Capitol Modern

Capital Modern is a cool little art spot, it's two floors, but most of the action is on the second floor, where there are two galleries featuring some impressive local art. The pieces are unique, vibrant, and definitely worth a look if you're into the local art scene. The place is small, so 30 minutes is all you need to enjoy it. It's also free, which is always a nice bonus. There’s no parking at the gallery itself, but you can park across the street in a nearby plaza. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a quick stop, and I'll definitely check back if they have new exhibits.

Capitol Modern This public art museum brings together traditional and contemporary art from Hawaii’s multiethnic communities. Formerly called the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, the museum inhabits a grand 1928 Spanish Mission Revival–style building, formerly a YMCA and today a nationally registered historic site. Upstairs, revolving exhibits of paintings, sculptures, fiber art, photography and mixed media are displayed around themes, such as the island’s Polynesian heritage, modern social issues or the natural beauty of land and sea. Hawaii’s complex confluence of Asian, Pacific Rim and European cultures is displayed throughout. Admission is free. Located in 250 South Hotel St. Honolulu. Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with evening hours during First Friday and other events.

Recommend going there on a Saturday as the parking will be easier. This small, wonderful art museum has very interesting more recent creations from Polynesian artists. I thoroughly enjoyed my hour stay. The staff was friendly and helpful. Don’t forget to check out the sculpture garden in the back. There are street metered parking out front at $3 per hour, but there was a one-hour limit. I do believe one hour should be enough to enjoy this museum.

Loved the building...old, quiet, classy...perfect for art exhibits and events. Museum is small, still worth the stop if you love art. Museum entrance is free!

awesome FREE museum with a few galleries featuring native hawaiian and asian pacific artists. very much worth seeing and a nice, mellow way to spend an hour or so in downtown honolulu.

Came for first Friday, fun performances by high schoolers and lots of local vendors! Mori shop downstairs had some really unique clothing and Kris Goto prints 🎨

If you want an authentic look into Hawaiian history and culture, go there. The current display with 'ie weaving and photos is supposed to stay till the end of 2024. Pictured, an 'ie weaving and the kūpuna-elders who were arrested in 2019 on Mauna Kea, protectors of Hawaiian ways and lifestyle, not swayed by Government or big money corporations. Metered parking on Richards Street. Hours- Mon to Sat 10-4.

Love this museum special every Friday they do live music from various style bands like jazz, cafe jazz, salsa, reagea, rock, orchestra, etc. They also have vendors selling very cool local art like Wangge gallery sand art and handcrafted jewelry and food, and you get to tour the museum at the same time at your own pace.

Stopped by on a First Friday and had so much fun! Really enjoyed all of the interactive, the performances from students, the craft market, and the photo booth. My friend and I were in town for the marathon and really enjoyed this opportunity to explore the art museum and meet some great artists. Highly recommend especially on a Friday night.

I noticed it after I casually stopped by and entered on my way home from work! I visited about 10 years ago when I vacationed in Hawaii from Orange County CA. I was attracted by the white and stylish Spanish-style building next to the Iolani Palace. It is said that it opened as a hotel in 1872, but now it exhibits the works of Hawaiian artists and local students from traditional art to modern art. In 2024, as one of the venues of the 13th Pacific Arts and Culture Festival (FESTPAC), Capitol Modern will feature carefully selected exhibitions. I want to think again about Hawaiian history by viewing their outdoor stages for presentations and performances, and for cultural practitioners from all over the Pacific to share traditions. Next time I come here, I think I'll spend more time to appreciate the art. 仕事帰りに何気なく立ち寄って入場してから気付いた！ 私が未だCA.オレンジカウンティー在住時代のおよそ10年前に訪問して居た事を！ イオラニ宮殿の隣のスペイン様式の白く瀟洒な建物に惹かれ入場したのだ。 1872年にホテルとしてオープンしたそうだが、現在は伝統アートからモダンアートまでハワイの芸術家、地域の生徒達の作品を展示して居る。 2024年、13回目太平洋芸術文化フェスティバル(FESTPAC)の開催地の 1 つとしてキャピトル モダンは厳選された展示を特集する。プレゼンテーションやパフォーマンスのための屋外ステージを提供し、太平洋各地の文化実践者が伝統を共有するための私はハワイアンの歴史にあらためて思いを馳せたいと考えて居る。次回来場する時はもっとたっぷり時間を掛けてアート鑑賞しようと思う。

We're here for a third Friday open house, a kick ass jazz band and two fantastic galleries one from the Pacific regional cultural festival the other a indigenous Hawaiian exhibit. Once again, this this small museum that rocks.

