Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

Every time I'm coming to Hawaii I try and visit Shangri La - not because it changes so often but because it's so beautiful, serene, and utterly unique. I say "try" because you must book far in advance to visit and it is absolutely worth the effort. Art from across hundreds of years and dozens of cultures all on display in magnificent surroundings, informed docents with details you would definitely miss, and there's even ice cream at the end. And free admission to HoMA before/after. A perfect art day if that's your thing.

Heiress Doris Duke’s Shangri La home is a museum of unique and beautiful Islamic Art. You take a bus from the Honolulu Museum of Art about 20 to 30 minutes drive and after a short introduction, you’re free to explore the museum at your leisure. Tickets need to be booked months in advance as the number of visitors are limited which makes for a quiet and pleasant visit. Highly recommend a visit. The docents offer talks on some of the art. This is also a perfect place to view the ocean and take some great photos!

All the assistants, docents and drivers are kind, considerate and efficient. Grounds and home are full to the brim with gorgeous tiles, art, doors, and architecture of Islamic design. Some 700 years old. Bus ride from HOMA is 20-25 min, tour is an hour. Not a tour per se, but the home and grounds are open for perusal, and there are several short talks about history, murals and art you can listen to for a few minutes. The tour doesn't include any working elements of the house, like kitchen or servants quarters. Bishop museum also holds tours of Shangri-La now, so if you don't manage to get tickets during the 12 min window of online sales once a month, try them for another chance at the tour. Tour also includes same day admission to HOMA. Which has more wings than you'd imagine, so give yourself time to grab lunch and take several breaks.

One of the most amazing places I have ever visited. Reservation is needed in an advance. The bus journey is short and the time there is barely enough but worth it. The outstanding collection of rare art put in the villa with the view that itself is priceless.

This was an incredible experience. Our guide was very informative. My group and I were able to have educational conversations about the pieces in the museum and gained insight into Hawai'i's history. Tickets are required in advance and are limited so inquire before you go.

Spectacular. I have tried many, many times to get into this museum and it didn’t disappoint. Absolutely stunning art work, architecture, and beautiful views too. The staff are all so knowledgeable and kind! Dorothy led our tour and she was just lovely. Special shout out to Naylor for his help! The only downside? Just not enough time!

Reserved before you fly to Honolulu to secure tickets, tough to group in. Not to be missed. Watch any documentary clip on Doris Duke so you get a full experience while touring the property.

Amazing place to visit. The personal collection of Doris Duke is phenomenal to view. Fascinating to see the photos of what inspired her and how she conveyed that in her own home. Breathtaking views from the back lawn. Walking in the halls of how an entirely different realm of wealth lived and collected. So many interesting things to learn about and see. A very unrated place to visit. Highly recommend!

Amazing place! It's definitely the lesser known attraction on the island. So glad I was able to get a ticket and went to see it for myself. It's away from the actual museum, and there's a shuttle that's included in your ticket to take you from the museum to the actual spot which was a house with a huge garden. The decor of the rooms were amazing and the whole place would transport you to another world. I wouldn't spoil too much for you. You would have to go there to see it in person. Make sure you book your ticket in advance!

The tour was more than I could have hoped for. The guide was friendly, helpful, considerate, and helped my students to understand what they were looking at. Her knowledge helped bring the home to life. It was a bit hot, but they gave us fans and a little treat at the end to help cool us off. I loved the tour and feel so lucky to have seen it.

A cultural experience not to be missed when visiting Honolulu. It takes a little planning, but it is worth it. Only open a few days each week and reservations fill up in advance. I had been trying to go for several visits, and finally made it work. Hubby complained in advance but came along. Total duration is about 2 hours - 30 minutes each way by small bus and an hour in the museum/home which is ample. We knew very little about Islamic Art, but the collection was fascinating and substantial. The grounds themselves are enough of a reason to visit and the story behind Doris Duke was very interesting. Hubby admitted that this was a highlight of this trip and I agreed. Still got back well in time for lunch and time at the beach.

Great hidden gem of a touring spot. Only thing that would have made this better was a more informative "tour " by knowledgeable docents. It's self paced but no real signage of things. The small docent talk was wonderful. And enjoyed the ice cream at the end. I'm thankful i came early in the morning as it can get hot...especially since there is no air conditioning. The added bonus is that this includes admission into the HOMA museum for the day as well. So you can enjoy this wonderful museum as well. If you are planning to have lunch at HOMA as well, would highly recommend you make reservations. So plan your day and enjoy the experience!

