Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Specialty Museums

The original headquarters of nineteenth-century American Protestant missionaries, this museum explains the history of American missionaries in Hawaii.

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!

Florence Marton's private collection of Barbie dolls. Admission is free but by appointment only.

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.

A sugar cane plantation village with 30 homes open to the public for viewing.

One of the principal Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, our unique interactive museum is located in the battlefield hangers of historic Ford Island which were attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, the beginning of WWII. Aircraft, such as a Japanese Zero and the Stearman in which former President George H.W. Bush soloed as the war's youngest aviator, illustrate how aviation helped stem the war. You'll view historic videos, including a movie of the beginning of the war. Enjoy the authentic gift shop, 1940s themed Laniakea Cafe, and our state-of-the-art 360 degree combat flight simulators. The mission of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is to steward America’s first aviation battlefield of World War II sharing the artifacts, personal stories, the impact and response to the December 7, 1941 attack and the Pacific region battles that followed, honoring those who have defended our freedom so we might educate and inspire future generations.

Naval Air Museum Barbers Point was founded in January 1999 and is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are not federally funded. The museum is staffed by volunteers and is solely supported by private donations, tours and school groups to continue operations. Your donations go directly to the upkeep and preservation of our historical collection. This includes paint, materials, tires, etc. Naval Air Museum Barbers Point is located on the west side of the island of Oahu, tucked away at the Kalaeloa Airport. Since 1999, we have been welcoming school groups, tourists, and local enthusiasts each month to experience this slice of Naval aviation history in Hawaii. Our museum is unique because it is hands-on. Most aircraft are open to get inside to see and learn about the mission of the crew, creating an unparalleled experience.