Learn how the ancient Polynesians navigated using the stars, watch a volcano erupt and browse the world’s largest collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian artifacts at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Established in 1889, the museum features collections designed to educate the public on the cultural, geographical and natural history of the “Aloha State.” The centerpiece of the museum is the stunning Hawaiian Hall. This was the first part of the museum to be built, and its classical Victorian architecture stands in stark contrast to the wooden pillars carved in Polynesian style. Admire the colorful Hawaiian capes hanging on the walls and check out the extensive collection of traditional artifacts. The hall also impresses visitors because of the 50-foot (15-meter) skeleton of a sperm whale that hangs from its ceiling. Only partially covered with a papier-mâché skin, the installation allows you to inspect the bone structure of these magnificent marine creatures. Attached to the Hawaiian Hall is the Polynesian Hall, which contains traditional clothing, weapons and musical instruments from the state’s surrounding islands. From here, head to the Science Adventure Center. Five floors of exhibits, many of them interactive, are designed to give a comprehensive account of Hawaii’s environment. Control the lava flow from a volcano or guide yourself through the ocean floor with a hand-held controller. Children will love the volcanic eruption displays, which take place several times each day. Don’t miss the planetarium, where over 8,500 bright stars and planets replicate the constellations of our galaxy. Visit one of the daily shows or just wander through the displays at any other time. The Bishop Museum is located in the Kalihi district of Honolulu. Several bus routes service the area, and there is free parking on the museum grounds. A large lawn area provides a picnic opportunity, and the museum café serves up a tasty menu of brunches and lunches as well as lighter snacks. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day. Allow at least 2–3 hours for a visit.
Bishop Museum
![Bishop Museum](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/37000/37543-Bishop-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Bishop Museum
![Waikiki Resort Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/13900/13809/3a08258b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Waikiki Resort Hotel
Reviewed on 13 Jun 2024
![OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23300/23249/9a32bc9b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
![OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/13800/13791/91aaecc4_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2024
Shows & concerts
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tab![Paradise Cove Luau](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/390496/6e3c70d1-0438-4629-b5bf-8f7036f87f15.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Paradise Cove Luau
Attractions
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tab![Go City: Oahu All-Inclusive Pass - Entry to 35+ Attractions including Luau](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/228225/bd076d1d-b24f-4970-88b2-b802d5b8c37c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Go City: Oahu All-Inclusive Pass - Entry to 35+ Attractions including Luau
Cruises & boat tours
See all 67 activitiesOpens in new tab![Sunset Dinner Cruise with Polynesian Show](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/381344/8d5274a9-7ab5-4af8-ac33-16c5aa485c09.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Sunset Dinner Cruise with Polynesian Show
Tours & day trips
See all 300 activitiesOpens in new tab![Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour with stop at Hanauma Bay Lookout](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/470264/bbc3f22d-e2a0-4c72-a850-4029e0eef87d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour with stop at Hanauma Bay Lookout
Adventure & outdoor
See all 64 activitiesOpens in new tab![Jungle Expedition Tour at Kualoa Ranch](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/385394/945ccc78-1368-4dee-bb5e-9effa6b3933e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Jungle Expedition Tour at Kualoa Ranch
Popular places to visit
Kamehameha Shopping Center
During your trip to Honolulu, you can do some window-shopping at Kamehameha Shopping Center. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Foster Botanical Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Foster Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Honolulu. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Hawaii Theater
You can get tickets for a performance at Hawaii Theater during your trip to Honolulu. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha - Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu
You can learn about the history of Honolulu with a trip to Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha - Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.
Waikiki Historic Trail
You can take time to visit Waikiki Historic Trail during your travels to Honolulu. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
TAG - The Actors' Group
You can enjoy a show at TAG - The Actors' Group during your stay in Chinatown. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.
Top Bishop Museum Hotel Deals
![City-view studio with balcony & WiFi - mere steps from Waikiki beaches](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34120000/34110800/34110711/057f9397_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/800000/791300/791225/381aa528_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/13900/13857/082aa722_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Heart of Downtown Honolulu](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/36000000/35840000/35835000/35834977/6bc6ab3a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Prince Waikiki](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/300/287/cf2b1486_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/25200/25198/e3cfe79b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Pagoda Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/21800/21788/b88e250c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Airport Honolulu Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3800/3705/5da10dc8_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7400/7385/8fa11a6b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
- Holidays and getaways similar to Bishop Museum
- Hotels Near Bishop Museum
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Airport Honolulu Hotel
- Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki
- Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
- Ala Moana Hotel by LSI Resorts
- Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental
- 19th Floor! Ocean View! Hotel Type Ala Moana Condomium! (AH917)
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach Walk
- Hotels near Ala Moana Center
- Hotels near International Market Place
- Hotels near Pearl Harbor
- Hotels near Honolulu Harbor
- Hotels near Royal Hawaiian Center
- Hotels near Lanikai Beach
- Hotels near Hawaii Convention Center
- Hotels near Diamond Head
- Hotels near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Hotels near University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Hotels near Honolulu Zoo
- Hotels near Kailua Beach
- Hotels near Ala Moana Beach Park
- Hotels near Kaimana Beach
- Hotels near Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- Hotels near USS Arizona Memorial
- Hotels near Kuhio Beach Park
- Hotels near Aloha Tower Marketplace