A Hub of Culture and Heritage
Honolulu stands as a cultural epicenter in the Pacific, housing some of Hawaii’s most significant institutions dedicated to art, history, and performance. The city’s museums, galleries, and theaters celebrate both traditional Hawaiian heritage and global influences, making it a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts.
Natural Museums and Botanical Gardens
Honolulu is home to some of Hawaii’s most treasured natural history institutions:
- Bishop Museum – The largest museum in Honolulu, featuring the world’s most extensive collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts, alongside a vast array of natural history specimens.
- Honolulu Zoo – Hawaii’s premier zoological institution, housing diverse animal species from across the globe.
- Waikiki Aquarium – A working marine biology laboratory that partners with the University of Hawaiʻi and international research institutions to study marine life.
- Botanical Gardens – Honolulu’s green spaces, including the Foster Botanical Garden, Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, and Walker Estate, showcase the region’s unique plant species.
Performing Arts: A Legacy of Music and Theatre
Honolulu has a rich performing arts scene, spanning classical music, opera, and Hawaiian music traditions.
- Honolulu Symphony – Founded in 1900, it is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the U.S. west of the Rocky Mountains.
- Hawaii Opera Theatre – A leading institution in classical and Hawaiian musical performances.
- Major Music Venues – Notable locations include the Hawaii Theatre, Neal Blaisdell Center, and Waikiki Shell, hosting concerts and live performances year-round.
- Live Theatre – Venues like Diamond Head Theatre and Kumu Kahua Theatre offer local and international productions, enriching the city’s theatrical landscape.
Visual Arts: A Showcase of Global and Hawaiian Creativity
Honolulu’s art institutions house impressive collections of Asian, Western, and Islamic art:
- Honolulu Museum of Art – The largest collection of Asian and Western art in Hawaii, featuring Islamic art at the Shangri La estate. Since its 2011 merger with The Contemporary Museum, it remains the state’s only contemporary art museum, with locations in Makiki and downtown Honolulu.
- Hawaii State Art Museum – Featuring local and traditional Hawaiian art, managed by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
- Doris Duke Theatre – Located within the Honolulu Museum of Art, this venue is dedicated to arthouse and world cinema.
Honolulu also hosts the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), the largest "East meets West" film festival in the United States, showcasing top Pacific Rim filmmakers.