Imagination... The creative minds through Art + Flea are showcased and on display here for the first time here at Hawai'i State Art Museum. Seems very fitting to have it here to not only for this pop up but to bring folks into this stunning place as this is my first here as well. Walking up to this grand building I was excited to explore and yes I sure got to do that and more as my favorite was getting a chance to view arts done by our local students here in Hawai'i which I had no idea when I first browsed the gallery and no large bags are allowed btw but there is a security area that will hold your items which actually made it much easier to enjoy to take it all in. I sure learned a lot tonight and appreciate all the artistic items that was displayed here at the gallery along with Art + Flea which majority of the vendors take Venmo or cash only so be prepared what a beautiful night! Thank you!

This is a great place for all ages to immerse yourself in music and art. They currently have live music on First Fridays of every month and Second Fridays as well from 6pm-9pm. I especially love when they have jazz musicians come, it brings soul to the night. We've been coming here for the past 2 years for their music events and it's always a blast! You can check on their IG for updates. They have rotating art pieces too. They usually have some sort of keiki activity for the kids to participate in which makes it a family friendly event. One of my favorite parts of going to HISAM is going to see live paintings by local Native Hawaiian artist - Solomon Enos. He is full of bright and positive energy. Very captivating to watch him paint. He interacts often with people and says each conversation contributes to the pieces of art he is working on. Really authentic and genuine person. He's my favorite artist on island! Free to the public too!

Such a great place to visit both expectedly and unexpectedly! Come by for their many public events in the evening time or simply bring your family, friends while you're out exploring the island! Come to the art museum and hit 'Iolani Palace too since they're neighbors! HSAM does a great job of thinking and tailoring their events to the diverse group of people living here. Always featuring local artists and musicians, the inclusivity is great! Looking forward to their continued support od the community.

Really enjoyed going there for Art & Flea! I loved the way everyone was able to support local vendors and entertainment added on the second floor. During the day time, I enjoyed being able to see all the galleries and artworks - I hope the cafe/food comes back in some capacity in the future! - Miguel Morales Photography

This is a really nice museum in Honolulu! It's pretty cool to walk around and check out. There's lots of things to see and check out. You can walk around for a couple hours checking out the art. Best of all, it's FREE!

Highly recommend to see the history of the building and the exploding artists to be recognized! Love the Friday night Live music in the open area where the pool used to be (historic fact it was the royal Hawaiian before it moved to Waikiki)

I went there for the jazz show featuring Takuya Kuroda. It was a beautiful place, and not only the live music, but they also had food vendors and some art exhibitions, which I didn't get to see that time. I'd love to come back here for more live jazz music events as well as art exhibitions for sure next time.

I feel like HISAM is definitely underrated or unknown to most visitors and locals alike. They usually have HISAM Friday, every Friday night. We went the last week of the Honolulu Triennial of 2022 and it was great! There was a performance arts performance featuring different kinds of dances, the reception I was invited to had complimentary drinks and the artist present. The galleries varies from more classical and photography to more current graphics. While I loved the Honolulu Triennial of 2022, this exhibit really highlighted the painful parts of Hawaii'i history. From the protest and disagreement over the H3 and how it went through the mountain, to the takeover of Hawai'i. All of it was very profound and emotionally moving through art. The galleries I saw are currently closed for the new installation, but I can't wait to go back again and see the sculpture garden. Also It's always free!!!

Came here once to see some art that one of our friends had done on display, and once for the Pride event/drag show. Parking is difficult so street parking is a must (you can park on Alakea if it's a weekend or evening). Bathrooms are only on the first floor. The pride event had food for sale on both levels. Grilled cheese (gourmet) by Jacques L'beurre (french onion and ratatouille) and on the second floor some great baked goods and musubi.

