Lyman Museum and Mission House
Mission Statement: “To tell the story of Hawai`i, its islands, and its people.”
The Lyman Museum began as the Lyman Mission House, originally built for New England missionaries David and Sarah Lyman in 1839. Nearly 100 eventful years later, in 1931, the Museum was established by their descendants. Today, the restored Mission House is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and may be visited by guided tour.
The Lyman Museum building, next door to the Mission House, was constructed in 1971 and houses a superb collection of artifacts and natural history exhibits as well as special exhibitions, archives, and a gift shop. Visitors touring the two facilities can see the old Mission House and life as it was 150 years ago, as well as immersive exhibits on many aspects of Hawaiian natural history and culture…a rare and well-rounded view of the real Hawai`i.
Throughout the year, the Lyman Museum offers a wide range of educational programs from special lectures and talks to hands-on workshops on Hawaiian skills and crafts. The Museum also hosts school and group tours throughout the year. For more information on these offerings, please visit our events and education pages. The Lyman Museum Archives is open by appointment only. The Archives includes historical documents, books, and photographic collections. You can request access to the Archives through our online research request form.
The Lyman Museum is one of only four museums in the State of Hawai`i accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is also a Smithsonian Affiliate.
