Honolulu Museum of Art

Honolulu, Oahu

Amidst the hustle of downtown Honolulu there is an oasis of art and culture. The Honolulu Museum of Art provides a great atmosphere to explore Asian, Arabic, European modern and American modern art. A great selection and diversity of styles is represented due to the merging of several collections left to the museum by its generous benefactors. A courtyard caf and separate espresso bar make for good afternoon eats and treats to go with your art exploration. The courtyards between the main galleries have themed art installations with great sitting nooks to have soft conversations or talk story about what's next in your museum quest. At a glance: Highlights: Impressive collection of art from around the world, housed in two large estates in downtown Honolulu. A great dose of arts and culture for an afternoon treat to beat the city heat. Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Activity level: easy, air conditioned galleries and lots of seating through out. Hours of operation: Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm.   Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm   Caf open 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Reservations: none needed Costs: $10 admission adults, children under 17 are free.   plus metered parking or paid parking lot on Beretainia, $5 to $10 The main museum building has such a character all its own. There is a surprising large collection of 50,000 pieces of art from all over the planet. Special details to the furnishings, lighting and dcor make for interesting engaging layout of galleries that allow you to travel between cultures and times. The inner courtyards of each of the 2 main wings of the buildings have a fountain and sculptured garden environment to reflect upon. An espresso bar with treats occupies the Palm courtyard and sculptural shade clothes stretched to create shade seating as you gaze upon an ornate hand carved arched window from somewhere in the far east. The city noise becomes a background mumble as the art within the gallery walls creates a bit of a buffer from the outside world. There is caf seating and meal service in the area adjacent to the Doris Duke Theater between 11:30 to 1:30 the perfect short lunch before galleries of art for dessert experience. Also enjoy the free docent tours with 5 different interpretive guided tours daily offered 10 am to 12 noon.   Plus Spotlight Tour a 20 minute quick tour offered daily at 1:30 pm. And Tea and tour, a 2:30 pm guided tour with tea after in the Palm courtyard. Visit their website for tour details: http://honolulumuseum.org/383-adult Established in 1927, the Honolulu Museum now consists of two sites for the price of one admission. Since 2011 the Spaulding House in the hills of Makiki Valley and its sculpture garden backyard has been incorporated with the HMA. With new contemporary shows rotating in the inner house galleries, and the permanent David Hockney sculptural installation and backyard views of the city make the drive…