Opened all the way back in 1889, the museum features vast collections of historical pieces and educates visitors on everything from ancient Polynesian star navigation to how a volcano erupts.
The beautiful Hawaiian Hall is the first stop the museum tour. The hall was built in the classical Victorian style of the times, and is a world away from the rest of the museum’s carved Polynesian pillars.
Look upwards and you’ll see an impressive sperm whale skeleton hanging from the hall’s ceiling. Measuring 15 metres in length and partially covered by a papier mâché skin, you can get a closer look at the skeletal system of these enormous marine mammals. The Hall is also home to a vast collection of traditional artefacts, and its walls are lined with colourful Hawaiian capes.
Next up is the Polynesian Hall, which as its name suggests, displays an array of fascinating artefacts from Honolulu and the surrounding islands.
One of the museum’s most popular and interactive exhibitions is the fantastic Science Adventure Centre. With countless different exhibits covering five different floors, you can learn first-hand all about Hawaii’s unique environment. Take a tour of the ocean floor or control the lava flow from an erupting volcano. Don’t miss out on one of the volcanic eruption displays which take place several times a day.
Look skywards at the planetarium. A replica of the night sky hangs overhead, with over 8,500 stars and planets from our galaxy twinkling above you. There are several daily shows explaining the exhibition in more detail.
The best way to get to the Bishop Museum is by bus. The museum is located in the Kalihi district and several different buses service the area. There is free parking at the museum if you choose to drive. Food and drink are available at the museum’s café as well as a large picnic area. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and Christmas Day.
