Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site Honolulu
Explore Hawaii's 19th-century missionary past in beautifully restored homes, offering a deep dive into cultural history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focused tours
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focused tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Hawaii's 19th-century missionary past in beautifully restored homes, offering a deep dive into cultural history.
"A real jewel and the History of Hawaii. It is awesome to be in the place where the fist house in Hawaii was built in 1821."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Reserve your spot at least 24 hours ahead to guarantee your tour and avoid disappointment .
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Even if closed, the yard offers interpretive signs and a glimpse of history .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 1821 Mission House
Historic Capital District, Downtown Honolulu
Step into Hawaii's oldest Western-style house, built with pre-cut lumber shipped from Boston.
Chamberlain House & Bedroom Annex
Historic Capital District, Downtown Honolulu
Explore the 1831 Chamberlain House and the 1841 Bedroom Annex, offering further glimpses into missionary life.
Extensive Archival Library
Visitor Center
Discover one of the world's largest collections of Hawaiian language books and over 80,000 digital archival pieces.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for a Deeper Dive
Understand the Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Reserve your spot at least 24 hours ahead to guarantee your tour and avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Even if closed, the yard offers interpretive signs and a glimpse of history.
🛍️ Amazing Gift Shop
Find unique Hawaiian items and support local artists in the well-curated gift shop.
🎭 Pupu Theater
Consider the summer Pupu Theater for historical reenactments – an interesting experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Reserve your spot at least 24 hours ahead to guarantee your tour and avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Even if closed, the yard offers interpretive signs and a glimpse of history.
🛍️ Amazing Gift Shop
Find unique Hawaiian items and support local artists in the well-curated gift shop.
🎭 Pupu Theater
Consider the summer Pupu Theater for historical reenactments – an interesting experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hawaiian Mission Houses for its well-restored historic buildings and the insightful historical context provided by docent tours. The extensive library and unique gift shop supporting local artists are also highlighted as significant draws. Some visitors note that the site is closed on Sundays and that the historical narrative can be complex.
"Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
Located in 553 S. King Street Honolulu, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH), is an active site for Hawaii’s history since 1820. It is also a National Historic Landmark (listed in 1965). This one-acre site in the Historic Capital district in downtown Honolulu, HMH preserves Hawai‘i’s oldest Western-style house, the 1821 Mission House, as well as the 1831 Chamberlain House, the 1841 Bedroom Annex, a cemetery, a collections storage vault, a gift shop, and multi-purpose space. The library, which holds both English and Hawaiian archival material, over 80,000 digital pieces and is home to one of the largest collections of Hawaiian language books in the world. Reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance. General admission is $20."
Doug Ho
"Since I visited Sunday it was closed but I was still able to access the yard from the back gate and walk around. It has 3 outstanding interpretive signs. Well worth the visit to understand this important aspect and impact on traditional Hawaiian culture. Historic buildings amazingly restored. Oldest wooden building in HI, shipped from Boston pre-cut lumber in 1821."
Scott Armstrong
"The most beautiful museum in Honolulu and Amazing Gift Shop supporting local artists , the selection of Hawaiian items is absolutely fabulous, the staff is amazing professionals and kind the best customer service and knowledgeable about Hawaii a real jewel and the History of Hawaii. It is awesome to be in the place where the fist house in Hawaii was built in 1821 , Thank you and Mahalo, Nui Loa."
Richard Henry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site is located at 553 S. King Street in downtown Honolulu. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available from Waikiki and other areas. Parking can be found in nearby garages or on the street, though it might be metered.
Parking can be a bit challenging in downtown Honolulu. While there are public parking garages and some street parking, it's advisable to factor in time for searching or consider using ride-sharing services or public transport to reach the site.
Walking from Waikiki to the Hawaiian Mission Houses is a significant distance, typically over 3 miles. It's more practical to take a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service for this journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site is $20. It's recommended to reserve your tickets at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
The Mission Houses Historic Site is typically open throughout the year, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and tour availability, as they are closed on Sundays.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets at least 24 hours in advance to ensure you can join a guided tour and experience the site fully.
While the Mission Houses itself requires admission, exploring the historic downtown Honolulu area can offer free sights. Nearby attractions like Kawaiaha'o Church and Iolani Palace grounds can be viewed from the outside, and some cultural activities might be offered at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The site preserves Hawaii's oldest Western-style house (1821 Mission House), the 1831 Chamberlain House, and the 1841 Bedroom Annex. You can also explore a cemetery, a collections storage vault, and a gift shop. The library holds extensive archival materials.
Yes, docent-led tours are a key part of the experience at the Hawaiian Mission Houses, offering in-depth historical context and insights into the lives of the missionaries.
Absolutely. The site provides a crucial perspective on Hawaii's history, detailing the arrival of missionaries and their impact on traditional Hawaiian culture. It's considered a significant landmark for historical learning.
The Oahu Cemetery Pupu Theater is a summer event organized by the Mission Houses staff, featuring historical reenactments of legendary Hawaiian figures. It's described as an interesting and engaging experience.
No, the Mission Houses Historic Site is closed on Sundays. Visitors who have gone on a Sunday have still been able to access the yard and view interpretive signs.
📸 📸 Photography
Typically, photography inside historic buildings is restricted to preserve the artifacts and interiors. It's best to check with the site staff upon arrival for their specific photography policy.
The exterior of the historic houses, the grounds, and the cemetery offer picturesque opportunities. The architecture and the lush surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop for capturing the essence of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site itself might not have dedicated play areas, its location in downtown Honolulu means you can combine a visit with other family-friendly activities in the area. The gift shop also offers opportunities to find unique, locally-made items that can serve as meaningful souvenirs.
📚 History Buffs & Researchers
Engaging with the docent-led tours is highly recommended, as they provide nuanced historical interpretations. Researchers may also find the archival materials and the overall historical context of the site crucial for their studies on cultural exchange, religious missions, and the transformation of Hawaiian society.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of the Mission Houses
The site is not just about the buildings; it's about the stories they hold. Visitors can learn about the missionaries' efforts to establish schools, translate the Hawaiian language, and introduce Western customs. However, it's also crucial to acknowledge the profound impact these changes had on the indigenous Hawaiian culture and society. The historical narrative presented at the Mission Houses aims to provide a balanced perspective on this significant period.
Beyond the main houses, the site includes a cemetery, a collections storage vault, and an extensive library. The library is particularly noteworthy, housing one of the world's largest collections of Hawaiian language books and over 80,000 digital archival pieces, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts alike. The site also hosts events like the summer Pupu Theater, offering unique reenactments of Hawaiian legends.
Exploring the Collections and Library
In addition to printed materials, the site holds over 80,000 digital pieces in its archives. These digital assets likely include photographs, documents, letters, and other ephemera that provide a rich, multi-faceted view of life in 19th-century Hawaii. The preservation and accessibility of these materials are vital for historical research and public education.
Visitors can also explore the collections storage vault, which houses artifacts and objects related to the missionary period. While not always on public display, these items are integral to the site's mission of preserving and interpreting Hawaiian history. The gift shop also plays a role, offering items that support local artists and provide visitors with unique souvenirs that reflect Hawaiian culture.
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