Honolulu Museum of Art is praised as one of the most beautiful art museums in the United States.
As a leading art museum in Hawaii, it houses about 50,000 works, including Monet’s Water Lilies and Picasso’s Cubist pieces, which are highly popular worldwide.
It began with the opening of the collection owned by art collector Mrs. Charles Cooke, and today it is a highly valuable place designated as a historic landmark of the State of Hawaii.
Inside the facility, there are multiple gardens inspired by the world, creating an exotic space that makes you forget you are in Hawaii.
While the beaches and shopping in Hawaii are great, visiting places to learn about the local culture and history is another enjoyable way to travel!
Although not many people may consider it a top priority, it is actually a spot that exceeds expectations, so it is highly recommended.
Opening Days and Events of Honolulu Museum of Art
Please note that the Honolulu Museum of Art is closed every Monday and Tuesday!
The opening time is also a bit late, starting at 10:00 AM, so you need to be careful not to go too early.
The most popular event is held on the third Sunday of every month, offering free admission for Hawaii residents.
It is a day when many people visit for activities that both adults and children can enjoy, such as crafts, drawing contests, and museum solving games, so it might be better to avoid it if you are sightseeing.
By the way, even for tourists, admission is free for youths aged 18 and under, so families should definitely take advantage of this!
Honolulu Museum of Art Cafe
When you visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, a must-visit spot is the Honolulu Museum of Art Cafe.
It has become a popular spot among locals where you can enjoy a menu of salads and sandwiches made with organic vegetables from Hawaii.
The recommendation is the sandwich called Piadina, which is Italian bread wrapped around fresh vegetables, cheese, and prosciutto.
Another popular item is the Nicoise salad, which features an impactful seared tuna!
Please note that the business hours are only during lunchtime from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.
If you go in the evening (5:00 PM to 8:30 PM) on Fridays (and weekends) when the museum is open at night, there is also evening service where you can enjoy dinner and drinks.
At the gift shop, they sell not only original Honolulu Museum of Art merchandise but also Hawaiian crafts, making it a good place for souvenirs.
If you are only using the cafe and gift shop, no admission fee is required, so it is perfectly fine to visit just for dining and shopping!
Shangri La Tour at Honolulu Museum of Art
There is also a secret tour at the Honolulu Museum of Art known only to those in the know.
It allows you to experience Shangri La, the largest single-family home in Hawaii.
It is a dreamlike mansion filled with Islamic art gathered from all over the world, and you will surely be amazed when you visit!
Since the building is under the jurisdiction of a foundation, you can visit it through a partnership with the Honolulu Museum of Art in the form of the Shangri La tour.
Since departure times and the availability of guided tours vary depending on the season, we recommend checking the details in advance, viewing the Honolulu Museum of Art early in the day, and then heading straight to Shangri La.
By the way, we have introduced Shangri La in another article, so please refer to it if you are interested.
Basic Information of Honolulu Museum of Art
| Name | Honolulu Museum of Art |
| Address | 900 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Fri) |
| Admission | Adults (19 and over): $25 18 and under: Free |
| Closed | Monday, Tuesday |
| Duration | About 1 hour or more |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Paid) |
| URL | Official Website |
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