This is a nice, welcoming art museum inside the capitol building. They have two floors of exhibits and an outdoor sculpture garden. You can easily get through everything in an hour or less. The first floor exhibits are very small. They only featured two main pieces when I visited. The sculpture garden is lovely, but gets quite hot on a sunny day. The glass tiling art that commemorates the pool from a previous era is particularly beautiful. The second floor has two separated galleries. Backpacks must be removed or stored in a locker. The exhibits incorporated a lot of multimedia including several videos/films, books, and magazines. There were a couple of seating areas where you could rest and flip through the supplementary materials. The staff were friendly. Even though this museum is free, it's quite under the radar. There were only a handful of people there when I visited, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

Who doesn't love a free art excursion? The Hawai'i State Art Museum feature work from local artists and is always free of charge. When you walk through the front doors, expect to be greeted by a receptionist, who will explain that the exhibits are on the second floor (accessible by stairs and an elevator), and that there are a few sculptures in the garden. During my visit, the Accession exhibit was still relatively new. My friend and I slowly browsed the art pieces, reading about the artists, their work, and admiring the way they were curated. You could spend anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour exploring the place!

Hawaii State Art Museum (HISAM)... how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1. Amazing relevant art exhibitions of world class caliber. 2. Focused on the state of Hawaii in subject matter and artists. 3. Beautiful historic building that provides a photogenic back-drop to any outing. 4. Friday Night events that speak to the community and provide an outlet for expression, relaxation, entertainment and education. 5. The NICEST people work here. True care and concern for your experience. 6. More than just a museum, HISAM is about building community. 7. 100% free! Photos from two recent visits

Capitol Modern #Grateful Karen This is an amazing place for any event, especially a wedding never leaving Paradise when my friends and family come. I definitely want to recommend I would not want them to leave without this experience so peaceful everyone so welcoming the fact is it free is so surprising mahalo in Paradise forever

Visited here on a whim on a Saturday afternoon and it was a lovely experience. Free admission! Cool building, fun garden and outdoor sculptures. Diverse contemporary and Hawaiian collections. Very covid safe, not crowded, masks and social distancing observed. Free parking on King Street on weekends or metered parking on the side streets. Will definitely return!

This is a little art gem in the heart of Honolulu. This museum is not large but its exhibits are bold and interesting. And admission is always free! A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beach and shops and learn more and appreciate the REAL Hawaii, the islands' culture and history. Housed in the No. 1 Capitol District Building, a graceful, large two-story structure built in the Spanish mission revival style (and also the site of the former Armed Services YMCA Building), HiSAM, as its known, features art by contemporary Hawaiian artists. For example, it was part of the Hawai'i Triennial 2022, which showcased 43 artists working in various media. There is a pretty cool sculpture garden and pool on the first floor, which are used for outdoor concerts like the museum's "Vibe" and "Super Saturdays," an event that offers art, workshops, and live music. We were lucky enough to get an impromptu personal tour by one of the volunteer docents, a young man (I'm sorry I didn't catch his name) who was very knowledgeable not just about the exhibits, but contemporary Hawaiian art in general. Getting here: The Bus ($2.75) drops you off right in front if you don't have a rental car. In fact, I recommend taking The Bus even if you do have a car as parking can be a challenge. Since you're in the area, you can also tour 'Iolani Palace, a short 3-minute walk away. Be sure to check out HiSAM the next time you're in Honolulu!

Cyndy's Bottom Line: An architectural delight. I went to the museum thinking about the amazing art but soon discovered the museum's magnificent architecture with fronting corinthian columns, arched openings with floor to ceiling windows. The exterior has the original lighting fixtures, cast iron grill work and cast stone detailing. The Italian scrollwork and other decorations were modeled after the Davanzatti Palace in Florence, Italy. The fifth floor features an open loggia perfect for Hawaii's excellent weather. The original buiding on this site was built in 1872 as Hawaii's first hotel, during the reign of King Lot Kamehameha V and named the "Royal Hawaiian Hotel" by the king's suggestion. The hotel was the leading hotel for 45 years and served as a guest house for distinguished foreign visitors and friends of the royal family. The front contains large beautiful trees and a water fountain gifted from the Kingdom of Morocco. There is an alluring sculpture garden in the back with a calming swimming pool and well maintained Hawaiian plants throughout grounds. -Interesting exhibits especially of old Hawaii -Knowledgeable and helpful docents. -Friendly and attentive staff -Admission is free. Please know that donations are gladly accepted. -A must see/visit. -Highly recommend

