Bishop Museum Keeps It Real With Broad Appeal

Bishop Museum wears many hats. Local schools take students there to learn about Hawaii’s history; scientists draw from its resources to address environmental issues; and cultural experts look to it for inspiration as they perpetuate past traditions in modern times.

But for everyday visitors with widespread interests, the Honolulu attraction promises valuable and entertaining offerings imbued with a sense of place, as demonstrated by its current and upcoming lineup.

“Bishop Museum should be a visitor’s first stop in Hawaii, because the context that people gain here will enrich the rest of their experiences on our islands,” said Ken Yatomi, spokesperson for the museum.

If the word “museum” gives clients pause, travel advisors need only share the news of its fresh and future programs to change their minds.

From Surfing oo Strings
Making a big splash is Mai Kinohi Mai: Surfing in Hawaii (on view through May 3), an impressive exhibit honoring the destination’s famed watersport.

One room of the exhibit features a 360-degree screen showing surfing footage from across the decades. In another area, clients can take turns hanging 10 on a surfing simulator. From its look at the importance of surfing to ancient Hawaiians, to its array of boards used by some of the sport’s greats, it’s a real hit with visitors and locals alike. 

Meanwhile, the forthcoming Kaula Piko: The Source of Strings exhibit (opening April 17) will explore Hawaii’s role in the creation of contemporary American stringed instruments and popular music, making it a natural for clients with a passion for the arts. 

This June, the museum will host visitor-friendly activities aligned with the Festival of Pacific Arts. 

At the same time, it will mount a major exhibition, Ka Ula Wena: Oceanic Red, to get people talking about shared cultures.

From Sustainability to Stargazing
Bishop Museum has made sustainability one of its core values. For example, it recently eliminated the sale of single-use plastics and installed water bottle filling stations.

To further underscore its environmental efforts, the museum now boasts an eye-catching sculpture called Plastic Free Pipeline. Made from 2,000 feet of derelict fishing nets and marine debris, it’s designed to raise awareness of ocean pollution and conservation.

A planetarium broadens the museum’s appeal, luring both amateur astronomers and people of all ages who love looking up at the night sky. One fascinating show focuses on modern-day Hawaii voyagers who have successfully re-created ancient Polynesian celestial navigation techniques. 

All are sound reasons for clients to visit, or return to, Bishop Museum. With its permanent and rotating collections, displays and programs on a wide range of topics, it offers visitors an approachable way to learn about what makes the islands so special.

“Travelers continue to crave experiences that are authentic to the destination,” Yatomi said. “A visit to Bishop Museum fulfills that, as it truly lives up to its reputation as ‘Hawaii’s Museum.’”

The Details 
Bishop Museum 
www.bishopmuseum.org