Absolutely amazing experience. This is a must-visit. Despite being a local and living here all my life I only got the chance to experience this place now. It was worth the wait. Breathtaking views overlooking Diamond Head, as well as Islamic architecture lining the Doris Duke estate. An insane amount of plants adorning the mosque-like buildings. I want to come back again just to be around such a beautiful place once again. The 8x8 artist exhibition here is also very inspiring and uplifting to promote local artists/performers. I hope one day I can perform and dance here in such a beautiful space. Your admission to Shangri La also qualifies you for free admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art. Definitely stop by after the tour to make your trip worth it!

Absolutely a must and I don't want to diminish the place or experience by my now 4 star, previous 5 star review. If possible I take visiting guests here because it's magnificent. Unfortunately, the docents on 5ths trip, were less than informative. We had a great reception and still wonderful departure with ice cream and water. There is little to no description about what's on display so it's up to inquiring or docents to fill in what you're seeing. On all previous 4 trips we got several presentations about Doris and the property. This trip had two small talks but they omitted 90% of what I was previously explained. Wonderful in its own right, but unfortunate that the information is insufficient.

Make a reservation and go, you won't be disappointed. It's gorgeous. I love Islamic tile and art and will come here again and again.

I have been wanting to see this museum for years. You have to book months in advance and it goes through the Honolulu Museum of Art (HOMA) The grounds that the museum sits on are BREATHTAKING!! Overloking the ocean, it was originally a private residence (Doris Duke) and is now home to amazing Islamic artifacts. DO NOT write it off thinking "I don't care about middle eastern art" because there are other beautiful pieces that might interest you. She traveled throughout India as well and the craftsmanship in the ceiling carvings alone rival the Sistine Chapel. Trip takes about 1.5 hours and includes transportation from the HOMA to the museum (about 15 min drive) and refreshments afterwards.

Dorothy's vast knowledge of Islamic art was outstanding and greatly improved our experience. Walking throughout the premises really made it a memorable experience. Ice cream treat at the end of the tour. :)

Favorite attraction in Honolulu! Reserve your tickets 2-3 months in advance. The spots open up every three months or so, on the first Thursday of the month. The duration at the estate is just over an hour, while the entire trip from pickup to drop-off is about 2hrs. Doris Duke's fascination for Middle Eastern and Islamic art is displayed throughout her former 5-acre estate. This is the largest museum for Islamic Art in the US. Brace yourself for the countless stunning ceramics, textiles, paintings, tile panels, and full-scale architectural elements. Mesmerizing.

Beautiful collection of Islamic art and tour! One of a kind in Hawaii. Don't miss it.

I came here for an event a few months ago and it was so beautiful. The Islamic architecture set in paradise was breath taking. The art from carpet to ceiling was just amazing and the view of the ocean was incredible. It was almost like you were in Islam. The serenity i felt being here was unreal.

Amazing time and so much to see. The views from yard are breathtaking and lots of cool stuff to look at inside. Remember to tip the driver, they work hard!

This museum was once one of the homes of Doris Duke - the richest girl in the world at that time - and her husband James Cromwell. Now, it has been transformed into a museum. Many of the art formations on the walls and in the house are from different places - Iran, Spain, India, etc. Although a lot of art is Islamic inspired, there are some pieces that showcase different religions. Walking through this museum, every room you step in is a piece of art that she had installed and also there are rooms where they showcase pieces from local artists. Since the house was built in the 1930s, there has been lots of love and renovations put into this museum. And when you walk to the back yard, the beauty of seeing Cromwell's surf spot and the view of Waikiki is magnificent and such a breathtaking beauty. Of course, the swimming pool and the playhouse is a sight to see. This is truly a magical place to visit.

Super cool place! I went on a Kamaaina Saturday - we finally made it on the list (you have to RSVP quite some time in advance, as spots are limited for the tour). Super friendly and accommodating tour guides who know a lot about the history and culture of the place. The tour lasts about an hour. Beautiful place with stunning ocean views.

Not sure how I found out about this amazing place. Been trying for several years to get tickets. The key is to get on the Honolulu art museum website and see when tickets are open to purchase. You will need to get on the site the day and hour they open up. They sell out fast. People complain about how quickly they sell out but if you do your homework and research you can get them. It's not like other activities where the wealthy buy them on the 2nd hand market. Tickets were $25 and included entry into the Honolulu museum of Arts that day. I've done a lot of research on Shangri La it's one of four houses owned by the heiress Doris Duke. Her life was so fascinating. She collected many valuable art. This house was her collection of Islamic Art. The furniture, wall tiles , ceiling are the art pieces. You"ll take a 15-20 minute bus ride to the house in Kahala. The tour is at your leisure which we loved. You get approximately 1 hour to look around. The house and grounds are spectacular. They are kept up so perfectly. Everyone at the house were super nice and knowledgeable. There's no air conditioner so they gave us a hand fan. At the end of the tour they gave us a box of water and a little ice cream cookie sandwich. Since I'm celiac I didn't eat it but my husband since it was good. Would recommend for everyone even if you don't like Islamic art.

