Membership FAQ
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How does my membership support Bishop Museum?
As a member, you provide important support for the Museum’s daily operations. Your support allows us to offer dynamic cultural and traveling exhibits, as well as exhibits for children. Your membership will also help us to maintain and strengthen our collections, and create future programs and events that showcase the unique characteristics of our island communities.
What are the different levels of membership?
We have 7 different membership levels to fit your interests. Click here for a full list of our membership levels and the different benefits associated with each level.
What benefits are included with my membership?
Please click here for a full list of member benefits.
Do you offer gift memberships?
Yes! Gift memberships can be purchased online or by calling (808) 848-4187. Gift memberships are perfect for Christmas, birthdays, graduations and any other special occasion. Look for our new Gift Membership packet in Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica this Fall.
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.
I want to renew but I have a Grandparent level membership, what do I do?
For one-year (October 2006 thru September 30, 2007) those members at the Grandparent level are able to renew for the special price of $40 as Dual/Family level members, a savings of $10 off the normal price. Click here to renew or call the Membership Office at (808) 848-4187.
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. We are pleased to provide this special guest benefit to our members in the Family & Friends categories and above, and hope that you and your guests will take advantage of this option.
If I have questions about Membership whom do I contact?
You can call the Membership Office at 808.848.4187 and we will be happy to answer any questions.
When will Hawaiian Hall reopen?
Hawaiian Hall is scheduled to reopen in late 2008 with new, world-class exhibits showcasing the best of Bishop Museum’s renowned collections, air conditioning and an elevator system that will allow all of our visitors access to all levels of the Hawaiian Hall complex.
We appreciate your patience during this important renovation period. There are still many exhibits to enjoy while parts of Hawaiian Hall are closed, including Polynesian Hall, the J.M. Long Gallery, and the Kahili 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.
Where can I find information about current and upcoming exhibits?
Please visit the exhibit page for more information on Bishop Museum’s dynamic current exhibits and dates for upcoming exhibits.
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 Kahili 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.