Kauai Museum

The Basics

The Greco-Roman facade and volcanic rock exterior of the Kauai Museum set it apart from its surroundings in Kauai’s capital city of Lihue. You can tour the exhibits and galleries on your own or join a docent-led tour of the museum. After a visit to the museum, see the geology and traditions you learned about in the museum come to life at a traditional luau or on a sunset cruise along the island’s jagged coastline.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Kauai Museum is a favorite amongst history and geology buffs.

• The museum hosts educational talks, traditional craft workshops, and hula classes.

• Docents enrich the experience with educational details and historical stories.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible and non-flash photography is permitted.

How to Get There

The museum is located on Rice Street in central Lihue, two miles (five kilometers) from the Lihue Airport. You can rent a car at the airport, take a shuttle from the airport to Lihue, or visit on foot or by taxi if you are staying in the town of Lihue.

When to Get There

The Kauai Museum is open morning through midafternoon Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays and major holidays. Docent-led tours typically begin daily at 10:30am. Educational lectures, story sessions, workshops, and classes are offered on a weekly basis. An event schedule can be found on the museum’s website.

Learn the Story of Kauai

The exhibits in the museum tell the story of Kauai in chronological order, beginning with the formation of the island, progressing through the story of the indigenous Hawaiians, and also exploring the arrival of whalers, missionaries, and plantation workers. For an in-depth look into the past, pair your tour of the museum with a lecture about Polynesian navigation or Cleopatra’s Barge—the royal yacht of King Kamehameha II.

Ways to explore

Though the museum is small, it’s a great place to get foundational information on Kauai before exploring farther afield—and its location near the airport doesn’t hurt. Spend roughly 1–2 hours browsing exhibits on the island’s volcanic origins, human history, prized cultural artifacts, and local artwork. You can visit independently or join a guided tour, offered three days a week with no reservations needed. Classes, typically held on weekdays, are also open to the public.

Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Travel-size journal, refillable water bottle, tote bag for your painting or lei

What to wear

Comfortable shoes or sandals, layers, rain jacket for random showers

Not allowed

Loud phone use, touching artwork or displays, eating or drinking inside the galleries

Amenities

Restroom, gift shop

Address

The Kauai Museum is located in downtown Lihue on Kauai’s east side, about a mile from the airport. Set along busy Rice Street, it’s easy to reach and explore on foot while visiting the town center.

Driving

From Lihue Airport, head west on Route 570 (Ahukini Road). Take a sharp left on Umi Road and turn right on Rice Street. Pass the Historical Monument and Garden, and park along Rice Street or in the public lot behind the museum.

Public transportation

From the airport, take the 100 Mainline bus route to Eiwa Street and walk half the block to the entrance. The 400, 500, and 850 lines also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning, ideally between 9am and 10am, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Best days to visit

Cultural classes—including painting, hula, and lei-making—are typically held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, with occasional sessions offered on Fridays.

Best months to visit

There’s never a bad time to visit Kauai or the museum, but the rainy season from March to November is a perfect opportunity to spend a few hours indoors.

Special events

On May 1st, the Kauai Museum celebrates Lei Day with special exhibits, hula performances, and lei-making workshops that showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage.