Bishop MuseumvsKauai Museum
Bishop Museum and Kauai Museum are both rated highly by professional reviewers. On balance, Bishop Museum is the choice of most reviewers compared to Kauai Museum. Bishop Museum is ranked #9 in Hawaii with praise from 6 publications such as Michelin Guide, Frommer's and Atlas Obscura.
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
Kauai Museum
Fodor's Where Michelin Guide Frommer's
4428 Rice St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766
From $0/night
Fodor's "The historic museum building... features a permanent display, "The Story of Kauai"." Full review
i
The expanded gift shop alone is worth a visit
Where "The Kauai Museum is houses a permanent collection of photographs and various Hawaiian artifacts. The museum gift shop has beautiful works of Hawaiian art." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The museum traces the island's history from its volcanic beginnings, through sugarcane farming and missionary work, and features an impressive collection of Hawaiian paintings and artifacts." Full review
Frommer's "The fascinating geological and cultural history of Kauai and Niihau are well-served in this compact museum." Full review
i
Visit on the first Friday of the month, when the museum holds a traditional paina...lunch, live music, and hula in the courtyard at 11:30am.
