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    Bishop Museum

    4.3 (620 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Bishop Museum

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    Karlo G.

    This museum is worth the visit. I would allot at least 2 hours to fully experience the exhibits, garden, and the planetarium. The Bishop Museum houses a vast (if not the largest) collection of the Hawaiian artifacts. Much of my time was spent in the Hawaiian Hall Complex, which has multiple halls and are all connected creating a seamless experience. The architecture of the Hawaiian Hall is simply stunning and features 3 levels. The first floor, Kai Akea (Sea Realm), explores the beliefs of the Hawaii and focuses on the spiritual aspects of the culture. Make sure to take a peek inside the Hale Pili (grass house) in the center of the first floor. The second floor, Wao Kanaka (Realm of Man), displays various farming tools, fishing gear, cloths, and other daily items used. The third floor, Wao Lani (Heavenly Realm), features gods and chiefs with an emphasis on royalty. There are items from the arrival of Europeans and how the contact from the outside world has changed the Hawaiian Society. The Pacific Hall is about the origins and migrations of the Pacific. There are various types of vessels on display showing sea travel across the Pacific islands. The Kahili Room, my favorite exhibit, are the feather symbols of royalty. The Picture Gallery has portraits of royalty and various figures within the Hawaiian culture. Other areas to explore include the Native Garden, Planetarium, and the Science Adventure Center. General admission is around $35.00, however I recommend purchasing tickets online as they offer a 20% discount code for advance purchase. Parking was $16, however there's limited street parking as an alternative.

    Kent V.

    This is a beautiful museum with so much Hawaiian history! We came here on a rainy day and felt like we could of stayed here for more hours. Learned so much about the Hawaiian culture and their ancestors. Lots of kid friendly exhibits as well as its very own science center. Keeps kids entertained for hours. Cafe was decent with asian/Japanese options as well, and regular items - sandwiches, salads, etc. Highly recommend visiting when staying in the Honolulu/waikiki area.

    Erich L.

    I came here for the first time 15 years ago and it's still an excellent place to learn about traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian history and culture. They have a lot of artifacts, art and explain the beliefs. There's a lot on the royal family too. It is no longer free to park you have to pay $16 by smartphone. It's a little pricey at $38.95 per adult but helps to maintain this wonderful institution.

    Alex A.

    Bishop Museum is an incredible destination for anyone interested in Hawaiian culture, science, and history. However I'll be covering it from the perspective of an outdoor music festival. The museum's outdoor field provided a fantastic setting for some amazing live music, it was a treat! I may have been exposed to the elements and some sweet Hawaiian rain, but the field and backdrop of Honolulu made it alright. There was standing room, sitting room, blanket room and even more for concessions and drinks. There was enough space for a massive stage, endless food trucks and a giant merch stand. Even better was the availability of onsite parking. I enjoyed it. Overall it's a cool place.

    Rachel K.

    We love learning about Hawaiian culture and this was a highly recommended spot during our trip to O'ahu. We arrived around 10am and had pre-purchased tickets which saved us a bit of money. Parking is on the more expensive end- we ended up spending $18.90 through PARKLINQ on a Monday... not sure if the day of the week matters, but the parking lot had plenty of spots. We walked inside and scanned our tickets, you can also purchase planetarium showings and you'll want to check the schedule to see what's being offered around the museums. We started off in the main building, Hawaiian Hall, which is BEAUTIFUL! We got lucky and arrived when they were giving an introductory guided tour of the main floor and learned so much. We ended up spending two hours in this building going through the different floors and learning about the history of Hawaii as well as other Polynesian cultures and how they influence one another and how the sea has influenced everything. Really, there was too much to soak up in just one visit, but we tried. There are also interactive areas that would be more appealing to kids, and during our visit there were some school field trips coming through. Next we walked through the Castle Memorial Building that is currently housing a dinosaur exhibit. They had a bunch of animatronics and information about different dinosaurs and how we've learned more and more about what the dinosaurs look like and act like. The animatronics were not to size, but had signs with how large they would be compared to a human next to them. After the dinosaurs we ended up at the Science Adventure Center that had a lot of interactive and educational exhibits. I wish we had timed this better so we could experience the lava show, but maybe next time. We also missed out on the planetarium, but if we have the privilege of visiting again we'd time it so we could see the planetarium show and the lava show.

    Keiki Rise Collective Poster
    Orlando P.

