Shangri La
Shangri La
4.5
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
About
Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global cultures of Islamic art and design through exhibitions, digital and educational initiatives, public tours and programs, and community partnerships.
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See what travelers are saying
- EmmaChristchurch, New Zealand450 contributionsNot to be missed when in HawaiiWe loved our visit to the home of Doris Duke, she has a fascinating story and her home and all of her collections are just out of this world! I managed to book us tickets for our trip to Hawaii this time around (the last time we were in Hawaii we didn’t realise there are only a set amount of spaces per day and they need to be booked at a certain time). There are guides there to talk to as you wish and you can wander around at your own leisure taking photos and simply just take it all in. A prime spot over looking the ocean and out to Diamond Head. Didn’t want to leave!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 29, 2023
- bluesmama11Castleton On Hudson, New York3,953 contributionsBeautifully furnished home of exquisite artAmazing place to tour. So interesting and gorgeous, both inside and outside this home. They take you in a shuttle van from the Honolulu Museum of Art and bring you back. Advance tickets are required and then don’t do tours everyday, It’s really wonderful and a must for art lovers.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
- patinhongkongErmoupoli, Greece485 contributionsExquisite Islamic artwork in a truly wonderful locationShari La is the former home of the fabulously wealthy Doris Duke, who built her dream home on this gorgeous peninsula and filled it with superb Islamic art. Visits start and end at the Hawaii Museum of Art in downtown Honolulu from where a bus leaves for the Diamond Head mansion. Once there, curators explain the pieces on show on walls, floors and ceilings, before visitors are allowed time to wander round inside and out and take photographs. Ice cream on the lawn concludes the visit.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
951 reviews
Excellent
771
Very good
135
Average
30
Poor
7
Terrible
8
HKS2014
Wailea, HI
Dec 2019
I have been to O'ahu many times but this was my first visit to Doris Duke's home. The visit was arranged by our son, who first took us to the Honolulu Museum of Art. Had a lovely lunch there before boarding a bus that took us to Shangri-La. While arriving to Shangri-La, our group was divided for two separate tours. We had a very knowledgeable guide, whose narrative was interesting! An excellent time was had by all and I highly recommend you go and see the islamic art collected by Doris Duke.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank M
Rochester, MN
Jan 2020
Shangra La is an amazing mansion turned into a museum by the Doris Duke Foundation. Tours are reserved through the Honolulu Museum of Art. Shangra La is a testimony to the owner for leaving it to the people to visit and see. The home is amazing with the views on the 4+ acres of the Oahu coast unbelievable. A truly hidden gem. Kathy was our tour guide that day and was just fantastic!
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob
San Francisco, CA
Feb 2020
Didn’t really know what to expect, but was wowed as soon as the tour started. Excellent docent explained the history of the property and dropped little hints about Doris Duke’s life. The rooms are magnificent! As are the grounds. Book early because tour availability is limited.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Portland222
Lake Oswego, OR
Feb 2020 • Couples
Doris Duke built Shangri La in the 1930’s near Diamond Head. Most of us will never travel to Iran, but this home, now a museum , gives us beautiful examples of tile work & furniture from Iran. A must see when you are in Honolulu!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian D
Minneapolis, MN
Feb 2020
Absolutely breathtaking! When it reopens after renovations it may still be a Covid-19 world. There may be safety measures in place but it is definitely worth a visit.
Even before Covid-19, tickets had to be purchased far in advance. So plan ahead.
All the staff at the Honolulu Museum of Art and at the Shangri La were so friendly and informative. Looking forward to checking out the refreshed Shangri La!
Even before Covid-19, tickets had to be purchased far in advance. So plan ahead.
All the staff at the Honolulu Museum of Art and at the Shangri La were so friendly and informative. Looking forward to checking out the refreshed Shangri La!
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
San Diego, California
Aug 2022
The former home of heiress Doris Duke becomes Shangri La, a museum of Islamic art and design. The five-acre site is on the ocean with beautifully landscaped grounds. Access is via a fifteen-minute bus ride from the Honolulu Museum of Art. A reservation and additional ticket are required for Shangri La.
The craftmanship of the architectural details is outstanding. Highlights include carved marble panels, amazing detailed walls, ceilings and columns, tile settings on the floors and walls, rare vases and other artwork.
Tour is largely self-guided. Three docents were onsite to answer questions. There were three short oral presentations in the introduction gallery, the central courtyard and the Mihrab gallery. All three presentations were worthwhile. The new Qajar gallery was my favorite.
The craftmanship of the architectural details is outstanding. Highlights include carved marble panels, amazing detailed walls, ceilings and columns, tile settings on the floors and walls, rare vases and other artwork.