Hands down my favorite part of the trip. It's very hard to get a ticket to Shangri La, but it's absolutely worth the hassle. You take a shuttle from the Honolulu Museum of Art and then get an hour-ish in Shangri La, which may not be enough time honestly. I could spend hours in there! Stunning details in the architecture, furniture, art, and artifacts Doris Duke had. We were allowed to roam, but the young women working there were very knowledgeable and could fill in the details of certain pieces. Pictures were also allowed in there. We were given complimentary hand fans, ice cream, and drinks when we arrived at Shangri La. And we were given complimentary access to the Honolulu Art Museum! We parked nearby for $5 and then walked to the HOMA. As of April 2022, tours are still limited though.

As a resident, I've been here at least 3 times but last year I took my mother for her very first experience at the museum not the island itself. She had been really looking forward to visiting it, it had been on her list. And when we arrived they made a big scene about the purse she was carrying, now they do mention sizes when you visit about what you can bring or not bring. But they were lecturing her about how her purse could not be brought in, so they would lock it away for her while we were in the museum. My mom felt uneasy, because how were we to know it was locked up for sure? So my mom says she really could not enjoy it because she was uncomfortable with them holding her purse. She complained after, and I was furious with the staff. Not to mention, ironically as diverse as we are here, we were the only Asians it appeared aside from a couple there. And they were asked to stow their bags too, but I saw others who had bags who did not. I immediately filed a complaint, and will never return after that.

A beautiful peaceful place for art and culture. It's a fantasy estate that you can imagine the magic and beauty here.

The best art tour I had. It could be because I love Doris Duke's taste in art. The house itself is gorgeous too with a great view. I'm planning to go there again because it was a wonderful experience and so much to see. I love all the designs on the tiles and walls and wonderful rooms. $25 is general admission and $20 for Kama'aina but the first Saturday is free for Kama'aina. 3 tours per day with max 25 people per tour so if you need to book ahead because it gets full fast. I went there for Kama'aina first Saturday tour (free). About a week and half ago I went online and filled out a request form (2person max per form). And about 4 days before the Saturday I got email with time of my tour and instructions. It said I can park at Honolulu Art School for $5 so I park there. Other option was Blaisdell (little far). No big bags like back pack and no food or drink. Make sure you go to Honolulu Museum of Art at the check in time because you can only go to Shangri La using their bus. Tour itself is about 90min but with riding bus, total time is about 2.5 hours. When you get to Shangri La there are 2 tour guides so make sure you and whoever you are going with is in the same group. They give you a badge so get the same color. Our tour guide was Cindy. She was nice & fun tour guide. The stories of the place and Doris Duke was very interesting. Cindy takes a nice photo too. She took few for me and my friend and they look great! Thank you Cindy.

The infamous Shangri La, the former home of Doris Duke filled with Islamic Art and other influences. Opened to the public in 2002. You can tour this museum through the Honolulu Museum of Arts website or by phone. Tours are only available from Wednesday to Saturday with only four time slots. If you're Kama'aina, you can book a FREE tour for the first Saturday of every month. You need to fill out a request form on the Honolulu Museum website, and the form is available ten days prior to the Saturday, so make sure you keep an eye on it on that day because it fills up fast. It never lasts passed the next day. You can only reserve two tickets, and they usually give the free tickets to first timers, which worked out since I was a first timer. Remember, you MUST go to the Honolulu Museum of Arts to be able to go on the Shangri La tour. You cannot go directly. No one will let you in! When you arrive at the Honolulu Museum of Arts, you check in at the front where you'll get a sticker, and you also have free admission to the museum itself including the Spalding House Museum. I was able to peruse around the Museum before checking in for the Shangri La tour. Also, remember to bring your Hawaii ID if you signed up for the Kama'aina tour. A mini bus will drive you there. Our driver got us pretty quick there with his lead foot. No need save gas! This house was amazing! Well, the outside at least. I wasn't a big fan of the floor plan! It had beautiful courtyards, spectacular ocean views, magnificent water ponds and cascades, etc. The inside is filled with artwork, antiques, structures, and other Islamic inspired designs. You're pretty much seeing how the ultra rich, and an example of how to fill a mansion with things. It kinda felt like an Estate sale where you can't buy anything lol. Our tour guide was great. She was really informative, patient, and spoke eloquently and easy to understand. Hand fans were gifted to everyone. The tour last about 90 minutes. There were fans around the house to keep it well ventilated. Overall, this was a nice experience. I've wanted to come to this for a long time, and it didn't disappoint. The whole house had magnificent views, designs, artwork, and other photo worthy things. Definitely worth the trip!

