It’s always a special thing when your family can travel together. Your Hawaii vacation will definitely be full of lasting memories while you swim with dolphins, explore some surf spots, and take in some of the local culture. These museums in Hawaii are great ways for your children to get a little bit of education while enjoying some time indulging in our rich history. 
Bishop Museum
Located in Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest museum is the Bishop Museum. With numerous exhibits that all ages will love, a planetarium that wows with amazing views of space, and a maritime center. Learn about Hawai‘i’s volcanoes and see rock and cinder melt at their exciting and unique lava demonstration geared towards children aged 2 – 10 years old. The museum really does offer something for everyone in the family and has an on-site restaurant if anyone gets hungry while exploring one of Hawaii’s most revered cultural institutions. They’ve got military and group rates, so check the site before you head out to see what’s happening at Bishop Museum!
Children’s Discovery Center
This haven for families is a must-see! Located in Waikiki, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center has several permanent and rotating exhibits that will engage and excite your little ones. They have tons of interactive activities like a Rainforest Adventure that will definitely be memorable for everyone. The center is closed on Mondays, but is open the rest of the week and will even host birthday parties for your children if you plan well enough in advance.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
If you’ve got older kids in tow, this historical landmark and museum should be on your list. You and your family can weave in a history lesson while looking at artifacts honoring the military submarine. As you tour the WWII-era submarine, you’ll view photos and posters, scale models, passageways, crew living quarters, and missile displays. There’s also a war memorial on park grounds that honors those servicemen who sacrificed their lives during the conflict. The tours and museum operate every day and offer on-site lockers for diaper bags and baggage since no bags are permitted inside any of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
Iolani Palace
This is America’s only royal palace and is located in Honolulu, so it’s easily accessible for tourists and locals. Built in the early 1880s, this graceful Italian Renaissance structure was home to Hawaii’s last two rulers. Today, your family can enjoy guided tours which can be booked online, or self tours. The Iolani Palace hosts many cultural events that you might want to see so check the calendar before heading over. Here, visitors can glimpse the ornate throne room, koa-wood staircase, gorgeous jewels, artifacts, and a wealth of plasterwork and elaborate furnishings. Guided tours are not open to children under 5 and there is no charge to use the Palace strollers since personal strollers are not permitted inside the Palace.
Honolulu Art Museum
If you have a budding art enthusiast in your family, take them to the Honolulu Art Museum. Children under age 17 are free everyday, in addition to Bank of Hawaii Family Sundays where everyone is free on the third Sunday of the month, and the first Wednesday of every month. This gorgeous museum that has a variety of styles, while placing an emphasis on Hawaiian artists, in addition to world famous artists like Andy Warhol and Josef Albers. There’s also a cafe and gift shop on site, so you and your family can spend the day wandering through the amazing exhibits.
Wherever you end up, you and your family will be inspired by the artwork and history that awaits at some of our Hawaii museums!
