Hawaiian and Polynesian history is rich with stories and legends that pervade the cultural scene in the islands today. Here is the ultimate list of museums, historic sites, performing arts theaters, and art galleries compiled by the editors of Modern Luxury Hawaii.
Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel is bringing entertainment in Waikīkī to a whole new level with their new multi-year resident show with the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. The show, anticipated to open in late 2024, will fuse the world-renowned acrobatics and innovation that Cirque du Soleil is known for with the islands’ natural beauty and unique culture. PHOTO COURTESY OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Bishop Museum
Founded in honor of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in the 19th century, this museum is Hawai‘i’s largest. It’s also a top-10 natural-sciences institution that houses multiple collections. Don’t miss the magnificently restored Hawaiian Hall and Pacific Hall. 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, bishopmuseum.org
Hawai‘i State Art Museum
In 1965, the State of Hawai‘i instituted the country’s first Percent for Art Program. Fifty years later, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ HiSAM museum exhibits an expansive collection of art from the islands. 250 S. Hotel St., 2nd Floor, Honolulu, hisam.hawaii.gov
Honolulu Museum of Art
This museum has more art acreage than any other institution across the islands, so it’s possible to travel the art world here, from antiquity to modern times, with works from Asia to Europe to the Pacific. 900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, honolulumuseum.org
‘Iolani Palace
The former home of Hawaiian royalty, ‘Iolani Palace, when it was completed in 1882, was more technologically advanced than the White House, with indoor plumbing, telephones and electricity. Hawaii Five-0 fans, take note: The palace stood in as Honolulu Police Department headquarters in the original series. 364 S. King St., Honolulu, iolanipalace.org
Queen Emma Summer Palace
A summer retreat for Queen Emma, wife of Kamehameha IV, Hānaiakamalama (The Southern Cross) now serves as a historic landmark and museum—providing an intimate look at this beloved royal. 2913 Pali Highway, Honolulu, daughtersofhawaii.org
Shangri La
Once the residence of the late heiress Doris Duke, Shangri La offers a breathtaking collection of Islamic artistic treasures set in sumptuous architecture. 900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, shangrilahawaii.org
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Learn about one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, nps.gov/perl
Hulihe‘e Palace
Since its first construction in 1838, Hulihe‘e served as the residence of several Hawaiian royals in the 19th century. Now a museum, the former home displays prized ancient artifacts as well as personal memorabilia from the monarchy period. 75-5718 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, daughtersofhawaii.org
Isaacs Art Center Museum and Gallery
A visit to Waimea isn’t complete without a trip to the Isaacs and its museum-quality pieces by famous local artists. 65-1268 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, isaacsartcenter.hpa.edu
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Located in South Kona, this is one of the best-preserved sites of precontact Native Hawaiian civilization, including a pu‘uhonua, a place of refuge during times of conflict. The famed Hale o Keawe and natural setting are not to be missed. State Highway 160, Hōnaunau, nps.gov/puho
Kaua‘i Museum
This museum showcases historical items, young-artist exhibitions and programming on Indigenous families from Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Also offered are workshops on lei-making, hula and quilting. 4428 Rice St., Līhu‘e, kauaimuseum.org
Ballet Hawaii
Not only does this leading ballet academy train Honolulu’s aspiring dancers, it also stages top productions. Adding to the allure are visiting dancers from the country’s best companies. 735 Iwilei Road, Honolulu, ballethawaii.org
Blue NoteHawaii
This large-scale jazz venue is an outpost of the famed Blue Note in New York. Besides jazz, the busy lineup includes pop and R&B, as well as noted local Hawaiian and contemporary island artists. 2335 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, bluenotehawaii.com
Diamond Head Theatre
Known as the Broadway of the Pacific, Diamond Head Theatre is the country’s third oldest and continually operating community theatre. Each season features six major productions, five of which are musicals. These high-talent productions are an island must-see. 520 Makapu‘u Ave., Honolulu, diamondheadtheatre.com
Doris Duke Theatre
Honolulu Museum of Art’s theater reigns as O‘ahu’s premier art-house cinema with a boldly eclectic range of films. Its program is rounded out by live musical performances, covering the spectrum of jazz, Hawaiian music and more. 900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, honolulumuseum.org
Hawaii Opera Theatre
You’ll be ready to cry “Bravo!” when you catch one of HOT’s top-notch productions of classic and contemporary operas, featuring leading vocalists from around the country. 848 S. Beretania St., Ste. 301, Honolulu, hawaiiopera.org
Hawai‘i SymphonyOrchestra
Classical music is booming once again, thanks to Honolulu’s latest orchestral incarnation, with artistic adviser JoAnn Falletta. 3610 Wai‘alae Ave., Honolulu, myhso.org
Hawaii Theatre Center
One of Honolulu’s premier venues, Hawaii Theatre first opened its doors in 1922. In the ’90s, this historic landmark made a glorious comeback and now hosts visiting acts and leading local performers. 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu, hawaiitheatre.com
Mānoa Valley Theatre
A facet of Honolulu’s theater scene for over 40 years, this intimate playhouse presents the best of Broadway and off-Broadway in a historic neighborhood. 2833 E. Mānoa Road, Honolulu, manoavalleytheatre.com
Neal S. Blaisdell Center
Most famously known for hosting Elvis’ legendary Aloha From Hawai‘i concert in 1973, this multistage venue hosts top acts from around the world. Catch pop stars and sports events in the arena. The concert hall—Honolulu’s largest—regularly hosts the likes of Hawaii Opera Theatre and Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, blaisdellcenter.com
POW! WOW!
