The Hawaii State Art Museum offers contemporary works from artists with a connection to Hawaii, including those born or raised in the state. The museum is a venue for the Art in Public Places Program, displaying most of the collection in public buildings.
The museum has a beautiful Sculpture Garden on the ground floor. The area used to house a large pool and bleachers, and while there are traces of the pool, the area was transformed into an oasis. The Sculpture Garden is the perfect place to discover and reflect. Most guests spend an hour or 2 browsing the museum's collections.
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Hawaii State Art Museum Highlights
In addition to the Sculpture Garden, the first floor of the Hawaii State Art Museum houses a gift shop, perfect for picking up a souvenir or unique gift. While much of the collection may hold more appeal for adult guests, the little ones are sure to enjoy the "I Love Art" room designed especially for kids to explore hands-on.
Showcasing works mainly from the 1960s and later, the museum has 3 permanent galleries in addition to rotating temporary exhibits. The permanent collection of Hawaiian art houses the work of 105 artists who work in a variety of styles and mediums, including sculptors, painters, ceramicists, and printmakers.
Good to know when visiting Hawaii State Art Museum
The Hawaii State Art Museum is free to attend, making it a great budget-friendly option for the family. There is no on-site parking, but you'll find nearby parking lots at the Ali’i Place Building and Iolani Palace, and metered parking is available on the street. You can also reach the museum by bus or trolley, and bike racks are available if you choose to cycle here.
The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and there's a cafeteria on-site as well. Nearby historical landmarks you could check out after your museum visit include Iolani Palace and Keliiponi Hale: The Coronation Pavilion.
Hawaii State Art Museum
Location: 250 South Hotel St Second Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 808-586-0900
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