The Newly Restored Hawaiian Hall

The historic Hawaiian Hall at Bishop Museum reopened to the public on Saturday August 8th with festivities continuing on Sunday August 9th. 

Hawaiian Hall closed in 2006 to undergo its first major renovation in over a century.  The restoration included the hiring of the best in the field, including Honolulu architect Glen Mason of Mason Architects to restore the structure of the great hall; Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), a world renowned museum design firm; and incorporating the expertise of Hawaiian scholars, cultural practitioners, and artists. 

The result is a state of the art Museum that embodies a Native Hawaiian world view, layered in meaning and authentic in voice.

Hawaiian Hall offers visitors deeper insights into Hawaiian culture and access to a record number of the Museum’s treasured collections, together with Hawaiian interpretation and perspectives. 

Artifacts are displayed in ways that pay tribute to and respect their inherent power.  Over time, these artifacts will be rotated to ensure its proper care and display.

Each of the three floors in Hawaiian Hall take visitors on a journey into a different realm.  The first floor is the realm of Kai Ākea which represents the Hawaiian gods, legends, beliefs, and the world of pre-contact Hawai‘i.  The second floor, Wao Kanaka, represents the realm where people live and work; focusing on the importance of the land and nature in daily life.  The third floor, Wao Lani, is the realm inhabited by the gods; here, visitors learn about the ali‘i and key moments in Hawaiian history.

Hawaiian Hall will undoubtedly be an inspiration to all who visit.  For more information please visit www.bishopmuseum.org or call 847-3511.