Bishop Museum, Oahu

Bishop Museum at a Glance

Here is a destination that’s not only entertaining but also enlightening. The Bishop Museum on the island of Oahu is Hawaii’s largest museum with an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, documents and photos about Hawaii and other Pacific island nations and cultures. The collection started with the royal family heirlooms of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Her husband Charles Reed Bishop founded the Bishop Museum as a tribute to her.

The collection has since then ballooned to millions of items, which tell museum visitors the whole story of Hawaii and the Pacific. At the Bishop Museum, you'll find 24.7 million items, including cultural artifacts from Pacific Islands and Hawaiian life (2.4 million items), historical publications (115,000 items) and historical photographs, art works, audio files, manuscripts and films (1 million items).

The huge collection has also expanded to items that are of scientific nature: insect specimens, birds and the skeleton of a 50-foot sperm whale. You'll also find displays of ceremonial spears, great feathered capes of kings and old photos of topless hula dancers. There are daily programs featuring the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures, interactive presentations and exhibits, and a spectacular Planetarium.

Visitors to the Bishop Museum are permitted to photograph and videotape the exhibits. Flash photography is also permitted. However, please note that in certain exhibit areas, videography and photography may be limited due to copyright and/or cultural sensitivities. Please comply with posted rules.

Bishop Museum in Bullet Points

The Bishop Museum is the biggest museum in the state of Hawaii and features about 25 million items
The museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop

Bishop Museum Hours

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday, 9 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day (December 25). There is ample free parking on the campus.

Bishop Museum Admission

Free admission to Bishop Museum members

General - adult $15.95
General - senior, 65 & over $12.95
General - child (ages 4-12) $12.95
General - child (age 3 & under) Free

Kamaaina (local residents) and military (ID is required to get these rates):
$8.95 - General Admission
$7.95 - Child (4-12) and Senior (65+)

Guests visiting the Bishop Museum who are not local residents or military, but are accompanied by someone who is can get a special rate of adults $12.95, youth $9.95, and children 3 and under are free. Otherwise, regular retail admission rates will apply.

Driving Directions to the Bishop Museum / Location

The Bishop Museum is located on 1525 Bernice Street in Honolulu. If you drive from Waikiki towards the Honolulu Airport, the Bishop Museum is off of Lunalilo Freeway.

Address: 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI 96817

Bishop Museum Map (top)

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