Nearly 180 years ago, a young, New England missionary couple arrived in Hilo. It was here that they spent the next 50 years of their lives.
Today, LYMAN MISSION HOUSE is the oldest wood-frame building on Hawai‘i Island. Built in 1839 by David and Sarah Lyman, the house is constructed partly of local hardwoods ( koa and ‘ōhi‘a ), and is furnished with original period decor.
Take a GUIDED TOUR to see this historic home, and hear the Lymans’ story.
The Mission House is adjacent to the only general HAWAIIAN HISTORY MUSEUM on the island. The SMITHSONIAN-AFFILIATED LYMAN MUSEUM has natural history exhibits on volcanoes and Hawai‘i Island habitats, along with world-renowned collections of seashells and minerals.
The museum is located at 276 Haili St. in historic downtown Hilo, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visits are limited to two-hour blocks; go to lymanmuseum. org for tour times.