The Real Hawaiʻi Comes to the British Museum in London

The Story Behind the Exhibition

The exhibition marks 200 years since a defining moment in Hawaiian history when King Liholiho Kamehameha II and Queen Kamāmalu travelled to London with a royal delegation seeking recognition, alliance and protection from the British Crown.

Their visit included a stop at the British Museum which became the first recorded visit by Native Hawaiian aliʻi and a turning point in the shared history of Hawaiʻi and the UK. From this moment the exhibition unfolds as a rich human story of travel connection and cultural exchange that still resonates in the modern world.

A Sovereign Kingdom

I absolutely loved visiting this exhibition because it completely reshaped how Hawaiʻi is so often understood in the UK. Instead of framing the islands through the familiar lens of outside exploration, it places Hawaiʻi firmly at the centre of its own story as a sovereign kingdom shaped by extraordinary navigators, storytellers and cultural leaders.

For further information on Go Hawaii, visit www.gohawaii.com

From the moment you step into the galleries, the exhibition feels led by Hawaiian voices. Objects and artworks speak of journeys that began in Hawaiʻi and travelled far beyond its shores, reinforcing a sense of agency, movement and connection that runs throughout the experience. The thoughtful pairing of early treasures with striking contemporary works makes the exhibition feel dynamic and alive, grounded in history while resonating powerfully with the present day. There is a quiet confidence to the storytelling that feels both moving and deeply considered, reconnecting people, places and purpose in a way that lingers long after you leave.

One of the most powerful moments for me was standing in front of the magnificent ʻahu ʻula feathered cloak sent by Kamehameha I to King George III. Knowing that it had not been displayed for over a century gave it an almost electric presence, heightened further by the inclusion of the king’s original letter seeking support and protection from the British Crown.

Respectful to Hawaiian History

Yet beyond individual objects, what stayed with me most was the care and responsibility evident in how the exhibition had been created. Developed in close collaboration with Native Hawaiian knowledge bearers, it feels deeply respectful of Hawaiian heritage, royal lineage and the Indigenous people of Hawaiʻi at every stage. From the language used throughout the galleries to the way stories unfold, nothing feels extractive or detached. Instead, the exhibition feels collaborative and intentional, honouring Indigenous knowledge, lived experience and cultural continuity while acknowledging the ongoing relevance of these histories today.

Rather than feeling like a traditional museum display, the space becomes a place for listening, learning and reflection. You sense the collective process behind the exhibition, the voices and perspectives that shaped it, and the care taken to ensure these stories are told with dignity and purpose. It invites visitors to slow down, to look more closely, and to engage with Hawaiʻi as a living culture rather than a distant past. I left feeling genuinely moved, with a far deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi as a kingdom, of its enduring cultural strength, and of the importance of telling Indigenous histories with honesty, respect and heart.

Ticket pricing and availability

This exhibition is suitable for families with older children interested in history & couples.  Tickets available from £18, under-16s free when accompanied by a paying adult, 2-for-1 tickets for students on Fridays, and concessions and group rates available. Entry to the exhibition is free with adult individual memberships, starting from £74. Prices correct at timing of publication.

While it is a premium ticket, the experience more than justifies the cost. You are rewarded with something truly magical and exclusive, plus the chance to spend the rest of the day exploring everything the British Museum has to offer at your leisure, from its world-class permanent galleries and iconic collections to its quieter corners, cafés and shop, making it easy to turn the visit into a full and unhurried day out.

Booking

For more information, please visit the Hawai’i: a kingdom crossing oceans exhibition webpage: https://www.britishmuseum.org/hawaii

Open Saturday to Thursday 10.00–17.00, Friday 10.00–20.30. Last entry 15 minutes before closing.

For further information on Go Hawaii, visit www.gohawaii.com

Image credits –

• Trustees of the British Museum – MKH
• Kapulani Landgraf
• Royal Collection Enterprises, Royal Collection Trust