Top 50 best museums in Hawaii

The USS Missouri (BB-63), affectionately known as 'Mighty Mo' or 'Big Mo', is an American Iowa-class battleship. It was the 14th battleship of the United States Navy named after the state of Missouri. This historic ship is a significant part of American naval history and is now a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The 'Iolani Palace is a significant landmark located in the capitol district of downtown Honolulu, in the state of Hawaii, United States. It's a unique piece of American history, being the only royal palace used as an official residence by a reigning monarch in the United States. Its location in the heart of Honolulu makes it easily accessible for tourists.

The USS Missouri (BB-63), affectionately referred to as "Mighty Mo" or "Big Mo", is an American Iowa-class battleship. This historic vessel is named after the state of Missouri and is one of the last battleships built by the United States. It's a significant part of American naval history and a key attraction for visitors interested in military history.

The USS Bowfin (SS/AGSS-287) is a Balao-class submarine that served in the United States Navy during World War II. This historic vessel is now preserved as a museum and memorial at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a piece of naval history and gain insights into the life and operations of a World War II submarine.

The Waikiki Aquarium is a marine life facility situated in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. It is a prime location for tourists who are interested in marine life and the natural beauty of Hawaii. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean without having to dive into the deep sea.

The Honolulu Zoo, situated in Queen Kapiʻolani Park in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, spans across 42 acres. It is a significant attraction in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide variety of animal species in a spacious and well-maintained environment.

The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, also known as the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, is a significant institution founded in 1889. Charles Reed Bishop established it in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who was the last descendant of the Kamehameha royal family. This historical connection adds a layer of depth to the museum's cultural significance.

The Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is a vast 322-hectare (400-acre) botanical garden situated in Kāne'ohe, Oahu, Hawaii. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and picturesque setting.

Foster Botanical Garden is a 13.5-acre botanical garden located at 50 North Vineyard Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii. It is one of five public botanical gardens on Oahu and is situated near Chinatown at the intersection of Nu'uanu Avenue and Vineyard Boulevard. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.

Since the 1980s, the USS Bowfin has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is preserved as a memorial and museum ship at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Visitors can explore the submarine and learn about its history and the role it played during World War II. The submarine is moored near the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center.

The Queen Emma Summer Palace, also known as Hānaiakamalama, was a retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward, from 1857 to 1885. This historic landmark offers a glimpse into the lives of the Hawaiian royalty during the 19th century.

The Lyon Arboretum, also known as the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, is a sprawling 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It is managed by the University of Hawaii in Manoa and is situated in the southeastern part of Oahu Island, Hawaii. This vast expanse of greenery offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and beautiful environment.

The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This allows ample time for tourists to explore the museum's exhibits. Additionally, admission to the museum is free at all times, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.

The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a significant historical site established in 1920. It was founded by the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society, a private, non-profit organization and genealogical society, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in Hawaiʻi. This site offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Hawaii, making it a worthwhile visit for tourists interested in history.

The Maui Ocean Center, located in Maalaea, Hawaii, on the island of Maui, is an aquarium and oceanography center. It was opened on March 13, 1998, by Coral World International and spans across 3 acres (1.2 ha). The facility is recognized as the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

Waimea Valley, formerly known as the Waimea Valley Audubon Center and also the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden, is a natural park that includes an arboretum and botanical garden. This park is located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, and is a significant area of historical and cultural importance. The valley is an important site in Hawaiian religion and includes several historical structures, including stone terraces and walls built during the Hawaiian monarchy era.

The museum's collection includes a variety of World War II armor pieces, an AH-1 Cobra helicopter, and small arms displayed indoors. The battery itself is also part of the museum's collection. These exhibits provide a comprehensive view of the military equipment used in various wars.

Sea Life Park Hawaii, located in Waimānalo near Makapuʻu Point, north of Hanauma Bay on the island of Oahu, is a marine mammal park, bird sanctuary, and aquarium. This unique combination of attractions offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of marine life in one location.

Washington Place is a historic palace located in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. It is built in the Greek Revivalist style, which is characterized by its grandeur and elegance. The palace was constructed between 1844 and 1847 for an American merchant, John Dominis, who unfortunately got lost at sea in 1846 when the building was almost ready. The palace was later converted into a boarding house by his widow, Mary. It was named 'Washington Place' in 1848 in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States.

The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo, situated in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, is a unique attraction in the United States as it is the only zoo located within a rainforest. Spanning a compact area of 12 acres, this zoo offers a distinctive experience for visitors who are interested in exploring the diverse flora and fauna of a rainforest environment.

The Huliheʻe Palace is situated in the historic town of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, on Ali'i Drive. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The palace, once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, now serves as a museum showcasing furniture and artifacts from the era.

The Honolulu Museum of Art, previously known as the Honolulu Academy of Arts until 2012, is a central attraction in downtown Honolulu. It is conveniently located near the popular Waikiki beach on the south coast of Oahu island in Hawaii. This location makes it an accessible destination for tourists who are exploring the city or spending time at the beach.

The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a spacious 7-acre botanical garden situated in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. It offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse flora of the region. The garden is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the native plants of Hawaii.

The USS Arizona Memorial is a significant historical site located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It serves as a museum and a memorial, marking the former mooring of the USS Arizona, a ship that was sunk by Japanese troops during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This site is a poignant reminder of the events that led to the United States' formal entry into World War II.

The Kauaʻi Museum is housed in the historic Albert Spencer Wilcox Building, which was originally opened as a library in 1924. This building, located in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, Hawaii, was later converted into the museum that we know today. It's a significant part of the island's history and a testament to the evolution of its cultural institutions.

