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 descendants of Sarah and David. Today, the Mission House has been preserved, and is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. It may be visited by guided tour.

The Lyman Museum building, next door to the Mission House, houses a superb collection of artifacts, fine art, and natural history specimens as well as an archives, special exhibitions 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 state-of-the-art exhibits on many aspects of Hawaiian natural history and culture…a rare and well-rounded view of the real Hawai`i, as it was, as it is today, and where it may be in years to come.

The Lyman Museum Archives are open by appointment only.  The archives include historical documents, books, and photographic collections.  To find out more about the Lyman Museum Archives click on the link.

The Lyman Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, one of only four such museums in the State. It is located on Haili Street in downtown Hilo (see map).

HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm. House tours at 10, 11, 1, 2, and 3. Closed Sundays, January 1, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and December 25.

ADMISSION: There is a fee for visiting the museum and mission house. Lyman Museum members are admitted free. Group rates, special tours and workshops must be arranged in advance.

CONTACT:
276 Haili Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 935-5021 / Fax (808) 969-7685
e-mail: info@lymanmuseum.org