The best art museum in Hawaii might just be the one you've never heard of. It might also be the one that's 100% admission free. I've been to the Honolulu Museum of Art and its adjunct, Spalding House, and, though I enjoyed both of those places, finding the Hawaii State Art Museum left me feeling much like Goldilocks: It was just right. The Honolulu Museum of Art was big, with more than I wanted to see and too much I was disinterested in. Spalding House, had enchanting grounds, but hardly any art at all. Hawaii State Art Museum had the perfect amount of art and it was art I was interested in viewing. The Hawaii State Art Museum features contemporary art (my favorite genre) by artists with a connection to Hawaii. On my visit, they had an absolutely fascinating mix of great and interesting artworks but also a large exhibit featuring art made by high-school students. If you're concerned about the next generation, checking out this exhibit should set your mind at ease. Not only does this mix assure me that the next generation will be off their phones long enough to produce fine art, but also that they have talent, creativity, and passion. I'd barely been out of the museum 5 minutes when I texted my friend - a Project Runway super fan - photos of all the exhibits of clothing designed by these students. Imaginative, wearable, and crafted to perfection, these kids aced the unconventional materials challenge. My friend's response: "Where is this??" She wanted to see it for herself. If you have time for only one art museum in Oahu and if you enjoy contemporary art, I couldn't recommend this museum more highly.

The Hawaii State Art Museum (HSAM) is worth a visit for any aesthete. HSAM's hours (10 am to 4 pm) usually coincides with my weekday work schedule, but I've been fortunate to have attended several evening events hosted at HSAM. There is also First Friday of each month when the museum is open late (6 to 9 pm) with live entertainment. HSAM is always free admission thanks to the State of Hawaii and the National Endowment for the Arts. During my latest visit, I was there for a well attended evening event, and I had the luxury of exploring the museum mainly to myself after hours while most of the guests wined and dined on the front lawn. On the second floor, I came across a quote that resonated with me, and explains more articulately than I could why I love the arts and have always devoted time at art museums in every city I have lived in or visited: "Sometimes a work of art speaks to something in ourselves, setting off a new chain of ideas or wordless excitement. Then we can see that it is not necessary to 'know' what 'art' is in order to enjoy it; the art itself can speak to us directly." - Duane Preble I've always felt that the best way to connect with a culture and its people is through its food as well as its art, whether it be paintings, sculptures, music, or literature. When I view the artwork at HSAM, I can better understand how these local artists have been inspired by the elements of water, nature, their ethnic identity, and Hawaiian history. HSAM is the best place in Honolulu to connect with Polynesian culture through creations by artists who were either born or who have moved to Hawaii, and have been greatly influenced by living on this beautiful, isolated, tropical archipelago. I have yet to try Artizen, the café located on the first floor of HSAM, but it has good Yelp reviews. It's on my list of places to try, perhaps on my next visit to view the latest art exhibit. HSAM itself is a beautiful building and I always enjoy attending events held on the lawn or in the courtyard. Visiting HSAM is a great way to spend an hour for tourists and residents alike.

One of my favorite museum in Hawaii. There is no parking so should find a street meter parking.we parked in front of iolani palace. It's free admission! It's only on second floor.But there is a lot of great Hawaiian artist painting, sculptures. It's not too large so I can see all arts and learned each artist. It's like 1hr to see all! It's great for kids, tourist and locals! ハワイでオススメの美術館の一つ。 場所はイオラニ宮殿から歩いて１０分。 もとは王室のゲストハウスとして建てられた初代ロイヤルハワイアンホテルだそうです。 レンタカーの場合は駐車場がないため、ストリートパーキング(メーター)。2時間までなので結構すぐ見つかります。 入場料は無料です。その割には、ハワイを描いた素晴らしい絵画、美術品があります。キッズルームもあります。 大体1時間ぐらいで鑑賞できます。中庭もとても素敵です。見逃せない場所の一つです！

The Hawaii State Art Museum is located in downtown. The museum occupies the second floor of the building, and they have a sculpture garden outside. The remainder of the building houses administrative state offices. The art museum was well-lit, and had a diverse display of local art, from paintings, to sculptures, to photographs. Very enjoyable! We spend about 90 minutes viewing the art and reading some of the descriptions. Recommended!

They do a good job of adding in fun and new exhibits. Great place to spend a couple hours with the family. Great little cafe as well.

