The Honolulu Museum of Art will be closing the Spalding House at the end of the year 2019
You have exactly three months to say Aloha to one of the most gorgeous properties on the island—the Spalding House in Makiki Heights. Doors will close to the public at the end of this year.
The good news is you can say farewell for free. Kama’aina receive free admission every first Wednesday of the month. Locals and visitors are both free every third Sunday of the month. Admission is normally $20 or $10 with your Hawaii ID. Open 10a-4p every day but Mondays.
The Spalding House was originally home to the Honolulu Museum of Arts Founder. Built in the 1920’s and spread over nearly three and a half acres, it’s an other worldly oasis in the middle of urban Honolulu.
If you need a quick getaway, it’s the perfect place to recharge. Conveniently located with lots of parking. Contemporary art amid timeless architecture, lush lawns, fragrant flowers, and commanding trees. Beauty everywhere you look.
Of course no feast for the senses or getaway is complete without snacks. The Spalding House Cafe is open 11am-2pm. You can gain access to the grounds for free any day if you’re just there to eat. They have a full service restaurant or you can order a picnic basket filled with two entrees, two drinks, and dessert for $40. Choose a mat, pick a shady spot and if they’re not too busy they’ll even come find you to deliver lunch.
We filled our basket with a Mezze Platter and Lomi Kale Caesar Salad (and grilled cheese sandwich). Both entrees served in ceramic dishware with matching silverware. The platter came with warm pitta, hummus, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, artichokes, and soft herbed goat cheese. The caesar, made with tender massaged kale, was perfectly dressed. It’s sprinkled with freshly grated parm and bubu arare. For no extra charge you can add a side of thinly sliced chicken breast. Wash it down with unsweetened ice tea, followed by a sweet surprise. This time we got two chewy coconut bars.
If you really need a break, on other visits I noticed other groups relaying buckets of champagne from the cafe. There’s no alcohol on the menu but it seems BYOB is possible. So have a couple mimosas, smell the orange blossoms and take a well deserved nap.
The Spalding House pool is for looks only…unless you can cough up $13.5M—the estimated list price when it goes on market. If you decide to test the waters without making an offer, make sure you check out some art and grab a bite first.
Aloha Spalding House. Thanks for the memories (and the grindz) Until next time…