Top Things to do in Hawaii
The 10 Best Museums in Hawaii, United States
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Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Art House Hawaii
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
2. 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!
3. Fish Eye Kauai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By lisarF6541WC
We had been looking for a piece of local art to commemorate our wedding in Koloa. We'd searched through the 'high end' tourist art galleries, and throughout the roadside markets. Fish Eye Kauai's art offerings were eye catching, through their storefront window - as we strolled past on the sidewalk. Glad to have found this studio and Abe Kowitz' koa wood art. We would have loved to buy 10 more pieces, it's just that gorgeous, along with all the underwater photography on display. The gal who was working that day was helpful with tips for preserving and transporting our piece.
4. Alan Akana Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Come experience our unique and vibrant watercolors of Hawaii's flowers by local artist Alan Akana. We are located in the Smith Memorial Parsonage, a historical property and 1920's plantation-style house, in the town of Koloa on Kauai's South Shore. We are open Sunday afternoons from 2-5 p.m. or by appointment. Please call if you would like to visit us!
5. Waioli Mission House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Located in Waioli, this two-story restored house was built in 1837.
Reviewed By TomW628
Hanalei's iconic green church is one of the town's favorite landmarks. What many people miss is the Waioli Mission House hidden in a grove behind the church. The Mission House was the parsonage for the church and it provides a very fascinating look back into the daily lives of the early missionaries. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9AM to 3PM. The day I was there, a nice gentleman gave a very thorough tour of the house. He was knowledgeable about all things Mission House and it appeared he had much more information he could offer if he only had more time. For me, a history buff, this has been one of my favorite tours on the island.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Bishop Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,774 reviews
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawai'i and other Pacific island cultures. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum.
Reviewed By 281patriciaq - Racine, United States
The Bishop Museum has a fascinating history and collection of artifacts dating back to the earliest contacts of the Island people with the white explorers. The feather capes and headdresses worn by the Hawaiian chiefs and kings retain their beautiful colors, and the intricate detail work and construction is lovely. The history of the Hawaiian people, and their interactions with people of other island nations is documented and explained in great detail, and serves as a wonderful education in Hawaiian history.
10. Honolulu Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,262 reviews
One of the world’s premier art museums presents international caliber special exhibitions and features a collection that includes Hokusai, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso and Warhol, as well as traditional Asian and Hawaiian art. Located in two of Honolulu’s most beautiful buildings, visitors enjoy two cafés, gardens, and films and concerts at the theater. Other location: Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House
Reviewed By salinasorchidboy - Pahoa, United States
If you need some quiet time with culture and even a bite to eat this is a wonderful place to visit...........there is always something interesting to see on display with a first-class permanent collection of art and antiques.......in a setting of beautiful gardens and interesting architecture...
