“Remember with Respect, Teach with Integrity, Inspire through Education.” This is the Honolulu Police Department Museum motto. The Honolulu Police Department Museum is a unique place. It is sought after by visitors worldwide.
The Honolulu Police Department Museum showcases Hawaii’s law enforcement history. It covers the era of King Kamehameha I and the “Law of the Splintered Paddle”. It goes through the establishment of the Honolulu Police Department to the present day.
The Honolulu Police Department Museum is at the Honolulu Police Department Alapai Headquarters. The address is 801 South Beretania Street on the first floor. Admission is free. You must complete an online form and reserve a date and time to schedule a visit.
The Honolulu Police Department Museum is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM. It is closed on observed holidays. Due to staffing the museum is open based on availability. Reservations are recommended. Each group has about 60 minutes per tour.
Parking around the station is limited. Metered stalls are available below the Alapai Headquarters building. Access is on South Hotel Street. More metered stalls are on South Beretania Street. You can also find them at the municipal parking garage across the street. This garage is at the corner of South Beretania and Alapai Streets.
Museum staff will answer questions and escort groups. The Honolulu Police Department Museum has over 10000 artifacts. Our staff will bring the history of the Honolulu Police Department to life.
Groups of seven or more must schedule a tour. You must complete the online form. Due to fire codes the museum cannot exceed 25 visitors at one time. Please submit your request at least four weeks before your requested date. We will do our best to accommodate each request.
Honolulu Police Department Museum tours are appropriate for students in the sixth grade or higher. Exceptions can be made for lower grade groups. This requires approval by the Commander of the Community Affairs Division.
Teachers should review the rules with their class before arrival. Prepare students to speak quietly and be careful. There are many glass cases and valuable objects. We do not want any injuries or property damage.
Tour groups may be dropped off on Hale Maka’i Street or South Hotel Street. Museum staff will greet the group in the foyer of the Alapai Headquarters on South Beretania Street. Tours may be picked up on Hotel Street when complete.
Special accommodations can be requested if you require assistance. Please specify the type of special accommodations on the request form. Please note we do not push wheelchairs. We also do not assist any impaired individuals.
Appropriate clothing and footwear are required to enter the Honolulu Police Department Museum. Juveniles must be with adult chaperones. Food and beverages are prohibited including gum and candy. Horseplay yelling and disruptive behavior are prohibited. Pets are prohibited excluding service animals. Smoking is prohibited including electronic tobacco devices. Weapons and illegal drugs are prohibited. Any other inappropriate behavior or conduct is prohibited. Individuals or groups who do not comply with the guidelines will be escorted out.
The Honolulu Police Department Museum is small but rich in content. There are weapons holsters handcuffs uniforms motorcycles and wire devices. You can also find portable radios tear gas launchers and cockfighting paraphernalia. The Honolulu Police Department Museum showcases hundreds of artifacts photos and documents. These items are neatly and methodically arranged. A leisurely visit could take a few hours. If you’re lucky a retired HPD officer will be your guide.