These Are The Best Museums In Hawaii That Bring Island History And Culture To Life, According To Reviews

Hawaii is well known for its world-class beaches and prehistoric landscapes. However, it also has a rich history and one of the most vivid, multi-layered cultures you'll find anywhere. Thankfully, there are many outstanding museums scattered throughout the archipelago that expertly preserve this culture. From ancient traditions to contemporary events, they offer travelers the chance to go beyond the surf and sand and get lost in authentic stories and meaningful experiences.

There are great museums across all of Hawaii, but most of the top-rated ones, especially for World War II history, happen to be on Oʻahu. Our selections are based on visitor reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, and the fact that the majority of them are based on Hawaii's most popular island is simply a reflection of this. The attack on Pearl Harbor did, of course, transform Hawaii overnight and changed the trajectory of world history forever. Naturally, the island has numerous museums that mark this occasion. However, explore a little further and you'll find institutions that capture centuries of royal legacy, Pacific exploration, and the diverse influences that shaped the Aloha State's identity.

Whatever it is you are looking for in a museum in Hawaii, you can expect immersive galleries, hands-on experiences, and exhibits shaped by real local voices rather than dusty old displays. Even the biggest beach bum or surf dude will find just one afternoon away from the sand and sea in any of these sites to be an enriching change of pace. So, with that, let's take a look at the best museums in Hawaii that bring its history and culture to life.

At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on O'ahu, history is powerfully felt. It honors the lives taken during the events of December 7, 1941, and marks the pivotal moment of the United States' entry into WWII. The museum is free to visit and paints a vivid picture of these historic events. Visitors can discover artifacts, listen to personal stories from survivors, and explore galleries to help understand the broader context of the attack. With exhibits focusing on how lives were affected and what happened in the aftermath, all who attend are left with a deep, emotional understanding.

For a rare scenic vantage over Pearl Harbor, consider a flight on the Pearl Harbor Warbirds tour for an unforgettable way to see the area's history from above. You'll fly over the entire complex, which includes memorials to several USS naval vessels, but it's the USS Arizona Memorial that is the most significant. 1,177 servicemen lost their lives on this ship during the devastating attack by the Japanese army that day, and the structure floats above the spot where the ship sank. To pay your respects, you can take a boat out to this final resting spot. There's an opening in the floor called "the Well," where you can look down into the water and see the remains of the ship and drop in flowers to honor the fallen. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial universally scores top marks among visitors, with one Google reviewer simply stating the "experience was humbling to say the least."

Step onto the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, and Hawaii's turbulent past becomes immediate and deeply moving. World War II ended here on September 2, 1945, with the signing of the Japanese surrender taking place on the ship's deck. This Surrender Deck is the focal point of the museum and a silent reminder of hard-won peace. But the Missouri is a living classroom with a mission to preserve, inspire, and provoke reflection in all who attend the lesson. You can explore everything from cavernous gun turrets to sailors' bunks, and all are meticulously restored and vividly reflect onboard life during wartime.

Exhibits like the "Divine Wind" display the personal effects and stories of Japanese kamikaze pilots, while others, like the dented steel from actual attacks and navigation rooms packed with original equipment, document the battles and daily routines of the crew. Everything is connected through original artifacts and displays that present the realities of conflict clearly and honestly. One Google reviewer summed the experience up after their visit when they wrote, "Touring the ship and hearing the stories tied to it was both humbling and inspiring. From the spot where World War II officially ended to the preserved quarters and weaponry, everything on board honors the history and the sacrifices of the sailors who served."

Another of Hawaii's top-rated historic attractions is the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (aka the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park). You can physically step aboard the Bowfin, which is the World War II submarine known as "The Pearl Harbor Avenger." You'll experience firsthand the confined spaces and compartments where sailors lived and worked and get a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced. No textbook or documentary can replicate this sense of reality, and you'll feel the weight of both the submarine crew's courage and triumph.

The museum houses three interactive galleries containing thousands of relics. There are battle flags, preserved equipment, and even a 34-foot-long, 12,000-pound cutaway of a genuine Poseidon C-3 ballistic missile. You get audio tours in several languages that share the real-life experiences of U.S. Navy submariners, which one Tripadvisor reviewer said "was very clever [because] when you walked through different places on the boat, it started automatically." Stories cover the evolution of the U.S. Navy's "wolf pack" tactics and Hawaii's central role as a submarine base during WWII.

What better way to bring the past to life than a visit to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm? It's a standout in its field — and with coffee culture and history at its heart, it's an open-air museum that both perks you up and informs. You'll learn about the farming families who built the Kona region's reputation for world-class beans through hands-on experiences, and you'll have the picturesque surroundings of the Captain Cook community as an added bonus.

