Shangri La Museum Visitation Questions

Question

Questions:

1) Google maps indicates that the Honolulu Museum of Art is permanently closed. Is this true, since it seems the only way to visit the Shangri La Museum is by taking the shuttle R/T from the Honolulu Museum of Art.

2) If the Honolulu Museum of Art is indeed still operating, how much total time should we allow for the shuttle, seeing the Shangra La Museum, and taking the shuttle back?

Thanks!

Answer

Visiting the Shangri La Museum in Honolulu requires some planning, especially since the only way to access it is via the official shuttle from the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA).

1) Regarding the status of the Honolulu Museum of Art: despite what Google Maps may indicate, the Honolulu Museum of Art is still open. The building itself remains operational, and the museum continues to host exhibits, manage memberships, and operate the shuttle service for Shangri La visits. Google Maps sometimes mislabels or shows outdated information, so it's best to verify directly through the museum's official website or contact them by phone.

2) Time planning for the Shangri La visit:

The shuttle from HoMA to Shangri La typically departs 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time, so you should arrive at HoMA at least 20–30 minutes before departure to check in.
The guided tour of Shangri La lasts approximately 90 minutes, covering the house, gardens, and artwork.
After the tour, the shuttle returns you to HoMA, which can take about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

In total, including arrival at the Honolulu Museum of Art, waiting for the shuttle, the tour itself, and return transport, you should allow roughly 2.5–3 hours for the entire experience. This ensures a relaxed visit without feeling rushed.

Additional tips:

Book Shangri La tickets well in advance, as tours often sell out weeks or months ahead.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket; the interior and gardens are best explored on foot, and temperatures can vary.
Photography is limited, so plan accordingly if you hope to take photos.

By allocating 3 hours and following the shuttle schedule, you can enjoy the full Shangri La experience without concern about timing.