Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans ★★★★ The British Museum | Jan 15 - May 25, 2026


This small yet thoughtful exhibition explores the long-standing connections between two island nations. The relationship between Britain and Hawaiʻi dates back to Captain James Cook’s third voyage in 1778. He became the first European to document contact with the Pacific archipelago and that connection still resonates today, most visibly in the Hawaiian state flag (Ka Hae Hawaiʻi), which continues to display the Union Jack in its top-left corner. This display at the British Museum draws primarily on the museum’s own extensive collections, complemented by judicious loans from other institutions, including the Bishop Museum in Hawaiʻi. It is organised into three main sections: Laying a foundation, Allying kingdoms, and Reshaping relationships. The first section introduces visitors to Hawaiʻi's distinctive art, history, and cultural traditions. The second focuses on the 1824 visit of King Kamehameha II (also known as Liholiho) and Queen Kamāmalu to London, and on their tragic deaths while in Britain. The final section highlights the resilience of Hawaiian culture, its resistance to colonial forces, and the islands’ evolving reconnection with Britain. Particularly striking are the displays of Hawaiian feathered cloaks (ʻAhu ʻula) and headdresses (Mahiole), a selection of finely carved objects, and the richly patterned designs of kapa (Hawaiian barkcloth). There are delights like the almost whimsical carved bowl (ʻUmeke kiʻi) and treasures such as the rather poignant letter of Kamehameha I to King George III, reflecting Hawaiʻi's efforts to gain leverage on the world political stage. The role of dance and chants as a vital means of cultural preservation is also explored and the influence of the cultural heritage on contemporary artists is acknowledged. Overall, this is an ambitious exhibition which offers valuable insight into the richness and diversity of Hawaiian culture and the society's complex relationship with Britain. It also prompts some more sombre political and societal reflection at a time when the world appears to be entering a new era of colonialism.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Image: ʻUmeke kiʻi (bowl with figure) © The Trustees of the British Museum.

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK

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