Honolulu Academy of Arts

Description:

• This acclaimed museum unveiled its new $28-million Henry R. Luce Pavilion Complex in May 2001 and wowed the state with its new exhibition space, courtyard, expanded outdoor cafe, and gift shop. A magnificent facility got even better, as two 4,000-square-foot galleries were added to the existing 30, and the John Dominis and Patches Damon Holt Gallery displayed the museum's Hawaii regional collection in one space for the first time. Considered Hawaii's premier example of kamaaina- (old-time-) style architecture, the Academy is the state's only general fine-arts museum and has expanded steadily over the last decade. It boasts one of the top Asian art collections in the country, including James Michener's collection of Hiroshige's ukiyo-e prints. Also on exhibit are American and European masters and prehistoric works of Mayan, Greek, and Hawaiian art. The museum's award-winning architecture is a paragon of graciousness, featuring magnificent courtyards, lily ponds, and sensitively designed galleries. Spend a few hours or linger for a day here.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010