The Honolulu Museum of Art is often called one of the most beautiful museums in the United States.
As one of Hawaii’s leading museums, it houses about 50,000 works, including Monet’s Water Lilies and Picasso’s Cubist pieces, which are especially popular with visitors from Japan.
The museum began by exhibiting the collection owned by art collector Mrs. Charles Cook, and it is now designated as a historic landmark of the State of Hawaii.
There are several gardens on the grounds inspired by different parts of the world, creating an exotic atmosphere that can make you forget you are in Hawaii.
While Hawaii’s beaches and shopping are great, visiting places where you can learn about the local culture and history is another enjoyable way to travel.
It may not be high on everyone’s list, but the museum is surprisingly impressive and highly recommended.
Honolulu Museum of Art – Opening Days and Events
Please note the Honolulu Museum of Art is closed every Monday and Tuesday.
The museum opens a little later in the morning at 10:00, so there is no need to arrive very early.
The most popular event is the third Sunday of every month, when Hawaii residents can enter free.
That day features activities like crafts, art contests, and museum mystery games that appeal to both adults and children, so tourists may prefer to visit on another day.
By the way, visitors under 17 are also free, so families should take advantage of this.
Honolulu Museum of Art Café
When visiting the museum, be sure to stop by the Honolulu Museum of Art Café.
The café is popular with locals and serves salads and sandwiches made with Hawaii-grown organic vegetables.
A recommended item is the piadina, an Italian flatbread sandwich filled with fresh vegetables, cheese, and prosciutto.
The Niçoise-style salad topped with seared tuna is also a popular choice.
The café is open for lunch only, Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00, so plan accordingly.
The gift shop sells Honolulu Museum of Art original items as well as Hawaiian crafts, making it a good place to pick up souvenirs.
If you only want to use the café or gift shop, museum admission is not required, so it’s fine to visit just for a meal or shopping.
Honolulu Museum of Art’s Shangri-La Tour
The museum also offers a lesser-known, exclusive tour.
It allows visitors to experience Shangri-La, the largest single-family house in Hawaii.
Shangri-La is a dreamlike mansion filled with Islamic art collected from around the world; visitors are sure to be amazed.
By the owner’s wishes, the building is currently under state jurisdiction, so it can only be toured as part of the Honolulu Museum of Art’s organized Shangri-La tours.
Japanese-language tours depart the museum at noon, so it’s recommended to visit the museum earlier in the day and continue on to Shangri-La.
There is a separate article about Shangri-La if you would like more details.
Honolulu Museum of Art – Basic Information
| Name | Honolulu Museum of Art |
| Address | 900 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 10:00–18:00 (Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) 10:00–21:00 (Fri) |
| Admission | Adults (18+): $25 Under 17: Free |
| Closed | Monday, Tuesday |
| Suggested time | About 1 hour or more |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (paid) |
| Website | Official site |
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