Tour is largely self-guided. Three docents were onsite to answer questions. There were three short oral presentations in the introduction gallery, the central courtyard and the Mihrab gallery. All three presentations were worthwhile. The new Qajar gallery was my favorite.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vonOtter
New York City
Feb 2023
When at Honolulu a visit to Doris Duke’s former home, now a museum dedicated to art from the Islamic tradition, is a must see. At every turn beauty surrounds you, ceiling to floor. The glazed, terracotta tiles are the stand-out throughout the house; but those tiles in the Dining Room are breathtaking. Make certain to see Miss Duke’s white marble-clad bathroom; and look up at the ceiling there and in her dressing room. The number of days Shangri La is open are limited, as are the number of guests permitted per tour. The advice is book early, because this gem is not to be missed!
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K Chris F
Kawaguchi, Japan
Jul 2023
We booked directly on the HoMA website on June 1 for a date in July.
Easy to recommend. Each group that goes to Shangri La is small, and there are enough tour guides there that you can ask many questions of and get such detailed and passionate answers. If you get the chance, book it -- it's gorgeous.
Easy to recommend. Each group that goes to Shangri La is small, and there are enough tour guides there that you can ask many questions of and get such detailed and passionate answers. If you get the chance, book it -- it's gorgeous.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluesmama11
Castleton On Hudson, NY
May 2024 • Couples
Amazing place to tour. So interesting and gorgeous, both inside and outside this home. They take you in a shuttle van from the Honolulu Museum of Art and bring you back. Advance tickets are required and then don’t do tours everyday, It’s really wonderful and a must for art lovers.
Written May 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
islandwideairporter
Honolulu, HI
Oct 2019
My wife and I went to Shangri La in October. When the entrance door in the parking area opens to the view of the long lake bordered by trees with geometric designed water aspects, all you can think of is "This is just like the Taj Mahal!
Really great docents keep the information coming.
Those interested in architecture, design and things middle east will be thrilled!
Really great docents keep the information coming.
Those interested in architecture, design and things middle east will be thrilled!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you get on a wait list? Can you just show up to the bus stop and pray that there is space?
Written December 14, 2019
We did not know you needed tickets. When we showed up the tour was full and they put us on a wait list. We had a very nice lunch and, because 4 people did not show up on time (they are very punctual about the tours), we got to go.
Written December 14, 2019
Can you visit without a tour? As it appears that tickets are sold out for the remainder of the week.
Written December 2, 2019
No. The only way to visit is buying tickets at the Honolulu Museum of Art. It includes transportation, tickets and a guided tour.
Written December 3, 2019
Good morning, would you mind letting me know if the renovation/restoration works at Shangri LA are still underway and do they have much impact on viewing the property?
Thank you
Written June 11, 2018
The renovations do not impact on the tour at all. The only area that is being renovated is the pool area. But the tour is absolutely worth it. Please go.
Written June 11, 2018
kacchanai
Tokyo, Japan
Although it is not possible to enter the age 12 or under, can you hold it and hold back so that it will not go down, can you watch it with an adult?
Written March 3, 2018
According to the information from Shangri La Reservation Offfice,
under 8years old child can not participate in this tour.
But I don't have confidence.
You should better to ask to Shangri La Reservation Offfice directly.
Written March 4, 2018
Does the $25 general admission fee include access to the Honolulu Museum of Art? Or do I have to pay another $20 for the museum. Thank you in advance for answering.
Written July 18, 2017
My recollection is that both are included. You basically get to wait in the museum until the tour bus leaves. The cafes are excellent for lunch.
Written July 18, 2017
Although locals do swim in front of there, access is not from the Shangrila property and ticket holders are brought to the location by bus and given a tour of the house and garden.
Written June 10, 2017
how did you get to the museum. We are arriving on a cruise ship.
Written October 1, 2016
I won't knock the previous comments but if you're only in Oahu for a few days, you MUST book the Shangri La tour in advance and the tours are not available every day, or even every month (as I found out when I visited in September). Also, just to be very clear, you do not drive to Shangri La--you drive to the Honolulu Museum and they will transport you to Shangri La via shuttle bus. And finally, I found UBER to work quite well around Honolulu.
Written October 2, 2016
hi, how much time will I spend when taking the tour to Shangri La?
Written April 17, 2016
The tour itself is about 1.5 hours at Shangri La. The bus ride provided from the museum 20 minutes. Precaution...bus leaves on time. All worth your time...The museum entrance fee is included and the restaurant in the museum is good. I would not recommend a rush...enjoy your vacation!
Written April 18, 2016
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