This art collective (which has a signature weeklong event in Hawai‘i) led by Jasper Wong and Kamea Hadar has grown into a global network of artists. POW! WOW! organizes gallery shows, lecture series, schools for art and music, mural projects, a large creative space named Lana Lane Studios, concerts and live art installations around the world. 327 Lana Lane, Honolulu, powwowhawaii.com
Kauai Concert Association
This Garden Isle arts organization ups the cultural ante by bringing in leading jazz and classical acts from all over the world. 3 Kaumuali‘i Highway, Līhu‘e, kauai-concert.org
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
The Valley Isle’s premier venue boasts a 1,200-seat concert hall, an intimate black-box theater and a 5,000-person outdoor amphitheater for visiting and local performers. 1 Cameron Way, Kahului, mauiarts.org
Cedar Street Galleries
Featuring a cross-section of artists and artisans from O‘ahu, Cedar Street Galleries is home to a variety of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian jewelry and sculptures. 817 Cedar St., Honolulu, cedarstreetgalleries.com
Nohea Gallery
Since 1990, Nohea Gallery has been home to a stunning collection of local Hawai’ian artists. Whether jewelry, blown glass or furnishings spark your interest, there’s sure to be something awe-inspiring for everyone. 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Honolulu, noheagallery.com
Polu Gallery
The sea, with its myriad temperaments and unending captivations, has inspired artists and creators in Hawai‘i for millennia. Polu Gallery combines a respect for surfing and the art it inspires. Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 2255 Kalākaua Ave., Shop #18, Honolulu; 66-111 Kamehameha Highway, #20, Hale‘iwa, polugallery.com
Above the Equator
Promoting artists working from the countries and cultures near the equator, with a strong focus on artists of Hawai‘i, ATE explores themes related to the island experience; climate change and the environment; the legacy of colonization and occupation; tourism; immigration; and a global remittance economy. 184 Kamehameha Ave., Ste. 190A, Hilo, ategallery.com
Volcano Art Center
If you’re visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, stop in to collect locally made paintings and objets d’art. 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, volcanoartcenter.org
AFeinberg Gallery
Aaron Feinberg’s fine art landscape photography reveals the true beauty and drama of nature. 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., Koloa, afeinbergphotography.com
Galerie 103
Created by the dynamic artist Bruna Stude, Kaua‘i’s premier contemporary art gallery features work by island and international artists of museum caliber. The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Road, Koloa, galerie103.com
Art Project Paia
Opened in 2013, APP is one of Maui’s hippest venues for new art. Housed in an old plantation building, this multidisciplinary gallery exudes island cool. 77 Hāna Highway, Pa‘ia, art-project-paia.square.site
Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
The Hui is an alliance of artists, students and teachers offering classes, exhibitions and more at the Kaluanui Estate. 2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, huinoeau.com
Viewpoints Gallery
Seasonal shows here put the spotlight on Maui’s artists in the upcountry cowboy town of Makawao. 3620 Baldwin Ave., Ste. 101, Makawao, viewpointsgallerymaui.com
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