Hawai'i: a kingdom Crossing Oceans

Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans celebrates the artistry and history of Hawaiʻi, featuring feathered cloaks, carved deities, shark-toothed weapons, and contemporary works by Native Hawaiian artists. Marking over 200 years since King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu's pivotal journey to Britain in 1824, the exhibition explores Hawaiʻi’s culture and its complex relationship with Britain. Developed in partnership with Native Hawaiian experts, it highlights indigenous knowledge and presents rarely seen international loans alongside the British Museum’s extensive collections. The lighting scheme was carefully designed to support and highlight the delicate objects, largely consisting of organic materials that required a maximum of 50 lux. Over the 4 main sections (otherwise referred to as ‘Pikos’), the visitor is transported through a majestic volcanic landscape, through to an intimate temple (Ho-Nau-Nau), to the lapping seashores of Hawai’i. Standing by the exhibition entrance is the majestic Hawaiian god Ku, lit atmospherically under the Great Court skyline.