Free museum. It's small, but well worth your time to visit. On the ground floor, there is an outdoor sculpture garden. It wasn't what I was expecting. It's more whimsical. I think that children would appreciate it more than I did. On the second floor, there are two wings showcasing the artwork. Whoever positioned the artwork did a phenomenal job. The colors and themes flowed so well. It didn't feel crowded. I could really focus on the pieces and appreciate them.

We've come a few times for free Second Saturday art events, and it's a great, relaxing way to do family activities together. The volunteers are all extremely nice and patient in helping us create the artwork. This past Saturday was an easy activity - one that my three year old daughter could do - as well as one that created actually nice pieces of artwork for those that were older. We used items with interesting textures, everyday items such as coffee cup holders, and put them below our fancy paper, then rubbed different colored crayons over the paper to make interesting designs. It made for a great play date activity for my 3 year old daughter and my friend's almost two year old daughter. Before and after doing the art activity, we explored the museum, and spent the most time in the children's room. The children enjoyed looking through the library of art books, playing with the wooden and foam colored blocks, building structures with magnetic toys, and creating designs on the felt board. We went on a fairly popular day, but the room had no more than 2 other children at the same time, and for awhile, the two girls were the only children in the room. I had been worried that the room would be too small for the girls, but there were more than enough space and activities available for them to enjoy. Though they did get antsy, we let them run around the grass and play near the fountain fronting the museum, which they loved. We parked on the street for hour parking (we have an electric car so could stay longer, though my friend just ran out of the museum to feed hers when the hour was nearly up) though Iolani Palace parking is also nearby and is available for up to four hours for a reasonable rate. Bathrooms on the first floor, near Artizen, are large and clean. We all had a great time and definitely plan to return!

Upon entering, the greeter was enthusiastic, conversational and very friendly- you could tell he was passionate about his job. Loved that! I enjoyed the exhibit. There were plenty of beautiful, interesting and brilliantly well thought of pieces to go through. Parked across the street at St. Andrews Church and had to pay for parking. Didn't mind that so much considering the admission to the museum was FREE. I'll definitely go back.

"Art is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone will have their own interpretation." - E.A. Bucchianeri Recently, we visited the HiSAM after receiving notice of an exhibition featuring new acquisitions of contemporary art. The new work is scheduled to be exhibited from August 3, 2018 - September 2019. The museum's hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and fortunately, the museum's First Friday program coincided with the opening of this new exhibit. Admission is FREE. We made plans to attend HiSAM's monthly program (First Friday) which featured a musical performance by Shoji Ledward, solo jazz guitarist, and spent an evening roaming the museum from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. For us, the museum is within walking distance from our home so we don't worry about parking our vehicle. However, parking is available at Alii Place, Kalanimoku Building, Kīnau Hale/Department of Health, State Capitol Basement (metered) and Honolulu City Municipal Parking. Granted, contemporary art featured in the new works exhibit may not be appealing to everyone but wandering through, these pieces are made from different art media by local artists and there really is something for everyone here. We did find some pieces that struck our fancy and look forward to seeing where they'll find their permanent home at State Government owned properties. We also visited the other exhibit called "Hawai'i Change & Continuity. In this section, we did find the art work to be more pleasing and relatable. Also, in the main lobby, metal (bronze or copper) sculptures by Satoru Abe were featured. While enjoying the exhibits, we also took time to appreciate the history of the building itself as it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This building was designed by the same architectural firm as The Dillingham Transportation Building (Lincoln Rogers of Emory, Webb & Rogers). It is a stunning example of Spanish Mission style built in 1928. However, this building was once a YMCA which had 268 bedrooms, swimming pool, billiard room, cafeteria and other recreational facilities. I remember when this building was purchased by The Hemmeter Corporation (a development company) in 1987. They restored and renovated the building to serve as their company headquarters. Fast forwarding to 2000, the Hawai'i State Government purchased this building and has been converting the rest of the building into State Offices. The second floor is dedicated to the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts' Hawai'i State Art Museum. Go on and take some time to discover what's going on in HiSAM or around Downtown Honolulu. Enjoy Art in Public Places.

Very nice museum of Hawaiian art and many pieces showed great respect for the Hawaiian culture. Not to be missed.

