Education
Explore Bishop Museum and its Exhibits
Bishop Museum’s Education Department offers a variety of on-site, in-person programs for schools and other student-focused organizations in our community. The Education team aims to make learning a mind and body experience, emphasizing place- and culture-based engagement that help learners see the world around them in exciting and new ways.
These programs take place across the many signature galleries and exhibit spaces on the Museum’s 15-acre campus, including Hawaiian Hall Complex, Planetarium, Science Adventure Center, Nā Ulu Kaiwiʻula Native Hawaiian Garden, and Castle Memorial Building. For more information on these spaces, visit https://www.bishopmuseum.org/galleries/.
Hawai‘i Alive
The Hawai‘i Alive project is a cooperative work led by the Bishop Museum to share resources from our collections, library, and archives with the general public, in accordance with Hawai‘i Department of Education Content and Performance Standards.
Museum After Dark
Join us for an evening at the museum where you and your students can experience Bishop Museum all to yourselves. Explore the Hawaiian Hall Complex, Science Adventure Center, Castle Memorial Building with traveling exhibits, and experience the wonder of our Planetarium. Please call 808-848-4168 or email us at schoolgroups@bishopmuseum.org for more details.
Virtual Field Trips
Distance doesn’t need to be a barrier to learning about the cultural heritage and natural sciences of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Book a unique and engaging Virtual Field Trip for your school-age learners. Virtual experiences are offered on a limited basis. Please call the Bishop Museum Education Department at 808-847-3511 or email us at schoolgroups@bishopmuseum.org for more details.
Cancellation Policy
The teacher who will be the point of contact on the day of the field trip must sign the Scheduling and Cancellation Policy Form found in the Field Trip Packet, acknowledging he/she has read and understands our policies and rules.
Full payment for the field trip should be made no later than three weeks before the scheduled date of the field trip, or through formal conversation with Bishop Museum Reservations staff. Arrangements for payment after arrival on-site or after the date of visit will only be accepted after prior discussion with Reservations staff.
FAQ
- For other groups, including college groups (from Hawai‘i and elsewhere), K–12 school groups from the continental US, adult groups, and others, please call Bishop Museum Visitor Experience at 808.847.3511 or email Visitor Groups.
- Field trip admission and program packages are applicable to Hawai‘i-based schools, grades Pre-K through 12th.
- If you are a Hawai‘i-based, Pre-K through 12th grade school, you can make a reservation as follows:
- Fill out our online In-Person Field Trip Form
- We do not accepts phone reservations. All reservations must start with a reservation form which you can find here.
- Please have the following information ready:
- School/School Type
- Three alternate dates
- Contact Person
- Phone/Email
- Number of students
- Grade or Age
- Number of adults
- Arrival and departure time
- Once a reservation request is received, we first confirm the date of your In-Person Field Trip
- Once the date is confirmed with you, we will send an invoice.
- Once payment is received, we will send you a final confirmation with instructions for the day of your In-Person Field Trip, and your payment receipt.
- A $15.00 service fee may be charged for any unanticipated requests to accommodate changes or make adjustments to reservations within three weeks of the requested date.
- Full payment for the field trip must be made no later than three weeks before the scheduled date of the field trip.
- We encourage educators to plan trips during the fall and early into the semester for two reasons:
- A large amount of education research shows that field trips aid in motivation, memory, and generating interest in subjects and,
- Because demand is highest after Spring Break, during April and May.
- At minimum, reservations must be made at least five weeks in advance.
- Full payment for the field trip must be made no later than three weeks prior to the date of your In-Person Field Trip.
- Checks, school purchase orders, credit cards, and cash (must be exact as change is not given) are accepted.
- All Hawai‘i teachers may visit the Museum at no charge any day prior to your scheduled visit to become familiar with the Museum grounds and exhibits. Please contact the Bishop Museum Education Department (808.847.3511 or schoolgroups@bishopmuseum.org) to set up this visit.
- We strive to balance our field trip visitor experiences with those of our everyday visitors, special events, and public programs. As a result, we cannot book or change field trips within three weeks of the requested date without charging a service fee of $15.00. We may waive this fee under extenuating circumstances.
- If necessary, you can reschedule your In-Person Field Trip for a later date with at least a three–week notice.
Have questions about our in-person educational experiences or activities at Bishop Museum? Call 808.847.3511.
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.
