The Bishop Museum in Oahu is an incredible destination for people of all ages to explore and learn about Hawaiian culture, history, and science. Whether you’re interested in observing the stunning exhibits highlighting ancient Hawaiian culture or watching a documentary about the island’s fascinating geology, the museum is full of interesting and interactive experiences. With so many different galleries and activities available, you’ll never run out of things to do!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Bishop Museum, including hours of operation, admission prices, special exhibits and activities, and more. Let’s jump in!
Highlights
- The Bishop Museum has been around for more than 130 years and cares for more than 25 million historical, cultural, and natural treasures.
- It's one of the largest museums in Hawaii and houses many exciting galleries, including the Hawaiian Hall and Culture Gallery, the Natural Science Exhibit, and the Pacific Cultures Gallery.
- Guests can enjoy the planetarium, natural science exhibits, and various cultural workshops available each day
- Tickets can be purchased online for a $2 discount or can be purchased once you arrive at the museum.
- Great activity for families of all ages
History
Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the Bishop Museum is the premier museum in the Hawaiian Islands and one of the largest museums in the Pacific region. For more than 130 years, it has been dedicated to preserving and sharing Hawaii’s culture, history, and science for future generations.
It houses over 25 million artifacts related to Hawaiian culture, natural history, and anthropology that span centuries. In addition, the museum’s research facility focuses on the study of Hawaii’s environment, including its plants, animals, and ecosystems. Visit their website for more information on the museum’s history and mission.
Tips when Visiting
Before heading to the Bishop Museum, you should know a few things.
- The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- If you plan to visit, purchasing tickets online in advance is best. Online tickets are discounted by $2 and can be printed or shown on your smartphone.
- The museum also offers a variety of special classes and activities throughout the year. Check out their website for more information about upcoming events and activities.
- Make sure to carve out a few hours to explore the museum fully – it’s an experience you will want to experience!
- Get there early if you want to avoid heavy crowds.
Bishop Museum Weddings
The Bishop Museum is ideal for hosting a wedding or special event. Its beautiful galleries and grounds make it the perfect location for a romantic yet elegant celebration.
The museum offers services such as catering, audiovisual equipment, floor plans, and seating arrangements. In addition, there are various packages available that include wedding ceremonies and reception packages as well as corporate and private events.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full museum experience takes approximately 3-4 hours. However, it will depend on how much time you spend in each gallery. If you’re short on time, you can comfortably enjoy the museum in 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Bishop Museum tickets are $26.95 for adults, $23.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for youth tickets during the weekday. During the weekend, these prices increase to $28.95 for adults, $25.95 for seniors, and $20.95 for kids. Military members will receive a discounted rate of $14.95, and museum members or those who have the SNAP card won’t need to pay any fee to enter the museum. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Absolutely! The Bishop Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu. With its vast array of artifacts and exhibitions, it offers an incredible learning experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, the planetarium shows and special events make it quite unique and definitely worth checking out if you have the chance.
The Bishop Museum is known for its extensive collections of Hawaiian artifacts, artworks, and cultural materials, as well as a wide range of natural science exhibits. With its wide variety of educational programs, research projects, and public outreach, the museum is one of the most important cultural and scientific institutions in Hawaii.
How to Get to the Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is located at 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817. It can be easily accessed by car, bus, or taxi. If you plan on driving, there is plenty of parking available. Daytime parking for non-members is $5.00. After 5:00 pm, this fee drops to $3.00. Anyone who is a Bishop Museum Member with a valid parking sticker will be able to park for free.
You can also take the bus from Waikiki Beach and get off at the intersection of School and Kapālama Streets. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the museum. If you’re taking a taxi, just let your driver know you want to go to the Bishop Museum on Bernice Street.
Wrapping it Up
The Bishop Museum is a unique institution in Oahu, offering visitors the chance to explore Hawaiian art, culture, and history at its finest. Whether you’re there for a special event or just to learn something new, this museum won’t disappoint. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly so that you can experience all the Bishop Museum has to offer!
