Often overlooked by locals and tourists alike, the Kauai Museum will pleasantly surprise you with comprehensive exhibits about almost every aspect of the island. The museum is legitimate, substantial and extensive.
The Kauai Museum covers many culturally-significant aspects of Kauai’s history and heritage. Exhibits include the King Kamehameha Dynasty, Kings of Kauai and Ni’ihau, World War 2, the Missionary Gallery, the Plantation Village Gallery, “Old Hawaiian,” the Surf Exhibit, a “Movies Made in Kauai” exhibit and the Main Gallery with period costumes, a canoe, artwork and artifacts from Cleopatra’s Barge. The barge was actually a ship built in 1812 that became the Royal Yacht of King Kamehameha II. The ship sank in Hanalei Bay in 1824. In 1995, a search in association with the Smithsonian Museum located and recovered many artifacts from the ship. Japanese, Filipinos, Portuguese and other ethnic groups will appreciate the information presented about their ancestors’ contributions to Kauai.
While it may be difficult to devote an hour or two to the museum, especially for time-challenged tourists, the Kauai Museum provides insightful context about the island’s history, heritage, culture, geography and more. For tourists, we suggest a visit to the museum on a rainy day or on the way to the airport, which is nearby.
Also of note, the Kauai Plantation Gift Shop near the entrance has a nice collection of Kauai-related merchandise including hard to find books about the island.
The Kauai Museum is housed in two buildings in Lihue, the historic Albert Spence Wilcox Building (a former library) and the Rice Building.
Kauai Museum Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 2. p.m.
Closed on Sundays and all major holidays
Museum Admission
General: $15.00
Seniors 65 & Up: $12
Students 8-17: $10
Kauai Museum Address
4428 Rice St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 245-6931
Location at Google Maps
On the Web: www.kauaimuseum.org
Kauai Museum Photos
The building was officially dedicated on May 24, 1924. Funds for the original library were provided by Mrs. Emma Mahelona Wilcox in memory of her husband Albert Spencer Wilcox.
The main gallery has artifacts from Cleopatra’s Barge (right).
Early Kauai history is discussed in the “Old Hawaiian” Heritage Gallery.
Kauai surfing legends, including Laird Hamilton, Sharron Weber, Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz, Keala Kennelly and Andy Irons, are featured in the Surf Exhibit.
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