Historical Sites & Museums on Oahu

The Pearl Harbor Naval memorials include the USS Arizona, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Museum & Park, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. One of the most powerful parts of any trip to Oahu, many visitors are overcome with emotion by visiting such a historic place that serves as both a tribute and a memorial.

The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the destruction of the battleship USS Arizona, part of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial experience begins with a short video describing the attack on Pearl Harbor, and then a ferry-ride to the actual Memorial that stands above the sunken battleship.

Do you go gaga for gemstones? Then you'll love this hidden spot in Waikiki. The Lucoral Museum offers a unique experience for visitors interested in pearls and other rare stones. Stop by on Tuesdays and Thursdays for their jewelry making class (how fun is that?) and to explore Hawaii's unique and precious minerals.

Once consisting of coastal defense fortifications, this beautiful area is now mostly a landscaped park expanse that is open to the public. The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is housed inside Battery Randolph, one of the decommissioned fortified coastal defenses. Find serenity with a relaxing picnic, reading under a palm tree, or outdoor meditation.

“Hanging Ten” in the North Shore Marketplace, the Haleiwa Surf Museum is dedicated to the pastime of surfing, its history and its impact on world culture. Much of the focus of this museum lies on the surfing history and culture of the North Shore, including an incredible collection of surfboards, records, collectible bottles, photos, videos and posters.

Honoring the monarch who first unified the Hawaiian Islands under a single ruling family, the Statue of King Kamehameha is a gigantic gold-leaf state of King Kamehameha the Great. On June 11th, the statue is adorned with fresh lei garlands and traditional hula demonstrations are performed at the Honolulu City Capitol Building.

Want to get a glimpse into the official royal residence of King David Kalakaua and his sister,and successor, the last queen of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani? Take a walking tour of Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu, and learn all about royal life, the history of Hawaii, and how the palace included Hawaii's first electrical light system.

Bishop Museum, founded in 1889 in honor of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, is the largest museum in the state. It houses an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and also includes millions of artifacts, documents and photographs about Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures. Check out the state-of-the-art planetarium and various programs for children.

Formerly the Honolulu Academy of Art, founded in 1922, this museum is packed with beautiful art from around the world. It 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. Visit the museum, and its cafe, in the heart of Honolulu.

Located on the second floor of the No. 1 Capitol District Building, the Hawaii State Art Museum features four galleries dedicated to the arts and culture of the Hawaiian people. The museum’s inaugural exhibit, “Where We Live” showcases Hawaii’s art and cultural traditions, including a gallery of artwork dedicated to the unique environment and striking landscapes found in Hawaii.

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