BISHOP MUSEUM

If you decide to visit only one museum in Oahu, choose this one. Despite the often impressive line at the entrance... It traces, in a complete and very documented way, the history and culture of Hawaii from its origins to the present day. Allow about three hours for the visit. The Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, in honor of his wife Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of Kamehameha. Initially devoted solely to Hawaii, the museum gradually opened up to other Pacific cultures. It has the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific crafts! More recently, it has added a Science Adventure Center, dedicated to volcanology; you can walk inside a reconstructed erupting volcano! The Hawaiian Hall, on 3 floors, focuses on the culture and history of the archipelago before the arrival of Westerners. The Polynesian Hall deals with all other Pacific cultures, including those of Melanesia and Micronesia. The museum buildings overlook a large interior garden where, throughout the year, various activities take place, the program of which is available on the museum website. Since 2013, a completely renovated Pacific Hall presents objects brought back by archaeologists during their expeditions to the different islands of the Pacific. A part of the museum is dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions. Finally, the museum store will allow you to bring back original souvenirs.