You must see before leaving the Honolulu. Very different perspective of life absolutely

By reservation only, this place is a lovely way to get to know a little about Doris Duke and enjoy the history of pieces and inspiration she brought from other parts of the world into the architecture. Each room will make you feel a certain way and everything is picturesque. Have a camera ready! You get there by shuttle via the Honolulu Museum of Art, and you'll have some time to explore and tour. There's a designated spot to place your items down, and if it does get too hot, they do offer paper fans. The tour is hosted by very nice staff members, and they are an open book. They will share with you what they know about the history. They do provide some delicious refreshments at the end as well! Would love to return again to see everything.

Such a special treat and unlike any other home or palace you'll ever see, in a category of its own! Doris Duke was a discerning collector with exquisite taste and a bottomless budget. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance as tours are limited and capped at low numbers, our group was 20 guests. You'll begin at the Honolulu museum and take a shuttle for 90 mins at Shangri La with brief educational talks and free roaming. We especially enjoyed the hand fans, and the ice cream sandwiches & soda pop at the conclusion of our tour - there is no AC at the estate but you'll hardly notice as the view and exquisite art will transport you. We would gladly visit again!

Beautiful place to visit if you're visiting Oahu. They have friendly and knowledgeable staff as well. My family enjoy our visit there especially before you leave, they will give you a delicious ice cream.

If you want to see a beautiful oceanfront home near Honolulu that happens to double as a museum, visit Shangri La! The cost of admission includes access to the Honolulu Museum of Art (make sure they give you museum sticker), so it's a great value. You will have to take a shuttle from the Honolulu Museum of Art to get to Shangri La. On the shuttle, you'll watch a short documentary about Doris Duke and her life as an heiress, celebrity, and world traveler. Duke led an interesting life and while it wasn't all glamorous, the tour talks about her positively. Considering the origins of the museum, our tour guide did delve very briefly into some of the criticisms of the museum, including cultural appropriation, ownership of cultural artifacts, and art conservation. All said and done, Shangri La was Duke's personal home designed with a diverse collection of art. The home is one of a kind and I found myself in awe at every turn. The pool is especially beautiful as well as the individual rooms and courtyards you'll visit. The view of the water and Diamond Head from the lanai is probably my favorite part of the home. The tour lasts just about 1.5 hours, so take it all in! Although, you won't soon forget Shangri La after stepping through the doors.

By Jan 12th these self-guided tours were sold out for the entire rest of the month. Bizarre.

When I read Celina Q.'s Review Of The Day in April 2016, I bookmarked this place. So, when my friend, Margaret, wanted to go here, I knew exactly what she was talking about. When she asked me if I wanted to go with her on this tour of a billionaire's home, I immediately said, "Yes!" Margaret made all of the arrangements. I just needed to get to the Honolulu Museum of Art for the shuttle to Diamond Head area. We couldn't make it on the free day (the first Saturday of the month), so we got the Kama'aina rate of $20 per ticket plus transaction fee. It was an unreal place... The gardens... the artwork... the furniture... the ocean views... wow! Just thinking that someone really lived here in this fantasy-like world... amazing... I suppose that's how the wealthy live! When you inherit billions of dollars... I can't even imagine! Doris Duke did preserve this collection for us to enjoy and saved these masterpieces from possible looting or destruction. This was a very educational and mind-opening tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful! I'm really glad that I had this experience!

I visited Pearl Harbor, I hiked Diamond Head, but I think Shangri La was my favorite thing I did during my time in Honolulu. It's such an amazing place with so much art and gorgeous views. It's hard to imagine anyone ever actually lived there. We also had a great tour guide (wish I could remember her name!) who was very knowledgeable and relaxed with the tour. I recommend this to anyone visiting Honolulu who is even mildly interested in art. Make a reservation in advance, and note that this is a guided tour that takes 2 hours. The only way to get to Shangri La is on the tour shuttle that leaves from and returns to the Honolulu Museum of Art. In other words, you can't go park at Shangri La and then leave the tour whenever you want. So plan your visit beforehand!

W O W! AN amazing collection of art in a beautiful mansion with gorgeous views! It was built in 1937 & has receding walls to create an open air room. I'd be happy to rent the pool house, lol. Definitely worth a visit!

