Shangri La is the former Honolulu home of philanthropist and art collector Doris Duke, now a museum near Diamond Head. Built in the late 1930s, the house brings together Islamic art and architecture inspired by Duke’s travels across North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Look for patterned tilework, carved wood, textiles and ceramics, then step out to the lawn for ocean views. Reserved visits include a shuttle from the Honolulu Museum of Art, where the tour begins and ends.
Doris Duke’s Honolulu home
Shangri La was built in the late 1930s as the Honolulu home of Doris Duke. Her interest in Islamic art and design grew from travels that included North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. She shaped the house around that interest, adding works and architectural details gathered over many years.
The result is a museum where the collection and the building belong together. Artworks sit alongside elements made for the home, including tile panels, carved wood and decorative surfaces. The setting near Diamond Head and the ocean gives the visit a strong sense of place without taking attention away from the objects inside.
Art and architecture across regions
The collection spans a broad geography, from Spain and Morocco to India and Southeast Asia. Ceramics, textiles, paintings, glass, furnishings and other works represent different places and periods in the Islamic world. Some objects date back centuries, and the variety makes it possible to compare patterns, materials and ways of working as you move through the house.
Look for the custom tilework and the contrast between decorated surfaces and carved details. The Mughal Suite draws on the design of the Taj Mahal and includes inlaid marble. In the Damascus Room, 18th-century Syrian wood panels are embellished with gold and copper leaf. These rooms show how Duke incorporated artistic traditions into her home, rather than displaying the collection in a conventional gallery alone.
How the visit works
Visits are arranged as tours with limited places, and advance booking is recommended. The group meets at the Honolulu Museum of Art and travels by shuttle to Shangri La. At the house, an introduction and short talks provide context on the art, history and murals; you can listen or continue exploring.
Plan for the transfer as well as time inside the house and on the grounds. The visit can feel brief if you want to take in every room and stop for the talks, so decide what interests you most before the tour begins. The grounds include an ocean-facing lawn, a quiet place to pause and take in the view. Admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art is included with the Shangri La tour ticket, giving you the option to make a longer art-focused day of the trip.
FAQ
Do you need to book Shangri La tickets in advance?
Yes. Tour places are limited, so reserve ahead of your visit.
Where does the Shangri La tour start?
The group meets at the Honolulu Museum of Art and takes a shuttle to Shangri La.
How long should you plan for a visit?
Allow about one to two hours for the tour and grounds. Add time if you also want to visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, whose admission is included with the tour ticket.
What can you see at Shangri La?
The former home contains Islamic art and design, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, tilework and carved wood, as well as rooms such as the Mughal Suite and Damascus Room.
