Battleship Missouri Memorial
Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor lets visitors tour the Mighty Mo, stand near the World War II surrender site and explore naval history.
Oahu Museum Guide
Oahu Museums
Find the best Oahu museums for Hawaiian history, art, culture, royal heritage, military stories and Pearl Harbor exhibits, from Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace to Honolulu Museum of Art, Queen Emma Summer Palace and the USS Arizona Memorial.
Museum directory
Oahu Museums
Browse Oahu museums, including cultural exhibits, historic collections, local stories and educational places to visit around the island.
Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum in Honolulu shares Hawaiian history, Pacific cultures, royal heirlooms, natural science exhibits, a planetarium and major research collections.
Capitol Modern
Capitol Modern in downtown Honolulu is Hawaii's free public art museum, featuring rotating exhibitions, public art, events and community programs.
Hawaii Heritage Center
Hawaii Heritage Center in Honolulu's Chinatown shares multicultural history, gallery exhibits, walking tours and neighborhood stories.
Hawaii Plantation Village
Hawaii Plantation Village in Waipahu shares sugar plantation history, restored camp houses, immigrant community stories, artifacts and guided outdoor tours.
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives in downtown Honolulu preserves early mission homes, printing history, archives and 19th-century Hawaii stories.
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu Museum of Art shares global and Hawaii collections, rotating exhibitions, art education, tours, a café, shop and peaceful Honolulu galleries.
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in Honolulu shares Japanese American history, Okage Sama De exhibits, cultural programs, a teahouse, dojo and archives.
John Young Museum of Art
John Young Museum of Art at UH Manoa features Asian-Pacific collections, rotating exhibitions, historic Krauss Hall galleries and a quiet campus setting.
King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center in Aliiolani Hale shares Hawaii court history, kapu, monarchy law, restored courtrooms and civic education.
Lucoral Museum
Lucoral Museum in Waikiki shares gemstones, fossils, coral, shell art, Hawaiian mineral displays, jewelry pieces and a small family-run museum setting.
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum & USS Bowfin
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum & USS Bowfin at Pearl Harbor shares World War II submarine history, onboard tours, artifacts and Silent Service stories.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island features historic hangars, World War II aircraft, aviation exhibits, simulators and Pearl Harbor battlefield history.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Queen Emma Summer Palace in Nuuanu Valley preserves Hanaiakamalama, royal family furnishings, Hawaiian quilts, cultural collections and garden setting.
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design in Honolulu shares Doris Duke's oceanfront estate, Islamic art collections, gardens and guided tours.
The Arts at Marks Garage
The Arts at Marks Garage in downtown Honolulu is a nonprofit arts incubator with rotating exhibits, performances, workshops and First Friday events.
U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii
U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii in Waikiki shares Fort DeRussy history, Battery Randolph, Pacific military exhibits, artifacts and wartime stories.
USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor honors the crew lost on December 7, 1941, with a Navy boat program, shrine room and historic harbor setting.
Washington Place
Washington Place in downtown Honolulu preserves the former home of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii governor history, royal-era stories and civic district heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best museums on Oahu?
Oahu museums include Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art, Pearl Harbor museums, Queen Emma Summer Palace and other history, art and cultural sites.
Which Oahu museum is best for Hawaiian history?
Bishop Museum is one of the top places on Oahu to learn about Hawaiian history, Pacific cultures, royal collections and natural science.
Are there museums at Pearl Harbor?
Yes. Pearl Harbor has several museums and memorial sites focused on World War II, naval history, aviation and submarine history.
Are Oahu museums good on rainy days?
Yes. Museums are a good option when the weather is rainy or when visitors want a slower cultural or historical activity.
Should visitors check museum hours on Oahu?
Yes. Hours, admission prices, tour availability and special exhibits can change, so check current details before visiting.