    When I was young, I would walked to the Bishop Museum often to see the exhibition and the large whale hanging from the ceiling. When I stepped back into the Museum, the musty smell and the dim lighting brought back memories of a time that was simpler than it is today. The new exhibits and buildings provide a unique opportunity to see and experience Hawaiian culture. This is a wonderful place to visit and spend a day to immerse yourself in the world of ancient Hawaii.

    The approach.
    Brian G.

    This museum is in a gorgeous old building and full of fascinating artifacts and information about Hawaii's culture and history. To be honest , there was so much that it was overwhelming after awhile. Definitely worth a visit but be prepared to spend a fair amount of time here in order to do justice to this impressive institution!

    Keanahala Lauhala Weavers, of the Pu'uhonua Society, taught us how to weave our own bracelets!
    Karen S.

    Bishop Museum has much in store to view, learn, appreciate, and create! Become a member! Keanahala Weavers taught us to weave lauhala bracelets. They are so skilled and patient, and wore their own creations from sassy hats, earrings, and bracelets. Nalu taught us bamboo stamping - I gave my stamped card and mulberry paper creations to a tutu to use;) I didn't get to the fresh flower earrings and bouquet making, but they looked beautiful! Mahalo for the warm aloha hospitality and makana, Bishop Museum! The gift shop was filled with local creations, gifts, food, and more! So many wonderful things!!! Wish I had taken more pictures, will have to come back!

    Sharine d.

    What an interesting museum. There were three main buildings designed for guest. 1 started with the science building... lots of interesting facts about local birds also using a volcano simulator. 2. Second active building was reptile & dinosaurs replicas. Nicely done, small but effective. 3. Third, was the main museum. They did a wonderful job on this one. It's full of interesting Hawain history and the different past rulers. Beautiful building full of fascinating information. I tagged onto a I assume docent led tour and it was jam packed with interesting tid bits. 4. Fourth, and last I paid extra $3 for a " Sea & earth" planetarium show. This one was a bit dry for me, but also interesting lesson on how to use the stars for navigation. It was very obvious that the employees have a passion for archeological learning. Insider tip.. you really need a seat in the back to see what's being shown clearly. Highly recommend the museum...definitely worth a few hours. They also have a kid friendly eatery for snacks and a break if needed. Also it is ADA friendly, if you ask they have an elevator.

    Tony X.

    If you want a break from the sun and have some curiosity about Hawaiian culture and history, Bishop Museum is the place to go! The museum is large and carries a vast collection of artifacts. We spent several hours there and felt like we could have stayed for even longer.

    Tunnel in the science center
    Brooke T.

    The Bishop Museum is a very nice museum to learn about the history of Hawaii. I especially liked the exhibit on the 3rd floor that went through the history of the monarchy and all of the changes that happened in the 1800s. The presentation on volcanoes in the science center was also very informative. If you are visiting with kids, the temporary dinosaur exhibit is also likely to be a hit.

    Judy L.

    The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, designated the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, is a museum of history and science in the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. Excellent place to learn about traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian history and culture. All the artifacts and the short videos are just nice touches.

    Ashley G.

    I was surprised the entry fee was so high. For locals, the annual membership is very well priced, but a single ticket is up there. I don't regret it, but I also wouldn't have probably paid it for a whole family.

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    Bishop Museum Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bishop Museum

    Will you be open Monday May 25th 2026 Memorial day?

    Aloha, LaLa! Yes, we will be open on May 25, 2026. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Years Day. You can start planning your visit at BishopMuseum.org.

    Parking meters free on Sundays?

    No free days. Park and check out at the kiosk. Bette they, purchase an annual membership for free parking.

    Can you buy admission tickets, day of? Looking to visit in September.

    Yes, I bought mine at the door.

    Is this place good for adults? Will adults be bored?

    I found it to be great, if they are a history buff or just like to learn about Hawaiian culture than this would be fun.

    Hi there! I wanted to inquire on renting out a venue from you folks. Is this available still? This…

    Aloha Loriann, and thank you for reaching out! Short answer, yes! We're closely watching the State's and City's COVID-19-related restrictions for indoor and outdoor events and adjusting accordingly. We'd be happy to speak with you and answer your… Read more

    I haven't been there since I was a kid in the 70's. I loved that place. Is the big whale still hanging in the middle?

    It SURE is! The full-sized model sperm whale (palaoa) is still hanging in the Hawaiian Hall from the ceiling.

    Does this museum have a dinosaur exhibit?

