Top Things to do in Hawaii
The 10 Best History Museums in Hawaii, United States
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Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook is a "must see" Hawaii attraction and the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this Smithsonian-affiliated, outdoor museum that tells the story of Kona's Japanese immigrants that became Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you're free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a "Kona Nightingale", or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920's farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer's lunch. "Talk story" along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona's gourmet crop.
Reviewed By X7222OQstephenr
Coming to the end of our vacation in Hawaii, we wanted to do something different than go to the beach again (don’t get me wrong, the beaches are awesome). I (Dad) had suggested going to a coffee farm, and with a bit of searching, came up with this place. So, we wandered down the road for a visit. It was fantastic. The docents (I’m not sure if that’s really the right word to use here) were so knowledgeable, and the stories they told were fantastic. We really hope someone records all those stories for the future! The farm itself was fantastic, and gave new insights into some of the history of Hawai’i and of the Japanese immigrants who lived and worked there. My spouse and I have both been to Hawai’i before, and have both done coffee farm tours elsewhere, but by and large they’ve been showing how modern coffee growing is done and are ready to just push you along to the gift shop where you can (of course) buy their coffee. But this place was completely different — interesting, educational, and fun. Loved it. And, importantly, my 8-year old loved it too! We spent about 2 hours there, and were all really happy that we did!
2. Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Heritage Center offers the following resources & services Archive and Resource Center for Hamakua and North Hawaiʻi History Permanent Exhibit Gallery Showcasing Area History Changing Exhibit Gallery on Area History Research Family Ancestry Volunteer Opportunities
Reviewed By R601VEnicoles
This is a great place to discover more about local history and heritage. Their exhibits are representative the diversity of local culture. There is also an exhibit devoted to Waipiʻo, definitely worth bringing the family to see. Keep an eye out for their events, particularly talk story with the paniolo. Halloween they had a haunted house where the kids got to trick or treat inside the museum!
3. USS Arizona Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,456 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By lindar1961 - Inverloch, Australia
The Pearl Harbour complex is well set out. Even though the entry fee seems expensive you do get value for money. The entry includes a boat tide to the USS Arizona, exploring the Bowfin submarine, a bus ride to Ford Island (active Naval Base), exploring the Missouri (battleship) and entry into the aviation museums. Very moving and memorable.
4. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,333 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By Y6801YCsusanc
This is a memorial every American visiting Hawaii should not miss. Even though I read complaints posted on TripAdvisor about not being able to visit the memorial itself, it still doesn't take away from the SIGNIFICANCE. They show a movie about what led to the attack on Pearl Harbor which was well presented before going onboard a boat that takes you briefly around the harbor. There is a lot to see here. You can visit a museum detailing the history of the events happening in the Pacific at that time and what led up to the attack. You can also visit both the World War II submarine, USS Bowfin and it's accompanying memorial to lost submariners and the submarine museum; next you can visit the battleship USS Missouri and excellent museum and where the Japanese surrendered. There is also an air museum which we didn't have a chance this time to visit. Kids 12 and up would get more out of this than young children and they should be exposed to this history and never forget it. I was lucky to meet a Pearl Harbor survivor, Sterling Cale. He signed his book for us and I had my picture taken with him (no charge), so don't miss this and thank him for his service to our country.
5. Iolani Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,478 reviews
Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage. E komo mai! Welcome!
Reviewed By nippys - Newcastle, United Kingdom
An excellant audio tour with lots of facts from the Hawaiian monarchy history, Lots of very interesting artifacts to see You have to wear shoe over covers to protect the palace floors, You buy your tickets from the small building in the grounds.
6. Hulihe'e Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
Hulihe‘e Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, on Ali‘i Drive. Once a summer vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, today Hulihe‘e Palace is a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani.
