Bishop Museum 2009

It’s been about 15 years since I last visited the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum and a lot has changed since then.

For one thing, Hawaii Hall has been renovated and looks brand spanking new again. The life-size sperm whale (innards and out-ards) is still there, looking as imposing as ever, and all of the artifacts and artworks that have been publicized and featured as Hawaiian icons are on display.

Big ol' life-sized shark

An i'wi (frigate bird)

I’ve always enjoyed the life-sized wildlife models that suspend from the hall’s ceiling, allowing the hall to represent the Pacific Ocean.

Giant Monarch butterfly

“Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects,” with its giant robotic creatures, is being exhibited in the Castle Memorial Building. Somewhat similar to the bugs on display at Pearlridge Center, the Bishop Museum event does feature different insects (except for the battling Atlas beetles). Some of the museum’s preserved insects were displayed, supplementing the robots.

 

Black-lighted time tunnel

The Richard Mamiya Science Adventure Center is new since I last visited the museum. Its displays and interactive hands-on exhibits basically tell the story of how Hawaii was formed and grows – geology. Not exactly my cup of tea, but somewhat interesting, nonetheless.

We waited until the remnants of Hurricane Felicia had passed, so as not to have to deal with dark clouds and high humidity. The day was bright, but the humidity still lingered and we were pretty much drained when we left the museum three hours later. The buildings are air conditioned, one has to walk outside to get from one to the other.

It was pretty much worth the price of admission. If you’re a kamaaina (local Hawaii resident) and can produce suitable identification, you’re entitled to a substantial discount on your entry fee.

I think I’ll wait a while before going back. But not than 15 years this time.