The Lyman House Memorial Museum, also known as the Lyman Museum and Lyman House, is a natural history museum based in Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1931 in the Lyman family mission house, which was originally built in 1838. This makes it a significant historical site, as well as a place of interest for those keen on natural history.
In the 1960s, the main collections of the Lyman House Memorial Museum were moved to an adjacent modern building. However, the original house remains open for tours, offering visitors a chance to see the island's oldest surviving wood-framed building.
The Lyman House Memorial Museum is known for its extensive displays on Hawaiian culture. It also boasts a renowned collection of shells and minerals. Among these is a specimen of orlymanite, a mineral named after Orlando Hammond Lyman, the museum's founder and the great grandson of David and Sarah Lyman.
History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Geology Historic house Religion
Monday | 10:00 – 16:30 |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 16:30 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 16:30 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 16:30 |
Friday | 10:00 – 16:30 |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
276 Haili St, Hilo
No exhibitions in Lyman Museum and Mission House have been found.
Lyman Museum and Mission House has 1 rating.
The Lyman Museum and Mission House in Hilo offers visitors a look into Hawaii's natural and cultural history. The museum features two main sections: a modern museum building and the original Mission House from the 1800s.
The museum building houses exhibits on Hawaiian geology, native plants and animals, and the various ethnic groups that have shaped Hawaii's history. Visitors often appreciate the volcanic rock and mineral displays, as well as the collection of native Hawaiian artifacts. The exhibits are generally well-organized and informative, providing a good overview of the island's natural and cultural heritage.
The Mission House, built in the 1830s, is one of the oldest wooden structures on the Big Island. It has been restored to reflect the living conditions of early missionaries and provides insight into 19th-century life in Hawaii. Guided tours of the house are available and often praised for their educational value.
While many visitors find the museum interesting and educational, some feel that the exhibits could benefit from updating and more interactive elements. The museum's size is modest, which some find limiting, while others appreciate its manageable scale.
The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience. However, a few visitors have noted that the admission price might be a bit high for the size of the museum.
Overall, the Lyman Museum and Mission House provides a solid introduction to Hawaiian history and culture, particularly suitable for those interested in the missionary era and the geological formation of the islands. It may not be as flashy or extensive as some larger museums, but it offers a focused and educational experience for those looking to learn about Hilo and Hawaii's past.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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