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Bishop Museum Shares a Preview of Its 2025 Exhibitions, Public Programs, and Events

Bishop Museum announces its 2025 calendar of exhibitions, public programs, and events, including new exhibitions on Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025, Expedition Dinosaur, and EXCORE, plus ongoing cultural celebrations.

Bishop Museum, the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, expresses its appreciation to members of the news media, Museum guests, and its global ʻohana for their support in 2024, and invites all back to #HawaiisMuseum in the coming New Year.

The Museum shares a preview of its 2025 exhibitions, public programs, and events, below. Bishop Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For additional information and media opportunities, please contact Lance Aquino at Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations, Inc. via the information above.

Continuing from 2024

  • Through Jan. 12, 2025 | Castle Memorial Building Exhibition:Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic RedKa ʻUla Wena: Oceanic Red explores manifestations of red in the landscapes, memory, and created expressions of Oceania. Ka ʻUla Wena originates in Hawaiʻi, but we reach out to embrace our cousins across the vast Moananuiākea (Pacific Ocean). Explore how the color red weaves through the perspectives of Oceania, enriching our understanding of its significance in Hawaiian and broader Oceanic communities.
  • Through Aug. 10, 2025 | J. M. Long Gallery Exhibition:Kū a Lanakila! Expressions of Sovereignty in Early Territorial Hawaiʻi, 1900-1920Kū a Lanakila! Expressions of Sovereignty in Early Territorial Hawaiʻi, 1900-1920 delves into the ways Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian people) asserted their presence and sovereignty during Hawaiʻi's early territorial period through cultural and political expressions. The exhibit highlights how Native Hawaiians engaged in public ceremony, competitive sports, and political activism to maintain their identity and agency in a time of profound change.
  • Ongoing | Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center Exhibit:Lalo: Science and Conservation in the Northwestern Hawaiian IslandsLalo: Science and Conservation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands tells the cultural and scientific significance of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) as the kupuna (ancestor) islands of Hawaiʻi. Beneath the volcano in the Science Adventure Center, the exhibit includes "The Ongoing Legacy of Coral Reef Exploration," "The Lalo Plastic Story," and 2D & 3D Digital Experiences that show terrestrial and underwater scenes as a series of immersive storylines about PMNM.
  • Ongoing | Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center Exhibit:Lele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi's BirdsLele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi's Birds delves into the complex history of Hawaiian avian evolution, highlighting groundbreaking studies from the morphological work of Dr. Helen James to modern DNA analyses by scientists like Dr. Robert Fleischer, which have revealed surprising relationships and evolutionary timelines. The display also features avian-inspired artwork by Haruo Uchiyama, Patrick Ching, and Julian Hume that brings extinct species to life and connects visitors with today's rare and critically endangered Hawaiian birds.
  • Through Spring 2025 | Hawaiian Hall 3rd Floor Treasure Case Installation:Faith and Philanthropy: Queen Emma Kaleleonālani's Visit to England, 1865-1866Faith and Philanthropy: Queen Emma Kaleleonālani's Visit to England, 1865-1866 highlights new research identifying items associated with Queen Emma's travel and fundraising strategies, demonstrating not only the richness of her journey but also the social, religious, and political spaces she navigated as a Hawaiian royal.
  • Ongoing | Campuswide Galleries:Bishop Museum's Signature GalleriesBishop Museum's Signature Galleries include historic Hawaiian Hall, Pacific Hall, the Picture Gallery, the Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kāhili Room, the Nā Ulu Kaiwi'ula Native Hawaiian Garden, the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center, and the Museum's Campus Murals.
  • Ongoing | Daily Programs:Bishop Museum's Daily Programs include English language tours of the Hawaiian Hall Complex at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, as well as Hot Spot Theater shows on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at noon and 2:30 p.m., on the lower level of the volcano in the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center. Times and availability may vary.Japanese language tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tours may also be available on weekday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., pending docent availability.
  • Ongoing | Planetarium Shows:Bishop Museum's J. Watumull Planetarium opened its doors on December 12, 1961 and has served over six million visitors and students over 60 years of continuous operation. Experience a Planetarium show in its theater as an add-on experience to Bishop Museum's daytime general admission; as a standalone Special Evening Planetarium Show; or during various programs and events.

New in 2025

January

  • Friday, Jan. 10, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: Traditions of the Pacific, Spotlight on Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic Red Exhibition
  • Wednesday, Jan. 15, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, Jan. 17 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Saturday, Jan. 25, 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Public Program:No Ka Poli o Hiʻilei: Honoring Charles Reed Bishop

February

  • NEW Castle Memorial Building Exhibition | Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025
    • Thursday, Feb. 13, 1-4 p.m. | Media Preview (news media, please contact Lance Aquino to RSVP)
    • Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. | Member Night
    • Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. | Museum After Hours: Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025
    • More Hawaiʻi Triennial public programs and events to come!
  • Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"Navigating By the Stars"
  • Wednesday, Feb. 19, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, Feb. 28- Sunday, March 2 | Public Program:Mālama Hāloa Festival
  • Friday, Feb. 21 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"

Spring

  • Dates and times TBD | Regional Outreach Event:Chicago gathering at Field Museum to view the Chicago's Legacy Hula exhibition

March

  • Date and times TBD | NEW Signature Gallery:Bishop Museum Keiki Garden
  • Date and times TBD | NEW J. Watumull Planetarium Exhibit:Wayfinders: He Waʻa He Moku, He Moku He Waʻa (Planetarium rotunda)
  • Friday, March 14, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: Hōkūleʻa 50th Birthday Spotlight
  • Saturday, March 15 – Sunday, March 16, times TBD | Regional Outreach Event:Arizona Aloha Festival, Tempe Town Lake
  • Wednesday, March 19, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, March 21 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"

