HISAM (free admission) tends to feature local artists and Hawaii-focused art, including landscape paintings from many different eras, photography, ceramics, glass, sculpture, and fiber and textiles. There is an interactive exhibit that is fun for kids. They periodically open new exhibits, the latest of which is "Ho'omau: The Perpetuation of Kapa".
In addition to showcasing local artwork, the museum hosts live music on First Fridays, art making activities on Second Saturdays, and an excellent lunch hour presentation (12-1 pm) by a different artist each time on the last Tuesday of the month as part of the Art Lunch program. Check their event calendar for upcoming events. The museum also has a nice gift shop, cafe (Artizen, limited hours), and outdoor sculpture garden.
HISAM is housed in a historic building designed by Emory & Webb and Lincoln Rogers. Emory & Webb designed Hawaii Theater, the old Blaisdell Hotel building on Fort Street Mall, and the Honolulu Advertiser building. Lincoln Rogers designed the Dillingham Transportation Building. The current structure opened in 1928, was listed on the National Historic Register on its fiftieth anniversary in 1978, and underwent major renovation and restoration in 1987. A green leaflet and glossy pamphlet at the information desk near the museum entrance provides further history and points out the original remaining building features. The pamphlet also contains a useful map of the Downtown area that points out major points of interest related to history, culture, and/or public art.
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| Photo credit: Hawaii State Archives. |
HISAM sits on the site of Hawaii's first hotel, the Hawaiian Hotel, later called the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or old Royal Hawaiian Hotel (presumably after the one in Waikiki was built). The Hawaiian Hotel was of wood construction and opened in 1872. YMCA bought the building to house soldiers during World War I and called it the Army and Navy YMCA. This building was demolished in 1926 and replaced with Emory, Webb, and Rogers' concrete and stucco structure. The YMCA continued to house soldiers here during World War II.