Beautiful place to visit. I highly recommend the First Friday events run by Ms. Sasaki - she does a great job in having events every month at the art museum. The museum usually isn't open at night but during these events admission is free and you are able to enter the museum freely at night. There is usually live entertainment as well, so it's a good idea to plan out a day to come with friends on these nights when they have them. Overall, a great spot and make sure to visit their mascot Mr. Chickenpants.

There is so much beautiful local art to consume, interpret and inspire. The grounds are well kept and the pieces are all so intriguing. I came for an event called Art & Flea that was held on the lawn but having free admission to wander throughout the gallery was a bonus!

I just love this Museum. The admission is always free and they have so much to offer. I remember visiting this Art Museum when I was younger on school field trips. I have to admit at the time I was just not interested in art of any kind. Since I am way older I find visiting the Museum way more enjoyable. I can appreciate the culture, the love and the discipline it takes to create such beautiful works of art. Thank you State of Hawaii for not charging admission to this great attraction so that all can enjoy its wonder.

Enjoyed a free craft afternoon making a dragon for Chinese New Year (we went late to make sure kids had a chance to do the crafts). So much fun with helpful volunteers! Although coloring actually stresses me out because I think too much about which color to use where. Lol, I should copy the keiki because they are free spirited & much better at it than me. After we finished our artwork, we went out to the sculpture garden (the "pool" is so neat) & upstairs to the museum. There are unique pieces in the museum & it's nice to see local artwork showcased. The a/c upstairs was also a delightful reprieve from the heat. BTW the museum is always free.

It been awhile since I attended this museum, I like to check it out cause it's free, and there's so much talent in Hawaii, whose artwork are displayed inside. Of course, parking can be challenging, but it's worth checking out, when you go inside. The security guards are courteous and helpful too. There is a bistro or restaurant inside, where you can order food or a light snack. It's a great place to relax, located across the state capital. On first Friday, they have free events and lots of entertainment. The museum is small, but the art is amazing. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

This small museum is located in the downtown Honolulu area, across Richards Street from the capitol and Iolani Palace. Although parking is hard to come by downtown, the museum is free of charge, so it's the perfect lunchtime escape for people working in the financial district or weekend adventure for townies within walking distance. Fortunately, I'm both of those! My bf and I came down on a Saturday. We were feeling lazy but still wanting to get some activity in, so a walk through the museum sounded like a great idea. The building and its front lawn with fountain are beautiful by themselves, but walking into the museum you're greeted by classic pillars and crown molding. The front desk clerk told us to make our way up the stairs on either side of the room, and also pointed out the elevators. We went up to the second floor, and at first I thought, "This will be quick - it's pretty small," but then I realized, "Holy hot damn, they fit a lot of art in here!" What I especially loved was the variety of styles, mediums, and themes, and despite the eclectic pieces, there was still a strong focus on Hawaiian culture and art. How perfect! Overall, we spent a bit over an hour, going more quickly through the second half as we grew hungry. I ended up finding my favorite piece of all time, so that in itself is an uber win for me. But this was a great way to spend a lazy Saturday, and you can't beat FREE!

I'm a pretty casual art enjoyer, so maybe not the best to review an art museum, but I think most people that go to museums are more like me than serious critics. It was free, so I can't complain about that. Beyond that, I just didn't find the art very engaging. There was not much to look at, and I got through the whole thing very quickly. I left shortly, feeling pretty unimpressed. If you are visiting from out of town, I'd give this one a pass and visit the Honolulu Museum of Art instead.

Low key yet stunning.... This place that is referred to as HiSAM takes you back in time. The iron fencing around the property gives an impression of elegance. And I haven't even walked into this "museum". Really.... is it a museum? History says that this elegant property was once a hotel..... Ah! I see it now. Suddenly my eyes are open wide and the giddy little girl in me starts to dream. **** Romantically walking hand in hand with my better half *** Then reality hits and now I'm overwhelmed with thinking I hope my better half doesn't ruin the MOMENT hahahahaha. As we walked towards the back of the museum you notice the "pool". Well of course there's no water in it-- but the artistic illusion of it makes it really cool. Like many museums this place has a gift store that carries unique items and you can't help but notice photo's or painting on the wall of history. Funny how the older I get that history is so much more interesting. hahahaha Right! In school most of us tried to forget history because it was always from a text book. FOOD! Oh my.... Located on the ground floor just adjacent from the gift shop is Artizen by MW Restaurant. So you say you've never eaten at MW Restaurant, then you should try this place for a nice lunch in an ambiance of elegance. Such a classy feeling of eating lunch in a place that can take you back into time. The talented chef owners Michelle and Wade out did themselves again. Bringing light yet delicious food to the table. Their talent of filling our belly and putting a smile on your face adds to the wonderful museum experience. You go for the whole experience and each part of the experience from start to finish matters. You'll gain repeat customers and I'd love to make my visits here a regular one. With of course "My romantic better half" Crossing my fingers he behaves and I can dream again.... hahahahaha Note: Thank you to "More Joy" from Joy of Sake for having an event there.

