From the Taj Mahal to Oahu: How to Visit Doris Duke’s Spectacular Shangri La
It might be Oahu’s best-kept secret. Here’s how to visit Doris Duke’s secluded oceanfront estate filled with priceless art and architecture.
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and framed by the slopes of Honolulu’s Diamond Head, Doris Duke’s Shangri La is unlike anywhere else on Oahu.
This five-acre estate blends Middle Eastern architecture, lush tropical gardens, and priceless works of art into one breathtaking setting.
Built in the late 1930s by the heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke, Shangri La was inspired by her extended honeymoon travels through the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa.
It’s now the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, home to one of the most impressive private collections of Islamic art in the United States — and it’s open to the public.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
It’s not every day you have the opportunity to step inside the gates of an exclusive oceanfront Hawaiian estate. But that’s exactly what you can do at Doris Duke’s Shangri La.
And when I visited recently, I found it completely fascinating. In fact, it just might be one of the best hidden gems on Oahu.
Who was Doris Duke?
Doris Duke, often called “the richest girl in the world,” was the only child of James Buchanan Duke, founder of the American Tobacco Company and Duke Energy.
Born in New York and raised in Rhode Island, she inherited a vast fortune at age 12. But Doris was far more than a socialite — she was a patron of the arts, supporter of medical research, and philanthropist with a deep curiosity about world cultures.
Why did she build Shangri La?
Her love for Islamic art began in 1935, when she and her new husband, James Cromwell, embarked on a honeymoon that included stops in Egypt, India, Iran, and other parts of the Islamic world.
A visit to the Taj Mahal left a lasting impression, and she began acquiring architectural elements, textiles, and art to incorporate into a home she envisioned building in Hawaii.
Oahu was the perfect canvas.
The couple purchased oceanfront land near Diamond Head and commissioned architect Marion Sims Wyeth to design a residence that would combine Spanish-Moorish-Persian-Indian influences with Hawaii’s tropical beauty.
The result is Shangri La.
Why Shangri La is worth a visit
Shangri La is not your typical museum.
This is a 14,000-square-foot house where priceless artifacts aren’t locked away in glass cases, but are instead incorporated into the very fabric of the home.
Floral ceramic tiles line the walls, marble doorways open to ocean views, and intricate jali screens cast delicate shadows across the rooms.
Stepping onto the grounds feels like entering another world — one that blends modern architecture with traditional forms from across the Islamic world.
For a first-time visitor to Oahu who wants to explore beyond the beaches, Shangri La offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in art, history, and culture in a setting as beautiful as the collection itself.
How to Visit Shangri La
One of the most important things to know before you go is that you can’t just drive up to Shangri La. Tours of Shangri La are only available when booked through the Honolulu Museum of Art, and you’ll have to ride their shuttle to get there.
Be sure to book your tour reservation online well in advance — spots can fill up weeks ahead. In fact, when I first tried to get tickets, I was shocked to see they were sold out for two months!
So if a visit to Shangri La is high on your Oahu Bucket List, be sure to book a few months in advance.
Here’s how it works:
- Tickets are released monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 10:00am HST.
- Tours are held only on Thursdays and Fridays at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00PM.
- Tickets are $45 per person and must be booked on the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Website.
On the day of your tour, plan to arrive at the Honolulu Museum of Art at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
You’ll see the check-in sign outside the museum. There are benches to wait nearby until it’s time to board the museum’s shuttle for a short ride to the estate.
Arrival at the estate
Once you arrive at the estate, you’ll be given a brief overview of the layout and a few highlights to see. You’ll also be given a map and a souvenir fan (which is handy since there is no air-conditioning inside the estate).
From there, you can enjoy a self-guided tour. Wander through the home, gardens, and oceanfront grounds before returning to the museum entrance to catch the return shuttle.
Tours typically last about two and a half hours in total. There’s also a refreshing water and ice cream sandwich treat at the end of the tour.
Highlights of the Shangri La Museum
Shangri La’s design is a masterpiece of inventive synthesis, incorporating unique architectural features from across the world.
The Mughal Suite is a showstopper, with carved marble, mirrored niches, and inlaid stone reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.
Duke’s elaborate marble bathroom is another room with Taj Mahal vibes.
Outside, the Mughal-style garden offers symmetry and serenity. It’s framed by water features and tropical greenery, and seems to stretch for days.
Every room showcases the craftsmanship of artisans from different countries. Each is a reminder of Doris Duke’s extensive travels and her commitment to preserving these traditions.
The Art Collection
Shangri La’s collections range across a broad time spectrum, from medieval architectural elements to modern commissions. One of the most remarkable features is the Damascus Room. It’s an entire interior transported from Syria, complete with painted wood panels and mother-of-pearl inlay.
Other highlights include:
- Jewel-toned chandeliers from the Middle East.
- Architectural drawings and historic photographs documenting the creation of Shangri La.
- Exquisite floral ceramic tiles and carved marble doorways.
The collection of Islamic art spans regions from Central Asia and the Middle East to North Africa. It reflects a deep appreciation for Islamic culture and artistry.
Outdoor Spaces: The Pool and Lagoon
While the interior is extraordinary, the outdoor spaces are just as memorable.
The elegant swimming pool stretches along the oceanfront, framed by palm trees and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Below the main terrace, you’ll find the rainbow-fenced saltwater lagoon. It’s a secluded, protected spot where Doris Duke could swim in privacy.
It’s one of the most photographed areas of the estate, with its vibrant gates and turquoise water contrasting against the black lava rock walls.
From here, you can look back toward the house and appreciate how the architecture seamlessly connects to the landscape.
On a sunny day (like the day I visited), the colors are dazzling. The deep blue ocean, green gardens, and the shimmering details of the home are just brilliant.
So add Shangri La to your Oahu itinerary!
Shangri La isn’t just the most unique museum in Hawaii — it’s a rare window into a world of art, culture, and history.
Doris Duke’s vision was shaped by her lifelong passion for Islamic art and her love for Hawaii. It has created a place where visitors can step into a different world without leaving Oahu.
Whether you’re fascinated by architecture or simply looking for a uniquely beautiful place to spend a few hours, a visit to Shangri La should be on your Oahu bucket list.
Read More: The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List: 50 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat🍍🌺🏖️
Just remember to book your tour reservation early. If you love art, this is one experience you don’t want to miss.
Looking for more great things to do on Oahu? Start here:
I Live in Waikiki, Here’s My Favorite 7-Day Oahu Itinerary 🚗🌈🏖️
The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)
Hawaii On a Budget? Here Are 25 Awesome Free Things to Do on Oahu🌺
7 Best Breakfast Spots in Waikiki (according to a local!)
The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki (#1 is a beachfront gem!)
