Oahu Museum Guide

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives in Honolulu preserves missionary-era homes, early printing history, Hawaiian-language archives and guided tours near downtown.

Plan Your Visit

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives Historic Site and Archives, Oahu

Visit the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives Historic Site and Archives, formerly known as the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives Historic Site and Archives , 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.

Key Features

Historic Honolulu museum and archive near downtown civic landmarks
Preserves missionary-era homes and early Honolulu history
Covers printing history, Hawaiian-language records and 19th-century daily life
Guided house tours may be available depending on the schedule
Archive and research access may require advance planning
Close to Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol area
Parking and access can vary in downtown Honolulu

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

Featured selection

Oahu vacation rentals

Explore Oahu rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives?

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is in downtown Honolulu near Kawaiahao Church, Honolulu Hale and the Hawaii State Capitol area.

What can visitors see there?

Visitors can see historic mission houses, exhibits, grounds, printing-history displays and collections related to early written records in Hawaii.

Are guided tours available?

Guided tours are commonly part of the visit, but tour schedules can change. Check current hours and tour times before going.

Is the archive open to casual visitors?

Archive access may require planning ahead. Check current research access, appointments and visitor rules if you want to use the collections.

What is nearby?

Nearby places include Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace, Honolulu Hale, the Hawaii State Capitol and other downtown Honolulu historic sites.