Oahu Museums

Exploring the museums in Oahu provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Hawaii fully. The island boasts museums that offer a range of exhibits, from ancient Hawaiian artifacts to contemporary art and scientific displays.

Among the attractions is the Bishop Museum, highly regarded for its commitment to preserving and sharing the captivating history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. This museum houses a collection of artifacts, including Hawaiian feather cloaks, royal regalia, ancient tools, and weapons. Visitors can also delve into Hawaii’s mesmerizing geology, flora, and fauna and learn about its traditions and customs.

Another must-visit museum on Oahu is the Honolulu Museum of Art. This remarkable institution is renowned for its collection of Pacific art, showcasing both traditional masterpieces and contemporary works crafted by local artists. Throughout the year, visitors can also enjoy a range of exhibitions that add even more excitement to their experience.

For those intrigued by history, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial should be at the top of their list. This significant site serves as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It offers an opportunity to pay respects while gaining an understanding of this event in history.
You can explore the USS Arizona Memorial, which was built on top of the sunken battleship along with the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

If you have an interest in science and technology, make sure to visit the Hawaii Science Center. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits and demonstrations showcasing advancements in science and technology. You can delve into topics like astronomy, energy, and robotics. Even enjoy virtual reality experiences.

Naturally, your visit to Oahus museums wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Iolani Palace. This historical structure used to serve as the residence for Hawaiian monarchs. It is now transformed into a museum that exhibits Hawaiian Kingdom’s art, architecture, and history. You have the opportunity to explore its rooms while learning about the monarch’s role in Hawaiian history.

Overall exploring Oahus museums is a way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian history and culture. With such a wide selection of museums available catering to interests like art, science, history, or culture, there is something for everyone. So when planning your trip to Oahu, make sure you include some museum visits on your itinerary!

Oahu’s Museums

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a National Park Service-operated attraction comprised of the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. Nearby you’ll find Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)

The Honolulu Museum of Art is considered Hawaii’s finest art museum. Its expansive collection contains a diverse selection of paintings, textiles, and more from all over the world, while its temporary exhibits showcase a wide variety of artists and subjects. It also features a theatre, café, coffee bar, and gift shop.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

The USS Missouri was where Japan officially surrendered to the United States in September 1945, thus ending WWII. The ship is no longer in commission and has since been transformed into the Battleship Missouri Memorial, where visitors can go on a guided tour and explore a variety of museum exhibits.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is home to over 50 authentic WWII-era aircraft, as well as a number of helicopters and jets used during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and several other recent military conflicts. Hangars 37 and 79 both date to before WWII, and house educational exhibits, informative films, historic artifacts, and more.

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii’s royal family during the second half of the nineteenth century. This lavishly appointed dwelling features a host of regal rooms, beautiful furniture, and historic artifacts. The attraction is the only royal palace located on American soil.

Bishop Museum

Home to the world’s most significant collection of Hawaiian cultural artifacts and Pacific natural history specimens, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in all of Hawaii. Among the many popular exhibits found here are Hawaiian Hall, Pacific Hall, Picture Gallery, and the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

The recently renamed Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is the permanent home of the USS Bowfin, a famous World War II-era fleet attack submarine. The museum also houses three distinct historic galleries and features a moving Waterfront Memorial that pays tribute to submarine crewmembers lost during WWII.