Job Details

Job Summary:

The Learning and Engagement department intern for the Spring 2026 cohort for the Ipu Kā'eo Internship program will focus on Visitor Research. The goal for this program is to offer opportunities for local talent to obtain valuable work experience within Hawai'i.

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Learning and Engagement, the intern is responsible for designing and conducting a study of how HoMA visitors move through the exhibition Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within. This process includes conversing with curators and educators to understand key concerns, developing research questions, designing a study, collecting and interpreting data, and creating a list of recommendations for how these learnings can be applied to future exhibitions. Visitor research plays a key role in the larger field of museum interpretation and allows for an informed, visitor-centered approach to building exhibition experiences.

This is a 9-week position from March 16, 2026 to May 15,2026

The Honolulu Museum of Art:

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and "the deep intuitions that are common to all." The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai'i's multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.

To learn more about HoMA, please visit our website.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidate for a bachelor's degree in an arts and culture, social sciences, or education related field.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including observation, interviews and surveys
• Passion for creating accessible learning environments in arts and culture institutions
• Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment, enthusiasm, and follow-through.
• Ability to work within and support a diverse community of visitors, artists, and employees.

Desired Qualifications

• Recipient of or in final year of a degree in a related field, such as Education, Art History, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, or related field.
• Coursework or applicable experience in museum studies, progressive pedagogy, qualitative and quantitative research, learning assessment, or informal education settings.
• Commitment to a visitor-centered or learner-centered approach to arts and culture
• Interest in museums, arts and culture, and nonprofit organizations.
• Understanding of and dedication to advancing the Honolulu Museum of Art's identity, vision, and values.

Learning and Engagement Intern - Project Schedule

Below is a weekly timeline with prospected timeline of project's progress:

• Week 1: Orientation Week - Introduction to assigned department, tasks, and project
• Week 2: Meet with museum staff to identify key concerns and questions. Become familiar with museum visitor studies best practices. Museum Closed - Monday, March 23rd in observance of Prince Kuhio Day.
• Week 3: Draft purpose statement, scope, and preliminary research questions. All Staff Meeting - April 1st , 8:30am-9:30am. Check In #1
• Week 4: Review and finalize purpose statement, scope, and research questions, draft methodology and develop data collection tools and protocols
• Week 5: Begin data collection. Check In #2 - Presentation Outline Assigned. Pau Hana Q&A - April 17th at 5pm
• Week 6: Aloha Coffee - April 24th 9am-10am. Presentation Practice - April 24th at 10:30am-12pm
• Week 7: Begin analyzing data. Check In #3
• Week 8: Internship Presentation Showcase - Wednesday, May 6th at 8:30am
• Week 9: Celebration Lunch. Exit Interview

Ipu Kā'eo Internship Program - Mandatory Days

Interns must be available for the following days in participation for the Spring 2026 cohort:

• HoMA Orientation Week - March 16th to March 20th
• Internship Presentation Showcase Practice - Wednesday, April 29th
• Internship Presentation Showcase - Wednesday, May 6th
• Celebration Lunch & Exit Interview - Friday, May 15th

Compensation

The Honolulu Museum of Art is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary for this position is $20.00 per hour with a minimum of 10 hours per week, and a maximum of 19 hours per week.

This opportunity includes a benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts.
• Onsite parking provided.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:

Work takes place in an office environment. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with flexible scheduling as appropriate. For part time work, please plan to be on-site for a minimum of 4 hours per shift. Ability to operate general office equipment including computers, copiers, printers, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 40 pounds of general office material or equipment.

The employee must be able to fulfill all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

EEOC Statement:

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record (except as legally applicable), citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is prohibited.

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.