The farm was established on Big Island in the 1920s by Japanese immigrants, and it transports visitors back in time as they explore the original farmhouse, mill, and orchards. Costumed interpreters make the experience all the more real while they authentically demonstrate the techniques of traditional farming methods — from cultivating the land and hand-pulling ripe cherries to roasting the beans over an open fire.

All tools are period-appropriate, and guests get a good feeling for the rhythm and hard work needed to produce premium morning fuel while getting a profound sense of the blend of cultures that developed Hawaii's coffee heritage. One Google reviewer excitedly said that it's "a must for Big Island visitors and the perfect activity to kick off the Kona Coffee Festival!" For those interested, it takes place between the 7th and 16th of November (2025).

Just being the only royal palace in the entire United States is reason enough to visit Iolani Palace. However, unlike a visit to certain overrated palaces around the world (looking squarely at you, Buckingham), this one actually impresses. It's located in downtown Honolulu and is a National Historic Landmark that once served as the residence of Hawaiian royalty. It remains a symbol of the islands' rich cultural history, and not visiting could mean missing out on one of the best ways to experience historic Honolulu.

Visitors can choose between self-guided audio or docent-led tours. Whichever you go for, you'll be immersed in tales of royal balls and daily court life before shifting to the dramatic events that led to the overthrow of the kingdom and the queen's imprisonment. As you stroll through lavishly decorated rooms past royal portraits, you'll eventually enter the throne room with its gilded furnishings and immense chandeliers. The small suite where Queen Liliʻuokalani was held after being deposed is another highlight, as is the quilt she embroidered during her imprisonment.

The carefully restored architecture, historically significant artifacts, and engaging interpretation make this palace much more than a display of dusty old relics. It's a surprisingly emotional reminder of Hawaii's past and shows the resilience of its people, who rescued, recovered, and reopened the palace as a museum rather than let their royal heritage be erased.

Unlike other military museums in the state, the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii (aka the Hawaii Army Museum) tells stories of indigenous martial arts and royal defenders in addition to modern American military history. It highlights Hawaii's extraordinary contributions to contemporary conflicts and presents them all under the concrete walls of a former coastal defense battery. The historic Battery Randolph is itself a relic and provides a fitting setting from which to explore all those powerful stories just steps from Fort DeRussy Beach in the Waikiki area of Honolulu.

This museum is free to enter, and its exhibits span from ancient Hawaiian warfare through both world wars as well as the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Interactive and multimedia displays add depth, with artifacts, photos, and auditory effects helping visitors to picture the reality. Admission is free, and visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable volunteer staff — some of whom are veterans — for their personal insights and heartfelt storytelling. One British visitor recalled the experience on Tripadvisor when they said, "I was honoured to be greeted by a WW2 veteran named Bruce who was stationed in England. He was 99 years old and an incredible person... If you visit, make sure you say hi to him."

Special tribute is paid to local heroes, including recipients of the nation's highest awards for valor and the "Go For Broke" Nisei soldiers. They were the Japanese-American servicemen who fought during WWII in the all-Nisei 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. These men went on to become some of the most decorated in U.S. military history despite their families back home enduring incarceration and discrimination.

The Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) showcases diverse collections of both local and global artwork. It's located deep in the heart of the city and treats visitors to a journey across the centuries as well as the continents. Galleries shine a light on everything from Japanese woodblock prints and Buddhist sculptures to contemporary creations by local artists and masterpieces by Van Gogh and Picasso. 

Works from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and, most notably, the Pacific have been pivotal in establishing the museum's reputation as one of the state's premier cultural institutions. This prompted one Tripavisor reviewer to say, "Visiting this museum really gives you the sense of what an international city Honolulu is and Hawaii's long history and cultural significance."

Beyond the galleries, the museum's open-air courtyards are inspired by local traditions and island architecture, adding another layer of connection to Hawaii's landscape and culture. HoMA also plays a role in community life by offering workshops and classes, including children's activities that open up the world of art to youngsters, while live performances amplify the cultural celebration beyond the museum walls.