Reviewed By warpedmama55 - Silverdale, United States
Hulihe'e Palace is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the history of the Hawaiian royalty's summer home. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon and didn't have enough time to leisurely spend viewing everything. The nominal entrance fee helps to keep the palace open. The docents were very knowledgeable and were willing to answer all our questions. It was amazing to view the historic Victorian items of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani. I was mesmerized by the beautiful, hand carved koa wood furniture (absolutely breath-taking), portraits of the royals, kapa (a fabric made from local trees and shrubs), actual pieces of clothing worn by the royals,and handmade feather work. Take a break and sit outside under swaying palms on the lawn and watch the waves and boats in Kailua Bay. Most of all, do yourself a favor and allow adequate time for a guided tour and to peruse this lovely palace and grounds.
7. Parker Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The Parker Ranch Family Estate (also known as the Historic Homes & Gardens) was home to the Parker family from 1879 to 1992. From these homes the Parker's ran a cattle empire that survives to this day and at its height spanned half of the Big Island. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am until 4:00pm for free self-guided tours which includes a 20 minute video on the history of the Ranch.
Reviewed By Takethesideroad - Eureka, United States
I come from a cattle ranch in Canada and was very impressed with the way the Parker Foundation has maintained a working ranch with historical significance and access for the public. As Contractors we were in awe of the Koa wood in the old ranch house and the architectural details in the "new" ranch house. The size and scope of this ranch were amazing.
8. Kauai Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 739 reviews
To inspire and promote in the community, an appreciation and respect for the indigenous and immigrant people of Kaua′i and Ni′ihau.
Reviewed By brooksh784
The Kauai Museum has some very nice displays with a nice variety of collections: early Hawaiian history and culture, surfing, plantation life, and paniolos. It's well worth a stop.
9. Queen Emma Summer Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Queen Emma Summer Palace or Hanaiakamalama (The Southern Cross), served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawai'i from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. It is a now a historic landmark and educational museum preserved and operated by Daughters of Hawai'i. Admission to the Palace: General: $10 Kama'aina & Seniors: $8 Children 5-17 $1. Open Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM, Mondays through Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Closed on major holidays. Because the Palace was built in the nineteenth century, access may not be available for visitors who have difficulties climbing stairs.
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
Also known as Hānaiakamalama (The Southern Cross, which is also the name of a benevolent Hawaiian goddess), this one-story Greek Revival frame house was originally commissioned by an American ship captain. It was built in Boston in 1848 and then shipped in pieces to Hawaii to be reassembled here in the Nu'uanu Valley in the heights above Honolulu, a popular area for Hawaiian royalty and non-Hawaiian newcomers who preferred its cooler climate over the heat in the city below. In 1850, the home was bought by John Young II (also known as Keoni Ana), the only son of an English sailor who had become a trusted advisor of King Kamehameha I and the King's niece. On his death in 1857, the estate passed to his niece Emma who had married King Kamehameha IV just the year before. Queen Emma used the house as her summer retreat until her death in 1885. The Kingdom of Hawaii then bought the property, which the Territorial Government later turned into a park. When plans were announced to tear down the house to build a baseball diamond, the Daughters of Hawaii bought the property, restored it, and turned it into a museum. Besides preserving the house itself, the Daughters have also been able to assemble an amazing collection of artifacts from the Queen's life and Hawaiian royalty in general. On our recent visit, we were able to effectively get a private tour of the house and its contents from one of the tour guides who took us from room to room explaining the history of basically every piece in the collection – everything from royal feather standards (kahili) and ceremonial capes to hand carved furniture and gifts from other royal families such as Queen Victoria (who was the godmother to Emma's only child) and Napoleon III. There are also a number of portraits of various Hawaiian kings and other members of Hawaiian nobility which the guide used to help explain the rather complicated history of the Hawaiian monarchy. After we finished with the tour, we retired to the gift shop to look through their extensive selection of books on Hawaiian history (of course, they also carry a wide range of souvenirs, prints, etc.). We spent somewhere between one and two hours here and really enjoyed seeing and learning so much about this period in Hawaiian history.
10. Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By danwlinden - Nashville, United States
This museum combines two aspects of 19th and early 20th Century Molokai - the Kalaupapa Leper Colony and the sugar mill founded by R. W. Meyer. Meyer was also the man who acquired the land for the Colony and was its first superintendent. The people at the museum are super helpful and knowledgeable, the displays and gift shop are informative and the separate building - the sugar mill - is very interesting.
