Membership FAQ
If I have questions about Membership whom do I contact?
You can call the Membership Office at 808.847.8296 or by email at membership@bishopmuseum.org and we will be happy to answer any questions.
How does my membership support Bishop Museum?
Your annual membership dues directly help to sustain the Museum’s daily operating costs. Your membership support also enables the Museum to maintain and develop its exhibitions, educational programming, and the care of its vast collections of over 25 million cultural and natural artifacts.
What benefits are included with my membership?
Please click here for a full list of member benefits.
How long will it take for my new membership cards and package to arrive?
Your new membership package and permanent member cards will arrive by United States Postal Service within 7-10 business days (30 days for Amy Greenwell Garden members).
If I am a member, but am not able to visit Bishop Museum, can my children come without me?
Bishop Museum membership is non-transferable, and the adult (parent or grandparent) whose name is on the membership card must accompany their children when visiting the Museum.
If I am a member, will I need to bring a photo ID when I visit the Museum?
Yes, the front desk will ask for a photo ID to verify your membership is current.
As a Family & Friends level member, do I need to accompany my guests to the Museum?
Yes, membership is non-transferable and the member whose name appears on the membership card must accompany guests when visiting the Museum.
I am a Family & Friends member (or above). Can I bring two guests with me to the next Member Preview or Traditions of the Pacific event?
Members at the Family & Friends level or above are permitted free admission to Bishop Museum & Planetarium for two guests during the Museum’s business hours only (when accompanied by the member). Guests are not permitted for after-hours Museum programming, including Member Previews, Traditions of the Pacific lectures and workshops, and other after hours member programming unless otherwise specified.
Do you offer gift memberships?
Yes! Gift memberships can be purchased online or by calling 808.847.8296. Gift memberships are perfect for Christmas, birthdays, graduations and any other special occasion. Please have the name, address, phone, and email for your gift recipient ready to ensure a smooth transaction. If you don’t have this information handy, we suggest you purchase a Bishop Museum gift card instead, which can be used later to purchase a membership. To purchase a gift card, call the Shop Pacifica at 808. 848-4158.
Why don’t you offer kama‘āina or military discounts on membership?
Our membership program was created with our kama‘āina residents in mind. Our membership prices are determined by our current kama‘āina/military admission rates to make sure that membership remains a great value for our visitors and especially for the people of Hawai‘i.
Can I pay my membership dues with a gift of stock?
Bishop Museum welcomes gifts of stock. To facilitate a smooth transaction, please call Denys Kazama at 808.848.4161 to notify the Museum of your stock gift prior to transfer.
When will Pacific Hall reopen?
Pacific Hall is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2013 with new, stunning exhibits showcasing the best of Bishop Museum’s renowned collections, air-conditioning, and an elevator system allowing wheelchair access to all levels.
We appreciate your patience during this important renovation period. There are still many exhibits to enjoy including the magnificent Hawaiian Hall, J.M Long Gallery, and the Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kāhili Room. In addition, the Harold K.L. Castle Memorial Building features both traveling and rotating exhibits, so be sure to visit Bishop Museum many times throughout the year. The Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center and Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium are both open year-round and have fun and educational activities for all to enjoy.
Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?
Because some of our buildings were built in the late nineteenth century, access may not be available for our visitors who have difficulties climbing stairs. We are in the process of installing an elevator in the Hawaiian Hall complex, which will finally provide access to all parts of this iconic building for all of our visitors. Currently, wheelchair access is limited to the first floor of the Hawaiian Hall complex, where the Kāhili Room and the J.M. Long Gallery is located.
Please inform a Museum staff member upon arrival if you need wheelchair access and we will be happy to arrange access for you. The Museum’s remaining public Gallery spaces, on the first and second floors of the Harold K.L. Castle Memorial Building, the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center, the Sports Hall of Fame in the Pākī building, as well as the Planetarium, Shop Pacifica, and Café, are all wheelchair accessible.
How do I utilize my ASTC Passport Program benefits?
As a Patron member or above, your Bishop Museum membership card is printed with an ASTC logo on the right hand side. Simply show your Bishop Museum membership card and photo ID at any participating institution for free or discounted admission benefits. Please note that each ASTC Passport Program participant sets the parameters of their participation, thus benefits vary and restrictions may apply. Click here to view a list of ASTC Passport Program participating science and technology centers.
Is membership transferrable?
Membership is non-transferrable from one household to another. However, if you have questions about name changes on your membership record, please contact the Membership Office at 808.847.8296.
Can I apply paid general admission fees toward my own Museum membership?
Yes, general admission fees can be applied towards any Bishop Museum membership level within seven days with an accompanying receipt.
