Honolulu - Bishop Museum and Planetarium

Bishop Museum, Hawaii's state museum, contains one of the best collection of Polynesian arts and artifacts in the state, including an important collection of the feathered royal standards (kahilis) which essentially served as flags for past royalty. Hawaiian feathered capes and helmets are other highlights. There is a large collection of artifacts from the South Pacific.

Other major collections include the objects brought by the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Portuguese, German and other early settlers.

Natural history exhibits, including whaling artifacts complete the museum.

One interesting aspect of the museum is the building itself. Founded in 1889 the staircases and display cases are of rich woods. The main display wing boasts original display cases lining the balconies which wrap around multistoried atrium. There is great charm in this antique of a museum.