April

  • Friday, April 11, times TBD | Mary Kawena Pukui Society Event:Mary Kawena Pukui Society Luncheon
  • Friday, April 11, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: Mary Kawena Pukui Spotlight
  • Thursday, April 17, 5:30-8 p.m. | Membership Event:An Evening With DeSoto Brown
  • Friday, April 18 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Wednesday, April 19, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market

May

  • Thursday, May 1, times TBD | Event:May Day Concert
  • Saturday, May 3, times TBD | Public Program:Celebrate Micronesia Festival
  • Friday, May 9, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: TBD
  • Friday, May 16 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m. | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"Navigating By the Stars"
  • Wednesday, May 21, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • NEW Castle Memorial Building Exhibit | Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep
    • Thursday, May 22, 1-4 p.m. | Media Preview (news media, please contact Lance Aquino to RSVP)
    • Friday, May 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Member Preview
    • More Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep public programs and events to come!

June

  • Saturday, June 7, times TBD | Public Program:Science & Sustainability Festival: Year of the Community Forest
  • Friday, June 13, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours
  • Wednesday, June 18, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Thursday, June 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Membership Event:A Night Behind the Scenes
  • Friday, June 20 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, June 29, times TBD | Regional Outreach Event:San Diego Hoʻolauleʻa, NTC Park, Liberty Station

July

  • Friday, July 11, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: Expressions of Sovereignty Exhibition Spotlight
  • Wednesday, July 16, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, July 18 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Thursday, July 31, times TBD | Public Program:Welo Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, Celebrating Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day

August

  • Dates and times TBD | Online Fundraiser:E Ulu A Paʻa Online Auction
  • Friday, Aug. 8, times TBD | Event:Mele After Hours Concert
  • Friday, Aug. 15 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"Navigating By the Stars"
  • Wednesday, Aug 20, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Saturday, Aug. 23, times TBD | Fundraising Event:E Ulu A Paʻa Gala Dinner
  • Day and times TBD | Event:With the closing of the Expressions of Sovereignty exhibition, Prince Kūhio's 40' waʻa (canoe) will be taken into the ocean for the first time in more than 20 years.
  • NEW J. M. Long Gallery Exhibition | EXCORE
    • Thursday, Aug. 21, 1-4 p.m. | Media Preview (news media, please contact Lance Aquino for more information)
    • Date and times TBD | Member Preview

September

  • Dates and times TBD | Regional Outreach Event:Seattle Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival
  • Friday, Sept. 12, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: EXCORE Exhibition Spotlight
  • Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, Sept. 19 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Date and times TBD | Public Program:Kāhuli Festival: Partners for Preserving Biodiversity

October

  • Friday, Oct. 10, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: Movie showing
  • Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, Oct. 17 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"

November

  • Friday, Nov. 14, 5-9 p.m. | Public Program:Museum After Hours: TBD
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"Navigating By the Stars"
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, Nov. 21 | Evening Showtimes Vary | J. Watumull Planetarium Show:"The Stars Tonight"
  • Friday, Nov. 28, times TBD | Public Program:I Mau ke Ea, Lā Kūʻokoʻa, Independence Day of the Hawaiian Kingdom
  • Day and times TBD | Online Shopping:Bishop Museum Press Holiday Sale

December

  • Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5-9 p.m. | Event:Kaiwiʻula Night Market
  • Friday, Dec. 19, times TBD | Public Program:Museum After Hours: E Ō, E Ka Wahine: Celebrating Bernice Pauahi Bishop Spotlight

Additional information and updates can be found on Bishop Museum's website, BishopMuseum.org.

About Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the State of Hawaiʻi Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Bishop Museum’s mission is to inspire our community and visitors through the exploration, celebration, and perpetuation of the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. The Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in memory of his wife Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a royal descendant of King Kamehameha I. Today, the Museum thrives as an educational center for the community and is widely regarded as the world’s premier institution for Hawaiian and Pacific content.

Bishop Museum’s vast collections of more than 25 million objects and specimens represent nine disciplines and include more than 22 million biological specimens, over 2 million cultural objects, 115,000 historical publications, and 1 million photographs, films, works of art, audio recordings, and manuscripts. These collections tell the stories of the cultures and biodiversity of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific as well as the proud legacy of scholarly research spanning 130 years.

Bishop Museum proudly serves more than 200,000 visitors each year, including 20,000 children on school visits. Guests are encouraged to pre-plan their trip to #HawaiisMuseum with its free digital guide, available through Bloomberg Connects.

To learn more about the Museum’s research, collections, exhibits, and programs, visit BishopMuseum.org, follow @BishopMuseum on Facebook and Instagram, visit Bishop Museum’s YouTube channel, or call (808) 847-3511. Bishop Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Bishop Museum is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and welcomes applicants from the military, veterans, and those with disabilities. Learn about careers at Bishop Museum at BishopMuseum.org/Careers and on its LinkedIn page.

Bishop Museum Press is Hawaiʻi’s oldest book publisher and one of the first scholarly publishers in the Western Hemisphere, and has published over 1,200 titles and distributed over 1 million books in 72 countries worldwide. Bishop Museum hosts a restaurant and gift shop on campus, Tūtū’s Place by Highway Inn and Shop Pacifica by Nā Mea Hawaiʻi.