I loved this tour of Doris Duke's house and I'm not normally the tour type. It's $25 ($20 for locals) for a 2 hour tour plus you can explore the museum afterwards. You'll take a 15 minute shuttle from the Museum of Art where you'll watch a short movie about Doris Duke. Our guide on the tour was incredibly sharp - she was very knowledgeable and welcomed questions. Sometimes these museum tours can get a little stuffy but she kept everyone engaged. You're only allowed to photograph the outside so you truly have to go to see this incredible home. The details in every inch of this place are impressive. Especially to think a young 20 year old traveled the world picking everything out. Must be hard... just kidding, I'm insanely jealous. Apparently they have special events here and you can get on an email list for an invite. Something worth looking into!

you first have to arrive at the Honolulu Museum of Art to catch the shuttle that will take you to the Shangri La. The shuttle are comfortable and has AC! When you arrive at the house, your tour guide greets you with the cutest hand fans! These fans were really helpful, as the house doesn't have AC and it was Labor Day, and very warm. The house has tons of dyson fans all over to help ventilate the property. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and had tons of knowledge about the property, he was very engaging as well. The property is so beautiful and definitely worth the trip.

The Shangri La house was beautiful, living here on the island it was a nice break from everyday life to see how the other half lived long ago. Dorris Duke had great taste and for thought in collecting these rare and beautiful treasures from a time long ago, some of these pieces would surely have been destroyed by war if they weren't saved. The property is well cared for and the house is well maintained and pretty much stands as is. If you're from here take an afternoon and visit and if you're visiting from off island try and squeeze it in between beach days. Make sure you try and park at the museums school first before you go and pay at the pay lot.

If you ever been to Cromwells either before or after they built the rails, then you know where Shangri La is. Shangri La is the fabulous home of Doris Duke who was a heiress at the age of 12 years old! Famous for her Islamic art collection, Shangri La is open to the public with guided tours provided by the Honolulu Museum of Art, located right off of Ward Ave. They provide shuttle service from the museum to and from which is included with the tour. Parking is located in the back of the art school but be wary because the sign isn't noticeable. My friend and I were going in circles trying to find it. Parking is $5 for 5 hours. Every first Saturday of the month, locals can go on a tour for free! Yes I said FREE!! I didn't know about it until my friend suggested we go to kamaaina Saturdays so it must be new? Sign ups are online and make sure you sign up right away once sign up sheets are out because its first come first serve. After taking a 15 min shuttle ride, we arrived at Shangri La. Split into two groups, we went off with our little souvenir fans. Our tour guide, Betty was knowledgeable, funny, and you could just tell she loves her job. No pictures inside of the home but you're more than welcome to take pictures in the gardens, by the pool, and more. It is a guided tour so you need to be fast! If you don't know just ask! Overall it was a great tour. Dress comfortably because the home is warm. Doris's home is so beautiful! You wouldn't think you were in Hawaii anymore. There are no words that can describe it. It really makes you appreciate art and its culture. I can't believe not many people know about it. Everyone despite tourist or local should see it for themselves. However kids may want to stay at home for this one. At the end of our tour, we were given free admission to check out the Honolulu Museum of Art as well. Score!

I've been wanting to go here for a while now and finally got to go!! Thanks to Lyla for letting me know about the Free First Saturday Tours for those who live in Hawaii!! Whooo! I love free! If you're interested, you must sign up on the Honolulu Museum of Art website! It's first come, first serve! First off, the parking directions were HORRIBLE! OMG we couldn't find the parking lot for 30 minutes! Ugh... Then we had to walk a block to the Museum of Art Ward entrance! That was an adventure in itself! Take S Betetania and the parking lot will be on the right after McDonald's! Parking is $5 for 5 hours I believe! The tour leaves the Art Museum at 9:05 and we watched an information video about the property. There were around 24 people on the tour. When we arrived, we were then split up into 2 groups of 12. It was very interesting to hear about all the history behind the art work and where all the pieces of art came from. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and even knew the names of the people that create each piece. My friend and I are both Yelpers & we're "those girls" who want artsy pictures. We were pretty disappointed when our tour guide didn't tell us when we could snap pictures! We had to ask when we saw places that we had seen pictures of on social media. She didn't seem too happy with us taking pictures and didn't give us much time. I do understand it's supposed to be an Islamic arts awareness tour but we should still be able to have fun while learning without feeling guilty about it. Overall, we were so glad we got to go for free and learn about Ms. Duke and Islamic Art! A must see for tourists and locals!

