THE 10 BEST Museums in Honolulu
Museums in Honolulu
Category types
Museums
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
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61 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Downtown Honolulu
Recommended Museum Tickets and Passes (4)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Historic Sites • Cemeteries
Admission tickets from AU$31
Speciality Museums
Admission tickets from AU$52
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Military Museums • Historic Sites
Waikiki
Historic Sites • History Museums
Speciality Museums • Theatres
Admission tickets from AU$120
Art Museums • Government Buildings
Downtown Honolulu
Military Museums • History Museums
Waikiki
Educational sites • Children's Museums
Ala Moana - Kakaako
Art Galleries
Downtown Honolulu
Art Galleries
Waikiki
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Art Galleries • Art Museums
Art Galleries
Waikiki
Art Galleries
What travellers are saying
- SEIA2DCWashington, DC58 contributionsI did very little research before going to Pearl Harbor, luckily a few days before I found an excellent local travel website that recommended how to experience this important place. First, it’s easy to do this on your own. You do not need one of the crazy expensive travel companies or tours. You DO need to reserve tickets to the Arizona Memorial early. We booked about three weeks in advance and were limited to just two afternoon time slots left the day we had planned to make this stop. Other than that, you can buy tickets on site when you arrive for the other sites run by the NPS. Those include the USS Missouri, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin submarine. If you are interested in taking everything in I would allocate an entire day. We took an Uber from Waikiki, arriving around noon, and were able to barely fit in the aviation museum and Bowfin in addition to the Arizona and the short movie at the theater. We were at Pearl Harbor almost five hours and felt like we really rushed the aviation part because we did that before our timed Arizona tickets. If I were doing this again, I would do the Bowfin before the Arizona as that it right at the main gate and you can walk right into it. Then I would do the movie before going to the Arizona. The movie is 15 minutes. The Arizona is a strict 30-45 minutes, you are not allowed to linger. Then I would do the Missouri and the Aviation museum (2-3 hours combined), because those are on Ford Island and you have to take a 15-minute shuttle from the main gate. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes. We messed up by going to aviation, then shuttle back to main gate, then boat to Arizona back at Ford Island (only way to access it), then back to main area. Highly recommend timing your day so you do main area stuff together and Ford Island stuff together to get more out of your time if you don’t have a full day to spend. The gift shops are at the main gate, aviation and Bowfin, each has their own items. We didn’t get food but basic concessions are available. There is a strict no bag policy, we paid $7.00 for a locker to store one small purse and a fanny pack. I don’t remember seeing strollers so if traveling with young kids would check that. Distinctly remember infants in worn carriers and toddlers walking without strollers. One woman next to me at bag check was told she could not take in a diaper bag since it’s an active military base, they are not joking about the no bags.Written 3 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 544yum1 contributionBeautiful Hawaii’s sad side… But appreciate for the people for prep this chance of learning where it’s happened with artifacts.Written 25 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- philljanAdelaide, Australia528 contributionsIt is worth visiting this burial site for all the men who lost their lives, and those who survived but have been chosen to have their ashes put in with their mates who died. All the names are displayed on an honour roll on a wall inside the memorial. A sobering reminder of the result of the desire of power, hatred, greed, war. It has been well done, and if you visit the battle ship Missouri you can understand the utter horror of what faced those trapped inside.Written 3 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- funnyfarmwestRedding, CA54 contributionsWe had heard of the Bishop Museum and were in the area one afternoon. So, we parked paid for the parking, noticed the sign said parking hours ended at 10 pm. So we walked up to the door. We had no idea the museum closed at 5pm. We walked in and were told there wasn't enough time to tour the museum and they wouldn't sell us a ticket. I guess it was around 4pm when we showed up. I know bad planning on our part, it turned out it was the only opportunity to visit the museum and leave. After we got back to our hotel room my wife called about a refund on the parking fee. She was told that they only give a half hour grace period to request a refund. But they were nice and refunded the parking fee anyway. We were looking forward to the visit while in town mainly because of the artifacts on display and comments made during a circle island tour about what was there to see. (an episode of the Classic 60's Hawaii FIve O might have had some influence too). Nevertheless, we didn't get in. Something to remember next time in town (if it ever happens again).Written 2 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AstrobeemerVancouver, Canada1,362 contributionsMight seem small but the USS Bowfin is one of the great maritime museums of the US.
Launched exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor , the USS Bowfin was an attack submarine in WWII which sunk 44 enemy ships.
