The Honolulu Academy of Arts is the largest and the only general art museum / gallery in the State of Hawaii. The Academy is internationally recognized for the excellence of its exhibits. These include one of the world's finest permanent collections of Asian art, plus the James A. Michener Collection of Japanese prints, the Kress Collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, American and European paintings and decorative arts, contemporary art, and an extensive graphics collection of 17,000 works on paper. The museum maintains more than 33,000 items in its collection of art from cultures around the world in its main collection. The Academy is registered as a national and state Historical Place in recognition of the significant architecture of its building. It presents its collection in 30 galleries, surrounding six garden courtyards. There are more than 50 temporary exhibitions each year.

Honolulu Academy of Arts Mrs. Charles Montague Cooke, who wished to share her collections and interest in art and art education with the children and people of Hawaii, founded The Honolulu Academy of Arts in 1927. The Academy is dedicated to the education and cultural enrichment of the entire community. More than 250,000 people, including nearly 30,000 school children and great numbers of tourists, visit the museum every year. It is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the American Association of Museums.