Love that it's in a historic building. The art installation at the time I visited was informative. Liked seeing old videos from the 80's and some others older, of aloha aina.

I used to love taking my daughter here for the free kids' events on Saturdays before Covid hit and upended our lives. So sad that they don't offer these events anymore because my daughter loves arts and crafts and was entertained for the whole morning and all I would pay for is parking. There's usually a theme, so the craft varies. A couple of times they had a photographer with props taking photo booth style pictures. He prints the pictures out and gives you two copies. Another time, they had a booth where children can dip their hands in melted wax so they can make a wax cast of their hands. A staple at these events is the lady helping kids with simple sewing projects. One time my daughter made cloth covered scrunchies with her. On another occasion she helped my daughter make cloth-strip bookmarks. There are a lot of arts and crafts projects but they are too numerous to list. The only thing you need to know as a parent is that it's free. You can't beat that! I hope they bring these events back when Covid is behind us.

This cute museum tucked away in Downtown Honolulu is a breath of fresh air in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Had a great time browsing their collection. Because we were there for a private event, the gift shop and cafe weren't open. However, I'm already planning my next visit to check them out. I hope the gift shop will start selling small reproductions of Mr. Chickenpants!

This event was AWESOME. We have a big family and don't always have the money to splurge, so I often seek out free events. And many of them are great. But this was, hands down, SPECTACULAR. Especially for a free event. The MC was fun and engaging. He has excellent flow and in touch with the local vibe. The food was yummy and they never made us feel bad for going back over and over again. We really did. My kids danced and watched the free performances. They took pics with princesses and ate ice cream sandwiches. The venue is gorgeous. We did get to look at some cool art pieces. At the end of the day we were full, happy and exhausted. We love you YELP HAWAII for having such a great events.

One of the best places to visit on Oahu whether you're a tourist or a local. It offers a fun, educational experience that's full of charm, history and beauty. This wonderful museum is set in an idyllic spot near downtown Honolulu; close to the State Capital, Iolani Palace, and the Honolulu Central Library. This whole area is perfect for a cultural getaway. Did you know that Hawaii is the first state ever to establish an Art in Public Places Program? This place is ripe with historical gems like that. The building itself is steeped in Hawaiian history. The property is well-kept and welcoming. When I've walked in, I can feel myself instantly transported. The grounds are lush and green. Very Instagram-able. There's so much to love about this place - the quality of the exhibits, the kids room (I don't have kids but I still enjoyed the activities in there), the beauty of the building and property, the sculpture garden, the cafe, etc. Even if you visit via a quick walk thru during a lunch break or a quiet afternoon to walk around leisurely; I bet you'll feel instantly refreshed and inspired. I know some folks aren't "Museum people" but I mean with free admission, you should stop by anyways and not have to worry about wasting your money. There's a creative and artistic person in all of us and maybe the Hawaii State Art Museum could help you find yours!

The museum is mainly on the second floor. It had a good mix. It is very kid friendly and has an entire section devoted to kids with all hands on activities, exposing them to form and textures. There are fun weekend events all the time.

Freeeeeee admission! :) I liked a lot of the artwork, lots of variety. Yes, parking can be a little difficult. My boyfriend and I parked across the district court. Not sure if we were actually allowed to because it said something like "district court parking"...... *shrugs*. We came on a weekend and I can't remember if it was $1 per hour or $5 for the whole day. If that parking lot wasn't there we probably would have driven around in circles for a while looking for somewhere to park. When we came, the outside art area was under construction. The lady in the gift shop was really nice & friendly, she told us a lot about the art that was for sale :) I really wanted to see the outside area so probably will come back when it's done w construction!

