The first time I took my kids into Hawaiian Hall at the Bishop Museum I wasn't sure how it would go. The museum's science adventure center is very kid friendly but I had visions of them endangering ancient artifacts or whining about how bored they were in Hawaiian Hall. Happily we did not have to make a speedy exit and they enjoyed our time there so much that we have gone back. The renovations that were completed a few years ago definitely took children into consideration. 
On the first floor there is a large screen TV that shows nature scenes from the Hawaiian Islands. It draws my kids in and gives me a chance to look at nearby exhibits without them urging me to quit reading and move on. If you're there as a family or with another adult it's also an easy place to have all the kids hang out with one adult while the other one looks around the museum.
On the second floor there is a row of hands-on exhibits. Children (and adults too) can pretend to pound tapa cloth or poi, wrap a gift in leaves, identify flowers by their smell and follow along with videos of native dances.
Throughout the rest of the exhibit hall there are small TV monitors in various locations with touch screens to access various videos. My kids like these too. They also enjoy a quick look at the displays in the exhibit cases but they move at a pretty fast pace.
The hall is filled with a wealth of information about ancient Hawaii, the Hawaiian royal family and the end of the monarchy. Sometime I want to visit without kids so I can read more of the displays and soak up more Hawaiian history but in the meantime I read a few new signs every time we're there.
Do it yourself on Oahu
Location: 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Directions: Why reinvent the wheel? Click here for directions to the museum from wherever you might be.
Parking: There is plenty of free parking right in front of the museum.
Hours: 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Monday (i.e. closed on Tuesdays). Also closed on Christmas.
Cost: Adults $17.95, Seniors (65 and over) $14.95, Children ages 4-12 $14.95, Children 3 and under are free. They have reduced rates for kama'aina and military visitors with proper identification. To save money, consider purchasing a membership (they have several levels available) or be on the lookout for free admission days; they have a couple a year and I try to post them on the Weekend Events page when they occur.
Facilities: There are restrooms and an elevator in Hawaiian Hall.
Other: The Bishop Museum has a large gift shop and a café. We have also taken our own food and had a picnic on their lawn.
Related: Read my post about the Bishop Museum's Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center and the Bishop Museum's Abigail Kinoiki Kehaulike Kahili Room.
More info: Contact the Bishop Museum at 808-847-3511
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