All history museums and attractions to visit in Hawaii

Hawaii (United States) is a good place to visit if you are interested in history. Below we list all 48 history museums in Hawaii, to lose yourself in the place's cultural heritage and local history.

Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Hawaii? These are the ones:

  1. Battleship Missouri Memorial1

    Battleship Missouri Memorial

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  2. Iolani Palace2

    Iolani Palace

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  3. Uss Missouri3

    Uss Missouri

     Waipahu, HI
    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.
  4. Uss Bowfin Submarine Museum4

    Uss Bowfin Submarine Museum

     Waipahu, HI
    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.
  5. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum5

    Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  6. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum6

    Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

     Honolulu, HI
  7. Queen Emma Summer Palace Museum7

    Queen Emma Summer Palace Museum

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  8. Hawaii Mission Houses Museum8

    Hawaii Mission Houses Museum

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  9. United States Army Museum of Hawaii9

    United States Army Museum of Hawaii

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  10. Washington Place10

    Washington Place

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  11. Huliheʻe Palace11

    Huliheʻe Palace

     Kailua-Kona, HI
    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.
  12. USS Arizona Memorial12

    USS Arizona Memorial

     Waipahu, HI
    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.
  13. Kauai Museum13

    Kauai Museum

     Lihue, HI
    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.
  14. Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church and Mission House14

    Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church and Mission House

     Hanalei, HI
    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.
  15. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum15

    Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  16. The Pacific Tsunami Museum16

    The Pacific Tsunami Museum

     Hilo, HI
    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.
  17. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum17

    Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

     Kahului, HI
    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.
  18. Kahanu Garden18

    Kahanu Garden

     Hana, HI
    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.
  19. Polynesian Cultural Center19

    Polynesian Cultural Center

     Laie, HI
    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.
  20. Queen Emma Summer Palace20

    Queen Emma Summer Palace

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  21. Wo Hing Temple Museum21

    Wo Hing Temple Museum

     Lahaina, HI
    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.
  22. Grove Farm Homestead & Sugar Plantation Museum22

    Grove Farm Homestead & Sugar Plantation Museum

     Lihue, HI
    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.
  23. Parker Ranch23

    Parker Ranch

     Waimea, HI
    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.
  24. Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives24

    Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  25. Lyman Museum and Mission House25

    Lyman Museum and Mission House

     Hilo, HI
    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.
  26. Waiʻoli Mission House26

    Waiʻoli Mission House

     Hanalei, HI
    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.
  27. Onizuka Center for International Astronomy27

    Onizuka Center for International Astronomy

     Maunakea, HI
    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.
  28. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii28

    Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii

     Honolulu, HI
    The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) is a cultural center and history museum located in Moiliili, Hawaii. The center primarily focuses on the Japanese-American experience in Hawaii, with a special emphasis on internment. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and culture of Japanese-Americans in Hawaii.
  29. Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House29

    Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House

     Wailuku, HI
    Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House, also known as the House of Display at Old Bailey House, is a museum situated in Wailuku, on the island of Maui, in Hawaiʻi. This museum is dedicated to the history and art of Hawaii, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's cultural and historical background. It is managed by the Maui Historical Society and is a significant part of the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District.
  30. East Hawaii Cultural Center30

    East Hawaii Cultural Center

     Hilo, HI
    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.
  31. Baldwin Home Museum31

    Baldwin Home Museum

     Lahaina, HI
    In January 1832, Dwight Baldwin was first assigned to the mission in Waimea on the island of Hawaiʻi, where he served with Lorenzo Lyons at Imiola Church. Four years later, in 1836, he was sent to Waineʻe Church, now known as Waiola Church, established by William Richards at Lahaina on the island of Maui. This location became the base for most of his career, marking a significant chapter in his life and the history of the islands.
  32. Mokupāpapa Discovery Center32

    Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Hilo, HI
    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.
  33. Anna Ranch Heritage Center33

    Anna Ranch Heritage Center

     Waimea, HI
    The Anna Ranch Heritage Center is a historical site located in Waimea, Hawaii County, Hawaii. It was once a cattle ranch and is named after Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske, who managed the ranch from 1939 until her death in 1995. The ranch has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century and offers a unique insight into the ranching history of Hawaii.
  34. Liljestrand House34

    Liljestrand House

     Honolulu, HI
    The Liljestrand House is a significant architectural landmark in Honolulu, Hawaii. Located at 3300 Tantalus Drive, the house was designed by renowned architect Vladimir Ossipoff for Betty and Howard Liljestrand. The construction of the house was completed in 1952, marking a significant milestone in Ossipoff's career. The house's design and location offer a unique blend of architectural brilliance and natural beauty, making it a point of interest for tourists.
  35. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum35

    H.N. Greenwell Store Museum

     Kealakekua, HI
    The Greenwell Store, a historic building, is currently managed as a museum by the Kona Historical Society. This establishment offers a glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history of the area and the people who lived there.
  36. The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design36

    The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

     East Honolulu, HI
    The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design offers guided tours that depart from the Honolulu Museum of Art. These tours are operated in collaboration with the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art (DDFIA), providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the museum's collection and its historical context.
  37. Pioneer Mill Co. Smokestack and Locomotives Exhibit37

    Pioneer Mill Co. Smokestack and Locomotives Exhibit

     Lahaina, HI
  38. 38

    H.N. Greenwell Store Museum - Kona Historical Society

     Kealakekua, HI
    Visit to this shop will take you back in time to 1890s where this shop was a lively hub of the community.
  39. King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center39

    King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center

     Honolulu, HI
  40. Isaacs Art Center40

    Isaacs Art Center

     Waimea, HI
    The Isaacs Art Center, located in Waimea on the Island of Hawaii, serves as both an art museum and a retail gallery. This unique combination allows visitors to not only appreciate a wide range of art but also purchase pieces that catch their eye. The center is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for those visiting the island.
  41. Kona Coffee Living History Farm - Kona Historical Society41

    Kona Coffee Living History Farm - Kona Historical Society

     Captain Cook, HI
    The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is situated on the Daisaku Uchida Coffee Farm in the Kona District on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historic coffee farm and learn about the history of coffee farming in the region.
  42. 42

    Lahaina Public Library

     Lahaina, HI
    The site of the current library was used as Kamehameha III royal field and the Brick Palace was built here. Explore the excavations.
  43. 43

    Laupahoehoe Train Museum

     Laupahoehoe, HI
    A charming, community-run museum presents the rich industrial history of Hawaii - there's more to it than you'd think.
  44. 44

    Lanai Culture & Heritage Center

     Lanai City, HI
    Remarkable museum which presents Lanai's natural history, Hawaiian traditions and the history of plantations. Plenty of ancient artifacts!
  45. 45

    Honolulu Police Department Museum

     Honolulu, HI
  46. 46

    Hawaii's Plantation Village

     Waipahu, HI
  47. 47

    Maui Okinawa Cultural Center

     Wailuku, HI
  48. 48

    Honokaa Heritage Center

     Honokaa, HI