CAPITOL MODERN
In downtown Honolulu, a hidden treasure awaits at a small yet magnetic institution where admission is always free.
Capitol Modern, formerly known as the Hawaii State Art Museum, celebrates Island history and contempory Hawai‘i artists.
Admission to the museum’s grounds, galleries and events are always free. No advance tickets are required!
Located next to ‘Iolani Palace and the State Government, the Capitol Modern is housed inside an elegant two-story building that exemplifies the Spanish mission revival style.
Hawaii State Art Museum primarily features contemporary art by Hawaiian artists.
While wandering through the galleries, I found myself immersed in the captivating stories of the artists and their creations, appreciating the thoughtful curation. The range of artwork on display, spanning various media and styles, was both comprehensive and engaging. I was particularly struck by the resonance of the Hawaiian collections, which, in my view, perhaps even surpasses those at the nearby Honolulu Museum of Art.
Herb Kane painting at the Capital Modern
Free events often take place at the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden.
“First Friday” is a family-friendly evening of art and music that takes place on the first Friday of each month. Enjoy a performance in the garden, grab a bite or a drink from the vendors on the second floor, and then explore the museum galleries.
“The Vibe” takes place every second Friday, a monthly live music series held at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum, in partnership with the Dae Han Ensemble. Dae Han is the unsung backbone behind progressive Honolulu acts and international artists. He’s the go-to drummer whenever Japanese rapper Shing02 tours the US and Asia with a full band. In 2019, Takuya Kuroda tapped Dae to organize a band to support the Brooklyn-based trumpeter’s gig at Blue Note Hawaii. Dae also recently teamed up with guitarist Gilbert Batangan and bassist Mark Tanouye to open for Khruangbin. Every year he organizes an always impressive jazz-forward tribute to the late J Dilla.
“Super Saturday” takes place once a season and offers hands-on, make-and-take art activities for all ages.
This lesser-known gem just might be one Hawaii's most captivating art museums!
Capitol Modern’s sculpture garden