Mission Houses Museum, Oahu

Mission Houses Museum at a Glance

Visit the Mission Houses Museum to get an idea how the missionaries lived on the island during Hawaii's “missionary” period from 1820 to 1863. The settlement was built in 1831 and three of the original buildings still remain on the site in downtown Honolulu.

The missionaries had a profound impact on the people of Hawaii and their culture. All in all, the museum features a collection of over 3,000 Hawaiian, Pacific and Western artifacts and more than 12,000 books, original letters, manuscripts, diaries, journals, illustrations and Hawaiian church records. The museum is a National Historic Landmark.

The Hale Laau is the oldest building in the state of Hawaii. It was built in 1821 and served as a home for the missionaries. The Ka Hale Pai was the printing house. Here, Hawaiians and the missionaries created the Hawaiian alphabet. The Ka Hale Kamalani or the Chamberlain House was built completely from blocks of coral skeletons. It was the home of the Chamberlain family and additionally was used as a storehouse for mission goods.

Mission Houses Museum in Bullet Points

See how the missionaries lived in Hawaii during the 19th century
Museum is a National Historic Landmark
Features a collection of over 3,000 Hawaiian, Pacific and Western artifacts
Three of the original buildings of the settlement still remain
A research library is also located on the museum grounds

House tour admission

General: $10
Military: $8
Senior Citizens: $8
Students (6 years - college): $6
Members: Free

Exhibition admission

General Public: $6
Members: Free

Kamaaina day admission (for Hawaii residents)

On the last Saturday of each month, admission fees for Hawaii state residents are 50% off.

Library admission

Free of charge to all researchers

Mission Houses Museum Hours

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Guided Tours of the Visitor Center, Frame House and Printing Office (approx. 1 hour) are Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.

Japanese language tours are available

Call 531-0481 for more information

Driving directions to the Mission Houses Museum / Location

By Bus: Take any #2 or #13 bus on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki heading away from Diamond Head. Get off at the State Capitol Building on Punchbowl. Cross Beretania Street and walk one block down Punchbowl to King St. Cross King Street and walk left. The museum is behind Kawaiahao Church on King Street.

By Car: From Waikiki From Kalakau Ave. turn left onto Kapiolani Avenue. Turn left onto Cooke St. Turn right on Queen Street. Turn right on Mililani Street. Turn right on King Street. Turn right Kawaiahao Street. From H-1 Exit onto Punchbowl. Turn left onto King Street. Turn right onto Kawaiahao Street. There is metered parking available on Kawaiahao Street and South Street. Also, space is available at the Kawaiahao Plaza parking garage located directly behind the museum.

Address: 553 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

Mission Houses Museum Map (top)

Honolulu Weather (top)

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