Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) is a one-acre site in downtown Honolulu. Since 1820, it has been an archival site for Hawaiian history through stories, artifacts, and documents. It is a National Historic Landmark, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
HMH promotes thoughtful dialogue and greater understanding of the impact of the Protestant missionaries on the history and peoples of Hawai`i. The site preserves Hawai‘i’s oldest Western-style house, the 1821 Mission House, the 1831 Chamberlain House, the 1841 Bedroom Annex, a cemetery, and a collections storage vault.
In addition, modern structures have been added:
- In 2011, a coral-and-grass performance arena was added, hosting theater and mele (music) performances throughout the year.
- In 2021, a reconstructed hale pili was built using cultural practitioner leadership and designed with sources from journals in the HMH archives.
- There is also a gift shop, multi-purpose rental space, and library.
The library holds archival materials in Hawaiian and English. The HMH library is home to one of the largest collections of Hawaiian language printed material in the world. Researchers from around the globe can access over 80,000 pieces in the digital collection: Library & Archives – Hawaiian Mission Houses
Visiting Hawaiian Mission Houses
Located in the Historic Capital district in downtown Honolulu, Hawaiian Mission Houses is open for self-guided and guided tours. You can also access the digital collection and gift shop online.
- Address: Hawaiian Mission Houses 553 S. King Street Honolulu, HI 96813
- Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Gift shop open until 3:00 p.m. or Shop HMH online
- Parking:
- Cemetery: FREE to Visit for a self-guided tour. Open All Week 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free guide: Mission Memorial Cemetry Guide (PDF)
- General admission: $10 per person. Children 5 & under: Free (for up to ONE hour).
- Discount tickets with ID: Kama`aina, Sr. Citizens (65+), Military, Students.
- Website: Hawaiian Mission Houses – Thousands Of Stories
Image: Hawaiian Mission Houses via Depositphotos_66238781
Events and Tours at Hawaiian Mission Houses
HMH offers school field trips, tours, award-winning performances, and other special events throughout the year especially to showcase Hawaiian history, art, and culture. Free and paid events include music, lectures, theatrical performances, movie screenings, and more.
Annual membership begins at $25. Benefits include a Free Historic House tour, Maile Wreath newsletter by email, and invitations to events. More info: Join – Hawaiian Mission Houses (myftpupload.com)
Guided House Tours: $20 per person. Tuesdays – Saturdays, hourly from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended, with walk-ins allowed based on availability. More info: Daily Tours – Hawaiian Mission Houses
HMH 2024 Virtual Speaker Series highlights the discoveries and work of diverse history and humanities scholars whose work informs our contemporary world. The presentation begins with the guest speakers and ends with Q& A from the virtual audience. Free to the public via Zoom. More info: Upcoming Events – Hawaiian Mission Houses
Calendar of museum events in Hawai’i
The following calendar lists free and affordable events at museums and attractions in locations across the Hawaiian Islands.
See also our Calendar of free and cheap things to do every day (hawaiionthecheap.com)
