"Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes…read more.. Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas." - Arshile Gorky After recent visits to the Hawai'i State Art Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art, we were inspired to visit this art museum. This Contemporary Museum at the First Hawaiian Center is an extension of the Honolulu Museum of Art. It features the work by artists of Hawai'i who use a variety of media and displays can be found in the bank's lobby and second floor mezzanine. Exhibits and artistic works are routinely rotated. The museum isn't very large and usually has enough space to feature 3 artists at a time. I can't express how the different artwork affected my senses and emotions as everyone will have their own impression(s). You may or may not feel or see what I have seen or what the artist was trying to express. However, when you come to the First Hawaiian Center, you'll also be impressed with the architecture. The former CEO and Chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, Walter A. Dods, Jr, is responsible for completing and opening Hawai'i's tallest building. Distinctive architectural features bring in as much natural sunlight as possible, views from its mountain-side use vertically-proportioned windows and ocean-facing views can be seen through horizontally framed windows that capture the sea and horizon. The building's shape resembles a knife as it "slashes through" its banking competition, Bank of Hawai'i. If you happen to be in Downtown Honolulu's Financial District, check out this museum. Explore and discover the unknown.

The Contemporary Museum is located inside the main branch of First Hawaiian Bank. It occupies…read moresections of the first and second floors. A person would need to take the stairs to get to the second floor. I'm unsure if the art gallery wing on the second floor can be accessed by the elevators...if they do then a person would have to pass the FHB workers in order to get to the gallery First Hawaiian Bank and Honolulu Museum of Art just had their 20th anniversary of partnership in 2016. Paintings and art sculptures on the two levels are part of the First Hawaiian Bank's art collections. Individuals are able to browse both levels for free. All art in the museum were done by individuals growing up in Hawaii or from transplanted former residents of the island. I recommend everyone to stop by the Contemporary Museum in the Downtown Honolulu location of First Hawaiian Bank. 10/100

An interesting tour of the history of the Hawaii judicial system. Houses the Hawaii Supreme Court…read moreand a law library. The tour guide has soo much information and it took about 3 hours to really see and read everything. It will feel like you have stepped back into time. Bring as little with u as possible because u need to go through a metal detector. It is just easier when u just carry a small bag like I did into a high security building. Bring quarters for the parking meters. Take a stall with shade so your car won't be too hot when u return to your car.

This was a surprise for the wife and boy was she. The area was very clean and there was an…read moreinformation plaque on the ground explaining about the statue. The building was nice.

This is a show hosted by the Rock and Mineral Society of Hawaii 2-3 times a year. This year's and…read morelast year's shows have been happening in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort Kou Ballroom. All the vendors and experts are from Hawaii too - so as you can guess, it's not that big, as no one is flying in from mainland or overseas, but it's got a bit of everything and the folks are friendly and are happy to share their knowledge with other gem enthusiasts! It's my first time at this show so I didn't know what to expect. It's definitely smaller than what I've been to. There were maybe around 15 vendors? But each vendor had their own niche - fossils, meteorites, cut loose gemstones, jewelry, amber with trapped insects, rare specimens, polished crystals, etc. the show had a bit of everything and the prices were actually reasonable! It's a good, quick dose of mineral exposure without having to fly to Tucson. The folks were very friendly and some were so nice to give out little free gifts for the Keiki. The ladies at the very front gave my son a Dalmatian jasper. He saw the black spotted rock and immediately picked it out. It's also heart-shaped! If you're curious what a gem show is like, this is a good place to start as admission is free and they validate parking for just $10 for pretty much half day. (But the hotel parking structure is terrible, so tight it can't have 2 cars turning into and out of the ramp at the same time.) It's also great to see what these local folks have to offer. Also, you got to see the minerals found in Hawaii on display! There's sulfur from Kilauea, 2 olivine specimens from Hualalai, and a beautiful calcite cluster of crystals from O'ahu!

Do yourself a favor and visit this place that doesn't make all the insta photos. Out guide Mike was…read moresuper knowledgeable and informative, and I am so glad we stopped by this incredible piece of history on Oahu. Street parking right outside, lovely gift shop and clean well maintained bathroom facilities.

