The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, situated in the lush Kalihi district in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawai’i. The Bishop Museum is home to artifacts and specimens originating from the realms of Hawaiian Cultural and Natural history. Such artifacts and specimens include timeless family heirlooms from the reign of King Kamehameha I, documents depicting rituals of early Polynesian culture and natural specimens dating back millions of years. Charles Reed Bishop is presumed to be the earliest co-founder of the Bishop Museum. Charles Reed Bishop built the museum in memory of his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, in 1889. Originally, the museum was built on a Kamehameha school campus, but in 1940 the school moved to another location, allowing the land to be completely occupied by the Bishop Museum. Construction and expansion on the museum continued for years afterward.
Over time, the museum became home to a substantial collection of novels, periodicals, and documents related to the Pacific and Polynesian culture. The Bishop museum houses some of the rarest personally donated artifacts by Queen Lili’oukalani, including genealogy documents that trace her royal lineage.
Moreover, the museum is a great place for families and singles alike. The museum is open every day from 9am to 5pm, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of the must-see exhibits include The Realms of Hawaiian Hall and The Science Adventure Center. The Realms of Hawaiian Hall takes visitors on a memorable trip through different phases of Hawaiian history, while The Science Adventure Center is a great place for children to learn about oceanology and volcanology, which are essential to Hawai’i’s existence.
Tours and Experiences for Bishop Museum
Private Oahu Pearl Harbor and Island Sightseeing Combination Tour
Combine any route or tour into one incredible, unforgettable day. Visit Pearl Harbor, then head up to the North Shore, or even cruise around the Ko`olau Mountain Range on a Circle Island Tour after seeing the memorial. Your Private Tours ensures you have the best experience possible and that you see as much as you can on your vacation. Come see why the combination, or "Mix-Plate," is everybodyʻs favorite!
Reservations for the Arizona Memorial need are reserved through recreation.gov in advance. Early tickets are always best, but we can make adjustments for afternoon program times as well. Guests wanting to visit the North Shore and Pearl Harbor must reserve at least a Full-Day Tour.
Semi Private Honolulu Historical Tour
This tour is one of the best way to learn the history of Polynesia, Hawaii, and the royal heritage of the islands. Stops include: Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites and Archives, and Bishop Museum. Entrance fees to museums are not included in the tour. Please keep in mind Iolani Palace and Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites are closed Sunday and Monday.
Oahu Customizable Private Community Service Voluntourism Offer
Want to give something back to Hawai`i? So do we! We will each donate 1.5 hours of any tour on the cause of your choice, and you even get a discount. Spend one stop doing a beach cleanup, planting a native species, or other fun, positive impact activity. Afterward, enjoy the rest of your private tour. Help care for our community, and have a blast doing it!
Enjoy this option with any tour route, including Pearl Harbor, North Shore, and Circle Island Tours. Your family can choose from various locations, including Diamond Head, Dole Plantation, Kualoa Ranch, and more. Have a favorite cause? Reach out in advance, and weʻll try to accommodate you.
Personalized Private Pearl Harbor National Memorial Oahu Tours
Visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor to reflect, remember and understand the tragic events of December 7, 1941. You will also learn more about the people involved and the events that led up to and followed the attack on the Pacific Fleet. Guests can visit any attraction that they would like while at Pearl Harbor a la carte.
Tickets to the Arizona Memorial are available via recreation.gov and are released precisely 8 weeks and then again 1 day before the tour and must get booked in advance. Guests have the option to visit any of the other great attractions at the National Park a la carte. The Battleship Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are located on Ford Island, while the Bowfin Submarine offers easy access from the Visitor Center.
Bishop Museum General Admission Ticket
The number one rated museum attraction in Hawaii by Tripadvisor, every vacation to Oahu should begin with a visit to Bishop Museum. Bishop Museum offers incredible displays and stories of Hawaiian & Pacific culture and history, planetarium celestial shows, amazing traveling exhibits as well as unbelievable live lava demonstrations! Experiences for all ages with fun, interactive presentations, Bishop Museum tells the full story of Hawai‘i in relationship to its place in the Pacific and the world!
1 Day Pass LeaLea Trolley and Waikiki Trolley Pink Line
We offers a unique and immersive way to explore the best of Oahu, providing easy access to popular attractions and hidden gems. Starting from the Royal Hawaiian Center in the heart of Waikiki, Our trolleys operate daily from morning to evening, connecting you to major shopping areas, tourist spots, and off-the-beaten-path locations featured on TV and in magazines. With the refreshing Hawaiian breeze flowing through the open trolley and friendly, entertaining drivers, you’ll experience the island in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Perfect for adventure seekers, families with children, or anyone looking to explore Oahu's top sights without the hassle, this tour provides insider knowledge and a memorable way to see the island’s beauty, including stops from the Bishop Museum to the stunning views along the East Coast.
Go City: Oahu All-Inclusive Pass with 45+ Things To Do
The Oahu All-Inclusive Pass by Go City is the best Oahu pass for flexibility and savings. Giving you access to over 45 top attractions and tours over 2 to 7 days, you can visit the popular sights at Pearl Harbor, learn more about Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center, make a lei on the beach at sunset, or stretch with some sunset yoga under the palm trees. Whether you are a first time visitor or a seasoned visitor, the All-Inclusive Pass offers a whole new way to discover the island.
Simply sync your mobile pass on the Go City app, browse the list of activities available and place reservations in advance where needed, display it at each attraction to be scanned on the day and you are in–no cash needed!
Choose from a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7-day pass, which can be used over a 2-week period. All passes include one premium Hawaiian Luau experience.
Oahu Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% - Includes Waikiki Cruise
Our 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7-attraction pass puts you in control of your itinerary. With an Explorer Pass, you choose your favorite Oahu activities from over 40 options and save up to 50%* compared to purchasing separate attraction tickets. Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs on Honolulu's coastline, learn about Pearl Harbor onboard the Battleship Missouri, hike the beautiful Waimea Valley or relax on a catamaran cruise –the choice is yours! Passes are fully digital and valid for 30 days from your first attraction visit so there's no need to rush around.