September is a special month for Hawaii Island museum members.
September is a special month for Hawaii Island museum members.
This is the sixth year Hawaii Island museums are collaborating to open their doors to other museums’ members. “Celebrating Museums Month” is a month-long program to cross-promote these important local institutions. During the month, each will provide free admission to the members of other participating institutions when a current museum membership card is shown.
This month-long celebration of museums provides local residents with a low-cost opportunity to explore and experience the rich resources of Hawaii found in museums from ethnobotanical gardens to the night sky over Hawaii. The 12 institutions in both East and West Hawaii collectively represent the major informal education resources on Hawaii Island.
“Celebrating Museums Month gives us the chance to showcase one another, to highlight the rich resources each offers … it’s a collaborative effort that has been well-received by our members and we’re delighted to see it continue,” said Ka‘iu Kimura, executive director of the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. “In the true spirit of ‘ohana, our family of museums is collectively bringing forth the resources for learning and inspiration to all residents.”
Purchase of memberships help to support the nonprofit organizations and further their educational missions. The public is welcome to purchase membership at participating institutions and take advantage of this month-long program. Museum members will have an opportunity to spend September exploring and discovering the wonders and treasures of museums they may not have yet experienced, or may not have visited in a long time.
Museum Month free admission and benefits apply to museum members with current membership card and proper ID. Contact the individual museums for more information. Below is a list of participating museums, the benefits, and their operating hours.
Museum Month benefits apply to museum members with current membership card. Free admission applies to the current museum member with proper ID. Benefits include the following:
l Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden — Free admission and 10 percent discount on all plant sales. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mondays and holidays. Call 323-3318. www.bishopmuseum.org/greenwell
l Anna Ranch Heritage Center — Free admission. Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with tours of the Historic Home at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call for additional tour times. Call (808) 885-4426. www.annaranch.org
l Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center — Free admission. Hours: Open Daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm. Space-themed exhibits and interactive displays especially for children. Call 329-3441; www.hawaiimuseums.org/mc/ishawaii_astronaut.htm;
l East Hawaii Cultural Center — Free visual arts exhibitions, 5 percent discount on art sales, and 10 percent on gift case items. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call or check website for current shows and programs. Call 961-5711; www.ehcc.org;
l Hawaii Gateway Energy Center (Friends of NELHA) — Free admission. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday presentations 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday presentation focuses on energy in Hawaii. Does not include Grand Tour on Fridays. Call 329-8073. www.nelha.org/education/education.html;
l ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center — Free admission. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sky Garden Restaurant at ‘Imiloa open 7 a.m.-4 p.m., with dinner Thursday through Sunday, 5-8:30 p.m. Call 969-9703; www.imiloahawaii.org;
l Kona Historical Society — Free admission. Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum & Gift Shop: Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 323-3222; www.konahistorical.org;
l Laupahoehoe Train Museum — Free admission. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for discounted tour rates for classes or large family tours, check website for special events, newly restored railroad rolling stock. Call 962-6300; www.thetrainmuseum.com;
l Lyman Museum — Free museum admission and 10 percent off in Museum Shop. Special exhibit Sasana: The Burma Portfolio opens Sept. 8. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mission House tours: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 935-5021; www.lymanmuseum.org;
l Pacific Tsunami Museum — Free admission, no discount in store. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 935-0926; www.tsunami.org;
l Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens — No admission charge, but museum members from participating museums will receive a special gift at the Zoo Gift Shop. Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 959-9233. www.hilozoo.com;
l Volcano Art Center — No admission required to VAC, but park admission fees apply. Museum members from participating museums receive a 10 percent gallery discount. Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Call 967-7565; www.volcanoartcenter.org.