The Hawai’i Tourism Authority hopes a current exhibition at the British Museum will generate an interest in the Aloha State that extends beyond its beaches.
Running until May 25, 2026, Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans, which focuses on Hawai’i’s historic ties with the UK, offers travel agents a chance to broaden their knowledge of the state.
The exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of the arrival in London of Hawaiian King Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Queen Kamāmalu, who travelled with a royal delegation to seek alliance and protection from the Crown.
The royal party’s time in London included a visit to the British Museum – the first record of native Hawaiian chiefs and royals at the facility.
History tells us the visit marked a turning point in the shared history of Hawaiʻi and the UK and the exhibition tells a compelling story of movement, alliance, cultural exchange and tragedy.
Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans consists of 150 objects, artworks and treasures, including many never before seen in the UK.
Among the highlights is a striking ʻahu ʻula (feathered cloak) sent in 1810 by the first king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III, the largest known example of its kind. Lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection, the cloak is on display for the first time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s original letter requesting support and protection from the Crown.
Commenting on Hawai’i Tourism Authority’s sponsorship of the exhibition, Jadie Goo, Acting Chief Brand Officer, said: “It represents a unique opportunity to showcase the depth, dignity, and continuing vitality of Hawaiian culture to European audiences.
“As we work to attract mindful travellers who seek authentic cultural connections, this collaboration with the British Museum allows us to position Hawaiʻi not simply as a destination, but as a living culture with profound historical ties to Britain and a story that extends far beyond beaches and tourism.”
Settled around AD 1000 by skilled Polynesian seafarers navigating by the stars and following the flight of migratory birds, the Hawaiian archipelago is often remembered in the UK as the place where Captain James Cook lost his life during a voyage of exploration in the islands in 1778-79.
Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans acknowledges this moment while focusing on movements, stories and voyages initiated from Hawaiʻi itself.
Added Goo: “In focusing on Native Hawaiian voices, honouring ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) and presenting these ancestral treasures with the care and reverence they deserve, we hope to inspire visitors to approach Hawaiʻi with the same respect and cultural curiosity they will experience in this exhibition – embodying the values of mālama (to care for), and kuleana (responsibility, privilege) that guide responsible travel to our islands.”
Dr Alice Christophe, Curator and Head of Oceania at the British Museum, said: “This co-stewarded exhibition is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, past and present. At its core, it tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaiʻi and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty, and the complexity of allyship. We hope this show will spark conversations and uplift people in the archipelago and beyond.”
Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans will run until May 2026 in The Joseph Hotung exhibition Gallery (Room 35).
Hawai’I Tourism Europe is giving away three pairs of tickets to Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans at the British Museum. Agents should register their interest by sending an email to amy@hawaiitourismeurope.com. The winners will be drawn out on March 2 and will be notified shortly after.
gohawaii.com/uk; britishmuseum.org/Hawaii