Been in Hawaii for over 40 years and can't believe I have never visited this amazing island treasure. It is more about the architecture and design. The guided tour is well versed and you learn so much about the life of Doris Duke and what led up to this amazing adobe. From the moment you arrive, you can feel that you are in a very special and unique place. Every room is something exotic and eclectic. So much in the tour to see and experience. I recommend going on the first tour of the day. As part of the ticket price, you can visit the Honolulu Academy of Art Museum afterwards for no additional charge. Take advantage and see all other amazing collections there or have lunch at their amazing restaurant. You also can visit the Spalding House contemporary art museum on the same ticket, so you can spend a full day on the price of just one admission. Parking is challenging in the area, but across the street from the Honolulu Academy of Art Museum is the Honolulu Academy of Art School and they offer parking in an attended lot for only $5. You must book your tickets in advance to visit this amazing site, so plan ahead and book right away. This is a walking tour with steps. If you have any handicap, you should inquire further about this activity if it is appropriate for you.

We have been living in Honolulu for years, and have never thought there could be a place like the Shangri la existed in Honolulu, that has so much Islamic influence. Doris Duke's Shangri la is magnificent, and one of a kind. It is simply astonishing. Everyone should visit! Go early if you can, it is optimal for photo taking in the morning rather than in the afternoon. $40 per ticket, with a slight discount for Hawaii residence. Show up 15 minutes early and ride the comfortable bus to Shangri la. During the ride, you get to see an introduction documentary introducing the history of Shangri la, and Doris Duke, and builder and owner, who brought Islamic art from Iran, Syria, Morocco and India. A must see gem in Oahu. After the trip, you can also visit different galleries inside the Honolulu Art Museum, included I your ticket.

We visited Shangri La last month. This had been on my to do list for a while and I finally got around to going. Please keep in mind that the tour departs from Honolulu Museum of Art and you will take a shuttle from there. You will not be allowed to drive straight to the location or they will turn you away. While on the shuttle, they play a video on the history of Doris Duke and Shangri La. It was very informative and despite living here, I never knew much about Doris Duke until this tour. After we arrived we split into groups based on the color of our tour tags. The guide was very knowledgeable and told us about the history of each room and the items in each room. The grounds were gorgeous and it is hard to believe it was once someone's home. Please listen to the tour guides and follow their instructions. We had a few people wander around despite the guide's instructions. We were lucky to go not long after they reopened certain sections of the home that were previously closed because they were being restored. Also to note, the tour can get quite hot so I would recommend that you dress comfortably. Lastly, if you go on the tour you can visit the Honolulu Museum of Art and Spalding House for free on the same day. After the tour we decided to go to Spalding House to do their picnic on the lawn. I would highly recommend it!

This was a incredible tour and a beautiful way to spend our afternoon. My husband said it was sexy. The tour was super informative but still left me wanting more. I wanted to see the guest house and the original kitchen and hear more juicy details about this woman's life. The photos that we got and the overall experience is one that I will suggest over and over again.

Gorgeous gorgeous property! Thank you, Doris Duke for opening your home to us. Islamic architecture is amazing and inspiring! Kama'aina and visitors this is a must see! Nothing like anything else you'll see in Hawaii, maybe even in the whole USA since a lot of pieces were brought to this home from all over the Middle East. Tip: every first Saturday of the month, they offer free tickets (up to 2) to Hawaii residents but you must fill out a request form online. First come first serve!

AMAZING. One of my favorite home tours I've ever done (and I've made a point of doing a lot of home tours throughout my life). A must visit for anyone who enjoys art, architecture or Islamic culture. You must book in advance in order to go. You meet at the Honolulu Museum of Art and take a shuttle bus to the home. With the bus ride it ended up taking us about 2.5 hours. The price of the tour includes a ticket to the museum so plan additional time if you want to look around there. Though the tour was long I wish it could've been longer! The home is so ornate and gorgeous. I am sure I would notice something different every time I visited. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining. Each room we entered was a new awe-inspiring work of art. I will likely return here again on my next visit to Oahu. It was so beautiful that it is honestly hard to describe how great the experience was.

