Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives Tours and Activities
105 Reviews
Two of the oldest wooden houses in Hawaii—the former site of the Sandwich Islands mission, the Island’s first western colony—remain not far from the skyrises of downtown Honolulu’s financial and government district. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is comprised of the Frame House, the Chamberlain House and the Printing Office—built between 1821 and 1841, and restored and furnished as they would have been in the early 19th century. Each feature small exhibits and artifacts detailing early missionary’s way of life: a recreation of a medical dispensary, chamber pots in the rooms and quilts on the beds. Short-term exhibitions regularly make an appearance too and have included features on children’s toys, portraits and portrait-making, quilts and reading. The site also includes a library featuring over 12,000 printed works, handwritten missionary journals and a printing press used to create the first written Hawaiian language materials. A block away, you’ll find the old coral Kawaiaha’o mission church and the state’s first Christian cemetery, still in use today. The buildings of the Hawaiian Mission Houses site are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and also serve as a venue for regular public programming including workshops, teas and lectures.
Practical Info
The Mission Houses are located at 553 South King Street in downtown Honolulu. The houses are open Tuesday through Saturday only from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and closed on major holidays. Guided tours start on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and are the only way to gain access to the buildings’ interiors. It’s free to walk the grounds, but tours cost $10 for adults and $6 for children and college students with ID (there are discounts for military and Hawaii residents, also with ID). The excellent Mission Social Hall and Café, run by renowned Hawaii chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, is reason in and of itself to visit. It serves authentic and modern Hawaiian fare for lunch only—it’s open the same days as the Mission Houses and closes by 2 p.m.
Address: 553 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm; Guided tours run on the hour 11am-3pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $6
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
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Pearl Harbor Arizona, Missouri and City Tour
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Explore the sites of Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu on this tour from Waikiki. YYou'll board the USS Missouri, visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to learn about the rich history of WWII. Plus, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Honolulu to see attractions such as the King Kamehameha Statue and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery).
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Historical Honolulu Bike Tour
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Explore Honolulu on a half-day bike tour that provides an insider's look at the vibrant city's history, beaches, and sights. See street art in Kaka'ako park, taste fresh Hawaiian fruits in Chinatown, go up the Aloha Tower for the views, and discover the monuments around the Hawaii State Capitol, including the royal Iolani Palace. Your informative guide provides a bike and helmet, fascinating commentary throughout the leisurely tour.
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$109.00
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Honolulu Scavenger Hunt: Royal Views Of Honolulu
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
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Honolulu Self-Guided Audio Tour
If you want to learn more about Honolulu but are not a fan of guided tours, go on a self-guided tour and explore the city at your own pace. Dowload this fascinating audio tour and embark on a historic walk as you learn about the city's history and see sights such as the King Kamehameha statue and Iolani Palace.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Historical Honolulu & Chinatown Segway Tour
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Your two-wheeled tour guide to the History of Honolulu! After learning the basics of operating our fun-to-use Segways, follow our knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides to explore the Historical Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu!
After departing the Waikiki Segway office, enjoy panoramic ocean and beach views along the Hilton Hawaiian Lagoon, Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park. Continuing on our way to Chinatown, we make our first rest stop at the Aloha Tower.
Cruise along the vibrant and artistic streets of Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu as our guide shares some local history of the area.
The tour continues to the Hawaii State Capitol Building, Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue and the Hawaiian Mission Houses for plenty of amazing photo and learning opportunities!
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