Admittedly, over the past 20 years, we've visited these historic structures at least once a year…read moreduring Kawaiaha'o Church's annual pre-Christmas craft fair. As there are only 3 historic structures on this property, this museum is small but worth seeing if you're interested in learning about the impact of these missionaries on the native Hawaiian culture during the reign of King Kamehameha II, Kamehameha III and Queen Kaahumanu in the 19th Century. We were walking in the area when we noticed the banner which announced a Family Day Open House (FREE admission, tours and activities) this past Saturday so we made it a point to check it out. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historical Site and Archives (HMHHSA) is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. General admission is $10 with discounts for Military, Seniors and Students. Tours are guided with very knowledgeable docents or you can take a self-guided tour. So, what are the Hawaiian Mission Houses? Basically there are 3 main, restored, structures dating back to the early 19th Century. But, there's MORE to just looking at these structures. In 1819, the "First Company" of missionaries (7 couples and 5 children plus 4 native Hawaiian boys) set sail from Boston to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and were given direction to "raise the native peoples to an elevated state of Christian civilization" which included the teachings of the Bible and abilities to literacy. They were NOT to meddle in political affairs or other secular matters that were not directly related to religion. This direction was a mixed message and until today, the roles of the missionaries are regarded as somewhat controversial. -1821 Mission House (Ka Hale Lāau) The First Company came with pre-cut lumber and Western living essentials and erected the structure. It was built in typical New England-style, housed the missionaries and became a site where the exchange between Native Hawaiian culture and language and Western cultures and language "began". Native Hawaiians were taught the English language and became literate while the missionaries learned the Hawaiian language and culture. The American missionaries introduced Western medicine, agriculture, laws and democracy and reinforced political and economic ties with the United States. This house originally housed the 7 members of the Daniel Chamberlain family, 5 other missionary families and occasionally ailing sailors and orphans. -1831 The Chamberlain House was built using local coral blocks, lumber from salvaged ships and locally procured supplies. This larger, 2-story structure served as home, gathering place and supply center. It had an attic and cellar like most New England homes have but if you live in or have visited Hawaiian homes built in the late 19th C and 20th C, youd rarely find these features. -1841 Printing House (Ka Hale Pai) Built next to the Mission House out of coral blocks and now adapting to the local climate, the missionaries added this structure originally as an extra bedroom or living quarters. It was soon converted into housing the first printing press which was originally set up in a grass house. The Mission's Print House produced the first materials printed in the Hawaiian language and showed how the native Hawaiians and missionaries worked together. While strolling the grounds of these mission houses and Kawaiaha'o Church, I could feel history come alive and see how much life has changed in Hawaii.

I grew up in Wahiawa and spent a good part of my childhood outdoors. One memorable activity for me…read morewas being able to work in the Loi Patch. Something about pulling weeds knee deep in cool mud is so peaceful to me! I brought my boyfriend to Na Mea Kupono farm on a Saturday workday at 9am. We volunteered our time that morning and got a free workout! Kuuipo, Uncle Steve and Bevy (?) made us feel like family right away and the other student volunteers were just as awesome to work with as well. If you want an authentic Hawaii experience you should definitely check out Na Mea Kupono. The people who work here love and respect the land, know the history of the island, and appreciate the bounty the loi provides. When you visit here you can't help but feel accomplished and satisfied. And a little bit dirty. Bonus--Don't forget to grab some Huli Huli chicken at Malama Market as your reward for your hard work! Worth it!

Unbelievably beautiful place. The Lo'i patch is truly amazing, and they have so much knowledge and…read morecare for the land with such aloha. This place is magical.

What an amazing event! I had a blast with Yelp Elite All Star Buddy Irene M…read more I always wanted to see this event with the local food vendors, entertainment, and Bishop Museum as well! It drizzled a little bit but that did not deter us from enjoying all the great finds, food and entertainment. Loved the Lego exhibition! This was a favorite highlight of this event. I enjoy putting LEGO kits together. Amazing display of flags and so much more here. Please enjoy the pictures. Then I got to experience Dipped by Dee for the first time. Wow, the dipped strawberries are delicious. I picked up a s'mores dipped apple for consumption at a later time. Also delicious and decadent. A bit on the pricey side, but worthy of the occasional treat. And the sushi hand roll I had was so fresh and amazing. I can't remember the name of the vendor. As the sun went down, we enjoyed the great entertainment and cool trade winds blowing through the air. Highly recommend this event! Parking was free with ASB debit card. Nice perk.

Happy. National Girlfriend Day…read more.. It's the first of August and my semi-weekend starts and as I do like events Taste of Honolulu at Bishop Museum was going on tonight along with a bunch of food and retail business sprawled out on the Great Lawn along with entertainment and full use to all exhibits including Aloha Bricks which is what Yelp Elite Jackie K wanted to see and what better way than this. For ASB card holder parking is free along with various discounts at some merchants it's like the entire state coming together to celebrate our amazing local small businesses and we get to show up and enjoy it all. It's all very very well put together along with some games for the kids, beer garden and the massive space Bishop Museum has for all to enjoy. It was a real treat and so much fun as we brought our own chairs to relax and enjoy it all. Whether it's to eat, drink, visit the museum or just chill this is one unique event that really do showcase the Tastte of Honolulu. Thank you!

Blooming with creativity…read more.. That's one thing that does excite me whenever there's a market and this one does branch out a bit differently as it does includes various plants for sale as well. Though I'm not much of a green thumb having folks who know how to care for them does make a difference and who wouldn't want to take home something that brighten up your space. Speaking of it's not just plants but various pottery from the Hawaii Potters Guild which was very nice as each table is from a different member was so impressive to see so many creative items. What I also love is that you find various treats from My Sweet World with lots of munchies and of course matcha...I was so surprised to see Walking Bean Cafe was there and got a cup of Iced Honey Yuzu Matcha a favorite refresher of mine that really helped cool me down. Aloha Drapery and Kreative Kama'aina was there to see something new they have and it's pillows with two types of filling and got one specifically difficult to find the uniqueness of this market really surprised me and learned a lot from various vendors was so cool. Keeping it local and supporting these various artists is great at this spot as it's free to the public and with that savings I put it towards my purchase. Thank you!

Definitely an impressive garden maze…read more Recommend going earlier or later in day as given the location in Oahu can get pretty hot. Major tourist area with large crowds. Recommend quick maze exploration and then grab a Dole whip and skip the train to head out and explore more of the island.

Beautiful place to visit specially if you have kids they sure will enjoy the maze…read more Can't skip the roasted corn and pineapple dole ice cream. Delicious !!