When Princess Bernice Pauahi, the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha the Great, died, her husband founded the Charles R Bishop founded this museum as a collection of royal possessions, artifacts and memorabilia.
It has evolved into a world famous center of Polynesian studies. The imposing Victorian building with stone walls and turrets is the repository of books and artifacts documenting Polynesian history, archaeology and ethnology.
The planetarium next to the museum has a narrated show "Polynesian Skies" to explain the Southern Cross and other tropical constellations. There are changing displays of native crafts and old photographs and drawings.
Ethnic crafts and art forms are demonstrated on a regular basis. It is open daily 9am to 5pm, closed Christmas. Admission charged.
