Getting ready forCapitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum.
Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, has free admission with no advance tickets, in downtown Honolulu near ʻIolani Palace. The galleries are on the second floor, the art is for looking only, there's no food or drink, and big bags wait at the information desk. There's no parking onsite.
Know before you go. Capitol Modern doesn't list sensory hours or a quiet room. Here's what it does say about the rules, the space, getting in and the event nights.
Hours
Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, with evening hours during First Friday and other events. Closed Sunday to Tuesday and most federal holidays. Evening events coming up: Island Pulse, Friday, November 20, 2026, and Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30 pm; First Friday, Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Super Saturday, hands-on art activities for all ages, is Saturday, November 21, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm.
250 South Hotel Street, Second Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813
“To protect the art and the museum galleries, no food or drink is allowed.”
“For safety reasons, all items larger than 11x15 inches must be checked in and held at the information desk.”
“Did you know that artworks can be damaged by even the slightest contact? Help preserve this art for future generations.”
“Capitol Modern has four galleries totaling around 19,500 square feet. It also features other exhibition and live event areas including the Front Lawn, the Second Floor Courtyard, and the Sculpture Garden.”
“Use the walkway at our Richards Street gate entrance, leading to the right side of the building facing Richards Street.”
“Admission to our grounds, galleries and events is always free, and no advance tickets are required.”
“Free, all-ages evening of island roots and reggae music. Museum galleries are open and the Art + Flea urban market will include local artists and food/beverage vendors.”
The museum is in the No. 1 State Capitol Building, near the State Capitol, ʻIolani Palace and the State Library. There is no cafe on site.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth holds its free sensory show, MOVE! at Capitol Modern, in the museum's Immersive Gallery; see HTY's page for dates and booking.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
Ask before you go
sensory hours
a quiet room
headphones or sensory kits to borrow
which federal holidays it closes on
Call 808-586-0900More about Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum
Admission is always free, with no advance tickets.
No food or drink is allowed, and items larger than 11 x 15 inches are checked in and held at the information desk.
There's no parking onsite: use metered street parking or a nearby lot.
Parking: ʻIolani Palace Grounds (metered; credit cards, bills and coins), with wheelchair accessible stalls near the Richards Street exit, near the State Archives building and near the gate to the State Capitol. Aliʻi Place Building (paid), with wheelchair accessible spots, vehicle entrance at 1099 Alakea Street and a pedestrian exit on South Hotel Street across from the museum; a 2-hour limit applies to the accessible spots. State parking lots (State Capitol, Kalanimoku Building) allow metered spaces to be used as accessible parking, with a 2-hour limit.
Getting here without a car: many TheBus routes stop in front of or very close to the museum; the Waikiki Trolley Red Line State Capitol stop is a short walk; Biki racks are in front of the building on South Hotel Street.
Getting in with a stroller or wheelchair: use the walkway at the Richards Street gate entrance, on the right side of the building facing Richards Street. In the main hallway, turn left for the lobby or right for the Sculpture Garden.
The building: four galleries, about 19,500 square feet, plus the Front Lawn, the Second Floor Courtyard and the Sculpture Garden. Level 1 has the accessible entrance, an information desk, the shop and the Sculpture Garden; Level 2 has an information desk and the galleries.
Before you go: a virtual tour on the museum's site gives up-close views of artworks in exhibits past and present, and a short video tour on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts page shows the museum.
Events: First Friday, Island Pulse and Super Saturday are free and for all ages. Island Pulse is an evening of island roots and reggae music with the Art + Flea urban market. The museum does not allow pets, outside alcohol, underage drinking or drugs on the premises.
Requests: anyone who needs an aid, a service or a change to a policy to take part in a program or event can contact Melly Wilson, Melly.E.Wilson@hawaii.gov or (808) 586-0773, as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours before the event.
Animals: only professionally trained service animals are allowed on state property.
Email
Melly.E.Wilson@hawaii.govAids, services or policy changes for a program or event (at least 48 hours ahead)
