Iolani PalacevsBishop Museum
Both are rated very highly by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Iolani Palace ranks significantly better than Bishop Museum. Iolani Palace has a TripExpert Score of 91 with recommendations from 11 reviews including Afar Magazine, Concierge and Travel + Leisure.
Iolani Palace
Fodor's
Concierge
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
Condé Nast Traveler
goop
Where
Atlas Obscura
U.S. News & World Report Show All Reviews
364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
From $0/night
Fodor's "America's only royal residence was built in 1882 on the site of an earlier palace." Full review
Concierge "King David Kalakaua built this palace in 1882, as a symbol to the world that Hawaiian royalty was as grand as any in Europe."
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"If you're intrigued with kings and queens, join the 90-minute docent-led tour... with plenty of history provided." Full review
i
Peek at rare treasures and crown jewels
Afar Magazine "The only royal palace in the United States, it has plenty of lavish decor to ooh and ahh over." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Hawaii is the only state that was once a monarchy...and the best place to get a sense of how Queen Lili’uokalani and the royal family lived is with a visit downtown to ‘Iolani Palace." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "A National Historic Landmark, this gorgeous royal estate blends Italianate and Polynesian styles, a singular mashup referred to as American Florentine." Full review
goop "The opulent Iolani Palanace was the royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy until Queen Liliuokalani was forced to abdicate her throne in 1893." Full review
Where "The magisterial palace is the former home of the Hawaiian monarchy and the only official royal residence in the United States." Full review
Atlas Obscura "The only royal palace on U.S. soil has been a territorial capitol, a military headquarters, and a prison for a queen. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report15.0
"Built in 1882, this 10-room historic house and museum details the reigns of King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii's final monarchs." Full review
Bishop Museum Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide
Frommer's Condé Nast Traveler Where Atlas Obscura Travel + Leisure
New York Times Frommer's
Lonely Planet Show All Reviews
1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "Probably the best museum complex in the world for everything Polynesian (as well as Melanesian and Micronesian), the Bishop is Hawaii’s most famous museum." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Its collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts is regarded as one of the best in the world." Full review
Frommer's "Even if you do not have kids, this is a must-see on your vacation." Full review
i
It's a great rainy-day diversion; plan to spend at least half a day here.
Condé Nast Traveler "The longest running collection of Hawaiian artifacts on the islands—and a planetarium that brings you full circle to the future." Full review
Where "Exhibits include a planetarium and science center, the storied Hawaiian Hall, and precious artifacts from precontact times." Full review
Atlas Obscura "This museum of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture is the legacy of the last descendant of the Kamehameha Dynasty. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "The museum offers an extensive collection of cultural artifacts, documents, and historical photographs in addition to the world's finest collection of 19th century Hawaiian art, historic oil paintings"
Oahu Travel Guide
March 1, 2021
New York Times "Some visitors will head straight to the beach but the Bishop Museum is a better place to understand the physical and cultural evolution of the islands and the sensitivity to who, or what, is considered “Native Hawaiian” versus “local"
36 Hours in Honolulu
January 23, 2020
Frommer's "The exhibits, spread out over three floors, give the most complete sense of how ancient native Hawaiians lived...carvings representing Hawaiian gods and the personal effects of Hawaiian royalty" Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Hawaii’s version of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, the Bishop Museum showcases a remarkable array of cultural and natural history exhibits" Full review