    Aloha. I believe the dinosaur exhibit is seasonal. Here is their website of current exhibits & events. https://www.bishopmuseum.org/exhibits/

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    Review Highlights - Bishop Museum

    The highlights are the Hawaiian Hall and Pacific Hall, which has an incredible amount of exhibits and artifacts.

    Mentioned in 71 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Black History Film Festival Paint Me a Road Out of Here…read moreThis heartbreaking and humorous documentary uncovers the whitewashed history of Faith Ringgold's masterpiece For the Women's House and follows its 50-year journey from Rikers Island to the Brooklyn Museum. This is a museum see. Your heart will open wide and you see your opportunity to make a difference by caring, giving, and sharing. February 12, 2026 at Honolulu Museum of Art in Doris Duke Theatre. Rochelle L. & Leonard E. Mc Gee were guest of Sandra Simms. Shalom

    This was a great place to visit, away from all the tourist attractions in Waikiki. HoMA is larger…read morethan I would have expected, and there is a great variety of art here--Asian and European art. You probably could spend all day here if you took the time. We did take a rideshare here, so I can't really comment on the parking. Admission was pretty reasonable. If you are a Hawaii resident, you'll get a discount on admission. Of note, I was wearing a lei and they asked me to take it off (they gave me a paper bag to hold onto it). Staff were friendly about it though. We even got to learn a little bit about art in Hawaii, and what I really loved learning was the decorative brick that they use. After that, I started noticing them outdoors, as well as in some local restaurants. There are a couple of courtyards that are just beautiful and peaceful if you get a chance to sit around and take it all in. They have a restaurant, gift shop, as well as a coffee cart. Overall, I would highly recommend visiting!

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    Capitol Modern The Hawaii State Art Museum - Hawaii Triennial 2025 Aloha No (NOW - 04 May 2025)

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    Capital Modern, Hawaii State Art Museum is a beautiful museum located downtown Honolulu surrounded…read moreby historical and modern buildings. Old and new Honolulu come together in this location. The grounds are scenic and lovely, really nice area to stroll and enjoy some of Hawaiian history and art. Lots of street parking and free parking after 6pm. I usually go on First Friday which is always a blast, they always have different local entertainment throughout the evening and sometimes the place really gets rocking from the music. The nice thing, kids are welcome as well so the whole family can attend. On the second floor there is two galleries that house the different art and artists. The wood floors are beautiful. Every month there is a different theme and the art work is rotated so it never gets old. Also on the second floor are different vendors that are selling food products or locally made products for sale. They also have beer and wine available for sale. The staff are great and very helpful. If you have a bag, the security outside the gallery will check it for you as well as any waterbottles. Admission is free but donations are accepted and really appreciated. Come check this place out, you won't be disappointed.

    What a wonderful way to explore the culture, the history, and artists from the island! This…read morebuilding has parking across the street or side street which is always busy through the downtown, use the APP and follow the steps. The location houses two areas for the artists to present the works on the second floor; bottom floor is the educational area or with the students. Everything was beautiful, outside in the back area of the garden has art that you definitely need to check out as well. Make sure to leave your donation at the boxes before you leave, you leave your big bags in the front area and enjoy everything at your own pace. It was a wonderful afternoon to explore each corner and story - make sure to check it out!

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    Solomon Enos! Beautiful Piece

    Capitol Modern The Hawaii State Art Museum - Stage view from the upstairs!

    Stage view from the upstairs!

    Capitol Modern The Hawaii State Art Museum

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    Palace Fact: The U.S. has exactly one official royal palace and it's Iolani Palace!…read more Cue me and my impeccable timing. We popped by ʻIolani Palace on a Saturday, fully unaware that they close at 4:00 PM. And yes, we just missed them. Pain. Tragedy. A royal-level fumble. We had wandered over after visiting the statue of King Kamehameha I across the street, so at least the vibe was still immaculate. Even from the outside, the palace is stunning, grand, elegant, and carrying that quiet weight of history that makes you instinctively lower your voice a little. Shoutout to Nadine C. for dropping the knowledge that this is the only royal palace in the United States. Let that sink in. Not a mansion. Not a "former estate." A palace palace. A little context moment because it makes standing there hit different: This was the royal residence of Hawaiian monarchs starting with Kamehameha III in 1845, and later home to Queen Liliʻuokalani, who was ultimately overthrown and even imprisoned here in 1893. It's also the second palace built on this site, which somehow makes it feel even more layered, like history stacked on history. Today, it's a designated National Historic Landmark and honestly? I'm a little mad at myself for not planning better because I know the inside tour is going to be incredible. Guess I'll just have to come back and do it properly. Next time, we check the website and respect the hours. Lesson learned.

