Museums, Parks, and Cultural Experiences
The Lyman Museum and Mission House
The Lyman Museum and Mission House in Hilo tells the story of Hawai`i, its islands, and its people. Built in 1839, the Lyman Mission House is the oldest wood frame building on the Big Island, and is adjacent to the island's only Hawaiian history museum. Daily guided tours of the historic home are included with Museum Admission; call ahead for scheduling. The nationally-accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum contains natural history exhibits on volcanoes and Big Island habitats as well as one of the top mineral and gem collections in the U.S. Learn about Hawai`i’s cultural history from exhibits on Hawaiian artifacts and the primary ethnic groups to come work on sugar plantations during the 19th and 20th centuries. If you like museums and history, I highly recommend this museum.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
The Pacific Tsunami Museum (PTM) provides residents and visitors to the State of Hawai’i with much-needed tsunami education programs. PTM features a series of in-house permanent exhibits that interpret tsunami phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, the history of tsunamis in the Pacific Basin, and public safety measures for tsunami disasters. One of the factors that makes PTM unique is that it is a living monument to those who lost their lives in past tsunamis. Not the most exciting museum, but informative.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
https://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a sacred cultural site on the Big Island of Hawaii that once served as a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians—those who broke kapu (sacred laws) could flee here and be forgiven. Today, it’s a beautifully preserved park featuring royal grounds, wooden kiʻi (carved images), fishponds, and coastal trails that offer a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian life and spirituality. We havenot been here yet, but have heard good things.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/lapakahi-state-historical-park/
Lapakahi State Historical Park is an archaeological site that preserves the remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village along the rugged North Kohala coast. Visitors can walk through stone house sites, fishing shrines, and pathways while learning about traditional coastal life, fishing practices, and how Hawaiians lived in this dry, ocean-focused environment. Nice way to spend some time if you are driving the west coast of the Big Island on a rainy day.
