Library & Archives
Library & Archives
Due to unexpected supply chain delays, construction in the Pākī building is ongoing. To ensure the safety of people and collections, we will not resume normal operations or public access until project completion. Our reopening is now planned for August 2025. We apologize for the impacts this delay will have on our patrons. Please continue to email archives@bishopmuseum.org for assistance with reference and reproduction and visit our website for updates on the timeline for reopening.
During our extended closure, Library & Archives is now offering patrons PDF copies of materials (for reference only) at no cost
- Limit 50 pages per order
- Reference copies may not be posted on the internet [including social media apps], published in any form, sold, donated, exhibited and/or otherwise distributed
- For all other uses, please inquire about high-resolution image reproduction.
Bishop Museum’s Library & Archives have one of the richest and most varied collections of published works and primary source materials related to Hawai‘i and the Pacific.
Our Library holdings include rare books, periodicals, newspapers, and special collections of published material.
The Museum’s Archives hold the results of extensive studies done by Museum staff in various disciplines throughout the Pacific, as well diverse and important collections of manuscripts, photographs, artwork, oral histories, sound recordings, and maps.
Library Catalog
Hawaiian Ethnological Notes
Commonly called HEN, these notes are largely Hawaiian language material translated by Mary Kawena Pukui. This material includes articles which appeared in Hawaiian Language newspapers. The online search engine provides access to records only. The HEN material must be accessed in-person but will eventually be available on OHA’s Papakilo database.
Anthropology Manuscripts & Anthropology Projects
Records of manuscripts and projects of the Bishop Museum Anthropology Department.
For all inquiries, please email archives@bishopmuseum.org.
Due to unexpected supply chain delays, construction in the Pākī building is ongoing. To ensure the safety of people and collections, we will not resume normal operations or public access until project completion. Our reopening is now planned for August 2025. We apologize for the impacts this delay will have on our patrons. Please continue to email archives@bishopmuseum.org for assistance with reference and reproduction and visit our website for updates on the timeline for reopening.
During our extended closure, Library & Archives is now offering patrons PDF copies of materials (for reference only) at no cost
- Limit 50 pages per order
- Reference copies may not be posted on the internet [including social media apps], published in any form, sold, donated, exhibited and/or otherwise distributed
- For all other uses, please inquire about high-resolution image reproduction.
When Bishop Museum opened to the public in June 1891, its library consisted of but a few shelves of books in what is today the Picture Gallery. From its beginnings in the personal collections of Charles Reed Bishop and Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop, along with those of other members of the Hawaiian royal families, the Museum’s Library & Archives has grown to become a source and center for Hawaiian and Pacific Island materials.
Top Image: Panoramic view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, ca. 1910. (Alonzo Gartley, Bishop Museum Archives)
Be a Part of Our Story
Celebrate the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific with a gift to Bishop Museum. As a partner in the Museum’s work, you can help to sustain vital collections, research, and knowledge, and inspire exploration and discovery with a tax-deductible donation.