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    Bedroom at Iolani Palace

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    Foster Botanical Garden - The open-air butterfly garden is a must see area of Foster Botanical Garden.

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    4.5(283 reviews)
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    What do I want to do on my birthday? Let's go take a walk in the park!…read more With the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend and events here and there, I wanted somewhere less crowded and quiet. Foster Botanical Garden came to mind. I haven't been here for a very long time! The entrance is located along Vineyard Blvd. - westbound, right after the Kuan Yin Temple. There's plenty of free parking. Out of all the City and County botanical gardens, this is the only one with admission, but it's well worth the price - $5 for adults, $3 for Hawai'i Residents, $1 Children 6-12 (so, 13+ are adults?), and free for kids 5 and under. There is a free docent-led 90-minute tour at 10:30am - every Monday and Wednesday to Saturday - anyone can join. Walk-ins okay if there's space, or make reservations via email or phone. Before heading in, you can grab a map and a bird checklist. The garden itself is very well kept and quite spacious. There are two restrooms - one on the left and another on the right. They were quite clean! All areas, trees, and plants are clearly marked. Be on the lookout for the "exceptional trees" such as the Baobab, which looks like elephant legs; Cannonball Tree, Kapok, and etc. The Orchid Collection in the greenhouse has a nice variety with the infamous Corpse Flower. Overall, a very nice, well-maintained place to visit and worth the admission fee. Even though you're in town, next to the freeway and busy streets around, you still feel a sense of relaxation and calm while connecting with nature and admiring the vast collection of trees and plants. I wouldn't mind getting the annual pass for $25 just to take my lunch here!

    Was still open at the end of the year and New Year's Eve which was lovely for a holiday stroll :)…read moreWas kinda busy which was nice because usually when we got it's kinda empty. People want to come during the holidays :D

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    Foster Botanical Garden - A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.

    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.

    Foster Botanical Garden - The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.

    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.

    Foster Botanical Garden - The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

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    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

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    "Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes…read more.. Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas." - Arshile Gorky After recent visits to the Hawai'i State Art Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art, we were inspired to visit this art museum. This Contemporary Museum at the First Hawaiian Center is an extension of the Honolulu Museum of Art. It features the work by artists of Hawai'i who use a variety of media and displays can be found in the bank's lobby and second floor mezzanine. Exhibits and artistic works are routinely rotated. The museum isn't very large and usually has enough space to feature 3 artists at a time. I can't express how the different artwork affected my senses and emotions as everyone will have their own impression(s). You may or may not feel or see what I have seen or what the artist was trying to express. However, when you come to the First Hawaiian Center, you'll also be impressed with the architecture. The former CEO and Chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, Walter A. Dods, Jr, is responsible for completing and opening Hawai'i's tallest building. Distinctive architectural features bring in as much natural sunlight as possible, views from its mountain-side use vertically-proportioned windows and ocean-facing views can be seen through horizontally framed windows that capture the sea and horizon. The building's shape resembles a knife as it "slashes through" its banking competition, Bank of Hawai'i. If you happen to be in Downtown Honolulu's Financial District, check out this museum. Explore and discover the unknown.

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    The Liljestrand House - Office/library

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    Loved the tour, history and the house. It was amazing. But…read moreas someone who is regular weight and height, but struggling with infertility, to be asked by the docent whether I was pregnant, is hugely hurtful and shows lack of interpersonal interactions. Specially as she was a woman, or even it it were a man, that is unacceptable. I am not expecting. We are going through IVF. I thought everyone from a young age was asked not to ask that kind of question. I loved our visit, but now it's on a sour feeling. Would not recommend bc of conduct of the docent. Otherwise, it's spectacular

    Perched high in the mountains of Makiki Heights and nestled in an oasis of eucalyptus trees and…read morelush tropical foliage sits the magnificent Liljestrand House. Getting there is quite the experience of hairpin turns and winding roads, but once you see the low sprawling home, your blood pressure will return to normal. With its Japanese aesthetic and simple clean lines, the home captures the ambience of country cabin meets mid-century modern innovation and convenience. Once occupied by the Lilijestrand family, today the House is a showpiece of architectural excellence best experienced on a small guided tour. We were lucky to have Lisa and Kim as our guides, regaling us with one fascinating story after another along with intimate peeks into the lives of the architect and the homeowners. The breathtaking views from every room in the house is as gasp-inducing as the artwork and amazing nooks and crannies. Betty Lilijestrand oversaw the construction and it's her foresight along with Ossipoff's brilliant design that makes one marvel at their genius. Remember to wear shoes that can be removed easily, and plan to do some walking and taking lots of photos. And ... I imagined if I lived here I wouldn't want to leave! A wonderful experience that I highly recommend! Enjoy!