After several failed attempts and years of recommending this estate tour (Paid or Free) through Honolulu Museum of Art to relatives, visitors and friends, today, August 5th (FIRST SATURDAY), was our first visit INSIDE of this American heiress' estate called "Shangri La". We chose the 1:30PM tour, which, when we fit into our schedule. When we arrived, our knowledgeable docent, Barbara, mentioned is usually the most heat hot because this house does not have air-conditioning. After all, it's Summertime but, there are gentle cool breezes that flow through the living spaces since many windows face or open to the Pacific Ocean. The estate's name "Shangri La" evokes a fictional, harmonious and mystical place as described in James Hilton's "Lost Horizon". Shangri-La is synonymous with earthly paradise or utopia. Well, as we stepped through the door of Doris Duke's estate, we felt as though we had been transported to Paradise filled with her private collection of Islamic art and architecture. Back in the 1930's, tobacco and hydroelectric power heiress Doris Duke and her husband, James Cromwell, had traveled the World during their honeymoon. Their last stop was Hawai'i where they fell in love with the islands as they were accepted into society without the encumbrances of celebrity. They purchased nearly 5 acres along Kūpikipiki'ō Point and transformed the land into a private residence that boasts Islamic art from India, Iran, Syria, Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt. Some of the collection dates back to the 13th Century...don't worry, all of these pieces were legally acquired so there isn't an issue about "grave diggers". It was impressive that Doris Duke was hands-on with the art. She painstakingly converted entire rooms from blank white walls with panels from places like Damascus, Syria ('ajami wall panels) or commissioned artists to recreate a bedroom and bathroom in the style of the Taj Mahal (marble and semi-precious stones set in to appear like painted flowers). There were carved Moorish marble columns that she had purchased through auction from business/newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, Sr. We noticed that the structure had very small windows and its exterior was very unassuming. It appeared to us that its architecture was not Hawaiian Regional but was based on East Coast designs where Winters are hard so the aesthetics are found indoors. Our temperate weather and beauty of the Pacific Ocean only seems to show through the local and tropical landscaping. Be forewarned that pictures are NOT allowed inside the house but you're free to photograph the exterior and landscape. You can carry your cellphone or cameras but, you will be asked to secure your handbags, backpacks or any bags. No food or beverages are allowed in...please be respectful as this IS a museum. If you're interested in touring the estate, you'll need to reserve your ticket online at http://honolulumuseum.org. General admission costs $25 and Kama'aina admission costs $20 with proof of Hawai'i residency. HOWEVER, once a month, on the FIRST Saturday, you'll be able to sign up for FREE. There are scheduled maintenance dates when the estate will be closed so you need to check tour availability. You will not be allowed to drive over to the estate but you will meet at the Honolulu Museum of Art where you will be shuttled to and from the estate. You should go and be transported to a diverse and non-religious World of Art and architecture in this once private residence. Shangri La has art collections that rival and even best NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Every resident of Hawaii should visit this place at least once. It is truly a mixture of Islamic culture, arts and history of what a person with a lot of money can create. I've visited Shangri La twice, once to attend a mini concert by Hawaiian guitarist Jeff Patterson, and just recently. The first was touring the grounds at night in an outdoor setting, and this second time to see the inside of Ms. Doris Duke's home during the daytime. During this recent tour, the docent recanted stories of the heiress to the Duke fortune, how she was hounded by the press and gossip columnists, the tragedy of her loveless marriage, and how her visit to Hawaii eventually meeting Duke Kahanomoku and his brothers who showed her around the islands created such a lasting impression that she bought land and built her home at Black Point. The stories took me back in time, and I would've loved to watch the house as it was being built. The Academy has taken over the estate and provides guided 1.5 hour tours. A lot of her imported artwork are affixed on the walls and authentic pieces are showcased throughout the house. The artwork is carefully maintained to prevent corrosion from the salt air. Open windows and doors let in the ocean breezes because there's no air conditioning. The docents hand out souvenir fans and water dispensers are provided throughout the tour.

I booked this tour four weeks in advance through the Honolulu Museum of Art website. Awesome tour guide, BEAUTIFUL property, and I learned a lot about Doris Duke and Islamic Art. The history was quite interesting. My husband even enjoyed it (he was one to raise his hand when the tour guide asked at the start, "Who was dragged here?")! Haha. It was very warm throughout the tour inside the home, so be sure and take a hand fan when offered. It makes for a nice souvenir, too! Doris Duke and her husband decided that Oahu would be the location of her winter home. Construction in Kahala began in the late 1930's. Doris was a spiritual person, but never practiced a specific religion. As a world traveler, she just had a fond liking to patterns, the play of light and symmetry of Islamic Art and elements from Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Throughout the property, you'll find a sensual and sensory appeal to its architecture and the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. My favorite part of the home was the courtyard just off of the main entrance. Probably not a good idea to bring small children since most of the furniture is off limits. There are two rooms that allow visitors to sit down on the couches, but other than that you're on foot for 1.5 hours. The tour meets at the Palm courtyard of the museum, just off of Ward Ave. Parking is available at the Honolulu School of Art for $5. We checked in 20 minutes prior to our 9am tour and enjoyed coffee and tea before departure time at 9:05am. The shuttle bus was about a 10-minute drive to Kahala. Photos are prohibited inside the house. But have your cameras ready once you get to the upper lawn and the Mughal Garden!

