Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state of Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. The museum houses the world's largest collection of Polynesian cultural and scientific artifacts.
The Bishop Museum is also a great place for kids. While children may have difficulty appreciating the cultural and historical objects in the galleries of the museum's Hawaiian Hall which reopened to the public in August 2008 following an extension multi-million dollar renovation, they will surely enjoy the exhibits in the museum's modern wing, the Castle Memorial Building.
From Saturday, September 26, 2009 through Sunday, January 3, 2010, Dinosaurs Unearthed will feature the jaw-dropping outdoor spectacle of a full-sized, Tyrannosaurus Rex and facing off against a full-sized, moving Triceratops on the Museum's lawns, plus a full set of indoor dinosaurs in Castle Building.
Families of all ages will enjoy the Bishop Museum's Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center that provides exhibits that are immersive and interactive – with a strong emphasis on better understanding Hawaii's environment. As the museum states, "whether you proceed down the Hawaiian Origins Tunnel to the Deep Ocean zone, stop and participate in the lab activities in the Living Islands zone, explore the interior of the walk-through volcano (the facility's signature exhibit), or climb up to the tree house to get a bird's-eye view of the volcano's erupting caldera— everywhere you turn you'll find unique and intriguing things to see and do."
You also should be sure to visit the The Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium located next to the Museum Café where shows are offered several times a day.
The Bishop Museum is located at 1525 Bernice Street in Honolulu about 7 miles and 20-30 minutes from Waikiki depending on traffic. Ample free parking is available for those who drive. The museum is accessible on public transit: TheBus Routes A, B, 1, 2, 7, 10.
Bishop Museum is open Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day (December 25).
Adult admission is $ 15.95; seniors, 65 & over pay $12.95; children ages 4-12 pay $12.95; children age 3 & under are free.
For more information visit the Bishop Museum's website.
