HAWAIIAN MUSEUM OF KINGS (AND BISHOPS)
June 8th, 2010
The new book I’m writing has been a source of continuous excitement to me. This has been due in no small part to the global travel involved during the long research phase. Luckily, Hawai’i has been a part of that phase. Specifically, the research has taken me to the Bishop Museum in Honolulu on three different trips. Each time I have marveled at it’s unique architecture and design as well as its devotion to Hawaiian history and culture through their exclusive collection of important documents and artifacts. It was easy to forget my original purpose on these trips as the surroundings eased me into full-tilt tourist mode.
Beautiful as it is, as I left the stunningly landscaped grounds after each trip, I wondered about the museum’s ability to draw tourists and visitors on a regular basis – it’s not exactly situated on Waikiki. But it’s definitely worth the trip.
No small ‘trinket library’ this. It’s not a stuffy artifact repository nor is it like the clinically pristine, hermetically-sealed confines of Washington’s National Archives. The Bishop Museum is a living, breathing space unto itself.
The Bishop (we’re on a first-name basis now) has uniquely Hawaiian exhibits and collections spread out through their halls and galleries. These displays are one-of-a-kind and you could easily, and enjoyably spend an entire day as I did lingering over the cultural diversity and colorful history that makes it such a wonderful place to visit. As well, the museum offers educational programs and tours.
Now there’s another reason to visit the museum should you find yourself in Hawai’i, and who wouldn’t want to wake up on Oahu this summer?! It’s an ‘attraction’ that is sure to keep tourists and visitors alike enthralled.
There is a new Native Hawaiian Garden that is being assembled by botanists and the talented museum staff. When completed later this summer you will literally be able to walk through and around this ‘living’ exhibit, because the plants will be placed throughout the museum’s 12-acre campus.
Timothy Johns, the President of the Bishop had this to say when they broke ground for new gardens back in April:
This is the museum’s first step in remaking its entire campus into a ‘living exhibit’ of native and Polynesian-introduced plants which link the cultural artifacts on display in Hawaiian Hall.
Included in the fabulous garden will be Hawaii’s indigenous and Polynesian introduced plants including coastal plants such as ‘ilima and hinahina, native dry forest plants that existed in ancient times, and plants such as hala, ‘ulu, and kalo which were brought to Hawaii by the islands’ first settlers.
To Waikiki, International Village, Diamond Head and Haeliwa on Oahu’s North Shore, add the Bishop Museum. You won’t be disappointed.
I feel a ‘research trip’ coming on!
[REW]
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