Bishop Museum has been referred to as "Hawaii's version of the Smithsonian." Over the years, it's become an essential resource for both residents and visitors seeking a way to connect with local heritage and immerse themselves in authentic cultural experiences. Interactive programs and a state-of-the-art planetarium combine to make every visit inspiring and full of wonder, while the rich history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific are brought vividly to life in a way that most other institutions in the state can't match. With an astonishing 25 million+ cultural, historical, and natural artifacts in its collection, ancient stories leap off the walls, and relics whisper secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Hawaiian Hall is the centerpiece. It takes visitors on a journey back in time through the region's ancient cosmology. They'll also discover profound connections between the land and everyday life and encounter sacred stories of the gods. Pacific Hall brings oceanic cultures to the fore with magnificent artifacts like massive traditional canoes, intricately woven mats, and artwork so evocative that you'll be left with a profound appreciation of how deeply interconnected Pacific Island communities are. Then there's the museum's renowned Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center. It turns learning into an adventure playground for kids — or indeed visitors of all ages. You can explore Hawaii's incredible geology, diverse ecology, and traditional culture through interactive experiences that are dedicated to making science more about hands-on discovery than it is textbook learning.

Nestled in one of Honolulu's greenest neighborhoods on the island of O'ahu is the Queen Emma Summer Palace. It's also known as Hānaiakamalama and was a royal hideaway for Queen Emma of Hawaii, her beloved husband King Kamehameha IV, and their cherished son Prince Albert Edward. They escaped there together to enjoy the cooler climate of the Nu'uanu Valley and spend time away from the pressures of royal duties. It was built in 1850 and is a one-story masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture. It features six beautifully appointed rooms, soaring high ceilings, and an expansive lanai (porch) where you can picture the royal family unwinding and soaking in the tranquil highland atmosphere.

By 1915, it was scheduled for demolition. That was until the Daughters of Hawai'i stepped in. This nonprofit organization, formed in 1903 to preserve Hawaiian culture and historic sites, rescued this precious gem. Their dedication continues to this day with loving preservation, maintenance, and operation of it as a living museum and cherished historic site. It's an irreplaceable piece of Hawaiian heritage and holds its place on both the state and national registries.

A visit opens up a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts, including Queen Emma's personal belongings, priceless antiques, and original furnishings, as well as regal portraits and elaborate feather cloaks and capes of dazzling color, among many other items. It's Hawaiian royal history at its most authentic, and visitors can experience it by either self-guided exploration or by joining a fascinating docent-guided tour where knowledgeable guides bring the past into the present.

Another significant museum to mark the December 7, 1941, events is the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. It's located on Ford Island, the central site of the attack, and is home to genuine WWII-era hangars where you can still catch sight of bullet holes and battle scars from the Japanese attack. There are at least 50 aircraft in the museum, and exhibits span 70 years of Pacific aviation history, including the Second World War and the conflicts in Vietnam, Korea, and the Gulf. In Hangar 37, you'll find WWII aircraft such as the Douglas Dauntless, the P-40 Warhawk, and the Grumman F4F Wildcat, while a Japanese Zero that crash-landed after the Pearl Harbor attack is also on display.

Visitors can take in the whole site by joining a Top of the Tower Tour. You'll go up the historic 168-foot Ford Island Control Tower for 360-degree views of the battlefield. However, tickets are not included in the museum entry, and only 120 are issued per day — so you'll need to be fast to grab one. But if it ends in disappointment, you can really bring things to life on one of the museum's state-of-the-art 360-degree flight simulators instead, which one Google reviewer said "was very fun as well" before going on to explain, "My son didn't like flipping over in it, but I was definitely laughing the whole time."

You'll find the excellent Kaua'i Museum located in one of Hawaii's friendliest cities, Līhuʻe, and it's one you really shouldn't miss if you want a deep understanding of Kaua'i, its people, and its historical legacy. The spotlight here is on both indigenous culture and the immigrant groups that helped shape the island — and the story is told through a blend of authentic artifacts, photographs, and local accounts across two buildings.

The Wilcox Building is where the grandeur of Hawaiian royalty is brought to life through ceremonial items such as feather capes, as well as portraits and family trees, and objects used in daily life, like ancient tools and weapons. In the Rice Building, you'll discover exhibits devoted to the island's plantation history, as well as others covering a wide range of themes, including WWII, missionary influences, native flora and fauna, and even local surfing legends. In fact, surfers like Keala Kennelly and Laird Hamilton have dedicated displays, as do the daily lives of sugar workers and early settlers.

All displays are illustrated with real documents, objects, and personal stories. But for a deeper appreciation, tours are available with knowledgeable docents, or you can arrange for a self-guided visit. There's context behind every item, from everyday pottery and tools to the rituals and stories of aliʻi (Hawaii's ancestral chiefs and nobility). You can also sign up for workshops for a deeper appreciation of Kauaʻi's traditions and culture, including hula, weaving, painting, and feather lei-making classes.

We looked at all the Hawaiian museums listed on Tripadvisor and Google and filtered out those irrelevant to history and culture. We rejected any that had a lower average score of 4.4 on either site and, for transparency, only considered those that had over 200 reviews. We combined the scores from both sites before settling on a top 10.