Kauai Museums

(Kauai, Hawaii - HI, USA)

The is much to enjoy on the Garden Island of Kauai, and the plentiful museums should rank highly on any holiday itinerary, that is if you can bear to drag yourself from the coconut palm-lined sandy beaches and lapping waves. If you wish to learn more about the island's past, its geography and the local communities, then the Kauai Museum in Lihue is for you.

Something for families holidaying on the Garden Island, the Children's Discovery Museum is to be found within Kapaa and on the Coconut Coast, close to the beachfront and part of the Kauai Village Shopping Center. Hawaiian culture is an integral part of the Kaieie Foundation in Kapaa, and the exhibits within are also worthy of consideration.

Grove Farm Homestead Museum

Address: 4050 Nawiliwili Road, Lihue, Kauai, HI-96766, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 245 3202
The Grove Farm Homestead Museum celebrates the Kauai's past sugar cane industry and this historical building displays many related exhibits, which clearly illustrate the importance of the Garden Island's sugar plantations, which were once widespread in the latter part of the 19th century. Tours led by experienced guided allow you to really get the most out of your visit.
Open hours: tours on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 and 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, children 12 years old and under are free

Kauai Children's Discovery Museum

Address: 6458 Kahuna Road, Kapaa, Kauai, HI-96746, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 823 8222
It is hard to categorise the exhibits on offerits on offer at the Children's Discovery Museum, since so many different subject matters are covered, ranging from natural history, to science and sea life. Always popular with the younger generation are the sky shows at the StarLab Planetarium, and the innumerable interactive exhibits. Also of note are the daily summer camps for children, which take place between the months of June and August.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center

Address: 9565 Kaumualii Highway, Waimea, Kauai, HI-96796, Hawaii (HI), USA, US
Tel: +1 808 338 1332
Sited on the western side of the island, the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center is a high-tech, modern museum with a difference, showing how the island has evolved over the years. Founded in 1999, this attraction lies within the town of Waimea and combines multicultural diversity with the history of the island'sand natural creation of sea salt. Regular demonstrations cover many different topics, such as the tradition of making Hawaii flower necklaces (leis) and how the fermented root of taro is used to make the tasty Hawaiian dish of 'poi'. Other highlights include a number of model aircraft, free access to the Internet, various cultural fairs and other popular events, such as the First Hawaiian Bank Hat Lei Contest each February.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kauai Museum

Address: 4428 Rice Street, Lihue, Kauai, HI-96766, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 245 6931
Showcasing the history of the island, the Kauai Museum can be found within Lihue and is close to the airport. The museum is home to a wealth of artefacts, photographs and items of scientific interest from yesteryear. Also look out for the adjacent Mezzanine Gallery, where local artists regularly exhibit their works.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children, children six years old and under are free

Kaieie Foundation

Address: 4-831 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, Kauai, HI-96746, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 346 7574
The Kaieie Foundation lies on the beautiful Coconut Coast, where it is known for actively promoting and support local Hawaiian culture. Various local handicrafts are displayed here, while for many, it is the foundation's extensive calendar of events that is the main draw card, with these including the popular hula festival known locally as the Ka Aha Hula O Halauaola.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kokee Natural History Museum

Address: Kokee State Park, Kekaha, Kauai, HI-96752, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 335 9975
The Kokee Natural History Museum is one for all of the family and resides on the western side of the island, within the ever-popular Kokee State Park. Visitors will be able to learn more about the island geological formations, flora and fauna, and general ecology. Exhibitions are educational, informative and interesting, and the onsite gift shop completes the man attractions.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free