Free museums in Hawaii

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

The East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC) is a cultural hub situated in Hilo on the island of Hawaii. Established in 1967, the center is managed by the East Hawaii Cultural Council, an umbrella organization of local art associations. The EHCC is dedicated to showcasing both traditional and contemporary local art and culture.

The S. Hata Building, a historic structure in Hilo, Hawaii, was built in 1912 by Japanese businessman Hata Sadanosuke. Today, it houses specialty shops, professional offices, and a Cafe Pesto restaurant. This building is a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of Hilo, offering visitors a unique blend of past and present.

The John Young Museum of Art is situated on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specifically in Krauss Hall at 2500 Dole Street, Honolulu, HI 96822. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the university or the city of Honolulu.

The museum is housed in an ancient courthouse and jail which was used from 1871-1978. Some rare historic artifacts can be found here.

Remarkable museum which presents Lanai's natural history, Hawaiian traditions and the history of plantations. Plenty of ancient artifacts!

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden and university palmetum situated on the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo, Hawaii. This garden, spanning 33 acres, is a part of the university's campus and serves as a living laboratory for various faculties, including the Faculty of Pharmacy.