Do NOT come here nor support this business! They have zero respect, understanding or knowledge of the art they even possess. Many of the pieces hold such religious significance yet they do not even possess the knowledge of the pieces they are showing. I.e. Arabic writing on most of the pieces were ISLAMIC SCRIPTURES from our Qur'an yet the employees explained they were "names of the muZZlim prophets friends". Completely inaccurate depiction not only of the religion, the people, or the beliefs, but of the pieces themselves. There are several pieces that are of significance to the believers yet they keep in their possession to profit off of the tourist's view. Additionally, they include art that is NOT even apart of the middle eastern culture nor aligns with Islamic belief. I.e. one of the rooms with HINDU statues of their gods. This is why despite being an "Islamic" art place, you will not see any followers nor believers of the faith here. That should say something! If you truly want accurate history and interpretation of the Islamic faith while on the island, visit the very few halal restaurants there as the few practicing Muslims that do live on the island may be welcoming in educating you to the truth and you would be supporting LOCAL business rather than corporate profit.

I grew up just around the corner from the Shangri La. I always used to swim right outside our beach access gate next door to Jim Neighbor's hale. Mind you i'm not rich i was just the granddaughter of someone who took care of the house lol. Anywho, i always dreamt about visiting this estate when i was very young but at that time Doris Duke was still alive and wasn't allowing anyone into her house. Good thing i knew someone who worked there so i got to at least see the garden and the front entrance of her home. Fast forward to my early 30's i finally got the chance to take the tour into her home. I honestly felt like i wanted to cry because the preservation of the estate is just amazing. I was just in awe! Of course you can't take pictures inside but i felt i stepped back into time and i could imagine her walking her halls to get to her bedroom, or her living room, or to the study. It was just an amazing experience. She has inspired me to take more of an appreciation in arts just like she did. If you ever go there make sure you respect the place, understand the story, and make sure to take the free fans that they give at the beginning of the tour .

Doris Duke's Shangri La is really something. As I toured the former home of the now deceased tobacco heiress I was as wowed as anyone could be. Ms. Duke had the money and vision to create something jaw-droppingly spectacular. What that something is may be open to interpretation. While on her round-the-world honeymoon trip Ms. Duke's husband sent a letter home stating "Doris has fallen in love". What she'd fallen in love with was not her husband again but rather, Islamic Art, wherever she encountered it. Returning to Oahu, she began building out Shangri-La, spending the rest of her life commissioning Islamic artisans world-wide to help achieve her dream abode. Billed as a "Center for Islamic Art & Culture", Shangri La feels more like a tour of an exquisite home, with gorgeous interior design, interior architecture, and landscape design. It does house visiting Islamic artists but what one sees on tour is less about that, and more about experiencing this fabulous estate filled with Islamic tiles and the like. Touring Shangri La is one of those things that you only need to do once but it's absolutely worth doing. You'll be exposed to Islamic Art but what you'll most remember is those beautiful views and grounds. Doris Duke could've done almost anything with the money she had. That she built this place and left it for others to enjoy makes for an interesting story and is worth experiencing. * Tours of Shangri La cost $25 per person and are available by advance ticketing/appointment only. Tours run 2.5 hours, starting and ending at the Honolulu Museum of Art. A shuttle bus takes you to and from the estate. Small group tours begin upon arrival at Shangri La and run about 1.5 hours. * Your Shangri La ticket also gains you same day admittance to the Honolulu Museum of Art and its Makiki Heights outpost/botanical garden, Spalding House. Consider making a day of art. * No interior photography is permitted at Shangri La. * Shangri La is not a good place to take kids.

A must see! Book online! GO to Honolulu Museum to get on the shuttle! Take every gorgeous view in.

Amazing place to visit, when she passed she had over 5 billion in assets. Book a tour online. (transaction fee: $1.50 per ticket). Book a tour by phone: 808-532-3853 (transaction fee: $2 per ticket) NOTE: Tours start at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Visitors who go directly to Shangri La on their own will not be permitted on the property. Admission $25 General admission $20 Hawai'i residents with proof of Hawai'i residency. You must show your driver's license or Hawai'i State ID at check-in. There are no discounts for seniors, students, military and Honolulu Museum of Art members. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted on the tour. Price includes admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art and its permanent exhibitions. OK if you are Kamaaina... one Saturday a month you can go for FREE you need to check the website to see when it opens up and you can sign up, first come first served for the free passes. A live link to the tour request form will go up on the Free Kamaaina Saturday web page , http://honolulumuseum.org/4915-shangrilakamaainatours She has it filled with Islamic art and it's amazing how she can convert rooms to open patio areas. Relaxing to be so close to the ocean. Immaculately kept property the entrance has a Chinese banyan. Out tour guide was very knowledgeable, but must have been having a bad day, we all sensed she was a grumpy person.