Review #300! Privileged to have had the recent opportunity to partake in a guided tour of some prominent pieces at HiSAM. Free: One of the best deals in town! Facts I was not aware of: 1) Building was originally called the Royal Hotel, opening in 1872. 2) Was converted to a YMCA in 1917. 3) Became a military housing installation during WW1. 4) In 1967, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to implement a Percent for Art law. The Art in State Buildings Law established the Art in Public Places Program and designated one percent of the construction costs of new public schools and state buildings for the acquisition of works of art, either by commission or by purchase. Quite a stunning building positioned glamorously near 'Iolani Palace and the HI State Capital. Peaceful feeling in the heart of the business district. Interior ceiling reminiscent of those in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. These pieces showcase the array of Hawaiian art by many artists still living and thriving today. The highlight of the day was seeing Herb Kawainui Kane's dramatic, "The Discovery of Hawai'i". Stunning examples of his use of vertical movement and light/dark color play. Also memorable was Madge Tennent's "Two Sisters of Old Hawai'i", showcasing impressionistic influences similar to van Gogh's "Starry Night". A quite extensive look at the diverse influences Hawai'i and its people has (and is still having) on artists or those keen enough to express their sometimes divine inspirations.

Surprisingly large galleries on the second floor of a lovely historic building also home to government offices. Lots of artwork from local or locally-influenced artists you likely haven't heard of. And free! All artworks have accompanying signage with a good amount of information, but no gallery plan/map (it's easy enough to figure out). Not a lot of amenities - I saw more security guards than docents, but if you ask questions of the people staffing the desks, they can tell you some things about the galleries and art. You just have to work a little harder, but again, it's free! For the keiki, there's a Please DO Touch the Art room with tables and blocks and tiles and a texture wall, things to give fidgety kids an outlet. Sculpture garden outside in the courtyard. SUPER-spendy gift shop downstairs next to the cafe. More a fashion/gift boutique than an art-museum gift shop; I was expecting the kind of place to buy postcard prints of the art on display. If you want the O'Keefes and other names you know, along with a well-curated collection of pan-Asian art, films, and special exhibits, go the Honolulu Art Museum. If you're on a lunch break downtown, come here. It's a lovely and tranquil place to lose yourself among art for an hour. The art is less familiar but no less real. Huge variety - ceramics, textiles, prints, watercolors, sculpture, etc. If you live here, it's worth the visit, especially if you find yourself downtown. If you're here on vacation, it's worth the visit for something that is a little less touristed and a lot more real-life-Hawaii.

On the first floor they have "Downtown", a place to eat and a small store. Link from Yelp follows: http://www.yelp.com/biz/downtown-honolulu Upstairs they have some very classic examples of art from Hawaii. It's pretty much from local artists and showcases many small collections of their works. It's overall a small gallery and shouldn't take you too much time to walk through. It's free and relatively peaceful on any ordinary days. If you're looking for noise, once in a while they have a children's day on their lawn. It's a really nice event with all kinds of booths and things for the kids to get their hands on. They have music, food, hula, and other demonstrations and games. It's a very grand and majestic looking building smack dab in the middle of some more modern monstrosities. Honestly, I'm not sure where to park in this area. Maybe one of the parking structures along Alakea Street would be the closest. It's right on the bus line, so that is probably the best way to get here.

Parking can be difficult. We parked down the street and walked over. On our walk back to the car a few police officers stopped us to ask if had seen anyone arguing. Not sure if this is a regular occurrence, but I guess always be aware of your surroundings. We came for first Friday, which is a pretty cool little event. Still being new to HI, I thought it would be cool to just see all the museums in the area, so it's really nice they keep it open late. We came in on the first floor and saw some live performances, hit up the gift shop, and they even had some refreshments. There's a little sculpture garden in the back. Upstairs, there was another live performance, a kid friendly area, and a few exhibits. We spent a good amount of time admiring the art. Theres a few bathrooms upstairs as well. Overall, a fun experience. Glad we could check out local artists (performing and otherwise). Will def. head back here.

I believe this is the only contemporary art museum on the island. There are showings every so many weeks. If you are interested in art and are visiting the island of Oahu, it is not far from Waikiki, maybe 7 miles but do not be fooled because in Honolulu a 7 mile drive maybe a 15 minute drive or a 30 minute drive due to the traffic.