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January 2024 by Johannes Stefan Hanraths
This is by far the best museum I found on Hawai‘i. It’s like a mix-up of various botanical gardens and the Bishop Museum on Oahu. The exhibit about Hawai‘i‘s flora and fauna is awesome I really did appreciate how thoughtful it was designed. The history part on the upper level is very compact but still accurate. I like that there was a whole room about how the United States annexed the Kingdom of Hawai‘I and how Liliuokalani was full of love for her people and land but had to sign the resignation in order to save lives. If you have the chance to step by, definitely visit!
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January 2024 by Terry McDonald
First class museum, a must see for the cultural history of Hawaii, but als the geologic history. Compact, yet full of wonderfull exhibits. Reservation kept the crowd minimized.
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January 2024 by Sunhwa Ryu
It was raining so I went to visit.The group was satisfied because the process of creating the Hawaiian Islands was clearly explained.Admission fees range from $2 to $7.
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December 2023 by Harry K
One of the best museums on earth. Everyone should visit it!A great cultural and natural museum that comprehensively introduces the geography, biology, and history of Hawaii Island. do not miss it!
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August 2023 by Gary Standke
Great little museum covering the rocks, minerals, geology, history of colonization of plants, animals, and people. Also, the industrial development of the island, political changes, and present culture. The museum also has a historic house tour but you need to reserve your place on a tour prior to arrival as they are booked days in advance.
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June 2023 by Lan Be
Lovely museum, we did not take the mission house tour due to time constraint but we visited in June 2023 and it was a very nice museum, learned so much and especially love their mineral and shells exhibit. My husband loves all the historical facts and beautiful depictions of how Hawaii came to be.WWe
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June 2023 by Farah Verret
I had the pleasure of visiting the Lyman Museum in Hilo, Hawaii, and it exceeded all my expectations. As a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Hawaii's islands and its people. The exhibits on volcanic origins, unique flora and fauna, and the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture truly brought the story of Hawaii to life.The section dedicated to Hawaiian culture was a particular highlight for me. The artifacts and displays beautifully showcased the customs, traditions, and beliefs that have shaped the vibrant society of Hawaii today. It was an immersive experience that left me with a deep appreciation for the indigenous culture.I highly recommend taking the guided tour of the historic Lyman Mission House, the oldest wood frame building on the island. Stepping inside this piece of history was like stepping back in time. The tour provided fascinating insights into the lives of 19th-century missionaries and the challenges they faced.
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May 2023 by Jonathan H.
My wife and I visited here and found it a fascinating museum. First we got the tour of the Lyman Mission House which is the oldest standing wooden structure in Hawaii. The woman who gave us the tour provided an illuminating insight into the lives and mission of David and Sarah Lyman. The museum next door had an interesting rock collection but more importantly a great narrative of Hawaii's history on the second floor complete with some very unusual old Hawaiian items like a necklace made of human hair with a whale tooth; or another necklace made with dogs' teeth; and leis made of feathers. I learned alot and I thought the museum did a great job of helping me understand Hawaii's history. Well worth a visit!
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March 2023 by Pierre V07
Nice and polite staff and personel. Very interesting exhibits. Just buy your tickets for the museum at the same time slot as the Mission House which is a guided tour of about half an hour.
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February 2023 by Lawrence J
This wonderful museum stands next to the Lyman Mission House which dates back to 1838 on Hilo, Hawai'i. Two tickets are required, one for the museum and another for the house tours. Their website directs visitors to get tickets online, but we were quickly admitted because school was out for MLK day: no large school groups.The museum first floor has science exhibits in three subjects: volcanology, local plant and animal life and very fine minerology exhibit. A person could enter not knowing much about volcanos and leave having gotten a basic understanding of how the islands came to be.The cases displaying minerals (components of rock) contain specimen collections grouped according to crystal structures. The collection rivals that of much larger and better known museums I have visited.The second floor exhibits chronicle the cultural history of Hawai'i island, starting from early Polynesian settlers through to present day touching on daily living, political changes, plantations, immigration, and more recent events such as WWII, annexation and statehood.Our visit (Museum only) provided in two hours an orientation to both the land and its people. This will be a great foundation for the rest of our visit. If you have time in Hilo, give this strong consideration!
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January 2023 by Darryl S.
What an illuminating experience it was viewing the Lyman Museum! From the outside, the museum almost looks like a well-maintained Bank of Hawai'i! Inside, we were greeted by just the friendliest folks! Entry fee was nominal (60 qualifies as "Senior"! Lol!! 7 or 8-bucks, from what I recall). Both main floor and second floor docents were full of information, giving us brief descriptions of what to expect from the exhibitions; both ladies were full of warm Aloha!! The numerous exhibits were fascinating refreshers for me, having taken Polynesian and Hawaiian history back in my school days (I was born/raised in Hawaii). What a terrific collection, displaying the geological makings of the islands, to the first settlers, through to the reigns of the islands' monarchial rulings, its dismantling, and onto the present. It was a really fine experience that we'd certainly do again, and recommend to others with an interest in Hawaiiana. There was a beautiful rock/mineral collection, which was (to me) a bit of an adjunct exhibition (perhaps?) displaying Mr. Lyman's extensive collection. (I didn't get the connection to Hawaii's history.) Fortunately, I love rocks, so this collection was Wow!! :D
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November 2022 by Bruce M.
If you're new to Hawaii and don't know much about the place, this is the place to come. The first floor teaches you about the land, it's geology, climate and wildlife, and the second about its human history. Hawaii is a fascinating place, and everyone who visits should make an effort to understand it. At present they are still limiting attendance and requiring advance reservations due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, which I appreciate. It's easy to make reservations online or by phone.
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October 2022 by James G.
I love the Lyman museum!!! It was informative, interesting, and the staff was awesome!!! The maintenance was clean and well taken care of!! I viewed downstairs and the house, going back to visit upstairs!!! Thank you for the wonderful
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September 2022 by Linda L.
This is one of the most well done museums we've ever been to. It's not large but it's packed full of wonderful information. We go so often, taking guests there every time we can! Every time we learn more about the beautiful island we live on and its culture. The mo'olelo (storytelling) exhibit is fabulous! In the lava art is incredible!
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September 2022 by Gary G.
This is a great museum. They have done a fabulous job on the displays and information. No one that comes to Hilo should miss. Very reasonable entrance fees and you should plan at least 2 hours or more. Great history of the island.
