Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans at the British Museum

What is the Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans exhibition?

Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a major temporary exhibition at the British Museum exploring the history, artistry and global connections of the Hawaiian Kingdom, from ancient Polynesian voyaging traditions to diplomatic encounters with Britain and Europe, through rare historical objects and contemporary works.

About the Exhibition: Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans

Currently on display at the British Museum, Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans offers visitors an in-depth look at the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian archipelago and its long-standing relationship with the United Kingdom. The exhibition marks 200 years since the historic journey of King Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Queen Kamāmalu to London, a diplomatic mission that left a lasting imprint on both nations.

Rather than focusing solely on European exploration narratives, the exhibition places Hawaiian voices and perspectives at its core. It traces centuries of movement across the Pacific and beyond, from the extraordinary navigational skills of Polynesian seafarers who settled the islands around AD 1000, to the global travels of Hawaiian royals, leaders and artists.

The exhibition has been developed through a co-stewarded curatorial approach in collaboration with Native Hawaiian knowledge-bearers. Hawaiian language (ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi), contemporary interpretations and community voices are woven throughout the galleries, offering visitors a layered and deeply human story that connects past and present.

For more detailed background, you can also explore the official exhibition page on the British Museum website: Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans – official page.

Artists and Must-See Works

Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans brings together around 150 remarkable objects and artworks, many of which are being shown in the UK for the first time. These works span over two centuries and include ancestral treasures, royal regalia, ceremonial objects and bold contemporary pieces by Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) artists.

One of the undisputed highlights is the spectacular ʻahu ʻula, a feathered cloak sent in 1810 by King Kamehameha I to King George III. Lent from the Royal Collection, this is the largest known example of its kind and is displayed publicly for the first time in over 100 years, alongside the king’s original letter requesting protection and alliance from the British Crown.

Visitors are also welcomed by a powerful nine-foot kiʻi (image) of the god Kū, associated with warfare and governance. Installed at the entrance to the exhibition space, this striking sculpture sets the tone for the journey ahead, blending ancestral form with contemporary presence.

Other standout works include finely carved drums accompanied by ancient chants recounting early Polynesian migrations, weapons edged with shark teeth, sculpted figures of deities, richly decorated garments, and objects that testify to diplomatic exchanges between Hawaiʻi, Britain and Europe. Together, these pieces reveal how Hawaiian artistry has always been dynamic, adaptive and globally connected.

Planning Your Visit: Dates, Tickets & Tips

The exhibition is already attracting strong interest, particularly from visitors curious about Indigenous histories, Pacific cultures and Britain’s global connections. To make the most of your visit, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for weekends and Friday late openings.

The galleries are thoughtfully designed to guide visitors through thematic sections, so allow at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate the exhibition. Combining your visit with other highlights of the museum can easily turn this into a half-day cultural experience.

Why Visit Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans?

This exhibition stands out for its rare focus on Hawaiian-led narratives and its commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities. Rather than presenting Hawaiʻi as a distant or exotic place, it highlights the islands as an active global kingdom with deep diplomatic, artistic and cultural ties to Britain and the wider world.

Visitors gain a richer understanding of sovereignty, cultural resilience and exchange, themes that remain highly relevant today. The combination of historic masterpieces and contemporary works makes the exhibition accessible to first-time visitors while still offering depth for those already familiar with Pacific history.

For travellers seeking meaningful cultural experiences in London, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective that goes beyond traditional European art and history displays.

Practical Information

• Dates: 15 January – 25 May 2026
• Opening Hours: Saturday–Thursday 10:00–17:00; Friday 10:00–20:30
• Location: The Joseph Hotung Exhibition Gallery (Room 35), British Museum
• Tickets: From £14; under 16s free with a paying adult; concessions available
• How to Get There: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Russell Square Underground stations

Conclusion

Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans is one of the most distinctive exhibitions currently on show in London, combining rare treasures, powerful storytelling and contemporary voices. It offers an enriching and thought-provoking experience for anyone interested in global history, Indigenous cultures and cultural exchange.

If you are planning a museum visit during your stay in London, this exhibition is well worth including in your itinerary.