The best museums in Honolulu in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Honolulu, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Honolulu, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Honolulu.

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Looking for the best museums in Honolulu? These are the best 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. Waikīkī Aquarium3

    Waikīkī Aquarium

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  4. Honolulu Zoo4

    Honolulu Zoo

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  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. Foster Botanical Garden7

    Foster Botanical Garden

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  8. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum - Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum8

    USS Bowfin Submarine Museum - Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  9. Queen Emma Summer Palace Museum9

    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.
  10. Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden10

    Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  11. Hawaii State Art Museum11

    Hawaii State Art Museum

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  12. Hawaii Mission Houses Museum12

    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.
  13. United States Army Museum of Hawaii13

    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.
  14. Sea Life Park Hawaii14

    Sea Life Park Hawaii

     Waimanalo,
    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.
  15. Washington Place15

    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.
  16. Aloha Tower16

    Aloha Tower

     Honolulu, HI
  17. The Honolulu Museum of Art17

    The Honolulu Museum of Art

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  18. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum18

    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.
  19. Koko Crater Botanical Garden19

    Koko Crater Botanical Garden

     Honolulu, HI
    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.
  20. Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden20

    Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden

     Honolulu, HI
    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.

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