An asymptotic shell theory is proposed for the analysis of hemispherical shells. Vibration characteristics of laminated specially orthotropic hemispherical shells are investigated using multiple scales asymptotic expansion method. The governing equations are formulated from the three dimensional elasticity equations without any initial assumptions. These equations are solved using differential quadrature method to obtain the numerical solution of the problem. Numerical results are presented for laminated hemispherical shells with an axial cut at the top for clamped-clamped boundary condition. A parametric study is conducted for different thickness ratios, angle of the axial cut, orthotropic ratios and laminate configurations. © 2019