Honolulu: A Cultural Treasure Chest

Honolulu’s vibrant museums are gateways to Hawai‘i’s multicultural past and present with fascinating exhibits and live events. Bishop Museum (bishopmuseum.org), founded in memory of a beloved Hawaiian princess, tells the story of the people, history, and islands of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. The Nā Hulu Ali‘i: Royal Hawaiian Featherwork (March 19-May 23, 2016) exhibit will feature exquisitely crafted feathered capes, helmets, and standards originally created for Hawai‘i’s royal chiefs in the 18th century. At Honolulu Museum of Art (honolulu museum.org), Hawai‘i in Design (March 10, 2016- March 12, 2017) will showcase designers who are making sense of Hawai‘i as a place where natural and urban elements plus local and global aesthetics intersect.

Works by contemporary local textile and clothing designers, furniture designers, a wood surfboard maker, and a multi talented surfboard shaper and tattoo artist will fill the galleries. The musical traditions of Hawai‘i are the focus of a special concert series at Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (missionhouses.org). Nā Mele Aloha: Songs of Aloha takes a look at distinct meanings of aloha. ‘Ano‘ai ke Aloha (March 12) explores distinctly Hawaiian hospitality while Aloha Ali‘i (May 14) features songs about the Hawaiians’ love for their ali‘i (royal rulers).