It is very interesting to tour this very well kept submarine and see how the sailors onboard lived. It is not for those who are claustrophobic or have mobility issues , but surprisingly it was not crowded at all and our tour was amazing.Written 23 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - drmaderOrinda, CA2,997 contributionsWe were told by several friends to go here.. to view Islamic and Moroccon art. Would usually be a museum goer much on a Hawaiian vacation ..occasionally to Pearl harder or state parks but actual
Museums here cater to residents probably or if you need a break from sun. This was incredible. From the leafy driveway and grounds , to the pool, fountains, courtyard , and incredible tile work, wooden ceiling, marble bathroom and columns and religious artifacts, stunning ocean view and jetty..we so enjoyed it here ..learning more about this heiress who started collecting at 22 years old. The cliff side setting and stately home was just amazing . Closes annually for renovations in fall, only open TH-Sat normally. Reserve early. A highlight of our trip for sure !Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ben BateManchester, UK106 contributionsWe really enjoyed our visit here, we found it to be a great layout with great information points at the correct areas which enabled us to be knowledgeable to what we were looking at etc. On top of this we were impressed with the artefacts and historical pieces they had there from the tanks and chopper outside to the cannons and old weapons they had inside. Overall great experience and would recommend when in or around Waikiki.Written 5 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TXGreenGalFrisco, TX102 contributionsWhat a beautifully curated museum. The collection is not extensive, but each room is carefully designed. The themed courtyards add to the experience and each alcove with its fresh flower arrangement adds a bit of aloha. What a wonderful experience.
My husband and I especially enjoyed the Kelechi exhibit. Wow!!!
And be sure to have a sit down and coffee in one of the fabulous courtyardsWritten 14 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FLAGSTICK888 contributionsWe made it a point to get to the Aviation Museum this trip. We booked a tour of the Control Tower prior to going through the museum/exhibit area. The Tower was a highlight of our time here! Our tour guide was outstanding! He was so knowledgeable (wish I remembered his name) and no matter how many books read/movies you have seen, you will learn so much on this tour.
It was great to stand in tower and look around 360 degrees and see the entire island. We really got a great understanding of the different flight paths of the attack on Pearl Harbor and such an appreciation for what our troops went through that day. We learned of the positions of the battle ships in the harbor that day and can see where some of them sank.
Picture taking is somewhat limited from tower since the island is an active-duty military base. It was such a clear day when we were there, and we could see for miles!
After our tower tour we spent a couple of hours touring the big hanger area and all the exhibits and aircraft outside. Impressive. Also saw bullet holes in windows & hanger from the attack.
Recommend spending several hours here.Written 7 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Alan CPasadena, MD187 contributionsAnother of the places that provides a key piece to the Hawai'ian history of the 1800s as it transitioned from Kingdom to State. The palace has been lovingly restored with many original pieces. The docent was outstanding in presenting the life and time of Queen Emma and her unfortunate family as well as tying her life into the history and current day of Hawai'i. The grounds themselves while relatively compact are also beautifully maintained.Written 18 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nick w1 contributionAwesome live in person experience with shoot and his crew. Awesome setting and experience. They announced there was a merch store but when we left no merch store to be found. Highly recommend for family or couples night out!Written 1 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dana F16 contributionsMy name is Ofcr, Dana Fatu I have been the Honolulu Police museum manager/storyteller since 2015. I want to thank TripAdvisor for being a fair review board for me and the museum. I hope HPD continues the great five star ratings that me and mentor Eddie Croom have earned for the HPD museum since 2015.
I will be retiring and leaving the museum April 1, 2024. Best wishes For the history of Honolulu Police Museum and its continuation of great bookkeeping, maintenance and visitors still have the “Awe” factor…
Since 2015, we were able to create a barcoding system for close to 10k unique pieces of HPD artifacts, documents, archives of our police history.
I was the only officer in hpd history to generate and be awarded a $51k dept of justice grant. through the grant I coded 11 Samsung devices and set up in 11 different languages and now QR Codes throughout museum for our non-speaking visitors from across the world. Hopefully, the rigorous cleaning daily refreshing of the museum, to keep museum new. I pray the next successor picks up where we left to continue this magical time capsules museum, using 21st century technology. Crossing our fingers the $41k Fallen Officer Display will be set up in March or April of 2024 since I fought for it for almost 2 years.
Just last year in 2023, close to 1,800 visitors walked through the museum doors,
So, God what’s next for this soon to be retired police officer?…Mahalo and Alooooooha Officer Legaee Fatu jr “Dana” signing off
10-8Written 20 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CanucksonthelooseVictoria, Canada767 contributionsWe visited in March 2023 when there was a large exhibit of students' artworks from local high schools which were competing for best photograph, best sculpture, etc. It was a fabulous display of up and coming Hawaiian artists in addition to the contemporary art of homegrown talent on show. I very much enjoyed the sculptures there, esp. the ones outside. A great free museum well-located near the Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol building. Metered street-parking nearby as well as a parking garage.Written 27 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dana QPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States69 contributionsOnly downside was wish had more time to explore Pearl Harbor. A few extra tours require you to board a boat to see so did not have time to see those areas. You get super yummy donuts and coffee to start then see some landmarks on the way back to your hotel. I recommend.Written 22 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alan CPasadena, MD187 contributionsWe took the docent-led tour of this property to see all three buildings (self-guided is available but only for one building). The docent was absolutely amazing and full of detail - not only about the specifics of the site, but also as it related to overall history of the Hawai'ian Islands. What makes the site extra special is that almost all the artifacts are period, as the site was basically handed over form the missionary community to the museum group in its entirety in the early 1900s. The docent-led tour is tour-de-force of how the mission grew and how it contributed to the development of the current state of Hawai'i. It is a great adjunct to other history tours such as the Iolani Palace and the Queen Emma Summer Palace.Written 18 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
