, Queen Victoria of England. This includes the koa wood cradle of the young prince whose tragic death cast a shadow over the family.

The Keeper of the Pacific: Bishop Museum

If there is one place that holds the complete story of Hawaiʻi and the vast Pacific, it is the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop to house the priceless heirlooms of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop—the last royal descendant of the Kamehameha dynasty—the museum has grown into the state's premier place for natural and cultural history. With a collection of over 25 million historical, cultural, and natural treasures, it is a place of immense knowledge and discovery.

A visit here is a multi-faceted journey. The magnificent Hawaiian Hall takes you through three realms of Hawaiian cosmology. The ground floor, Kai Ākea, represents the world of the gods and ancient legends, where a life-size replica of a sperm whale hangs from the ceiling. The second floor, Wao Kanaka, is the realm of people, showcasing daily life, work, and the importance of nature. The third floor, Wao Lani, is the realm of the gods and the aliʻi, where you learn about the monarchy and key moments in our history.

Beyond Hawaiian Hall, the Pacific Hall explores the wider expanse of Oceania. It connects the diverse yet linked cultures of the Pacific through model canoes, contemporary art, and archaeological findings. For families, the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center is a must. This interactive space brings science to life, with a giant model volcano that "erupts" and hands-on exhibits on volcanology, oceanography, and Hawaii's unique biodiversity. The daily lava-melting demonstration is a crowd favorite. Be sure to get a seat early.

The J. Watumull Planetarium offers captivating shows that connect modern astronomy with the ancient Polynesian art of wayfinding by the stars. The museum also hosts world-class traveling exhibits, like the current "Expedition Dinosaur," ensuring there's always something new to see.

What many visitors don't see is the museum's role as a world-class research place. Behind the public galleries lie vast collections vital to global science. An archaeology department with the world's largest collection of Pacific artifacts. A botany department holding specimens from Captain Cook's voyages. The Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity, which cryo-preserves the DNA of threatened and extinct species. The Bishop Museum isn't just preserving the past. It's actively decoding it for the future.

A Day of Remembrance: Navigating the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

On December 7, 1941, the course of world history changed on the shores of Oʻahu. Today, Pearl Harbor is a place of solemn remembrance, an active naval base, and a collection of five distinct historic sites that tell the story of the attack and its aftermath. Visiting can be a powerful and emotional experience, but the logistics can be complex. Here is a straightforward guide to help you plan your day.

The entire complex is anchored by the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, operated by the National Park Service. This is your entry point.

The Core Experience (Free, but Reservations Required)

The Partner Museums (Paid Admission)

Oʻahu's Art Scene & Niche Museums

Beyond the monumental historical sites, Oʻahu is home to a thriving and diverse arts and culture scene. Museums that hold treasures from around the globe and celebrate the incredible talent of our local artists.

Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)

The state's largest fine arts museum is a beautiful oasis of art and culture. Galleries built around serene, open-air courtyards. Its collection is world-class, boasting one of America's finest assemblages of Asian art, including the James A. Michener collection of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The European collection is equally impressive, with works by masters like Van Gogh, Monet, Gauguin, and Picasso. The Arts of Hawaiʻi gallery provides a stunning overview of our islands' artistic traditions.

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

This is one of Oʻahu's most exclusive and breathtaking experiences. Shangri La was the cliffside home of tobacco heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke, who fell in love with Islamic art during her travels and built this architectural masterpiece to house her collection. With intricate tilework from Iran, a room from Damascus, and stunning seaside views, it is an unforgettable journey into another world.

Capitol Modern (formerly HiSAM)

Located in the beautiful, historic former YMCA building in downtown Honolulu, Capitol Modern is the "People's Museum". It is operated by the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and showcases the incredible contemporary art of artists with a connection to Hawaiʻi. Best of all, admission is always free, making it a perfect stop for a quick and inspiring dose of local culture.

A Roundup of Oʻahu's Other Stories