Lyman Museum – Hilo; Hawai’i

The Lyman Museum captured my attention since planning our trip to Hawai’i. As presented in its website, it began as the Lyman Mission House, originally built for New England missionaries David and Sarah Lyman in 1839. Nearly one hundred years later, in 1931, the Museum was established by their descendants. Nowadays, the restored Mission House is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and may be visited by guided tour.

The Lyman Museum building, next door to the Mission House, was constructed in 1971 and houses a superb collection of artifacts and natural history exhibits as well as special exhibitions, archives, and a gift shop – and we really enjoyed all of it. Visitors touring the two facilities can see the old Mission House and life as it was 150 years ago, as well as immersive exhibits on many aspects of Hawaiian natural history and culture – a rare and well-rounded view of the real Hawai`i.

The Lyman Museum is one of only four museums in the State of Hawai`i accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is also a Smithsonian Affiliate. These are some photos of the places and information available in the Museum, which captured most of my attention.