Explore/Ethnology
Ethnology
Established in 1889 as the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum of Polynesian Ethnology and Natural History, the Museum has stewarded significant cultural treasures from its inception.
77,500+
cultural objects
3
collecting areas: Hawai‘i, Oceania, and Hawai‘i’s immigrant communities
77,000+
records with images in the online database
The founding collection
At the core of the collections is the founding collection — personal possessions belonging to Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani, and Queen Emma, which bear witness to the important lives of these three chiefly women, to the changes happening during their lifetimes, and to their commitment to support and nurture their lāhui.
Expanding from this foundation, the department cares for significant heirlooms from local and chiefly families, objects acquired through Museum expeditions in the Pacific, and items exchanged with collectors and curators from across the world — including the collections of Queen Lili‘uokalani, Princess Ka‘iulani, Joseph S. Emerson, Te Rangihiroa (Sir Peter Buck), Lucy Peabody, Edgar Henriques, Eric Craig, and the Kapi‘olani–Kalaniana‘ole chiefly line.
From the Hawaiian Hall Treasure Case.Open on YouTube
Research
6 publications
Papers, reports and books by Ethnology staff, with the PDF where there is one — readable in place and open to questions.
All Ethnology publications ›2024
Remix and creative survival: a conversation.Teaiwa, T., and H. Johnston · : 59–63
2024
Huakaʻi hele i ke akaʻula: journey to the break of nightMarzan, M.H. · : 99–102
2024
Kua, kua, kuaMaile, K. · : 1–4
2024
Håga’: indigenous reconnection through indigenous museum practice.Kuaiwa, S., and H. San Nicolas · : 43–51
2024
Red in the land and body: a conversationCable, L., S. Hudson, and K. du Preez · : 137–142
2024
Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic RedCaldeira, L., and H. Johnston · Bishop Museum Press: Honolulu
Research
Multiple ways of knowing and seeing
Ethnology staff work closely with community representatives and partners to continue improving collection care. Through exhibitions, cross-departmental research, collections-driven public programs, publications, and unprecedented documentation and digitization efforts, the department seeks to increase physical and digital access — honoring the multitude of relationships and stories embodied by these cultural treasures.
Explore the collection online
Deeper tools kept by the department itself.
Collections access & research
Scholars, practitioners, artists, and the public are invited to inquire about collection access. Please email at least two months prior to your preferred visit date; visits are currently accommodated on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 am–3:30 pm. We aim to respond within five business days. Phone: 808.847.8279 or 808.847.8264.
ethnology@bishopmuseum.orgBe a part of our story
Celebrate the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific with a gift to Bishop Museum. As a partner in the Museum’s work, you help sustain the collections, the research and the knowledge behind every record on this site.
