Hawaii is home to over 80 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Honolulu to island societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Hawaii's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Hawaiian Historical Society
Location: Honolulu, HI
Founded: 1892
Preserves and promotes Hawaiian history through research library, publications, and educational programs. Maintains extensive collections on Hawaiian monarchy, plantation era, and cultural heritage.
Website: hawaiianhistory.org
Bishop Museum
Location: Honolulu, HI
Founded: 1889
Hawaii's premier natural and cultural history museum, designated as the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Features world's largest collection of Polynesian artifacts and extensive Hawaiian cultural exhibits.
Website: bishopmuseum.org
Iolani Palace
Location: Honolulu, HI
Founded: 1882 (building), Museum 1978
The only royal palace on U.S. soil, residence of Hawaii's last monarchs. Restored and operated as museum showcasing Hawaiian royalty, kingdom history, and Victorian-era furnishings.
Website: iolanipalace.org
Bishop Museum
Location: Honolulu, HI
Founded: 1889
Premier institution for Hawaiian and Pacific Island culture, history, and natural sciences. Founded by Charles Bishop to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, last descendant of Kamehameha dynasty.
Website: bishopmuseum.org
Iolani Palace
Location: Honolulu, HI
Founded: 1882 (palace built)
Only royal palace on American soil and official residence of Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs. Restored to Victorian splendor interpreting Hawaiian monarchy 1882-1893.
Website: iolanipalace.org
USS Arizona Memorial
Location: Pearl Harbor, HI
Founded: 1962
Commemorates December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and honors 1,177 sailors killed aboard USS Arizona. Managed with National Park Service as World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
Website: nps.gov/valr
Kauai Museum
Location: Lihue, HI
Founded: 1960
Preserves Garden Island's unique history from Polynesian settlement through plantation era. Collections include Hawaiian artifacts, missionary materials, and natural history specimens.
Lahaina Restoration Foundation
Location: Lahaina, Maui, HI
Founded: 1962
Preserves and interprets old capital of Hawaiian Kingdom. Operates historic sites including Baldwin Home Museum and documents whaling era that shaped Maui's economy.
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Submit a Society →Additional Hawaii History Resources
- Hawaiian Historical Society - Statewide history organization
- Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division - State historic preservation programs
- Hawaii State Archives - State archives in Honolulu