The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives offers guests a chance to see and feel the impact that the New England missionaries made on Hawaii in the 1800s. The missionaries came to the islands in 1820 to introduce Christianity to native Hawaiians, and they were also able to help Hawaii develop systems of written language, public education, Western medicine integration, and representative government.
There are 3 buildings to tour at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives: Hawaii's oldest frame house, the Chamberlain House, and the Print House. The tour takes about an hour, but guests usually spend longer to visit the grounds and the gift shop.
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Path in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives highlights
The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives seeks to collect, preserve, and interpret artifacts, documents, and other records of the period 1820-1863. It houses over 3,000 artifacts and 12,000 books.
The Frame House was built in 1821 of wood from Boston. Missionary families occupied the house, and it included a schoolhouse and dining hall. The Chamberlain House was built in 1831 from coral blocks harvested from the ocean reef. It comprises 2 stories and serves as the main exhibition hall for the museum. The Print House is also constructed of coral blocks and holds a replica of Hawaii's first printing press.
Good to know when visiting Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives
Tour reservations are strongly encouraged, and walk-ins will only be taken if space is available. Paid parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, and you can reach the site by bus routes 2, 4, 13, 42, and Express B to the Beretania/Punchbowl stop. From there, walk 1 block down Punchbowl toward the ocean, then take a left on King Street and walk 1 more block toward the ocean.
There is a gift shop on-site to purchase souvenirs, and the goods are created from Hawaiian artists, so you will bring home an authentic piece of Hawaiian work. You'll find books, stationery, photos, and more.
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives
Location: 553 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Open: Tuesday and Friday from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, Saturday from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm (closed Sunday–Monday and Wednesday–Thursday)
Phone: +1 808-447-3910
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