The Waiʻoli Mission District, located at Hanalei Bay on Route 560 along the north shore of the island of Kauaʻi, is a historic mission site. The first permanent missionaries arrived in the area in 1834, marking the beginning of its rich history. The district was recognized for its historical significance and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) is a non-profit organization established in 1980, located in Maui, Hawaii. The foundation is dedicated to conducting research on whales and educating the public about these magnificent creatures. Their mission is to protect vulnerable species of whales from extinction. As a visitor, you can learn about their ongoing research and conservation efforts.

The Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is a botanical garden located near Captain Cook, Hawaii in the Kona District on the Big Island of Hawaii. This garden is a significant part of the Hawaiian botanical landscape and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich flora of the region.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, previously known as the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, is a non-profit organization that was established in 1999. The primary aim of this organization was to develop an aviation museum in Hawaii. This museum is a part of Senator Daniel Inouye's vision for the revival of Ford Island and houses a variety of aviation exhibits, most of which are directly related to the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum, located in Hilo, Hawaii, is a dedicated space for understanding and exploring the history of significant tsunamis, specifically the Pacific tsunami of April 1, 1946, and the Chilean tsunami of May 23, 1960. These catastrophic events had a profound impact on the east coast of the Big Island, particularly Hilo, and the museum serves as a testament to these historical occurrences.

The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is situated in the sugarcane growing and milling community of Puʻunene, in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. The museum showcases the history of Hawaiian sugarcane plantations, and the role of Alexander & Baldwin in the sugarcane industry in Hawaii. The company, which continues to produce sugarcane, has played a significant role in the industry's development.

Kahanu Garden and Preserve is a botanical garden situated on the Hana Highway near Hana, Maui, Hawaii. It is part of the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden, which includes four other gardens. The garden, established in 1972, is nestled on Maui's northern coast, characterized by rugged black lava seascapes and surrounded by one of Hawaii's last undisturbed hala forests.

The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a unique botanical garden that spans 60 acres and is situated within the Koko Crater in East Oahu, Hawaii. This location offers a unique environment for the garden, providing a variety of microclimates that allow for a diverse range of plant life. The garden is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International and is recognized by the herbarium code HKC.

The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a significant botanical garden and nature preserve located on the north shore of Kauaʻi island, Hawaiʻi. Spanning 17 acres for the garden and 985 acres for the nature preserve, it offers a vast area for exploration and appreciation of nature's beauty.

McBryde Garden is a vast botanical garden that spans 252 acres. It is situated on the south coast of Kauai island, which is part of the Hawaii archipelago. This location offers a unique tropical environment that is ideal for the growth and study of a wide variety of plant species.

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a cultural tourist attraction and living museum that is family-centered. It is located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The PCC provides an immersive experience into the Polynesian culture, making it an ideal destination for families and individuals interested in learning about the rich history and traditions of Polynesia.

The Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a sprawling 27-acre arboretum and botanical garden situated in Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii. This expansive garden is home to a diverse range of plant species, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the rich botanical diversity of the region.

The Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden is a botanical garden that spans 3.5 hectares (7.5 acres) and is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is a part of the Honolulu Botanic System and is one of five botanical gardens in the system. The garden is dedicated to Queen Lydia Liliʻuokalani, the last monarch of the Hawaiian Islands, who was greatly loved by her subjects.

The Queen Emma Summer Palace, also known as Hānaiakamalama, was a retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward, from 1857 to 1885. This historical context adds a layer of significance to the site, making it a place of interest for those keen on learning about the Hawaiian monarchy.

The Wo Hing Society Hall, located at 858 Front Street in the Lahaina Historic District in Lahaina, Hawaii, was built around 1912. It served as a social and fraternal hall for the Wo Hing Society, catering to the growing Chinese population in Lahaina, most of whom were working in the sugarcane industry.

Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens is a significant 24.14-acre park situated on Banyan Drive in Hilo, on the island of Hawaiʻi. The park is renowned for its Japanese gardens, which are a key attraction for visitors. The park's location offers easy access and a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.

Grove Farm is a significant historical site located on Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. It was established in 1854 by Hermann A. Widemann, a German immigrant, and is recognized as one of the first sugarcane plantations in Hawaii. This site provides a unique insight into the early agricultural history of the islands and the role of immigrants in shaping its landscape.

The Kōkeʻe Museum, located at the 15-mile marker on State Road 550 within the park, offers insights into the local weather, vegetation, and bird life. This museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the park's natural environment.

Parker Ranch, located on the Island of Hawaii, is a functioning cattle ranch currently managed by a charitable trust. This ranch has a rich history and continues to operate, providing a unique glimpse into the ranching lifestyle in Hawaii.

In 1962, the Mission Houses and the Kawaiahaʻo Church, both constructed by the early missionaries, were recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark under the combined name Kawaiahao Church and Mission Houses.

The Lyman House Memorial Museum, also known as the Lyman Museum and Lyman House, is a natural history museum based in Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1931 in the Lyman family mission house, which was originally built in 1838. This makes it a significant historical site, as well as a place of interest for those keen on natural history.

The Waiʻoli Mission District is located at Hanalei Bay, along Route 560 on the north shore of the island of Kauaʻi. This site is of historical significance as it was the location of a mission. The first permanent missionaries arrived in the area in 1834, and the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The building, known as the Wai‘oli Mission House, is now a museum open to the public.

The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, also known as Hale Pōhaku, is a complex of support facilities for the Mauna Kea Observatory on Hawaiʻi island. It is located at the 9,300-foot elevation, south of the summit. The center consists of dormitories with sleeping accommodation for 72, as well as a main building which houses shared facilities such as a cafeteria, laundry, and common room. However, there is no admission to these support facilities for the general public.