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    4.5(82 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Dropped by after hiking nearby to see if we could Tour Queen Emma's Summer Palace without…read morereservations. We paid for the self tour and entered the building. Read through the information so we could understand the different items we were viewing. Fascinating walk through Hawaii History and Queen Emma's own personal involvement . Some of the furniture is beautifully made with local wood. There were interesting gifts received from other rulers. There were beautiful feathered capes on display, which the handout how they were produced by only taking a few feathers from multiple birds and releasing without doing harm.

    Who knew royalty had such cozy taste? Queen Emma Summer Palace is like the Hawaiian version of a…read moreroyal Airbnb--modest, charming, and surrounded by lush jungle vibes. It's a peaceful little escape just minutes from the buzz of Honolulu. You walk in expecting a palace, but leave with a deep appreciation for Hawaiian history and a strong urge to redecorate your living room. The staff and volunteers are lovely--part tour guide, part history buff, part grandma energy (the good kind). I learned about Queen Emma, her travels, and her love for the people. Bonus: no crowds, no stress, and plenty of photo ops if you're into vintage furniture and sacred feather capes. Highly recommend if you need a quiet, cultural detour--or just want to pretend you're Hawaiian royalty for an hour.

    Photos
    Queen Emma Summer Palace - Outside

    Outside

    Queen Emma Summer Palace - Queen Emma's Summer Palace. September 2024

    Queen Emma's Summer Palace. September 2024

    Queen Emma Summer Palace - Queen Emma's Summer Palace. September 2024

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    Queen Emma's Summer Palace. September 2024

    US Army Museum of Hawaii - The shell room

    US Army Museum of Hawaii

    4.6(138 reviews)
    4.4 miWaikiki

    If you're a history buff or like architecture, the US Army Museum of Hawaii is a hidden gem. And…read moreit's FREE! I don't know any state that is more proud of its military role than Hawaii. The museum captures the military contributions of Hawaii through history. The building was formally Battery Randolph, built 1911 to house two large guns to protect Honolulu from water attack. The structure is "military structural" in style, and is said to be typical of Taft era construction. The facility was, unfortunately, ineffective at protecting the Island for the air attack on Pearl Harbor and was later deemed unsuitable for modern warfare and decommissioned. Today, the building is a perfect backdrop to tell the story of the US Army and Hawaii. I signed in when I entered and then was free to move about the museum. The museum starts with a description of Battery Randolph and then moves chronologically with artifacts and stories from early Hawaiian warriors up to modern day US war participation. It was interesting to walk through the rooms and tunnels. Be sure to visit the second floor where Hawaiian service people are recognized and see the helicopter and gun up close. Then follow the tunnel back to the front of the museum. A gift shop offers reasonably priced military themed hats, shirts, Legos, books and much more. Plan about two hours to visit. The facility does provide restroom access for guest. The Museum is walkable from any hotel in Waikiki. The facility is accessible though some floors are uneven.

    The US Army Museum of Hawaii is a charming and small museum free of charge. The museum takes about…read more2 hours to fully complete. The museum contains historical artefacts and information from the 1700s to there latest addition being a 2008 US Army military uniform. The museum displays the progression in military equipment and tactics. Overall is a must have for experiencing the progression of warfare. There is a gift shop in the front of the museum, which contains COBI tank models (a Polish toy company, all bricks made in Poland, bricks are better quality than official LEGO all bricks printed no stickers) , hoodies, tee shirts, hats, mugs, bottles, military themed pencil sharpeners, posters, etc. All items are somewhat reasonably priced, only small markup. Overall a great collection of artefacts and a well set up gift shop. A must have for anyone visiting Hawaii, especially those on a budget.

    Photos
    US Army Museum of Hawaii - The bars reinforcing the building

    The bars reinforcing the building

    US Army Museum of Hawaii - 1/2 Recreation of the Original Cannon.

    1/2 Recreation of the Original Cannon.

    US Army Museum of Hawaii - U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii Sign.

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    U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii Sign.

    Bishop Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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